Gear That Got it Done: 3 Technical Jackets

Never have jackets been more technical. These three, all technical in their own right, got the job done in Chile. We tested them trekking and fishing in Patagonia, as well as skiing, riding and speedflying at Valle Nevado Ski Resort. If you’re looking for a burly shell or a wind-worthy insulator, look no further: Mammut, Arc’teryx and Mountain Hardwear have you covered—no matter the hemisphere. 

Mammut Convey Jacket:  The answer is “go”

Mammut Convey Jacket

Recent travel in and around Patagonia proved there are few limits to this 460g hardshell.  Three-point hood adjustment makes this stowable the right response to bad – and getting worse – weather.  Gore-Tex 2.5- and 3-layer fabrics pair with two waterproof front pockets to charge ahead knowing underarm zips manage temp and perspiration if the mercury climbs.  Get the Convey Pants and book the trip.

Tester Quote: “This true-fitting jacket performs like others costing $100 more.  Hiking, climbing and fishing in Chile’s volatile spring weather proved no challenge for Convey.  Definitely fits in the “quiver of one” category.

Best For: Four-season multi-sport in wet or windy conditions

Arc’teryx Men’s Tantalus Jacket; Higher ground – as expected

Arc’teryx Men’s Tantalus Jacket

Bonus vertical.  Tantalus gains serious elevation from two Gore-Tex fabrics, melded for athletic pursuits at any altitude.  Active Junky owned the cliff bands, couloirs and headwalls at Valle Nevado in this drop-everything jacket.  Unlike many models we’ve taken to South America in the past five years, this one’s hood fit, flowed and defended, moment-by-moment across the entire mountain.  Anyone who’s skied or ridden the brand counts on zippers, seam sealing and freewheeling shoulder construction that never fakes it or fails you.

Tester Quote: “Chile took my freeride game to a new level, finding natural features and buildings destined to anchor creative jumps and drops.  Arc’teryx let me ride, skin and drop into sweet terrain even when winds reached over 40mph and visibility became a question mark.  If things went bad (despite our preparations), Tantalus was made to prevail.”

Best For: Serious front-, side- and backcountry pursuits with an investment in the seasons ahead – and the next power day

Mountain Hardwear Dynotherm Down Jacket:  Warmer thoughts

Mountain Hardwear Dynotherm Down Jacket

Apart from the retro name, this jacket lives in the present, with pure cozy (650-fill, water-repelling insulation) topped by non-bleeding (down, that is) 30D nylon face fabric.  This one looks best worn as an outer layer but jumps in as a midlayer on colder days.  Testers relished the double-needle construction and functional chest pocket along with reliable zipped hand warmer pockets.  Two-tone colorways echo rancher and lumberjack looks even as dual-hem draw cords meant early winter winds had no chance.

Tester Quote: “Dynotherm looks like you’d find it at the local ranchers’ supply store as a beefy, no-nonsense insulator.  I love being able to wear it even on damp days with a knit cap – starting in late summer.  Pockets, cuffs, zippers… all are legit.  About time I wore something other than a hoody.”

Best For: Daily and trip use, travel back-up piece when stuffed in the chest pocket