Holiday Gift Guide: Men’s Performance Jackets

December 12, 2016

by Peter Reese
Holiday Gift Guide: Men’s Performance Jackets

We’re talking cold. Wind. Snow turning to rain turning to sleet. Other men’s jackets went home a long time ago. Not these three.

Showers Pass Refuge

Showers Pass Refuge $261.94 - $262.22

On foot or bike, Showers Pass is turning locomotion into a four-season pursuit. With a legacy that started on the roads of rain-blessed Portland, the company continues to help more outdoor athletes (and commuters) prevail in turbulent weather. The Refuge Jacket, a top seller, is the quiver-of-one model for the Active Junky multi-sport athlete. While heavier than some shells, the Elite 3-layer build comes ready for battle with full taping, unbeatable water resistant Aquaguard Vision zippers and reflective trim encircling the jacket. Testers took the two, extended-length front zip ventilation panels to task, using them to manage during extreme efforts (we call them mountains in Colorado). The adjustable hood can be removed and proved to be less of a gimmick than expected as did the drop-down tail for cycling. Gritty determination is the game here, with serious value at well under $300.

Best For: Cyclists including backcountry and fat bike riders, multi-sport use on extended and international trips

Rab Men’s Alpha Direct Insulated Jacket

Rab Men’s Alpha Direct Insulated Jacket $189.09 - $258.46

Active Junky’s had nothing but positive experiences with this brand, particularly when testers were seeking a trimmer, summit-sprinting fit. Here comes another Pertex-sheathed piece, combining reasonable outer protection with Alpha Direct insulation. Experience with this men’s jacket shows it handles a wide range of temperatures to stay relevant from pre-dawn into the warming day. An inner fabric lining is stripped out (thanks, Polartec) to cut weight while the hood is more compact for inside the helmet. While not suited for extended downpours and Arctic blasts (as an outer layer), Rab’s Alpha Direct morphs into mid-layer. The fabric is reasonably quiet as two zipped handwarmer pockets and one chest pockets get frequent use. A double-toggle hem finishes off the lightweight jacket for a solid contributor to weekend and expedition kits.

Best For: High plains, mountains and boreal forests along with adventure travel – dialed up to expedition status in many instances

Columbia Outdry Ex Eco Shell

Columbia Outdry Ex Eco Shell $93.99 - $191.00

OutDry goes to work from raindrop one with this well-constructed Columbia shell jacket. No PFC waterproofing gets in the way of the seam-sealed Eco Shell, taped on the outside in this model. Testers valued the ability to step into bad weather knowing protection was balanced by effective breathability to make it all work. Pockets and front zip are smooth running with smartly conceived storm flaps to add even more armor. Oh, and the 100% recycled polyester fabric turned 21 plastic bottles into pure efficiency instead of landfill fodder. Midlayers tuck in well and we found the hood volume accommodates most helmets. Don’t be digging around for extra amenities. This, undyed 30” back length model is about as simple – and sensible – as it gets.

Best For: Extreme weather, adventure travel including on-water expeditions

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