For runners, summer doesn鈥檛 arrive when the sun is out the longest, and isn鈥檛 announced by a long weekend of patriotic social gatherings spent playing yard games and drinking beers over a grill. Rather, it arrives mid-run, on an otherwise beautiful day when the sunshine and warmth beguile you into choosing a longer route or pushing harder than you have in months. All of a sudden you realize that your heart is pounding faster than it should, gritty sweat is stinging your eyes, and your so-called 鈥渆asy鈥� pace from the day before actually kinda does feel like work (maybe even hard work).

Summer appears in earnest, and it鈥檚 both a blessing and a curse. With daylight stretching far beyond the limits of the workday, there鈥檚 ample time for dawn patrol missions or social runs after quitting time. Warmer temps mean a simpler kit, with fewer layers and less fuss (not to mention less motivational self-talk required to lure you outside). Alpine snowpack melts off, trails dry out, and seasonal roads open up, offering a world of route options that have long been off-limits. For all of these reasons, summertime is, statistically speaking, when most people run the most miles.

But summer鈥檚 heat and humidity鈥攐r intense dry heat, depending on your locale鈥攃onspire against running efficiency, forcing your body to work harder than at other times of the year to maintain the same pace. Even where I live, in Upstate New York, summer workouts can be a struggle, daily runs are sometimes scheduled around hourly forecasts, and long runs demand water stops or a hydration vest. But summer miles bring fall smiles, and I鈥檓 a sucker for fall marathons and ultramarathons. So every year I do the hard things during the hardest season, in the hopes that fall will bring a PR or, at least the kind of effortless running that I imagine we were born to do.

Along the way, I鈥檝e dialed in my warm-weather running kit, because I鈥檝e learned that good gear can make a big difference. Here is the cream of this year鈥檚 crop鈥攙ersatile running apparel pieces that will keep you as cool as possible and safe from the sun, as well as stand the test of countless miles of summer training and social runs, from mud season straight through to first frost.

The Winners At a Glance

Tops

Move Free Designs Summit Cap

Roark Bless Up Breathable Stretch Shirt

Hoka Glide Singlet

Soar Hot Weather T

Rabbit Run Day Tee

Ibex Springbok Short Sleeve Tee

Bottoms

Patagonia Strider Pro Shorts 5鈥�

The North Face Summit Pacesetter Run Brief Short

Janji 3鈥� AFO Split Short 3.0

Nathan Essential 7″ Short

Tracksmith Allston Half Tights

How We Test

Number of Testers: 4 (ages 41 to 52)

Number of Products Tested: 88

Number of Miles: 1,494

Vertical Feet: 92,833

Longest Run: An island 50K w/8,500鈥� of climbing through old-growth forests overlooking Puget Sound

Hottest Run: An 18-mile loop through the Catalina Mountains outside of Tucson, when temps soared to 95潞F (in October!)

I enlisted three other veteran runners鈥攐ne in Northern Arizona, one in Seattle, and another in Oregon鈥攖o help me put dozens of pieces of summer running apparel through their paces over four months last summer and early fall. I tested them on the village streets, rolling country roads, and forested technical trails around my upstate New York home. My partners played with them on a wild mix of urban streets, buff mountain trails, forested parks, multi-use corridors, rocky headland scrambles, and technical tracks in their respective desert and oceanic locales, and far beyond. We ran on scorching summer days, when the heat index was well above 100 degrees Fahrenheit, and on soggy, gray days when temps started in the 40s and barely touched the 60s. We wore them for short neighborhood cruises and more than one ultra-distance event. Along the way, we filled out feedback forms scoring each item鈥檚 thermoregulation, breathability, stretch, durability, and fit; discussed its notable sport-specific features; called out any shortcomings; and asked the all-important question: would we buy this piece ourselves?

The Best Men鈥檚 Summer Running Tops of 2023

Move Free Designs Summit Cap ($30)

Weight: 37g/1.3oz
Sizes: One Size

For devotees like us, a running cap is more than a simple sun shade; it鈥檚 also a wind and rain cover, a sweat sponge, a hair tamer and, when dunked in a stream or stuffed with ice, a top-notch cooling device. Most days we reach for the Summit Cap, which is all of these things in a colorful, eye-catching design that receives compliments nearly every time we wear it. Made from ultralight, stretchy UPF 50+ polyester, it comfortably conforms to nearly any size noggin with the pull of an elastic cinch in back. The cycling-inspired visor provides just enough cover to shield your face from the elements, and a super-absorbent sweatband keeps the salty stuff out of your eyes.

Bottom Line: An eye-catching, made-in-the-USA cap that鈥檚 budget-friendly and checks all the performance boxes

Roark Bless Up Breathable Stretch Shirt ($89)

Weight: 109g/3.8oz
Sizes: XS-XXL

Within the niche category of running button-ups (yes, it鈥檚 a thing), this shirt stands out for its bold, party-ready prints and breezy, run-ready fabric. Designed to perform in the steamy heat of tropical Jamaica鈥攚here 鈥渂less up鈥� is akin to 鈥済ood day鈥濃�攖he Bless Up Shirt is incredibly lightweight and breathable. Its custom-woven fabric is a blend of moisture-wicking polyester and strong, quick-drying nylon Tactel with tiny holes engineered throughout for ample airflow. Other thoughtful touches include four-way stretch and side splits for comfort while in motion, and a snazzy collar that flips up for back-of-neck sun coverage. I wore it to a muggy afternoon trail meetup that would鈥檝e soaked and wilted most tops, but the Bless Up stayed both dry and sharp-looking enough to wear straight to a local brewery post-run (while my running partners changed out of their soggy tops).

Bottom Line: A technical top with style and versatility to spare that gets the job done from trail to tavern and beyond

Hoka Glide Singlet ($42)

Weight: 49g/1.7oz
Sizes: XS-XL

Singlets are, by their open nature, made for the hottest of days, and the Glide is no exception. Made from an ultra-lightweight 100 percent recycled polyester, it鈥檚 the lightest, most breathable and fastest drying of the dozen or so that we tested. During track intervals and tempo days, our testers loved the airy, barely-there feel of this performance top, which weighs a full 37 percent less than the next lightest top we tested, and breathes as smoothly as Kipchoge. What鈥檚 more, the stretchy fabric鈥檚 unique grid texture readily wicked sweat from skin to surface, keeping us cool and comfortable, no matter how hard we pushed the pace.

Bottom Line: A barely-there performance piece for going hard in the heat

Soar Hot Weather T ($107)

Weight: 75g/2.6oz
Sizes: XS-XXL

When the sun鈥檚 beating down, but you鈥檙e either too self-conscious or too skin-conscious to run topless, British brand SOAR鈥檚 Hot Weather T is the next best thing. Primarily constructed of a sheer, open-weave 3D mesh that rapidly wicks sweat and breathes incredibly well, this lightweight shirt vents your torso and underarms, cooling you as you run. Up top, though, a tightly-woven UPF 50 polyester fabric prevents UV rays from damaging the delicate skin of your most sun-exposed regions, namely your arms, shoulders, chest, and upper back. Need even more coverage? A few more bucks buys a long-sleeve version that weighs less than an ounce more and runs nearly as cool.

Bottom Line: An incredibly lightweight tee with targeted UV protection for hot days

Rabbit Run Day Tee ($50)

Weight: 123g/4.3oz
Sizes: S-XL

Not every summer day is a sun-baked scorcher, especially when you live and train in the mountains. When temperatures dipped and precip fell, Rabbit鈥檚 Run Day Tee鈥攁 plush, stretchy synthetic tee that wears like your favorite, well-worn shirt鈥攂ecame our testers鈥� go-to choice. Not only did it fare well by itself on long training runs in the Cascade foothills, where its slightly thicker, heavier fabric provided just enough insulation to keep the engine warm, but it also layered comfortably beneath a rain shell whenever so-called 鈥渁lpine weather鈥� struck, without overheating us. Should you accidentally overdress, its quick-drying polyester wicks sweat from your skin and a microtextured interior helps reduce cling, so you can focus on your run.

Bottom Line: A super comfy tee that goes the distance鈥攌eeping the core warm and dry鈥攚hen summertime temps dip and raindrops fall

Ibex Springbok Short Sleeve Tee ($95)

Weight: 122g/4.3oz
Sizes: S-XXL

How do you improve merino wool, nature鈥檚 renowned wunderfabric that鈥檚 prized for its next-to-skin comfort, built-in temperature regulation, natural breathability, and stubborn odor resistance? In this shirt鈥檚 case, you blend it in equal parts with Tencel, another soft, natural fiber that wicks moisture three times as fast and makes you feel 40 percent cooler. Ibex then wrapped those fibers around nylon filaments to make a stronger, longer-lasting fabric. The Springbok kept us cooler than traditional merino shirts on cruisey runs, and didn鈥檛 get soaked or stick to us when we worked up a sweat on more intense efforts. Forward shoulder seams helped prevent chafing, especially when wearing a loaded vest, and gusseted underarms meant it moved well and didn’t bind through a full range of motion.

Bottom Line: A cooler, drier merino-blend shirt that won鈥檛 rub you the wrong way, no matter how hard you push it

The Best Men鈥檚 Summer Running Bottoms of 2023

Patagonia Strider Pro Shorts 5鈥� ($80)

Weight: 95g/3.4oz
Sizes: XS-XXXL

After multiple miles wearing the Strider Pros, all of our run testers agreed that they were, as one declared them to be, 鈥渢he most comfortable running shorts I鈥檝e ever worn.鈥� We could leave it at that, but there鈥檚 more to say about this updated version of one of the most beloved, time-tested trail shorts on the market. Patagonia built them with loads of pockets for ultra trail events and longer wilderness missions when you might not want to wear a vest: a secure zip pocket stows a smartphone, while two stretch pockets on each side hold plenty of snacks to fuel the adventure. The outer layer is made from a light and airy recycled polyester fabric, with the new addition of spandex lending them plenty of stretch for longer-lasting comfort on the trail. Inside, built-in briefs, now made from moisture-wicking, fast-drying Capilene Cool, help keep you fresh even on hot-weather, high-output efforts.

Bottom Line: Light, breathable, fast-drying trail shorts with ample storage for going the distance without wearing a vest

The North Face Summit Pacesetter Run Brief Short ($75)

Weight: 96g/3.4oz
Sizes: XS-XXL

For everyday training, it鈥檚 hard to beat The North Face鈥檚 new Summit Series short. Made from gossamer stretch-woven nylon with increased abrasion and snag resistance, they鈥檙e lightweight and breathable enough for scorching-hot blacktop runs in town, but tough enough for the rigors of the trails beyond. Plenty of pockets store all the essentials for the long haul鈥攊ncluding a secure lumbar zip pocket for your phone, flanked by a couple of powermesh stretch pockets for snacks, and a small interior pocket for keys. Supportive liner briefs keep you fresh and chafe-free for as long as your legs will take you.

Bottom Line: Lightweight, versatile daily training shorts that are cool in town while tough enough for the trail

Janji 3鈥� AFO Split Short 3.0 ($48)

Weight: 87g/3.1oz
Sizes: S-XL

The star of track meets and local road races for decades, split shorts are lightweight, fast and, in their purest form, incredibly simple. With this latest iteration of their popular splits, Janji focused on that basic principle, simplifying the waistband, stripping away excess storage, and replacing traditional sewn hems with gram-shaving bonded ones. The result is their lightest-weight short ever. With a 3-inch inseam and one of the highest splits we鈥檝e seen, these sleek speedsters afford max range of motion and plenty of airflow for zero-distraction comfort during all-out efforts. Put these on for track sessions and fast-and-furious races (15K and shorter), where speed is king and storage is immaterial.

Bottom Line: Run fast and free in these minimalist racing splits

Nathan Essential 7″ Short ($60鈥�65)

Weight: 168g/5.9oz
Sizes: S-XXL

Some runners love strutting their stuff in skin-tight compression shorts or barely-there racing splits. For the rest of us, Nathan made these super-comfortable everyday two-in-one training shorts. While not the lightest or fastest shorts we tested, they come with (as the name suggests) all the essentials鈥攁 quick-drying, fitted, stretchy polyester/elastane liner with flatlock seams; a confidence-inspiring outer shell short with 7-inch inseam; and pockets galore for storing phone, ID/credit cards, and gels. These stretchy shorts kept pace on dozens of summer runs, and their boxer brief-style liners never chafed. In fact, they felt so good and looked so sharp that we never wanted to take them off, and, in addition to running in them, wore these shorts for yoga, ultimate frisbee, and even casual social events.

Bottom Line: Two-in-one cross-trainers that look good and feel great

Tracksmith Allston Half Tights ($98)

Weight: 96g/3.4oz
Sizes: S-XL

Increasingly popular among elite track athletes and top-tier marathoners, half tights are becoming the performance choice for seriously fast people. Whether that鈥檚 because the skin-tight shorts significantly reduce aerodynamic drag, allow them to move better, or just plain look speedy, we can鈥檛 be sure. What we do know is that we love these minimalist half tights from Tracksmith for our highest-intensity efforts. Made from a highly compressive 57/43 blend of nylon and elastane, they have a snug, supportive fit that keeps everything firmly in place and eliminates chafing. The Allstons adapt well to longer runs, too, thanks to three pockets鈥攁 secure lumbar zip pocket big enough to hold a full-size iPhone and two drop-in pockets on either side for your fuel of choice鈥攖hat can handle all the essentials for a two- or three-hour effort.

Bottom Line: Soft and breathable compression shorts that look fast and feel like a second skin

How to Buy

Assembling a summer running kit is fairly straightforward, and mostly about getting out of the way of your body鈥檚 own built-in thermoregulating functions. After all, the human body has evolved over millions of years to quickly and efficiently (among mammals, anyway) dump heat during high-intensity activities like running. The trick, then, is choosing apparel鈥攗sually shorts, t-shirt, and cap鈥攖hat strikes a balance between your relative modesty level and tolerance for sun exposure, and then ensuring that it鈥檚 lightweight, breathes effectively, wicks moisture aggressively, and moves easily with your body.

Any warm-weather top worth its weight will be made from moisture-wicking materials鈥攕uch as polyester, nylon, bamboo, polypropylene, or merino wool鈥攖hat pull sweat away from your skin and move it toward the outside to dry faster, thereby boosting your body鈥檚 chief cooling mechanism while reducing the likelihood of chafing. For maximum cooling, lightweight fabrics with holes or an open weave, such as mesh, maximize a top鈥檚 airflow and breathability, but that comes at the cost of increased UV exposure. For sun worshipers in hot environments, some kind of mesh singlet with a 3D, moisture-wicking weave is probably ideal. But sun-sensitive runners can still get the best of both worlds by choosing a lightweight tee that combines an airy, open weave in hotspots like the torso and armpits with a tighter, UV-blocking weave over the more sun-exposed regions of the shoulders, upper chest, and upper back. Other considerations include fit (slightly loose-fitting pieces typically breathe better but can cause chafing), stretch and antimicrobial treatments that fight stink.

Similarly, the best running shorts are made with moisture-wicking performance fabrics like polyester and nylon, sometimes mixed with stretchy elastane for unrestricted mobility and freedom of stride. They also have a built-in liner for breathability and bounce-free support. And all but the most pared-down racing shorts will have ample secure pockets to store items like your phone, keys, credit card/ID, and fuel for daily training runs. Once these basic criteria are met, the main considerations are relative compression or looseness, pocket volume, and length/coverage鈥攐ur picks range from 8-inch half-tights that stretch more than halfway to the knee to 3-inch splits that could almost pass for booty shorts. These are all, by and large, a matter of personal preference and will depend on what kind of running you plan on doing in the shorts. For racing, you鈥檒l want minimal weight, max range of motion, and pocket storage to match the distance you鈥檙e running. For everyday training, choose what鈥檚 comfortable for you, and make sure there are enough pockets to carry what you typically need, that they are easily accessible while secure, and that they are in practical locations鈥攈igh on the hip is best, where items tend to bounce the least.

When it’s time to upgrade your gear, don鈥檛 let the old stuff go to waste鈥揹onate it for a good cause and divert it from the landfill. our partner, Gear Fix, will repair and resell your stuff for free! Just box up your retired items, , and send them off. We鈥檒l donate 100 percent of the proceeds to .

The post The Best Men鈥檚 Summer Running Gear of 2023 appeared first on 国产吃瓜黑料 Online.

There鈥檚 a point on every trail where a runner has to make a decision: Turn back to the safety of civilization, or push your boundaries and keep going?听The answer to that question differs from one runner to the next, of course, but it also hinges on how well equipped you are to go the distance鈥攊n other words, whether you鈥檙e wearing a hydration vest.听

At its simplest level, a hydration vest is a hands-free way to run with听water. Water is heavy and unstable, but a听vest keeps it close to your body in such a way that it doesn鈥檛 disrupt your stride. It also provides a lightweight, convenient way to carry all the gear you might need to stay out on the trail and adjust to changing weather.

For this review, five testers and I tried out 34 hydration vests from 14 brands, weeding through the pile to find the ones with the most thoughtful, purpose-built designs. Here are our favorites.

How We Picked the Best Hydration Vests

I鈥檝e been trail-running with hydration packs and vests for the past five years, everywhere from the Catskills, Adirondacks, Greens, Whites, Berkshires, Rockies, and听Uintas, and internationally in the Alps and the Andes. To test for this review, I also enlisted a team of five veteran ultra trail runners (three men and two women). We stuffed the vests with everything a trail runner might carry鈥攆lasks, bladders, gels, chews, bars, keys, cash, layers, sunglasses, jackets, trekking poles, and, in a few cases, baby food鈥攁nd used them on nearly every kind of terrain, through most conditions imaginable. At the end of it all, we鈥檇 collectively run, hiked, and scrambled 1,000-plus miles.

• Best Overall
• Women鈥檚 Vests
• Racing Vests
• Long-Haul Vests
• Multisport Vests

Best Overall

Nathan VaporAir 2.0 7L ($150)

Weight: 8.3 ounces听
Capacity: 7 liters
Hydration Capacity:听2-liter bladder (included) and two 22-ounce soft flasks (not included)

For our testers, comfortably carrying large quantities of water is the most important role of a hydration vest. So it鈥檚 perhaps not surprising that the is our overall favorite.听It鈥檚 one of the few vests we tried听that comes standard with a two-liter bladder (from HydraPak), a leakproof, lightweight TPU number that has a wide opening and a quick-release hose detachment for easy one-handed refilling. A powerful little magnet attaches the hose to the top chest strap. Two roomier-than-average front pockets also accept flasks up to 22 fluid ounces. Adjustment straps located within the front zipped pockets allow you to听tighten or loosen the vest听easily as you go. This all means that the vest can carry听112 ounces of water without sloshing and sliding.

Beyond its superior hydration system, the VaporAir and its women-specific counterpart, the , are听lightweight and carry听just enough gear to suit a huge variety of off-road runs. The vest got听us through hot multi-hour unsupported adventures in Texas Hill Country and around Washington, D.C., without overheating, thanks to generous amounts of breathable mesh in the shoulder straps and across the back. (Women may find the fit of the Salomon ADV Skin 8 Set W, reviewed below,听preferable to that of the VaporAiress, which sat somewhat wide on our reviewers鈥櫶齝hests.)

Up front, four zippered pockets and four stretch pockets provide ample room for calories, electronics, and other essentials. In the back,听a small easy-to-reach compartment, full-length stretch pouch, large main zippered pocket, and stretchy slide-through pocket help carry extra layers, nutrition, and accessories.

Our runner-up, the ($169), also comes equipped with a two-liter听bladder听and has a great hose-management system鈥攊t comes up from the bottom of the pack, secured with a series of elastic loops, but squeezing bottles into the chest pockets is a real challenge. The VaporAir is lighter, more affordable, softer against skin, and has roomier pockets with a more intuitive layout. Where the Norvan wins: its听more stable pole-carrying system uses a combination of bungees and stretch pockets, a stripped-down design, and a very breathable four-way-stretch mesh that feels less bulky despite its weight.听

Best for Women

Salomon ADV Skin 8 Set W ($145)

Weight: 8.5 ounces
Capacity: 8 liters听
Hydration Capacity: 1.5-liter bladder (not included) and two 500-milliliter soft flasks (included)

A clear favorite among our testers, the 听is a sleek all-arounder that comes closer to perfecting a听women-specific design than any other model we tested. The vest鈥檚 shoulder straps are longer than most others, and they house special soft flasks that are shorter and wider than traditional ones听so that liquid cargo rides below the breasts. This eliminates chafing and painful pressure points when the vest is cinched down.听

In more ways than fit, the Salomon delivers game-changing comfort and rides like a much lighter vest, ideal for any all-day trail mission. 鈥淥nce you wear something as comfortable as [the Salomon vest], you realize how much you鈥檝e been putting up with,鈥� summarized one ecstatic tester. Thanks in part to soft, body-hugging stretch fabric, the vest stayed put without bouncing when stuffed with water and calories for Western States 100 pacing, and it also felt barely noticeable when packed lightly for the steep, technical singletrack of a trail half marathon. Our testers raved about the sheer variety of pockets鈥攁n open mesh pouch and two stretch pockets on either chest strap (one for a flask, a second that鈥檚 big enough carry a phone), two zippered pockets along the rib cage, and three pockets in back鈥攎any of which are extremely accessible on the run. Our only quibble: the vest has lots of excess stretchy loops and ties for adjusting fit, carrying poles, and securing flasks that take a while to figure out.

Storage options and breathability are what won the Salomon top honors over the听 ($120), our runner-up. Both vests kept loads stable and well distributed, but the Ultra Pro鈥檚 pockets were more difficult to access on the go (stretchy side pouches threatened to jettison nutrition and wrappers along the trail). The CamelBak鈥檚 strong suit is听a smaller, lighter-weight, and more minimal design optimal for short distances or races with frequent aid.

Best for Racing

Patagonia Slope Runner 4L ($139)

Weight: 5.6 ounces
Capacity: 4 liters
Hydration Capacity: 2-liter bladder (not included) and two 500-milliliter soft flasks (included)

The stripped-down has everything you need听and nothing you don鈥檛. Four stretch pouches in front keep essentials close at hand, while a听front zippered pocket keeps electronics and other valuables safe. A surprisingly large听rear compartment made of airy, high-flex nylon mesh accommodates a hydration reservoir for long听unsupported runs. Below that is a stretchy mesh pouch that holds sunglasses听or a rain shell听and is easy to access while moving.听

Even on Oahu鈥檚 technical jungle trails and along听flowy North Carolina singletrack, the Slope Runner鈥檚 pockets held our cargo securely, despite a lack of zippers or any other ounce-adding security systems. More impressive, perhaps, the molded mesh back panel wicked well enough to stay dry no matter how sweaty we got, yet it still provided the padding that other lightweight mesh vests seem to lack. Our testers also found the simple shock-cord chest straps comfortable and a cinch听to adjust. 鈥淚 would reach for this pack over and over again, because it鈥檚 lightweight, breathable, super functional, and looks great on,鈥� said one tester, who declared it the best racing pack he鈥檇 ever used. Wear it for ultras and other trail races, especially ones where there may be two-to-three-hour gaps between aid stations听and where you may need to carry extra gear like a headlamp or听layers.听

For flying-fast efforts with more frequent aid, we suggest the ($150), which is lighter than the Slope Runner, at 2.3 ounces. The Revolutiv is every bit as breathable as our winner鈥攑robably even more so, given its minimal footprint and transparent mesh鈥攂ut isn鈥檛 as stretchy, and its two zippered pockets aren鈥檛 quite as accessible on the go. But we love its featherweight design, which听carries just the essentials in a comfortable, bounce-free configuration.听

Best for Long Hauls

Ultimate Direction Mountain Vest 4.0 ($155)

Weight: 9.24 ounces
Capacity: 13 liters
Hydration Capacity: 2-liter bladder (not included) and two 500-milliliter flasks (included)

For years听mountain runners have prized the 鈥檚 high capacity-to-weight ratio and ability to keep big loads stable all day. The newest version is two ounces lighter but boasts nearly two more liters for stowing the extra gear that comes in handy on big efforts听in the hills鈥攖rekking poles, warm layers, lighting, a hat, gloves, an emergency kit, even ice axes. We tested the Mountain Vest 4.0 on the alpine steeps surrounding Chamonix, France, the technical trails of New York鈥檚 Catskills, and the rolling countryside of Tuscany, Italy, and found, as one tester said, that 鈥渋t easily holds enough hydration, calories, and additional gear to spend eight-plus hours without refueling.鈥� What鈥檚 more, its听soft, breathable mesh material feels like comfortable clothing.

Given its huge capacity and variety of carry options鈥攎ore than a dozen zippered or elasticized听pockets securely hold whatever you need鈥攚e were blown away by how lightweight and breathable it felt. Sliding-rail sternum straps and a new waist adjustment made it easier than ever to dial in a comfortable fit as we added and removed layers听and ate and drank our way through our loads. Elastic cords and compression hooks across the back also keep your cargo snug.听

Of the high-capacity vests we tested, the breathable ($155) wore the most like a second skin, comfortably hauling big loads over technical terrain without bouncing. In the end, it was a close runner-up to the Mountain Vest, which is lighter, carries more, and has more pockets. But those who prefer stretchy chest straps over more static ones should check out the ADV Skin 12 Set.

Best for Multisport 国产吃瓜黑料s

Black Diamond Distance 8 Backpack ($140)

Weight:听12.6 ounces
Capacity: 8 liters
Hydration Capacity: 1.5-liter bladder (not included) and two 500-milliliter flasks听(not included)

The combines the body-hugging, pocket-covered shoulder straps of a hydration vest with the abrasion- and weather-resistant body of an alpine summit pack. The result is a near perfect mashup that sheds water, wears comfortably, keeps nutrition and necessities close at hand, and seems to swallow up extra layers and gear.

The pack shone in a variety of situations: scrambling in the Flatirons of Boulder, Colorado,听running on technical mountain trails in the Northeast, hiking to remote Costa Rican waterfalls, cycling around town,听even听paddleboarding on the Pacific Ocean.听Elastic sternum straps and side compression easily conform to any body shape for a dialed fit.听

But what really made this听pack stand out was its ability to carry nearly anything with听extreme comfort. Trekking-pole sleeves on either side offer the most stable, secure carry of any vest we tested without adding extraneous hardware. Meanwhile, metal ice-tool keepers with a reinforced pick sleeve keep axes secure鈥攖hese are not your average flimsy loops dangling off the back. Six big stretchy mesh pockets on the straps, including two zippered ones, hold water bottles, gels, a phone, gloves, and more. The bottles carry a little lower than we鈥檇 prefer (we had to lift them slightly to drink),听but our female testers generally liked vests that position flasks low on the chest. And听after some initial fiddling, we came to appreciate the wide-open access that the roll-top closure affords.

The Distance 8 is slightly heavier compared to the / ($110), our runner-up multisport packs, but it also stores more gear听and boasts more numerous, roomier, better-secured pockets. If the Distance 8 is purpose-built, with a stripped-down rear compartment featuring only functional details that work almost perfectly, the Duro and Dyna 6 are听multipurpose-built, with extras听that will please many users鈥攎yriad pockets, zippers, clips,听and mesh organizers鈥攂ut irk a few who just want to be fast and light. For trail runners whose high-mountain adventures frequently devolve into four-limbed scrambles on vertical terrain, the Distance 8 is the best option available. It鈥檚 equipped to let you get yourself into and then out of high-consequence situations. If you鈥檙e looking for a vestlike fit and a lot of storage options, the budget-friendly Duro听and Dyna 6 could be your best bet.

How To Choose a Hydration Vest

Choosing a hydration vest can be a daunting proposition. An informal survey of the market turns up well over 100 options from nearly two dozen manufacturers. But it鈥檚 relatively simple to narrow down the candidates once you know what you鈥檙e looking for. Here are the primary factors to consider.

Carrying Capacity

Vests come in a range of volumes, from two liters to 15 liters or more. How much space you need depends on how much gear you鈥檒l be carrying. This primarily depends on how long you intend to run without resupply, as well as how variable the conditions will be.

For runs that last听less than 90 minutes, most runners won鈥檛 use a vest, instead carrying a handheld water bottle and an energy gel. Once your runs start pushing to two hours and beyond, you鈥檒l want to wear a vest. Use these numbers as a rough guide, keeping in mind that personal preference and factors like weather and terrain will also influence your needs:

鈥� One听to two听hours = Two liters of hydration

鈥� Two听to three听hours = Two听to six听liters

鈥� Three to six听hours = Four to twelve听liters

鈥� Six-plus hours = Six-plus liters

Even if your runs vary wildly in length, you can potentially do it all with one pack. Those听in the six-to-seven-liter range are our favorite, though many will opt for ten听to eleven听liters. Be aware that comfort and ride quality will change if you over- or under-stuff a vest.

Fit

Ideally, a vest will be snug without digging in. Any hot spots you feel while standing still or simply walking will only be amplified over the course of a multi-hour run. A bladder, if you opt to use one, should sit high on your back. When trying on a vest, swing your arms around, and make sure they can move freely. Then snug the empty vest on your torso. The straps shouldn鈥檛 be maxed out鈥攜ou should have plenty of play left to tighten or loosen them once you add gear.

Adjustability

Your vest will get emptier and lighter as you consume food and water, and it might get bigger and heavier as you strip layers. This changes how the vest听rides. Familiarize yourself with each vest鈥檚 adjustment mechanisms鈥攃hest buckles or elastic cords, side or back straps that cinch the load snug around your rib cage鈥攁nd make sure you can easily operate them on the fly.听

Bounce

If your vest is bouncing around with every step, it can cause painful blisters听or听chafing听and even throw off your balance. You should look for a vest that can hug your load to your body, especially if you鈥檒l be using a bladder, as water sloshes. One of the lightest, most effective methods is cinch–able elastic shock cords woven across the back panel.

Breathability

Examine the back panel and straps for mesh materials that boost breathability. Also consider the overall amount of material layered over any one area, especially across hot spots like your back. If it feels thick or heavy, it鈥檒l probably trap body heat.

Pockets

Most vests will have a variety of pockets up front that hold things like water flasks, food, sunscreen, and a phone. Make sure they鈥檙e easy to access and secure. Snaps and zippers keep important items from falling out听but add weight and are more fiddly than simple stretch pockets. I like to have at least one secure pocket on the front to keep a phone accessible for photos. In back听you鈥檒l want at least one large pocket that鈥檚 accessible without stopping, for just-in-case items like a hat or gloves. Our favorite is a stretchy kangaroo pocket that spans the bottom of the back side. Bigger items like a rainjacket or long-sleeved garment are OK to store in a sealed main compartment, since you鈥檒l have to remove the vest to add or subtract those layers听anyway. Finally, we love a small internal zippered pocket for storing end-of-run valuables like cash, keys, and an ID.

Hydration Preference

Most hydration vests come equipped with soft flasks, but almost every one is also designed to accept a hydration reservoir, with a hanger to hold it up, a divider in the main compartment to keep water separate from clothing, and loops or pass-throughs that feed the drinking tube to chest straps. While flasks hold less than a bladder, they鈥檙e generally easier to refill, allow you to have different beverages going at the same time, and are easier to clean between runs. Do what works best for you. How much water you need will depend on distance, altitude, temperature, and how often you鈥檙e able to refill. For really big days, you may even opt for both.

Unisex Versus听Women-Specific Vests听

Women-specific models have gained a lot of traction in recent years. But with a few exceptions, like the Salomon ADV Skin 8 Set W, we鈥檝e found that the differences in fit are minor. A quality vest with a broad range of adjustability often performs just as well. Unisex models are generally designed for straighter bodies, have higher carrying capacities, and aren鈥檛 available in extra small. Women-specific vests, on the other hand, are made for fuller, more curved chests, often have lower capacities, and come in smaller sizes.

Having said that, the only way to find the just-right fit for you is to measure yourself, narrow the decision down to several vests that seem promising, and then try each of them on. When you find one that fits your body and meets your needs, don鈥檛 get hung up on the label. Just听enjoy the run.

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Shoulder-season picks for women and men.听

Outdoor Research Optimizer听($399)

Best For: Redlining

Most winter hard shells are oppressive in balmy conditions鈥攐r when hiking uphill regardless of the weather. But the waterproof and feathery Optimizer proved to be tough enough for ski tours and airy enough for spring showers. Credit Gore鈥檚 new Active fabric, which is more durable and 20 percent lighter than older versions. 12.9 oz (men鈥檚) / 11.6 oz (women鈥檚)

Mountain Hardwear Touren Hooded ($350)

Best For: Summit bids

This soft shell is so accommodating, we forgot we had it on鈥攅ven atop a blustery ridge near Colorado鈥檚 Continental Divide. The hood, front, and upper arms are made of Polartec Power Shield, which seals out gusts, while the back and underarms feature a thin stretch-woven material that dumps heat. 1.2 lbs (men鈥檚) / 1.1 lb (women鈥檚)

听

Black Diamond听StormLine Stretch听($149)

Best For: Dodging rain

Supple, stretchy seam-taped fabric kept us from feeling Saran Wrapped in the 2.5-layer StormLine. We found it comfortable, and the elasticity let us reach for handholds during scrambling ascents. Although the proprietary membrane isn鈥檛 as breathable as some shells, it vents well enough to keep sweat tolerable. 11.3 oz (men鈥檚) / 7.9 oz (women鈥檚)

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Arc鈥檛eryx Sawyer听($425)

Best For: Concrete canyons

Features of mountain jackets鈥攚aterproofing, comfort, an articulated cut鈥攁re just as appealing in the city. So Arc鈥檛eryx merged them with urban styling, lengthening the hem and swapping in somber sidewalk tones. The Sawyer is a men鈥檚 jacket, but women lauded the fit. 15 oz (men鈥檚)

Salewa听Agner Engineered DST听($200)

Best For: Rubbing elbows with rocks

We didn鈥檛 worry about babying this soft shell when scaling Joshua Tree鈥檚 coarse granite and Smith Rock鈥檚 welded tuff. It鈥檚 made from PFC-free DWR, with abrasion-resistant Cordura yarn seamlessly woven into the stretch fabric at the shoulders and elbows. 12.2 oz (men鈥檚) / 10.2 oz (women鈥檚)

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Gore C5 Gore-Tex Shakedry 1985听($300)

Best For: Wet rides

This featherweight performance shell is the second generation to use Shakedry, a paper-thin, two-layer fabric that wears its waterproof membrane on its exterior, eliminating the need for stuffy outer fabric with wet-out potential. The upshot is that it鈥檚 incredibly light and super breathable. 4.9 oz (men鈥檚 and women鈥檚)

听

Marmot Eclipse EvoDry听($250)

Best For:听A greener spring

This all-purpose hiking jacket is the first to use EvoDry, an eco-friendly, PFC-free DWR treatment that鈥檚 molecularly bonded to the yarn, so it never washes off. It鈥檚 combined with a 2.5-layer shell made of recycled nylon. All that tech worked brilliantly, keeping us dry in a downpour. 13.4 oz (men鈥檚) / 12.3 oz (women鈥檚)

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Icebreaker Coriolis ($220)

Best For: Comfort on the run

Say goodbye to that crunchy, clammy sensation. This windbreaker had us feeling fine on long, chilly spring training runs, thanks to a soft, wicking, odor-resistant merino lining paired with a breathable, weather-resistant nylon face. 13.5 oz (men鈥檚) /12.7 oz (women鈥檚)

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Think back to your first runs, when you still huffed and puffed through a 5K, glancing at your watch every minute and wishing it would stop. You鈥檇 reach down and touch your shirt鈥攕oft, a little damp, and almost certainly made of cotton. These days low-tech, plain-Jane cotton is something of a has-been, replaced by newfangled synthetics and resurgent natural fibers like merino. But despite cotton鈥檚 drawbacks, there鈥檚 still a lot to love.

Patagonia Flying Fish Organic Cotton ($35)

Some of our favorites, like Patagonia鈥檚 Flying Fish Organic Cotton, are as simple as running itself. It鈥檚 printed with quirky, beautiful, outdoors-inspired graphics.

American Giant Premium V-Neck ($37)

If blending in is more your speed, the soft-touch, made-in-the-USA American Giant Premium V-Neck is a solid option. Its heavier fabric, double-stitched neckline, and reinforced seams help it stand up to long miles of abuse, and it won鈥檛 snag during scratchy off-trail 鈥渟hortcuts.鈥�

听

Jockey Classic ($49 for six)

The budget minded can always pick up a six-pack of diamond white Jockey Classic for a week鈥檚 worth of laundry-free training.

Ably Apparel听Tourist ($48)

Despite poly-preferring naysayers, cotton plays well with other ingredients. Ably Apparel鈥檚 Tourist is infused with proprietary tech to repel liquid and resist stink without sacrificing softness or breathability.

Ten Thousand Essential ($48)

And the Ten Thousand Essential incorporates Polygiene to crush odor and has breezy, laser-cut holes in the armpits.

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This gear will help you survive a night (or two or three) in the snow.

Fj盲llr盲ven Expedition Down Parka No. 1 ($1,500)

Built for Arctic conditions by a company with a long heritage in polar exploration, this is one of Fj盲llr盲ven鈥檚 warmest, . A full 23 ounces of 800-fill down are sandwiched between a waxed, recycled poly-cotton blend that鈥檚 wind and water resistant.

Kovea Giga Sun Heater ($480)

This is the most innovative we鈥檝e seen. Based on a traditional Korean furnace, the propane-fueled Giga Sun pumps out 23,000 BTUs in a 360-degree radius.

Canada Goose Arctic Tech Shearling Pilot Hat ($350)

Canada Goose made this warm enough to be worn at either of the poles. It鈥檚 lined with sheep shearling, and the DWR-coated poly-cotton exterior sheds falling sleet and snow.

Baffin Impact Boots ($270)

The heart of Baffin鈥檚 iconic is the company鈥檚 signature eight-layer removable lining, inspired by Inuit sealskin footwear. Its insulating layers wick moisture, while a double-layer aluminum membrane traps heat.

Feathered Friends Snowy Owl EX -60 Sleeping Bag ($1,079)

This was designed to be the warmest on the planet. And with 52.9 ounces of responsibly sourced 900-fill goose down, a contoured hood, and a comfort rating of minus 60 degrees, it probably is.

United by Blue Ultimate American Socks ($38)

A super-insulating makes these eminently winter-ready.

Columbia Powder Keg Ski Pants ($250)

These fully seam-sealed are the last word in warmth. Synthetic insulation and inte颅rior metallic dots reflect body heat, so your seat stays warm on ass-numbingly slow lift rides.

Stanley Master Vacuum Bottle ($65)

This copper coating and foil liner keep your coffee piping hot.

Black Diamond Absolute Mitts ($220)

These weren鈥檛 made for shoveling the driveway. Stuffed with 540 grams of PrimaLoft Kodenshi, and its comfort zone of minus 40 degrees will fend off frostbite high in the mountains.

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Seven essentials that were literally designed to听help you听ward off heat stroke.听

Outdoor Research Gauge Shirt ($59)

This is made of Polartec Delta, a new wicking fabric that strikes a balance between clammy cotton and fast-drying polyester. A combination of hydrophobic and philic yarns knit into a honeycomb structure moves moisture to the outside of the fabric, where it鈥檚 air-chilled and then鈥攊mportant鈥攈eld close enough to cool the skin.

Buff UV Headband ($15)

There are more than a dozen ways to wear the versatile, protective and keep the sun off your noggin or the sweat from your eyes. And because it blocks 95 percent of UV rays, it helps keep you from frying, too.

Deuter Zugspitze 24 Pack ($119)

is an updated version of Deuter鈥檚 1984 classic鈥攐ne of the first to sport the company鈥檚 ingenious (and much copied) fully ventilated trampoline-back system. Lightweight mesh creates ample space between you and the bag to let hot air escape, preventing raging back sweat.

Columbia Coolhead Ballcap III Hat ($32)听

to deflect glare when you鈥檙e casting a line or charging down a trail. UPF 50 fabric protects your dome from the sun鈥檚 harsh rays, and an elastic sweatband imprinted with small hydrophilic rings absorbs sweat.

Zoot Chill Out Arm Cooler Sleeves ($35)听

It seems counter-intuitive to cover your arms with fabric on a blazing-hot day in the saddle, but move moisture away from the skin to promote evaporative cooling. Plus, the interiors are printed with Xylitol, a naturally occurring sugar alcohol that absorbs body heat through your sweat.

Balega Blister Resist No Show Socks ($13)

Despite generous cushioning, these stay dry and live up to their name with a combination of absorbent mohair wool and technical, wicking Drynamix fibers. A mesh panel across the top further vents hot feet.

Coolcore听5-inch Shorts ($40)

When your run heats up,听听cool you down, thanks to loose-knit hollow-core polyester fibers that soak up sweat (or water, if you splash 鈥檈m) and distribute it across the fabric鈥檚 surface, lowering skin surface temperatures by up to 30 percent.

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Vans SK8-Hi MTE ($85)

The MTE stands for Mountain Edition, a hint that this skater high-top is for more than popping ollies. A Scotchgard-treated leather and suede upper and an insulated liner keep the cold out, and the vulcanized sole offers beefy traction.

Merrell Sugarbush Waterproof ($230)

Named for the maple groves filling the Vermont valley where Merrell was born 35 years ago, the Sugarbush melds the latest tech (a waterproof layer, breathable antimicrobial lining, and grippy Vibram outsole) with a timeless look.

Tretorn Gill ($120)

A cross between a high-top canvas sneaker and a weatherproof duck boot, the Gill benefits from Tretorn鈥檚 European legacy and century-plus of design experience. Those combine in an understated street shoe that can slog through slush and puddles without letting in a drop.

Forsake Trail ($150)

The Trail was made for flirting with dirt, with chunky directional lugs, a debris-shedding gusseted tongue, and a water颅proof membrane. But unlike traditional hikers, this leather and suede beauty has undeniable urban style and the soft ride of a plush EVA midsole.

Lowa Seattle GTX Qc ($210)

With a Gore-Tex liner and Lowa鈥檚 ingenious footbed鈥攅very step expels heat and moisture from tiny perforations in the cuff鈥攖his sophis颅ticated听leather- and wool-trimmed brogan听prevents damp toes.

Ridgemont Outfitters Heritage ($159)

The Heritage may be inspired by the rigid alpine footwear of yesteryear, but it has an easy-walking outsole鈥攆lexible in the forefoot for comfort, stiffer from arch to heel for stability. Throw in a waterproof membrane and it鈥檚 not so backward-looking after all.听

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The days are getting shorter. Here's the best gear to brighten your path.

Light and Motion Imjin 800 Bike Lamp ($200)

When dawn-patrol rides take unexpected (perhaps off-road) turns, the leads the way. The tiny spot mounts easily to a helmet or handlebars.听

Night Runner 270掳 Shoe Lights ($60)

These clip to your laces. Wide white beams illuminate 30 feet up front, while rear red ones ensure you鈥檙e visible to trailing traffic.

Sugoi Zap Training Jacket ($165)

Sure, it sheds drizzle, but shows its true colors after sundown, when headlights turn its reflective fabric into a disco-ball-inspired attention grabber.

Pearl Izumi Elite听Thermal Bib Tights ($155)

Venture beyond sweaty trainer sessions with these . Fluorescent blocking on the calves helps drivers recognize you faster.听

Goal Zero Lighthouse Micro Flash Torch ($25)

This pocket-friendly, puts out a maximum 150 lumens, enough to light your campsite. Bonus for being waterproof and rechargeable.听

MPowerd Luci听Outdoor 2.0 Lantern ($15)听

When space is at a听premium, this solar-powered, inflatable, flattens out, then puffs back up when needed.听

Showers Pass Transit Waterproof Pack ($264)听

Fully weatherized听and made of ballistic-strength nylon, sports four bright red LEDs. Visible from 500 yards, the lights flicker or pulse to draw eyes.

Coleman Conquer 200L LED Headlamp ($35)听

Coleman packed this visual aid with features like automatic adjustment and touch-free control鈥攚ave your hand to cycle through lighting modes.听

Giro Republic LX听Reflective Cycling Shoes ($190)

Stylish by day, this glows under headlights. A stiff outsole and cleat provide pedaling power if you鈥檙e running late.听

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These lightweight jackets听will keep you dry and happy in all kinds of conditions.听Forecast be damned.听

Mountain Hardwear Supercharger Shell ($225)听

Best for: Setting alpine speed records
Developed for alpinist Ueli Steck, this jacket is crafted from Mountain Hardwear鈥檚 and weighs just six ounces, making it the brand鈥檚 lightest-ever fully taped, waterproof-breathable offering. No surprise given Steck鈥檚 proclivities: last year the Swiss Machine scaled 82 western Alps peaks of 13,000-plus-feet in 80 days. Bonus: the interior stretch pocket is great for stashing small tools.听

Garneau NeoShell听($280)

Best for: Staying dry in the saddle
To create this comfortable , Garneau used Polartec NeoShell, a water-shedding, air-permeable material with two-way stretch and a softer feel than standard hard shells. We love the trim fit, reflective hits on all sides, articulated elbows, and rear stash pocket for tubes, tools, and snacks. But we especially appreciate how quietly it moves with us when we鈥檙e bent over the handlebars on wild and woolly spring rides.听

Arc鈥檛eryx Norvan SL Hoody听($299)

Best for: Running up the steeps
uses Gore-Tex Active, Gore鈥檚 new two-layer fabric that鈥檚 a pared-down version of its traditional membranes, lending it exceptional levels of breathability. On top of that, the folks at Arc鈥檛eryx stripped superfluous pockets, drawcords, and adjustable cuffs from the four-ounce Norvan SL, leaving behind a lithe and efficient stormproof shell that proves sometimes less is more.听

Salomon Bonatti WP ($150)

Best for: Breezing by on a budget听
With the 2.5-layer , Salomon sought to give endurance athletes sub-seven-ounce protection at an affordable price without skimping on features. It succeeded. Asymmetrical cuffs keep weather off the hands, a nifty single-snap closure converts the entire front zipper into a vent for dumping heat, and the Skin Fit hood, with an elastic headband and excellent peripheral vision, is the snuggest we鈥檝e seen on a running jacket.听

The North Face FuseForm Dot Matrix ($199)

Best for: Doing it all鈥攁ll year long听
The North Face updated with its DryVent 2.5, which uses a breathable polyurethane coating and a patterned liner that TNF claims raises the fabric off the skin. However it works, the results elevate an already versatile piece into the high-output realm. Mountain bikers, joggers, and hikers will love the airy pit zips, pack-friendly hand pockets, and adjustable cuffs, hood, and hem.听

Patagonia Torrentshell听($129)

Best for: Roaming far and wide
Always looking to reduce its environmental footprint, Patagonia tweaked the to include a recycled nylon face fabric. The reworked 2.5-layer jacket keeps the elements on the outside with the company鈥檚 microporous polyurethane H2No membrane, a DWR coating, and storm flaps over every zipper. Though heavier and less breathable than some of the other jackets here, it鈥檚 a solid travel shell that鈥檚 suitable for hiking and urban exploration.听

Columbia OutDry Ex Diamond Rain Shell ($400)

Best for:听Slogging through a deluge
Despite the old-school rain-slicker mojo, packs state-of-the-art innovation in waterproof construction. Where most shells sandwich a fragile inner membrane between a pair of protective layers, this one exposes it, bonding an abrasion-resistant polymer to the face to beef it up and a softer, wicking liner next to your skin for comfort. The result is backpacking-ready armor that won鈥檛 wet out in biblical drenchers.听

Outdoor Research Realm ($279)

Best for: Topping out on tricky climbs
is OR鈥檚 latest foray into waterproof-breathable technology, and it鈥檚 aimed at hard efforts in vertical environments. The new AscentShell construction drops a proprietary polyurethane membrane between nylon face fabric and polyester backing. Its mechanical stretch and massive underarm panels offer great freedom of movement for swinging an ice ax or nailing a crux move.听

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The price of 900-fill goose down has increased by 46 percent听over the past seven years, from $55 per pound to $80. But synthetic and wool insulations are cheaper to produce, and their heat reten颅tion is catching up to that of down, resulting in more-affordable jackets for the budget conscious. Here are eight of the best.

Arc鈥檛eryx Nuclei AR ($399)

Best For: Fast and light ascents

You don鈥檛 have to trade warmth for low weight on your next alpine epic. Arc鈥檛eryx stripped away superfluous pockets and adjusters from , leaving behind a windproof, water-resistant storm shelter that weighs less than a pound and packs into a Nalgene-size stuff sack. Inside, 100 grams of Coreloft insulation will keep you toasty even during the coldest, wettest bivy.听

Westcomb Tango Hoody ($300)

Best For: Taking on all tasks

The Canadian-built may be outwardly unassuming鈥攊t鈥檚 preposterously thin, is short on flashy doodads, and has just two pockets鈥攂ut the combination of breathable Polartec Alpha insulation and a weather-shedding Pertex shell makes it ideal for a host of cold-weather pursuits. This hoodie is perfect paired with a base layer for trail running or worn under a hard shell for off-piste charging.听

Eddie Bauer Mountain Ops ($249)

Best For:听Reorganizing the gear shed

While most winter jackets are designed for playing in the snow, is made for getting work done. The tough-as-nails 500-denier Cordura fabric is water-resistant, but it really shines in the face of serious effort鈥攍ike repairing a snowblower or clearing brush. PrimaLoft Silver Hi-Loft insulation traps plenty of body heat, and articulated elbows open up your ax swing.听

The North Face FuseForm Insulated Dot Matrix ($299)

Best For: Snowshoeing Hurricane Ridge

The only truly waterproof jacket here, the offers optimal protection against soggy Pacific Northwest winters. Its HyVent shell easily repels water, and PrimaLoft Silver Eco fill doesn鈥檛 wet out in the rain. Pit zips and FuseForm construction鈥攚hich integrates strong nylon in high-wear zones and breathable polyester through the torso鈥攈elp keep you dry, too.听

Montane Hi-Q Luxe听($239)

Best For: Besting a down puffy

The is made for big-mountain missions in wild weather. It鈥檚 stuffed with Gold Luxe, PrimaLoft鈥檚 best synthetic fill yet: it鈥檚 nearly as lightweight, warm, and packable as down but still insulates when soaked and dries much faster. Storm-ready features include a baffled zipper flap and an insulated hood that can be rolled and stowed once conditions improve.听

Icebreaker MerinoLoft Stratus Long Sleeve Zip Hood ($300)

Best For:听Keeping warm, sustainably

Being eco-friendly doesn鈥檛 have to mean settling for second-rate insulation. Icebreaker鈥檚 packs a 180-gram, water-resistant, recycled-merino blend into a 100 percent recycled-polyester shell. You could make this sharp-looking, weather-shedding hoodie your outer layer, but on winter hikes we like it as a midlayer offering extra protection.听

Eider Pace ($300)

Best For: Big moves, from backcountry to crag

This refined active layer is meant to be worn all day, from dawn patrol straight through to post-climb beers. The stretchy, works in tandem with PrimaLoft鈥檚 60-gram Silver 4Flex insulation to move and breathe like your favorite fleece, but with the warmth and protection of a down jacket. Wear it ski touring or on any intensely aerobic stop-and-go outing.听

Columbia Microcell Hooded ($200)

Best For: Boosting heat听on the chairlift

Like other synthetic puffies, keeps insulating when it鈥檚 wet. But Columbia鈥檚 Omni-Heat lining reflects warmth back at the wearer鈥檚 body, so it keeps your temperature up even as the mercury drops. Sport the Microcell around town, layer it under a hard shell, or pack it down to the size of a football and toss it in your go bag for a lightweight insurance policy.听

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