If you browse for a new hard shell jacket either online or at a retail store you might be overwhelmed by the vast number of products and featured technologies. What is the difference between a shell ...

The best layer you can pack, for really any adventure, is a hardshell jacket. There are expectations, of course, but really only for those who live on the equator. A hardshell is a durable, waterproof ...

If you’re after a really good buy, take a look at Patagonia‘s Rain Shadow jacket ($179). It employs the now-popular 2.5-layer construction, in which the inner “layer” is really just a raised pattern.

When it comes to winter sports, I often opt for a hard shell instead of a ski jacket because I want to strategically layer so I can easily control my temperature. It might seem counterintuitive that a ...

The Mammut Taiss Hard Shell is a high-spec jacket that works well for technical mountain use throughout the year, thanks to a range of climber-focused features and the use of the Swiss brand’s own ...

You can't beat the warmth-to-weight ratio of the Rab Mythic G insulated jacket. However, in the coldest climates, it may not ...

Our picks for the best tried-and-true women's ski jackets of 2026.

1. This is simply the most adapt-able winter-specific storm shell we tested. The key is Schoeller’s new waterproof-breathable fabric with c_change technology, a membrane with a polymer structure that ...

Do you have the right kind of winter coat? Are you about to buy one? Early Show consumer correspondent Susan Koeppen says there are literally hundreds to choose from: down jackets, soft shell, hard ...

If you’re about to go on a hike, you need to be prepared for all possibilities. You know, awful weather, falling rocks, wild bears. (Maybe mostly the first one of those.) Rain, sleet, snow—these and ...

Skiing is usually an activity done in cold and snow conditions, although there will be times when temperatures are warmer due to sunshine, or because you have built up heat though exertion. This ...