Helly Hansen Odin Skarstind Shell Jacket

Our take Gear abusers, take note: This weather shield has the chops to handle long expeditions, shell-shredding terrain, and truly nasty conditions. “I ski near Steamboat, Colorado, in an area with some pretty gnarly trees,” one tester says. “With this jacket, I could just put my head down, blow through branches, and it would emerge looking brand new.” A 70-denier face fabric made from 85 percent Cordura and 15 percent Lycra provides durability, and Helly Hansen added an extra half-layer, abrasion-resistant print on the inside to protect the membrane in what it calls 3.5-layer construction. Flip side: It’s bulkier than average.

The details The Skarstind comes with a full set of features: a three-way adjustable hood, pit zips, brushed tricot collar, hand pockets and a chest pocket, and cinchable hem plus a waist drawcord to keep out snow. Ample stretch helps the trim-cut jacket slide over light puffies (and it’s substantial enough to add a touch of warmth, too).

Trail cred “On a tour in Colorado’s Mt. Zirkel Wilderness, temps reached the 40s with full sun,” says a tester. “I topped out at 12,000 feet before bombing down, and the Skarstind breathed well enough to keep my baselayer pretty dry through it all.” hellyhansen.com