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Backpacker Magazine – September 2008
Extreme Layering: Cold-Weather Clothing
Our testers faced raging blizzards, pounding hail, frigid temps, and 60-mph winds to select these top clothes.
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Tags:
- Rain gear |
- Gear |
- Jackets |
- Apparel |
- Base layers |
- Soft shells |
All weights are for men's large (unless otherwise noted), on BACKPACKER scales.
For more in-depth apparel reviews, check out our exclusive online Apparel Guide supplement.SHELL
Cloudveil Koven PlusRemember Steve Austin, the Six Million Dollar Man? We found his jacket. It's made from Schoeller's C-Change, a "bionic climate membrane" (according to the manufacturer) that automatically adjusts breathability based on the temperature inside and out. (Think of a flower opening up in warm temperatures and closing in cold.) Sounds like sci-fi, but it works. "Water beads off this thing like olive oil on hot Teflon," said one tester. "It's breathable enough for hard, uphill snowshoeing but felt warm when I was standing still in a blizzard." Other features we liked: the welded seams (reduces weight and bulk), micro-fleece body mapping on the torso and shoulders for extra warmth, and the two-way stretch panels under the arms. Plus, it's decked out with burly mountain-shell standards: powder skirt, pit zips, adjustable hood with chin guard, large handwarmer pockets, and cinchable cuffs. Testers reported that fit is perfect for winter layering: The shoulders and arms are roomy enough for a lightweight puffy parka underneath. The hood accommodates a helmet but also snugs over bare heads without any fabric gaps. $440; men's S-XXL; 1 lb. 5 oz. (M); cloudveil.com. Reader service #102
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READERS COMMENTS
Fix this website. Description doesn't follow selection.
Add Warm Skin to your warm coats for an extra layer of cold weather protection. Warm Skin has been used by Artic explorers.
www.warmskin.com
Is this jacket too bulky to wear under a shell if necessary?
Does anyone know if that color of the Rab Ascent Jacket has been discontinued? I can't find it anywhere?
yes to all the above. I find myself using the search box just to try to find product reviews because there is no other way to find what I am looking for.
backpacker.com is one of the most frustrating sites I've ever encountered. It holds a wealth of useful information, but is organized worse than a five year old's toy box. Please hire someone to turn this site into what it should be.
i agree whole-heartedly.
and thanks to dan and andy, i can now navigate around this stie.
thanks, guys!
+1 on Dan's post
It's true what Dan said! Either use the numbers on the picture or the catagories or both to change the view. I kept changing the numbers on the picture and nothing happened with the review until I read Dan's comment.
why is your review section so confusing!!! it's impossible to figure anything out... let alone leave a review because nothing ever matches up. time for a complete revamp. seriously.
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