adidas Outdoor Terrex TechRock GTX Jacket

Durability

The Gore-Tex Pro Shell membrane (Gore’s most durable offering) proved plenty rugged for our tester, a professional guide who wore it daily though five months of ski touring, ice climbing, and mountaineering. So did the 100-percent nylon plain untextured weave. Adidas claims the smooth face is less likely to tear than a ripstop one, which has raised yarns that can grab on rock and ice. Though tough, the 40-denier face fabric is thin enough to move moisture fast without sacrificing weather protection. “It’s as breathable and compact as lighter, less durable jackets I’ve used,” a tester says.

Fit & features

The details are tailored for climbing. The fully adjustable hood fits over helmets (even oversize ski models). The two chest pockets sit high above a hipbelt or harness, and one is large enough for climbing skins. And the cozy, high, merino-lined collar is perforated to allow exhalation moisture to escape—it doesn’t eliminate goggle fogging entirely, but it does minimize it. Despite the body-hugging fit, articulated sleeves provided excellent freedom of movement while one tester was climbing New Hampshire’s Shoestring Gully.