Let’s get something straight: Choosing a new shell or puffy can be complicated. Two-layer vs. three-layer? Down vs. synthetic? Understanding apparel jargon requires speaking a second language, so we wanted to provide a foundational vocabulary for the reviews that follow. Denier, which you’ll find in jacket reviews, is a unit of measurement for a fabric’s fibers. Higher denier equals thicker material. Membranes like Gore-Tex or BD.dry make hard- and softshell layers waterproof and breathable; durable waterproof repellant (DWR) is sprayed on outer and insulating layers to provide some weatherproofing. Fill weight is the amount of loft down has; higher-fill down can use less material than lower fill to achieve the same warmth. Hydrophobic down is treated so it retains loft (and warmth) when wet. We’ve worked to make these reviews clear, and we hope this primer helps when you hit new terms. It’s the Rosetta Stone to understanding how and where apparel companies shave ounces off their gear while maintaining or improving stormproofness. It might make finding your next warm layer a bit less complicated. —The Editors
Norrona Lyngen Gore-Tex
“On the ounce count, it rivals the rain jacket I used to carry, but it’s warmer and better in all backcountry conditions, from cold-ass storm days to spring skimo missions.” —Tom Hallberg
Flylow Baker Perm Bib
flylowgear.com · $520 · S-XXL
“I have always been told Flylow made the best bibs, and now I know why. I love it!” —Conor McNamara
Rab Mythic Ultra
rab.equipment.com · $475 · S-XXL
“It felt like everything I want in a puffy and nothing more. No faff or unnecessary features.” —Mike Parri
Montane Fireball Lite Hoodie
montane.com · $259 · XS-XL
“This type of layer is what I humbly believe we should all have in our quiver of jackets.” —Katie Cooney
Artilect Flatiron 185
artilect.studio · $115 (top), $115 (bottom) · XS-XXL
Kohla Vertical Mixmohair Skins
kohlaskins.com · $210
Salomon MTN Carbon S3
salomon.com · $200
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