CATEGORIES
CATEGORIESThe best windshells tame tough or changing weather; all six of these Active Junky selections turn wind, rain and even snow into better stories instead of aborted trips.
Overall Protection: Considers the jacket’s ability to protect from hemline to hood, analyzing openings susceptible to wind and water intrusion including the hem, main zipper, cuffs, etc.
Mobility: Examines how agile the wearer can remain with the jacket in full protection mode (hood secured, cuffs and hem tight with zippers engaged)
Breathability: Balances weather protection against heat and moisture output; the wearer’s comfort is paramount as is avoiding chills from moisture build-up
Pocket Management: Evaluates the model’s ability to hold reasonable volumes without bulking up or interfering with waistbelt, shoulder and sternum straps; location and zipper operation count
Style: Moves a jacket into suitability for après, weekend and social wear. Some models evaluated excelled at transition to urban commuting and travel as well
Value: is about total utility in a range of weather conditions, activities and seasons as well as price
* Each of the six models selected possess the six attributes, with one attribute selected as distinctive to each jacket.
Zip once, toggle twice. Westcomb streamlines fast-and-light protection, relying upon sensible wind, rain or expedition pants to manage the bottom half. The shell doesn’t strive to cover waistbelt or climbing harness (nor adjust tension on the hem). Testers loved watching the micro beading of persistent rain, never feeling claustrophobic in the hood thanks to a wide visibility, semi-rigid brim. A single chest pocket proved sufficient.
Without pit zips or a two-way zipper, wearers are reliant on Westcomb’s comprehensive fabric technology, eVent DVLite and hood management to maintain temperature and moisture equilibrium. Hikers and rock climbers fit the lightweight, simplified profile, with the only distraction being large loops of forward-facing elastic when the hood is battened down. This one moves quickly, quietly and carries fewer failure points than others tested -- making it Active Junky's pick on a recent backpacking trip to Chile's Villarrica volcano.
Key Attribute: Mobility
Best For: Trading features for pure in-motion function in anticipation of changing conditions.
More traditional in cut and features, D.M.’s Fuseform technology neutralizes heavy downpours and driving winds. Two hem toggles, used sparingly to avoid ride-up, manage the piece’s longer length; a one-way zipper means pit zips carry the load on body temperature management. Cuffs were a strong point, with an asym contour protecting hands in wet conditions. Hand warmer pocket position is problematic for packers needing on-trail access without waistbelt release. A more generous torso length is a mixed blessing as the absence of interior waist cinching means reliance on pack straps and waistbelt to reduce bunching and luffing in the wind. Pit zips are well positioned, though it takes some finesse to operate the final 2”. The story here is seamless, panelized construction to optimize moisture management. Active Junky sees that as the bright spot in a mid-pack performer.
Key Attribute: Style
Best For: Weekend outdoor activities and travel, non-technical multisport pursuits
Here’s the jacket you’d build if you were a billionaire headed for mixed climbing dominance. Take solid waterproof breathable Dry Q Elite fabric, an athletic-but-not-constricting fit and pile in performance features from hem to hood. A two-way zipper (radical for many) and a single hem toggle mean fitting options down low. High and generous hand warmer pockets dodge both pack and waist straps, capped off by zipper garages. An interior stretch sunglasses pocket left and zippered ID pocket right guard the essentials. Two hood drawstrings get managed inside the jacket to avoid snapping in high winds or snagging on goggles, gloves or climbing gear. Testers kept running on like caffeinated auctioneers about the wire-brimmed hood's slightly elongated shape, one that amps up peripheral vision without getting sloppy. Finally, quiet, durable fabric and a microfiber chin guard calm down blustery conditions. With Mountain Hardwear, you find peace even in the middle of (potential) peril. MH dubs it their lightest alpine climbing shell; Active Junky’s ready to go on-belay with their crew anywhere.
Key Attribute: Breathability
Best For: Staying on-task in deteriorating conditions
RAB’s earned a place in Active Junky’s pantheon of mountain legends. Designs, details and overall quality put this brand at the lead end of adventure’s rope. Muztag continues – and enlarges – the legacy with the most easy-moving, athletic model in this Buyer’s Guide. The perfect amount of three-layer fabric (eVENT DV Storm) keeps this one lean, mean and prepared to climb, run, trek, paddle and cycle into a world of possibilities. The best brim tested (with a beefy metal stay) along with testers’ favorite features rocketed this one up the weather-beating charts. Minus pit zips and with only a minimalist placket fleece, Muztag still maintained body temperature and all-day comfort during alpine and foothills testing sessions. The bright orange color tested stuck out in low clouds while cuff adjustment was among the most generous. Packability is superior as is Muztag’s adaptability to wide-range conditions; the hood stows quickly as well.
Key Attribute: Mobility
Best For: Three season pursuits including climbing, one-piece quiver for international travel
Mammut’s reputation among guides and professional climbers has few parallels. While not built for extreme alpine pursuits, Convey sends it for hikers, backpackers, long-distance trekkers and passport stamp collectors. By far the easiest to wear off the shelf, Convey’s tailored fit goes long for extra protection. Pack straps and waistbelt sit easily; dual high capacity, Napoleon-style (and waterproof) chest pockets mean less digging for sunglasses, trail calories and skullies. Active Junky envisions Convey and its future progeny as new classics, particularly in tandem with the Convey Pants. Fine-tuning fit and temperature gets automatic with a two-way zipper, three-point hood system and gloves-on cuff closure. Gore-Tex tech underpins the 2.5 layer build. Overall comfort is exceptional while the piece is only moderately noisy; not enough to shake testers from their simple joy in enduring all-day rain and spastic squalls.
Key Attribute: Overall Protection
Best For: Hiking, adventure travel and everyday wear in inclement weather
A clean profile that strolls the street ready for weather changes; deployable hood or not. Easy-gliding zippered pockets offer up energy bars on the trail without getting blocked by waistbelt or shoulder straps. Active Junky grabbed this one for the price alone, knowing Helly Hansen’s proven weather-busting credentials. No disappointment here with a lined jacket suitable for personal and business travel as well as weekend outings. While the collar is beefy when the hood’s inside, the look is more regatta or ridgeline than restrictive. The full-on hood was a relief for testers expecting a glorified garbage bag common to the category. No way as Bykle deployed a gale-worthy hood with simple adjustment and a classic, non-stiffened bill. Dual hem toggles, adjustable cuffs and a generous storm flap push into sleet and spit with few gaps in protection.
Key Attribute: Value
Best For: All-around wear in cooler temperatures, moderate to challenging weather conditions
