Hard shells protect you from harsh winter environments and can withstand hard use, making them an essential winter activity. This "how safe and comfortable can you live in a harsh environment" is, by any means, one of the sources of identity for mountain tools. In that sense, I think there is no doubt that Hardshell is a particularly competitive field among outdoor wear, where each brand uses cutting-edge technology that is always sharpened to show off their own existence. In other words, we can't take our eyes off the trends in new releases every year.
What's worse, when looking at this year's new products, is that there are few groundbreaking new materials and innovative innovations that will affect the entire category, and the overall situation is becoming somewhat mature. However, in return, small advances and improvements have been made in regards to weaknesses and shortcomings that existed in each category, and models such as mountain climbing and BC have been improved, making it even more complete. In other words, all models are generally well-made, and it seems that they are becoming increasingly difficult to choose from. Ah, it's bothering me.
So this year, I'd like to pick out the models I've actually checked out at the store and stunned by the new hard shell, and write about my fantasies for this winter. As usual, the weights shown are the basic measured values, and ★★★, which indicate rough characteristics, are only a guide. Please use this as a reference when choosing reliable outerwear for the winter season.
We also recommend this article about hardshells.
table of contents
table of contents
Hardshells that editorial department will be paying attention to in the 2017-2018 season
finetrack Everbless Glide Jacket
Weather resistance★★☆ Breathable★★★ Mobility★★★ Snowy mountain climbing★★☆ BC skiing★★★
A hard shell made from the unique material "Everbless," which has long lasting water pressure. Until last year, FineTrack's hard shell for backcountry (BC) was called Everbreath Alma, but with this complete renewal, the name has also been completely changed. Personally, this new model has improved comfort and ease of use in every part of the season.
The newly designed fabric is lightweight at 50D (520g overall), but not only has its strength increased, but it also has excellent stretchability that stretches both vertically and horizontally. It's been enough to be the case in a way that it was just horizontal stretching, but with this model change, its ease of movement has been further refined, so it's no longer in control. The lining has also been made from knit fabric for a long time, making it soft to the touch. Furthermore, with this model change, there are plenty of pockets, which were slightly smaller. In addition to the left and right hand warmer pockets, there is also a left chest pocket, left sleeve pocket, and an inner pocket, so you can rest assured. By the way, despite the fact that the number of parts has increased, the weight is almost the same as the previous model, which is worthy of being appreciated.
It is of course not blind spots for BC skiing, including powder skirts with a top fastening that is difficult to tighten, but it is not particularly thick or the length is not particularly long, so it is also suitable for use with Alpine skiing. I feel like this is more versatile and easy to use than FineTrack's other hard shell, Everbless Acro
Arc'teryx Beta LT Jacket
Weather resistance★★☆ Breathable★★☆ Mobility★★★ Snowy mountain climbing★★★ BC skiing★☆☆
Beta LT which was remodeled this fall by Arc'teryx , is more of a waterproof and breathable outerwear that can be used all year round, rather than a genuine hard shell specifically for snowy mountains. However, that is truly impressive. It is not the common "double" thing, but has the performance that makes you feel that it can be done anytime, anywhere.
First of all, the most notable thing is that it is light at 345g. It's light enough for summer rainwear. Not only is the elimination of ventilation, but it also uses techniques that the brand can use, such as 8mm seam tape and a lightweight, non-freezing zipper. The 40D GORE-TEX® Pro material and the microgrid backer lining combine durability, breathability and light weight, making it strong enough for a standard hard shell for winter mountains. The surprises have faded away, but the meticulously designed three-dimensional cutting is still undeniable in terms of both good silhouette and ease of movement.
However, other than two hand warmer pockets and the inner pocket of the left chest, there is no storage space, and there is no ski-friendly features such as a snow skirt. Although these features have been omitted in exchange for lighter weight, we have achieved simplicity and versatility that can be used for any seasonal activity. I am still ashamed to the solid construction that has not lost its quality, including the parts that have been stripped off, the front zipper that can be opened and closed smoothly, and the hood drawstring that can be easily adjusted with gloves.
Mountain Hardwear Boundary Seeker Jacket
Weather resistance★★☆ Breathable★★★ Mobility★★☆ Snowy mountain climbing★☆☆ BC skiing★★★
Neoshell, a globally-owned material manufacturer from Polartec, is making a buzzing noise in many ways, from winter clothing to innerwear, and Neoshell is taking an even greater offensive this season. This waterproof and breathable outer for BC was launched in a comprehensive partnership with MHW, and is a very interesting model with numerous comfortable and convenient gimmicks.
The standard thickness for 40D and BC skiing uses, Neoseshell is moderately stretchy, with a soft, rough surface that looks like a soft shell, and is comfortable to wear and easy to move around with, including the suppleness of the lining. The length is long, so the silhouette is a little looser. Although this is a bit of a choice, I felt that the basic cutting was as stylish as MHW as ever, so there was no problem.
What's most notable is its functionality. The hand warmer pocket, chest pocket, and large inner pockets are placed on the left and right, making them extremely easy to store. In particular, the chest pocket on the right is a ventilation pocket that allows direct access to the inner pocket. In addition to the pass pocket on the left sleeve, there is also a zipper pocket with a goggle wiper, making it a bit convenient. The hood is well-considered and can be cleverly adjusted to suit the presence or absence of a helmet, and the model combines the comfort and convenience that only this model can offer, in every detail. To be honest, I'm sure I'll be paying attention this season in the sense that it gave me a lot of fresh surprises from things I hadn't expected at all.
THE NORTH FACE GTX Pro Jacket
Weather resistance★★☆ Breathable★★★ Mobility★★★ Snowy mountain climbing★★★ BC skiing★★☆
TNF's high-end lineup, "SUMMIT SERIES," has been completely renewed this year. GTX Pro jacket was born this season as the top model for Alpines, from climbing snowy mountains to climbing ice walls . At first glance, I don't dislike the design and coloring that somehow returns to its originality.
For climbing, we use GORE-TEX® Pro, which is extremely reliable in terms of strength. The 40D line has the best balance between durability and mobility. The three-dimensional cutting, which involves studying the movements of people expected when climbing an ice wall using motion capture and recreating them as cutting patterns, is certainly highly complete, and there is no sense of tension caused by raising the arms. What's particularly noteworthy is the front zipper developed in collaboration with YKK, with the zipper teeth placed directly on the fabric, and the high design is simply amazing. Plus, it has a light, slippery feel. It's true that I'm not particularly particular about thinking about it calmly, but on the other hand, I also find myself wanting this alone. The front zipper pocket is large enough, and it has a snow skirt so it looks like it will be satisfying for ski-like use.
mont-bell stream parka
Weather resistance ★★★ Breathable ★★☆ Mobility ★☆☆ Snowy mountain climbing ★★★ BC skiing ★☆☆
Montbell's classic hard shell for snowy mountains has also been remodeled this season. The name has also been changed. However, the feature remains the same as the previous model, and the GORE-TEX Pro is 70D and has a robust durability, taking into account all the features, and that's all about the high cost performance of this price.
What's noteworthy about the changes from the previous model is that it has been significantly lighter, weighing 494g to 435g. This is probably the result of reducing the weight with small details, such as using a lightweight GORE-TEX pack light to make the hood part. However, it is probably because changing the materials made it difficult to maintain the same color, but I feel like I could ask if this coloring could not be done much. Although it is not the best in terms of design, comfort and usability, there is no doubt about safety. This is the option for those who want to get the best performance at the lowest possible price.
NORRONA lofoten Gore-Tex Pro Jacket
Weather resistance★★★ Breathable★★☆ Mobility★★☆ Snowy mountain climbing★★☆ BC skiing★★★
NORRONA's finest shell jacket has been attracting attention as it was worn by Big Mountain skier Sasaki Daisuke, who skied down Denali this year. GORE-TEX Pro's highly durable, highly mobility, and hand gaiters at the cuffs are not only reliable, and you can safely leave it to climbing and downhill in harsh situations, but above all, the beautiful silhouette and design unique to Scandinavian brands has an indescribable charm. We also pay attention to functionality such as goggle cloth inside the pocket, and we are also looking forward to the new ventilation zipper on the chest with this season's model change.
THE NORTH FACE RTG flight jacket
Weather resistance★★☆ Breathable★★★ Mobility★★☆ Snowy mountain climbing★☆☆ BC skiing★★★
After introducing it so far, I think it's about time that this season's new releases have a hot hard shell for BC. This is also a model for BC skiing, but TNF in particular has released several collaboration models with various contract skiers, making it a very interesting situation. Among them, this RTG flight jacket was particularly noteworthy. The GORE-TEX® C-KNIT BACKER, which is used as a material, is not as strong as a Pro shell, but is durable enough to avoid friction caused by ropes or harnesses, and is light, supple and comfortable to wear, and is highly breathable, making it a material suitable for BC. This model uses the C-KNIT to its fullest extent and has many features for BC. Not only is it suitable for sliding downhill patterning, but it also has a collar that is easier to stand up and less cramped around the neck than other items, and a ventilation mouth that is easy to expel exhalation, making it much more specialized for BC than regular hard shells. The price is also attractive, as it is a bit of a low price for a hard shell.
Teton Bros. TB3 Jacket
Weather resistance★☆☆ Breathable★★★ Mobility★★★ Snowy mountain climbing★☆☆ BC skiing★★★
TB3 jacket is a newly released model by Teton Bros., a leading Japanese mountain ski brand that uses Neosell, which has been highly breathable and pursues unique comfort, quietly releasing its classic TB jacket behind its classic TB jacket . The unique fabric, developed in collaboration with Polartec, has been made with a knit lining on the traditional Neosell, making it even more supple and lighter. After wearing it, it's so light that it looks like it's a hard shell and easy to move in. The slimmer silhouette than a TB jacket fits the skin in a way that sticks to the skin. Neosell, which has previously been well-known not only in terms of breathability but also in terms of comfort, has been further improved to make it even more comfortable, and although it is unknown about durability, it has given it a sense of quality as a rival to GORE-TEX® and a waterproof and breathable material with its own unique personality, to foreshadow a fun future.
summary
As mentioned earlier, this season, the innovation in the classic snowy mountain climbing activity has subsided, and it has become clear that we have now come to stock interesting models for BC skis. Will BC skiing be finally becoming more popular in Japan? Personally, I'm planning to get into BC skiing this season, so I'll be looking forward to reviewing BC ski gear other than hard shells in the future, so please look forward to it!
