Apparel Archives

Four companies made bold claims about cutting-edge waterproof technology in 2011. So we gathered a dozen rain jackets with the new fabrics and put them to the test in a head-to-head challenge. Verdict: We've never worn a more breathable crop of shells.

Steve Howe

Published Sep 14, 2011

Apparel

Gear Review: Columbia Peak 2 Peak/Peak Power

Made with Columbia Omni-Dry this full-featured jacket is $40 less than its nearest competitor.

Steve Howe

Published Sep 13, 2011

Apparel

Gear Review: Mountain Hardwear Jovian

Made with a PTFE membrane made by General Electric this shell was great in heavy rain.

Steve Howe

Published Sep 13, 2011

Apparel

Gear Review: Westcomb Apoc

Made with Polartec NeoShell, this versatile jacket is durable and breathable.

Steve Howe

Published Sep 13, 2011

Apparel

Gear Review: Mammut Felsturm Half-Zip

Made with Gore-Tex Active Shell this breathable jacket was wearable in a wide range of temperatures.

Steve Howe

Updated Jul 8, 2025

Apparel

Professor Hike: Your Must-Have, Favorite, Can't-Leave-Behind Gear

What's the one item you can't leave home without?

Jason Stevenson, author of The Complete Idiot's Guide to Backpacking and Hiking

Published Aug 30, 2011

Apparel

Gear Reviews: Featherweight Shells

Windproof jackets for every type of hiker.

Billy Brown

Published Aug 26, 2011

Apparel

Gear Review: Backcountry Skirts

Three skirts for conquering the backcountry with a dash of feminine style.

Allison Woods

Published Aug 2, 2011

Apparel

Gear Review: Stoic Wraith Rain Jacket

A wisp of a rain jacket at a great price

Allison Woods

Published Jul 19, 2011

Apparel

Gear Review: Patagonia Lightweight Sun Hoody

This polyester jersey is loose and meshy while still being a great sun barrier.

Shannon Davis

Published Jul 7, 2011

Apparel

Gear Review: Outdoor Research Vigor Jacket

An extremely lightweight and tough jacket that's only $70.

Billy Brown

Published Jul 7, 2011

Apparel

Gear Review: Patagonia Nine Trails Jacket

This hoodless Patagonia jacket is extremely breathable.

Billy Brown

Published Jul 7, 2011

Apparel

Gear Review: Mountain Hardwear Shadowland Jacket

A windproof jacket with a warm, brushed tricot lining.

Billy Brown

Published Jul 7, 2011

Apparel

Gear Review: GoLite Kenai Jacket

This waterproof, windproof jacket loves crappy weather.

Billy Brown

Published Jul 7, 2011

Apparel

Gear Review: Arc'teryx Celeris Jacket

A great jacket for trail runners at only five ounces.

Billy Brown

Published Jul 7, 2011

Apparel

Gear Review: Tilley TWP1 Waterproof Hat

A fully-featured topper, the Tilley TWP1 waterproof hat has enough style to satisfy even the snobbiest hiker.

Allison Woods

Published Jun 14, 2011

Apparel

Gear Review: Sierra Designs Gnar Hoody

Throw the 800-fill Sierra Designs Gnar Hoody for a cozy extra layer.

Ted Alvarez

Published Jun 2, 2011

Apparel

Gear Review: Empire Canvas Works Wool Blanket Shirt

A retro-looking (albeit heavy) coat that stands up to wintry weather and hard work.

Joe Flowers

Published May 11, 2011

Apparel

Gear Guide 2011: Essentials

Welcome to accessory and apparel heaven: puffy jackets, stoves, windpants, knives, iPad apps, solar panels, GPS, hydration, first aid, socks, camp food, baselayers, and more.

Kelly Bastone

Published May 3, 2011

Apparel

Mother's Day Gift Guide: CAN'T GO WRONG

Socks to hats to sports bras–the essential gear for any female hiker.

Joel Nyquist

Published Apr 25, 2011

Apparel

Mother's Day Gift Guide 2011

Whether you're shopping for your wife, mom, girlfriend, or BFF we've done the heavy lifting for you with 40 picks that are sure to make her Mother's Day.

Katie Herrel

Published Apr 21, 2011