Ask the Gear Guy
Best winter jacket for hiking
What is the best winter jacket for hiking and at the best price?
Chilly Billy, Pipersville, Pa.
Well, Chilly, the short answer is there isn’t one best jacket that does it all. Buy a layering system. That way you can bundle up when it’s cold and rainy, then peel off the layers when the sun comes out or when you’re hiking really hard.
Start with a fleece vest for warmth. Something like the Columbia Cathedral Peak is a good choice ($35; www.boyslife.org/links/columbia or 503-985-4000). This should fit snug; wear it over your long underwear top.
Next, you’ll want a softshell jacket. Softshells are made of stretchy nylon that’s windproof and water-resistant. One of the best values I know of is the REI Neo ($99; www.boyslife.org/links/rei or 1-800-426-4840). It’ll get you through 90 percent of weather conditions – everything except a full-on downpour.
For that, you’ll want to throw on your third layer: a waterproof outershell jacket like the Marmot PreCip ($99; www.boyslife.org/links/marmot or 1-888-357-3262). A poncho from www.boyslife.org/links/scoutstuff would work, too (and be cheaper), but jackets like the PreCip are breathable so you won’t get sticky and sweaty.
Feb. 6, 2008 at 8:07 am
I like your idea of layering. My Wolf Cub and I have just begun looking at your site and really, really like it. Wish there was something like this when I was a scout all those many years ago. Do your Best.
May. 11, 2008 at 11:36 pm
althogh $233 is very expensive, it seems like the perfect thing for Alaska, which is where I now live.
Jun. 14, 2008 at 2:31 pm
If you need a good new winter jacket, you should look to this advice first. Layering up and enjoying the winter time is what the cold months are all about- not edxpiring credit cards to find the newest and fanciest coats. Another great possible coat would be the LL Bean model of a three-in-one layered coat. That coat can help protect you from the elements at a lower price than all these coats together. However, all of these coats are not costly, and will be long lasting if you buy about one size too big. Try to make outdoor clothing last for both monatary and environmental reasons.
Sep. 27, 2008 at 4:01 pm
Wow. I wish the boss would give me a break!