Comparison review: We compared the hard shell jacket, a reliable ally for the snowy mountains and outdoors.

Speaking of hard shells, winter outer jackets are made to withstand harsh natural environments covered in wind and snow. Over the course of two years, I compared them a lot. At the beginning of the season, I looked over the latest models and picked out some of the most popular models, but this time it's like checking the answers, as I actually tried out some of the best models, including them, in the field.

What you want is not the "strongest" but the "optimal" one

Looking at the lineup of recent hardshell brands, we see differences in applications ranging from rough alpine and backcountry to more detailed categories such as traverse, ice climbing, skiing tours, and free skiing, to differences in periods such as harsh winters to remaining snow seasons, the era has subsided from the higher spec "strongest" competition, and has shifted to "optimal" competition for different purposes. As a result, even for the same brand, there is a wide variety of models with small differences in characteristics, and in order to choose the best one, you need to determine the difference in characteristics and try comparing them to your own usage.

Most people will probably buy it once and use it for a few years, so you'd like to choose a piece that fits perfectly with your own range of use, not just the design. So this time, we would like to report on the results of our editorial team picking nine recommended items selected from a unique perspective and comparative evaluations from various angles.

About the hard shells compared this time

In this comparison, among the major domestic and international manufacturers,

• Models that are intended to be standard snowy mountain traversing or backcountry as their main uses

With this in mind, we have made it possible to create variations in various ways, including brand, release year, material type, fabric thickness, pockets, ventilation, and form, and the following nine candidates for comparison reviews were included.

• Arc'teryx Beta LT Jacket
• finetrack Everbless Glide
• finetrack Everbreath Accro
• HAGLOFS SPITZ JACKET (tested ROC HIGH II JACKET)
• Patagonia Refugitive Jacket
• Rab Latok Alpine Jacket
• Teton Bros. TB Jacket
• THE NORTH FACE Obsession RTG Jacket
• THE NORTH FACE RTG flight jacket

Of course, there are some personal preferences, but it is certain that both are highly popular and well-known.

Test environment

From December 2016 to early March 2018, it was worn for traversing around Mt. Yatsugatake, Okuchichibu, Tanigawa and the Alps, and for backcountry skiing. I wore it in a variety of environments: sunny, cloudy, snowy, and rain. Inside, the base layer of merino wool and the insulation of synthetic fibers creates a situation where you don't feel the cold directly before acting on it.

As a standard for this test, I will write about the performance (evaluation items) required for a hard shell.

First of all, in the midst of all weather changes such as snow, wind, rain, and cold, hard shells that must respond to hard activities such as skiing and climbing are required to be weather- resistant . For convenience, we will also include durability that indicates the wear, tear, and tear of the fabric.

In addition, outdoor activities in winter are surprisingly active, such as stocking skiing, driving axes when climbing, and shoveling snow at Russell, so it is necessary to have a shape and comfort that can be used to deal with intense movements. In that sense, comfort and mobility are important factors.

Furthermore, no matter how cold the season is, sweating is a must with intense movements. Is there a mechanism to prevent the sweat emitted from the entire body as water vapor and prevent the body from getting wet? Two factors have a major connection to this. One is ventilation , and the other breathability .

And then, it's lightness. Considering the common sense of hard shells, it is certain that the thicker the material, the easier it is to prevent outside air, but with advances in technology, thinner and lighter materials have emerged with the same performance, so weight is one of the points to be appreciated.

The parts that relate to the shape and ease of adjustment of the hood, the number, position, size of the pockets, functions, and ease of use are also important factors that bring out the concept and personality of each model, such as specialized in the activities they expect and being designed to be general-purpose. It's not simply good to have more features, but too few will make it difficult to use. These points were included as functionality

Test results and spec comparison table

Overall ranking	1st place	1st place	3rd place	4th place	4th place	6th place	6th place	8th place	9th place
item	finetrack Everbless Glide	HAGLOFS SPITZ JACKET	Arc'teryx Beta LT Jacket	Teton Bros. TB Jacket	THE NORTH FACE Obsession RTG Jacket	finetrack Everbreath Accro	Rab Latok Alpine Jacket	Patagonia Refugitive Jacket	THE NORTH FACE RTG flight jacket
Overall score (out of 100)	81	81	80	79	78	77	77	76	74
Reference price	49,680 yen	70,200 yen	68,040 yen	59,400 yen	66,960 yen	46,440 yen	73,440 yen	67,500 yen	51,840 yen
This is ◎	Easy to move, comfortable to wear, ventilation, and plenty of pockets	Weather resistance, lightweight and functional balance, ease of movement	Lightweight and easy to move	Comfort, ventilation, lightweight, optimal pockets, design	Weatherproof, rich features for BC	Ease of movement	Ventilation and breathability, ease of movement	Lightweight, ventilation and breathability,	Rich features for BC
This is △	weight	Zipper stiffness, hood adjustment, price	No ventilation, few pockets, price	Weather resistance, hood adjustment	Comfortable to wear, easy to move, weight	Comfortable	Comfort, functionality, price	Weather resistance, functionality, price	Weather resistant, heavy
Weather Resistance (30 points)	23	25	22	22	25	23	24	21	21
Comfort and mobility (25 points)	23	21	21	22	18	20	17	20	19
Breathable and ventilation (15 points)	12	11	11	13	11	11	13	12	11
Weight (15 pieces)	10	12	15	11	9	11	12	13	9
Functionality (15 points)	13	12	11	11	15	12	11	10	14
Specs
item	finetrack Everbless Glide	HAGLOFS SPITZ JACKET	Arc'teryx Beta LT Jacket	Teton Bros. TB Jacket	THE NORTH FACE Obsession RTG Jacket	finetrack Everbreath Accro	Rab Latok Alpine Jacket	Patagonia Refugitive Jacket	THE NORTH FACE RTG flight jacket
Weight (actual measurement g)	552(M)	475(S)	332(S)	515(M)	639(M)	535(L)	469(S)	405(S)	685(M)
material	Front: 50D 4W stretch nylon ripstop, back: 20D polyester knit, middle layer: Everbless	GORE-TEX® Pro 3 layer, 100% Nylon, 40D GORE-TEX® Pro 3 layer, 100% Nylon 70D	N40p-X 3L GORE-TEX® Pro	Polartec NeoShell	80D GORE-TEX® Pro (3 layers) (front: 100% nylon, middle layer: ePTFE, back: 100% nylon)	Front: 50D4WAY stretch nylon taffeta Back: 20D knit Intermediate: Everbless	eVent® 3L fabric	30D GORE-TEX® C-KNIT BACKER (3 layers) 40D GORE-TEX® C-KNIT BACKER (3 layers)	40d GORE-TEX® C-KNIT BACKER (3-layer)
pocket	Hand warmer pocket 1 inner pocket Arm pocket 1 chest pocket	Chest pocket x2 1 inner pocket Arm pocket	Hand warmer pocket 1 inner pocket	Chest pocket x2 2 inner pockets Arm pocket	2 chest pockets (with sunglasses pocket) 2 inner pockets Arm pocket 1 hem pocket	Hand warmer pocket 2 inner pockets	Chest pocket x2 1 inner pocket	Hand warmer pocket 1 inner pocket Arm pocket	Chest pocket x2 2 inner pockets Arm pocket
Ventilation	flank	Underarm	none	flank	Underarm	flank	Armpits to wrists	Underarm	Underarm
Powder skirt	◯	×	×	×	◯	×	×	×	◯Removable
Other features	Upward fastening powder skirt Gear loop Sound drain hole in the back of the hood	Laminated food brim	RS™ zipper to prevent water leaks Highly maneuverable Cohesive™ Cord Lock		Smooth zipper with integrated fabric Highly maneuverable Cohesive™ Cord Lock	Gear loop for radio Inner cuff to prevent snow from entering Powder harness to reduce the jacket's sliding up Sound drain hole in the back of the hood		Highly maneuverable Cohesive™ Cord Lock	Highly maneuverable Cohesive™ Cord Lock

Evaluation results - Recommended by type

Recommended hard shells that emphasize backcountry comfort

First, we will introduce a ranking of hard shell models that have the best performance and functionality for backcountry skiing and snowboarding. This type tends to focus on breathability and comfort rather than the durability and weight of the fabric. Other features include more pockets as the number of gears is used, and many models have the characteristics of being longer to prevent snow from entering, and having a snow skirt on the inside. These models are not unavailable for winter mountain climbing, but for hard climbs where harnesses are often attached, the long length and thick body can get in the way.

1st place: finetrack Everbless Glide

Everbless Glide

finetrack

49,680 yen

This is ◎

• Durable, flexible, breathable, elastic and stretchy fabric for comfortable wear
• Snow skirt that won't move up
• Highly effective ventilation without getting in the way

This is △

• A large inner pocket net is even more convenient
• It has a slight weight

The entire clothing is made of 4-way stretch material, making it extremely easy to move around

The latest model from FineTrack on 2017/18, a domestic brand that releases ambitious new releases on its own every year. I've seen it as the most popular item I've seen recently from the beginning , but as I had high expectations, it was a very satisfying piece.

The moist, soft shell-like supple fabric is less stiff. The proven waterproof and breathable material "Everbreath" has three layers, making it highly durable and breathable, making it comfortable for a backcountry where you stay for a short time. Furthermore, the company's familiar ventilation system, which is located on both sides, is much better in terms of ventilation and hassle than under the armpits. Above all, the highly stretchy fabric that stretches both vertically and horizontally provides easier movement than any other model, making it suitable for all activities that require greater movement. The hood is not too large or too small, easy to adjust, and the sound-cut holes make it comfortable to use. The best part is that this is surprisingly cost-effective.

Speaking of desire, I want a large elastic pocket in the inner pocket that can hold goggles, gloves, stickers, etc. Although it may be due to weight, the current model is a bit basic in terms of functionality, so it would be nice to focus more on backcountry.

2nd place: Teton Bros. TB Jacket

TB Jacket

Teton Bros.

59,400 yen

This is ◎

• It's not heavy, supple and won't get stuffy, comfortable to wear
• Carefully selected pockets and accessories for backcountry
• design

This is △

• It's hard to understand how to adjust the hood
• A slightly stiff zipper

Not only is it comfortable to wear, but it's also very convenient to use, with large pockets placed in the inner pockets on both sides.

The classic outerwear known only to Teton Bros., a domestic brand that is both popular and well-known in the backcountry field, is a model that has early adopted the waterproof and breathable material Polartec Neosell, and has maximized its breathability and supple comfort while maintaining its weather resistance. It has been several years since its release, but it has been improved in detail and its ability is still in good condition.

The three-dimensional cutting makes it a great fit that is stress-free even when worn for long periods of time. The sophisticated form and colouring make it a charm that makes you want to wear on slopes and in the countryside. With its hood that is not too large, rationally positioned ventilation, Velcro cuffs that are easy to tighten, and pockets of ideal numbers and sizes, it combines simplicity (lightness) and ease of use, making it easy to use, and you can't help but feel the creator's good sense of style.

However, over the past few years, there have been some points that I think can be improved by following other models. For example, the shape of the hood is just right, but when you try to adjust it, it is a bit difficult to understand and can be bothersome to adjust it on both cheeks. There may also be individual differences, but I feel that there is still room for improvement, as the sliding zipper requires a little more force than other parts.

3rd place: THE NORTH FACE Obsession RTG Jacket

Obsession RTG jacket

THE NORTH FACE

66,960 yen

This is ◎

• The highest level of durability and weather resistance
• Tailoring and functions specializing in backcountry
• Zipper that combines design and ease of use

This is △

• A rough, hard fabric
• Weight as a compensation for durability and functionality

The number of pockets on the front and back is great, but the clean design is maintained by newly developed zippers etc.

This season, when new releases for BC were packed with, TNF was particularly enthusiastic, and several collaboration models with various contract skiers were released, and this is one of my favorites.

What's most moving is the front zipper, which was developed in collaboration with YKK. The zipper teeth are placed directly on the fabric, making it look incredibly clean. Not only that, but it's so movingly smooth! I've made a lot of impulse purchases up until now, but I never thought that a "zipper purchase" would happen.

It's only natural that the front zipper on winter jackets is stiff, and when they get sluggish, the flap on the back bites into them, which is a source of stress, but will this finally become a folk tale? We sincerely hope that this innovative technology will become popular in the future.

As for other functions, as it reflects the voices of skiers, it is studded with detailed (sometimes with strong habits) functions everywhere. Among them, the pockets are more than enough, which is a great feature that all skiers love.

However, although I understand the intention, I honestly don't feel that I was impressed by the uniqueness that was not seen in other models, such as the large hood, a comfortable mouth that is easy to stand on, a slightly stiff neck that fills the helmet and neck area, and a thumb hole placed on the sleeves. With its high design that is typical of North, this is a unique piece for those who can love everything, including its unique features.

An all-around hard shell that emphasizes weather resistance and light weight

From here, we will introduce models that are designed mainly for traversing snowy mountains and climbing activities. This type tends to emphasize the durability of the fabric, such as its strength against wear and tear, and because it is quick to act, it tends to emphasize lightness. The length is short to allow for harnesses and swinging up the hands, and the shape is very slim, so it doesn't feel like ski wear. The performance and weight of the clothing will be compromised, so the number of pockets is kept as little as possible. However, performance is not a problem for use in backcountry, so it can be said to be more versatile. If you prefer a slim style and simple pockets, this one will make you happier.

1st place: HAGLOFS SPITZ JACKET

SPITZ JACKET

HAGLOFS

70,200 yen

This is ◎

• Exquisite material use that combines weather resistance and lightness
• Slim and short length, light and easy to move in three-dimensional cutting
• Versatile for both alpine and backcountry

This is △

• The hood adjusts makes it difficult to press the cord lock on the left and right sides of the neck
• A slightly stiff zipper

The hood circumference fits perfectly in both shape, size and hardness. I loved the ROC HIGH II JACKET with a vent on the front, but unfortunately it was omitted from SPITZ.

If you're looking for a choice for those who want to not only do backcountry, but also occasionally do winter mountain traversing or ice climbing, this is the standard shell from HAGLOFS, a Nordic brand that is popular in Japan for its high sense and technical skills. In this test, the high-end model ROC HIGH II JACKET that was worn until last year, but although there are differences in detail, please read it as a SPITZ JACKET that has been handed down in the basics.

In short, it's a wonderfully well-balanced model. The lightweight, highly durable GORE-TEX® Pro is 70D thick for areas where abrasion is severe on the shoulders, back, and waist, to maintain high strength, while the hybrid material mapping is placed at 40D thick for areas where movement and breathability are required, such as the body and armpits, making it a great place to be durable yet comfortable to wear, yet lightweight.

A good balance is not just about basic performance. Despite its short length to avoid interference with the harness and a slim silhouette, it is exquisitely cut and easy to move around. Although there are fewer functions for BC-oriented such as an inner pocket and a snow skirt, skiers are also considered to be the minimum, as the small pocket on the left shoulder is convenient for storing lift tickets. One of my favorite parts is the roomy mouth that is not too big or too tight. Personally, I loved the collar with holes for breath that were found in ROC HIGH II JACKET, but it seems that it was omitted from SPITZ JACKET.

However, this model is well-balanced with durability, comfort, lightness and functionality, making it a highly complete piece that is sure to be used for any purpose or season.

2nd place: Arc'teryx Beta LT Jacket

Beta LT Jacket

Arc'teryx

68,040 yen

This is ◎

• It's as light as rainwear
• Stylish and easy to move in three-dimensional cutting

This is △

• No ventilation and no double zipper
• In exchange for simplicity and lightness, there are few pockets

The newly developed zipper eliminates the need for a zipper garage that is located at the end of the closure (bottom right). This lightness is the result of effort in grams.

Arc'teryx, a lonely brand that strips away waste and pursues refined functions and designs, has been renewed in 2017. As always, I am amazed at how cuts are so much no one would expect.

What's more noteworthy is its lightness. The incredible lightness of 332g (S size) is actually measured, making it a light item for rainwear. In fact, the stress that feels incredibly reduced in winter, making all the other models feel dull. The ingenuity and ingenuity of the details scattered to achieve this lightness is also incredible. The lightweight, highly durable, highly breathable material is the guaranteed GORE-TEX® Pro, which is the thinnest, at 40D. Additionally, the lining is made of ultra-fine seam tape of 8mm in some places. The RS™ zipper slider, which was developed jointly with YKK, has even cut down even the tiny parts called zipper garages. By minimizing the pockets, you can ensure high breathability as clothing, and as a result, even reducing ventilation, which also leads to lighter weight. Even though the thorough weight reduction that seems like a mess at first glance, there is a hidden hidden strategy, and that's truly impressive.

However, this model is just an all-around model, so when you try to find ease of use that is specialized for specific activities, you will certainly feel that it is a bit lacking in terms of functionality. Among them, ventilation and the double zipper on the front are definitely a great feature to improve ventilation at high loads and high temperatures that will make you sweat. It can be used in winter, not too harsh, or in a backpack during hiking or hot days, so it won't get in the way, so it will be a great outerwear for early winter and during the remaining snowy seasons.

3rd place: Rab Latok Alpine Jacket

Latok Alpine Jacket

Rab

73,440 yen

This is ◎

• Highly breathable eVent material and bold ventilation ensure high ventilation.
• Slim and wasteless form and ease of movement due to the three-dimensional cutting

This is △

• The ventilation zipper is stiff, and it feels strange every time you swing your arm
• price

A ventilation that opens to the wrist. If you put your hands on it and open the front zipper, you will be able to ensure the same breathability if you are not wearing it.

A hard shell made from eVent, which is said to boast outstanding performance in terms of breathability. In terms of its high breathability, it may be that it is not suitable for winter as it has a structure that allows air to pass through more than GORE-TEX®, but the fabric is thick and strong enough to prevent wind and snow. The distinctive ventilation that can be opened and closed from the armpits to the wrist provides unbelievable ventilation, and as a result, there was no outerwear that could be worn in any weather or condition as this model. The three-dimensional cutting is easy to move in, and the wired hood is comfortable to use, and although it has minimal functionality, it was very satisfying.

However, it may be a matter of getting used to it, but the ventilation I boast is a little stiff, and I feel a little uncomfortable every time I move my armpits and elbows. The durable vislon zipper on the front is also quite stiff, making it difficult to open and close. You may be concerned about the comfort of your outfit, so try on and check it out when you buy.

Summary and supplements

This time, we were able to try out a variety of waterproof and breathable materials, from GORE-TEX® to eVent and Neoshell. In the past, there were many terrible performances, but at this level the performance difference was quite small, and no matter which one you choose, it was possible to say that there was no fatal mistake.

However, in recent years, there has not been any rapid evolution of material performance, such as durability and breathability, for any brand or material manufacturer, and to be honest, there has been no significant difference between material names and brands (though strictly speaking, this is not strictly speaking). In that sense, it can be said that the current hardshell market has matured to some extent. From the comparisons I made this time, I think that not only would you compare the specs of individual models, but I also thought that by looking at the idea and taste of what kind of materials and functions you chose, it would become important when choosing a hard shell.

However, hard shells are one of the largest areas in which every brand puts in research and development costs, and it is still quite possible that new materials and technologies will emerge that will completely change the situation in the future. I'm always excited to see what surprises will be next season!

We also recommend this article about backpacks

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