Soft shell jackets, made of a spongy, wetsuit-like material, have for years been worn by mountain climbers and skiers. But in many circumstances, I've discovered, they're perfect for travelers. The ...

Expensive. Can't use the hand pockets with a climbing harness. Like most durable water repellents, it uses carcinogenic perfluorocarbons in the waterproofing process. When it comes to outdoor ...

Welcome to Ask a Gear Editor, our monthly column where we answer readers’ most puzzling gear questions. Have a burning question of your own? Become an Outside+ member to ask an Outside expert for ...

When you live in the southern Appalachians, like I do, you have to ignore the weather forecast—there’s always rain on the horizon. Afternoon thunderstorms are as ubiquitous as sweet tea down here, so ...

Buying a jacket for the outdoors can be intimidating. Do you want soft shell or hard shell? Gore-Tex or Gore-Tex Pro? And, most confusing of all: waterproof or water-resistant? In this article, we ...

A softshell jacket you can put on and leave on is the king of outerwear. Top notch softshells make hardshells irrelevant. A softshell jacket you can put on and leave on is the king of outerwear. There ...

As nights draw in and bills bite, families reach for clever layers that cut windchill without weighing them down. Shoppers are hunting practical pieces that bridge the gap between summer hoodies and ...