Brooks-Range Armor Jacket

Breathability How did designers make this Brooks-Range burly shell so breathable? A two-pronged strategy fights sweat: First, it’s made of Polartec NeoShell, one of the most air-permeable three-layer fabrics we’ve tested. Second, it packs a triple venting system: biceps vents, zippered vertical side vents (they’re toward the back, but aren’t affected by a pack), and a mesh-lined chest pocket. “This shell aced my ‘peak test,’ keeping me comfy while I excavated a kitchen shelter in heavy snow,” says one Alaska tester.

Features Loaded: two chest and two hand pockets (high enough for harness or pack accessibility); cinchable cuffs, hood, and hem; and a helmet-friendly hood with a cozy chin guard. But the front hood toggle sits too far under its flap to grab while wearing gloves.

Fit A boxy cut let us pile layers underneath, and the stretchy fabric enhanced mobility for climbing and backpacking. m’s S-XL, w’s S-XL