Welcome to our rundown of the best threads for a hard day on the hill.
BOMBER
Stoic Bombshell
Backcountry.com’s new private label apparel is living up to the online retailer’s core-user expectations. Developed with input from the site’s top reviewers, the waterproof/breathable Bombsell is the only fully seam-welded hardshell on the market, making it the ideal jacket for foul elements—at a fantastic price. $259; backcountry.com
ECO
Helly Hansen North Marker 3L XP
It should be enough that this shell performs pefectly for those who spend a lot of time riding lifts and bombing down as fast as possible—it sheds the elements and the pockets are well placed. It’s almost impossible to believe that Helly created it at this price and entirely green, including a waterproof breathable membrane that’s recyclable. $325; hellyhansen.com
PUFFY
Patagonia Nano Puff Pullover
Simply put, this is the most comfortable light down jacket we have ever slipped on. It’s a multitasker too—a perfect puffy to stuff in a backcountry pack or layer under a storm shell on a frigid day but also ideal for running errands around town. $150; patagonia.com
INSULATED
Cloudveil Koven Plus Down
Cloudveil’s Koven Plus was one of the best jackets we had ever worn—able to adapt to changes in temperature thanks to Schoeller c_change fabric that opens when warm and closes when cold. This baby goes a step further, adding 700-fill down insulation for a shell that can withstand a brutal lift ride or an exposed alpine belay. $500; cloudveil.com
LIGHT
Marmot Baffin
A winter version of Marmot’s ever popular wind jacket, the Baffin is stuffed with comfy, weather resistant Primaloft. It can serve double duty as a mid-layer on frigid days up on the mountain or as a stand-alone high-intensity shell—or just for sipping espresso and reading Kafka on a winter day. $150; marmot.com
SOFT
Spyder Patsch
Stylish enough to hit the bar at Vendetta’s yet functional enough for a blower day, this sturdy soft shell gave us everything we wanted out of a jacket. The soft shell material can shuck off a sudden squall, the hood fit over a helmet and the soft fleece lining gave just enough warmth on a long lift ride. $129; spyder.com
CHILLING
Westcomb Pinnacle
Sure you could use this comfy sweater hoodie, which is crafted from an Italian wool/polyester blend, as a mid layer. But we like it best just hanging with a glass of Barbera and editing footage from a hard day on the mountain in our local café. $170; westcomb.com
GRUNGE
Columbia Primal Quest
Columbia scored big retro-dirtbag-style points for this technical take on the classic flannel. Bolstered with poly on the outside and fleece on the inside, it works for everything from hiking the pipe to standing around a campfire to hitting that ‘90s party. $80; columbia.com
