Toughest Gear: Ibex Icefall Jacket
This stretch-nylon softshell jacket is one of the most-worn garments in our gear closet.
Two jackets started the softshell craze: Cloudveil’s Serendipity and this 2000 Editors’ Choice winner. Both used Schoeller Dryskin, a stretch-nylon that’s wind-resistant and breathable—and wear-it-to-your-grave tough. Ten years later, neither shows much damage beyond a few holes from campfire sparks.
The Icefall gets our nod—by a hair—because it used a Dryskin blend with merino wool for a bit more warmth and softness. Ibex no longer sells this exact jacket, but the Tuck is similar ($225). ibexwear.com