In 2021, if you're going to wear it, it's going to be "cracky and slurp and slurp."
Winter is beginning.
A hard shell is the most reliable outerwear to protect yourself from the harsh cold and wind of winter mountains. This layer, which is extremely sturdy, highly functional and of course extremely expensive, has been constantly researching and checking new releases since its inception.
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It's been a while since COVID-19, but this time I'd like to check out the new releases that have been released last year to this year for the first time in a while.
Personally, there are two major events that have made a particularly strong impact on the recent topics surrounding Hardshell.
First of all, the GORE-TEX® PRO, which boasts the highest level of recognition and ability as a waterproof and breathable material used in hard shells, was completely renewed last season. This allows designers to freely choose and create clothes from three types of fabrics with three characteristics: sturdy, high breathability, and stretch.
The other is the major trend of emphasizing the functions of "breathing (extremely high sweat removal)" and "stretching the fabric" that was confirmed with the introduction of the unique waterproof and breathable material "FUTURE LIGHT," which THE NORTH FACE announced about two years ago.
Looking at the lineup of each brand, we can see the atmosphere in which these major trends have been accelerating in earnest this year, with many major brands launching avalanches and introducing models made from unique materials with features such as "various models using the new GORE-TEX® PRO," "high ventilation," and "stretch" into their main line.
Personally, once I've come across new products that have been released over the past 1-2 years, I'm unable to return to models that are highly breathable and not stretchy. As expected, when it comes to choosing a hard shell, these characteristics are unavoidable. That's how the evolution of comfort in hard shells over the past few years is remarkable.
So, this year, I've actually checked out new hard shells in stores as much as possible, and picked out some models that were particularly freaking out. As usual, ★★★, which shows rough characteristics, are just a guide. Please use this as a reference when choosing reliable outerwear as you prepare for the winter season.
table of contents
Hardshell Jacket I want this year 2021-2022
HAGLOFS Rock Nordic GTX Pro Jacket
Weather resistance ★★★ Breathable ★★☆ Mobility ★★★ Pockets ★☆☆ Snow mountain climbing ★★★ BC skiing ★★☆
It's a sudden question, but I bought this model because I wanted it so much. Hoglovs' premium hard shell, which I don't doubt that it will be the world's top class if we create a high-quality, well-designed hard shell, is a model that maps all types of new GORE-TEX® PRO fabrics into the right place with a volume that is not too thick or too thin. Personally, I think the fabric structure is currently the least weak (unless you consider the price).
Despite the lean silhouette, the movement around the shoulders is smooth and the fit around the hood is still as good as ever. The ventilation under the armpits is also divided into two parts, making them comfortable and carefully crafted down to the smallest details. The weight is also around 500g.
For me, the only one who works in backcountry is that there are a bit few pockets, but even after that, it's a recommended model that competes with the hard shells currently on the market.
MAMMUT Nordwand Pro HS Hooded Jacket Men
Weather resistance ★★★ Breathability ★☆☆ Mobility ★★★ Pockets ★★☆ Snow mountain climbing ★★★ BC skiing ★★★
This brand is the active hard shell for alpine. It is based on the thick and sturdy GORE-TEX® PRO, so it is a bit heavy, but this one is also equipped with stretch-type GORE-TEX® PRO fabric at key points in the joints, making it extremely mobile.
What's more, it's surprisingly convenient for skiing, such as an inner pocket, a snow skirt, and an IC card pocket. It's obvious that the Eiger Extreme series, the highest-end brand Mammut series, is the Eiger Extreme, but it's quality (and high price) that doesn't hold its name.
OUTDOOR RESEARCH Archangel GORE-TEX Jacket
Weather resistance ★★★ Breathable ★☆☆ Mobility ★★★ Pockets ★★☆ Snow mountain climbing ★★★ BC skiing ★★☆
Actually, this is the model I was aiming for at the beginning of this season. Perhaps it's COVID-19 or the import agency's circumstances, so I gave up so much that it's not normally available in Japan...
A hybrid of high breathability and stretch from the material composition of the new GORE-TEX® PRO, which I had been looking for from the beginning. Stretch panels are luxuriously used throughout the back, providing both robustness and mobility while achieving outstanding mobility through three-dimensional cutting. The colours and design are as beautiful as ever. I've been looking forward to it because I've been doing outdoor research, which has been making a series of hard shell products that have been highly praised overseas in recent years, but unfortunately it seems like it won't be possible to try them on.
THE NORTH FACE Future Light Jacket
Weather resistance★☆☆ Breathable★★★ Mobility★★★ Pockets★★☆ Snowy mountain climbing★★☆ BC skiing★★☆
A hard shell made for all the harsh winter mountain activities, made from FUTURELIGHT, an original waterproof and breathable material from the North Face that was released two years ago with a fancy flair.
It is true that there have been waterproof and breathable materials that are breathable for a long time, but it is definitely FUTURELIGHT that has created a high breathability and stretching boom in recent years. Personally, what I like is not the extraordinary sweat-processing performance, but the comfortable fabric is always flexible and stretchable even when it's thick, at 70D, making it easy to move in and out. Compared to outerwear that is rather rough (and has become quite supple in recent years), such as GORE-TEX®, it is clearly lighter and less stressful. Furthermore, due to the high breathability, ventilation underarms has been omitted, making the roughness fading even less. Although there are some people who like it, it gives you a natural feel that you wouldn't expect from a hard shell. Also, no one says that, but I always love the smooth front zipper on the North Face.
On the other hand, while super-ventilated fabrics like FUTURE LIGHT are super comfortable when moving, if you accidentally wear light clothes inside, you often feel cold when you stop. It's fine as long as you get used to it after knowing its features.
Teton Bros. TB JACKET SE
Weather resistance★★☆ Breathable★★★ Mobility★★★ Pockets★★★ Snowy mountain climbing★☆☆ BC skiing★★★
Teton Bros has not changed its "aggressive attitude" that challenges new materials and new organizations every year. This year, we finally split the sleeves with Polartech Neo Shell, which has been a close relationship for many years, and in collaboration with Toray we have adopted Täsmä This material, which I mentioned at the beginning, is full of the recent trends of maintaining durability and extremely high sweat-processing and stretchability.
The material description states that the durability and waterproofness of the fabric are enhanced without compromising breathability, but what is even more interesting is that it achieves the highest durability and water repellency. Personally, I have experienced a flexible fabric that is likely to quickly decrease water repellency and the surface of the fabric tends to absorb water and become slurping, so I'm looking forward to this.
It is expected that the individual parts and pockets will be satisfactory based on the track record of TB jackets up to now. I'm looking forward to the finer adjustments to the specifications, such as increasing the volume of the inner mesh pocket. The stocks have been delayed due to the coronavirus, but it seems they will finally be available soon. In fact, I'll definitely get it and review it properly this year.
NORRONA lyngen Gore-Tex Jacket
Weather resistance★☆☆ Breathable★★★ Mobility★☆☆ Pockets★☆☆ Snowy mountain climbing☆☆☆ BC skiing★★★
NORRONA is a mountain brand (although it has its abilities) and is well known as a backcountry ski brand that is not yet pushed. Speaking of its diverse lineup of hard shells, there have been the Lofoten series in the backcountry and the Trollveggen series in the snowy mountain climbing. Of course, these are standard items and are good this year, but this lyngen is interesting this year.
The 30D GORE-TEX® Active, which is used for the fabric, is extremely thin and light. It's so light that I wonder if it's okay. But that's fine. I've used this fabric shell in the winter for a season, and it's really GORE-TEX®. It is also windproof and does not mean it is too cold (by the way, areas that are prone to rubbing, such as the shoulders, are also made of a slightly more sturdy fabric). In any case, the incredibly light weight (402g) and good sweat removal from this thickness are definitely the best of the best I've chosen this time (I realized this year ago with the lofoten from NORRONA, which used the same fabric). It's sure to be easy to use for a wide range of purposes, from slopes to BC and light snow hiking (there are a little less pockets? If you're going to wear it on a hard snowy mountain climb, it might be a different one).
Patagonia Stormstride Jacket
Weather resistance★★☆ Breathable★★☆ Mobility★★★ Pockets★★☆ Snowy mountain climbing★★☆ BC skiing★★★
It uses Patagonia's unique H2No performance standard shell, and features a lightweight, highly mobile and highly ventilated hard shell that takes into consideration backcountry movement. Actually I've been wearing this all year last season. Although it is said to be suitable for backcountry, it is incredibly well-balanced. Although it is a lightweight jacket that weighs under 500g, the fabric itself doesn't seem to be that thin or weak. However, it doesn't mean that it's stiff, and it's supple, stretchy, and comfortable to wear. Plus, the design and silhouette are great. I always wear this kind of thing.
However, there are only two chest pockets and inner pockets, which is the minimum required. No snow skirt either. However, it should be incredibly easy to use for those who think this is good.
PeakPerformance Vertical Pro Jacket
Weather resistance ★★★ Breathable ★★☆ Mobility ★★☆ Pockets ★★★ Snowy mountain climbing ★☆☆ BC skiing ★★★
It's the peak performance of the brand that I want every year, and for some reason I don't (can't buy it). As it is supervised by FWT 2018 champion Kristofer Turdell, the FWT 2018 champion, the luxurious and highly functional construction that is skillfully made using the high breathability and stretch of GORE-TEX® PRO, a popular material, is definitely a great way to go. Furthermore, this model's unique feature is equipped with a mask that covers the mouth, and provides excellent protection in strong winds and cold weather. There are no doubts about pockets and guards. However, isn't it a little too heavy because it's a little too busy? Considering just the downhill, it's probably the best ski jacket.
MONTURA COSMO PRO JACKET
Weather resistance ★★★ Breathable ★★☆ Mobility ★★★ Pockets ★★☆ Snowy mountain climbing ★★★ BC skiing ★☆☆
As a brand that leads the hardcore climbing scene in the European Alps, the hard shells they create are very hard. A slim silhouette that follows the body lines. The fabric is made to be extremely thin and light, with no sacrificing durability. Of course, the new GORE-TEX® PRO was adopted to ensure that it is light, durable, and comfortable breathability even at high loads. It strips off unnecessary parts and achieves a weight (410g) that is hard to imagine. Stretch panels are placed around the sleeves and the back of the hood, giving it an excellent fit. The smooth zipper also feels good. I consider this to be the best candidate for the dark horse this season.
summary
I've picked this out from the perspective of "if I'm choosing the first one this year," with my style within my range, so this model is not available from this selection that suits the style that can be worn overnight in snowy mountains during the harsh winter. Also, this does not mean that the classic models that continue to sell as ever are bad. There's no doubt that these are cost-effective. However, if you want to know, feel, or use the cutting edge of outdoor gear that is evolving every day, the models listed above will definitely meet those expectations. Ah, I can't wait for the snow. Well then, everyone, have a great time playing in the snow.
