Mountain Standard Hooded 3-Layer Jacket

Cost

This new Colorado brand, started by a Boulder design shop with a long history in the outdoor industry, cuts prices by selling direct to consumers. In this case, that means you get the durability of a three-layer shell—a liner protects the membrane—for much less than usual.

Protection

“Two days of rain turned the snow to junk on a ski tour in Idaho’s Sawtooth Wilderness,” says a tester, “but staying dry in this jacket kept my spirits up.”

Fit & features

The roomy cut gave broad-shouldered testers plenty of mobility and layering options, but thinner guys found it a bit baggy, especially in the chest. (Note: Tall guys might wish for a little longer hem.) The hood is large enough to fit over any helmet. Yet the jacket is still relatively packable—about the size of a liter bottle.

Breathability

Although the jacket has no pit zips and is less breathable than top-shelf shells—testers deemed it adequate for moderate exertion in cold temperatures—it costs half as much.