Gear Review: All-Mountain Jackets

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Outside Magazine, January 2007

Review: The Lineup
Warm, Yet Cool
The latest all-mountain jackets keep you toasty on lift rides and cool on out-of-bounds hikes

By Brian Metzler


	Jens Mortensen

1. Cloudveil Spacewalk
Take your favorite soft shell and stuff it with PrimaLoft fill and you'll have the Spacewalk, a jacket high on performance and low on mountain-geek vibe. The Schoeller-Dynamic shell is abrasion-resistant and stretchy (but not waterproof), and pit zips allow maximum ventilation during ascents. $289; cloudveil.com

2. Westcomb Chimera
When soggy conditions prevail in the Pacific Northwest, don the sleek Chimera and stay on the slopes—cozy in its waterproof, highly breathable eVent shell and cinchable, stowaway hood. Polarguard insulation and integrated thumb-loop storm cuffs complete the weather-beater package. $449; westcomb.com

3. Sierra Designs Chockstone
The Chockstone costs a fraction of what you'd typically pay for a waterproof, insulated jacket, and the lightweight construction is versatile, not cheap. It's warm enough for in-bounds riding yet breathable enough for snowshoeing, plus it packs into a chest pocket. Demerit: Hem doesn't cinch. $140; sierradesigns.com



	Jens Mortensen

4. Outdoor Research Chaos
The Chaos's Windstopper shell is lighter than that found on the Matador, decreasing weight and bulk without sacrificing weather resistance. And it forgoes a powder skirt in favor of welcome extras like a brimmed, helmet-compatible hood and internal water-bottle pocket. $239; orgear.com

5. Arc'teryx Matador
Don't be fooled by this jacket's suspiciously trim look. The hoodless Matador packs a full complement of all-mountain features, including a scrape-proof Windstopper shell with elbow reinforcements, adjustable powder skirt, snug wrist cuffs, PrimaLoft fill, and a Recco reflector for avalanche rescue. $450; arcteryx.com

6. The North Face Solar Insulated
Ever had your lift ticket confiscated? Don't be embarrassed. TNF's designers understand that reckless is just another word for "almost in control," and created this jacket accordingly—with built-in shoulder and elbow pads and Recco reflector, plus a shell that's both water- and tree-proof. $329; thenorthface.com

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