Backpacker magazine's best outdoor gear, 2014 Autumn/Winter choice (wear edition)

At the end of last year, we reported on the best gear (backpacks) selected by Backpacker magazine in the US , and this time we're back with the second installment, "Clothing." The magazine has many categories, including hard shells, soft shells, insulation, and base layers, but as always, perhaps because it's aimed at the American market, many of the selections don't quite hit home (lol), so we'd like to pick out and introduce some of the items that are noteworthy from a gear magazine perspective. If you're interested, please buy the magazine.

So let's get started

Hard Shell

All-year-round versatile hard shell:
Mammut Segnas (Silvretta) Advanced

According to testers, this hard shell's selling point is that it's perfect for skiing and backcountry skiing, and also suitable for hiking. It's a versatile hard shell that can be used year-round. I don't do much snow, but I'd like to try snowshoeing or mountain skiing. I think there are many people who want a single piece of clothing that can be used as both rain gear and a hard shell. This might be perfect for them

It's true that the Gore-Tex Active (3-layer) material prioritizes lightness and breathability over wind resistance and durability, and the hood isn't large enough to fit a full-sized helmet. However, it fits a small helmet just fine, and features like a removable snow skirt make it ideal for both ski mountaineering and hiking, making it a versatile and highly versatile item

Read the full review here

Soft Shell

Lightweight, breathable, waterproof, and windproof backcountry ski wear:
Arc'teryx Lithic Comp

Once again, this manufacturer has released a product that has no flaws other than its price. The fate of typical softshells is that in order to gain greater breathability, you have to sacrifice windproof and waterproof performance (compared to hardshells). However, the Lithic Comp overcomes this weakness with a hybrid construction that combines windproof and breathable GORER fabric technology with Trusaro softshell composite panels. Backcountry skiing requires breathability to avoid discomfort caused by sweating on the way up, and freedom of movement and weather protection to prevent snow and wind from entering on the way down. From what I've read, this skiwear clearly meets all of these requirements. Arc'teryx is as impressive as ever. But it's pricey!

Read the full review here

Insulation

The North Face DNP JACKET : A winter jacket with outstanding mobility that you won't need to take off all day.

I love insulation that allows me to move freely, and this TNF model, not yet available in Japan, is my favorite. Let's take a look at its features. It features stretchy fabric from the armpits to the sleeves for enhanced mobility, and Primaloft® One 60g padding for ample warmth. The outer fabric is made of ultra-fine nylon with a DWR (durable water repellent) finish, and it can be stowed in the right pocket for easy packing. This seems familiar—yes, it's the Montane Fireball Jacket ! This jacket doesn't have a hood, but the extra padding means it seems to offer even better warmth. Still, I wonder why it's not available in Japan? It's a shame. Oh, and by the way, the Patagonia Nano-Air Jacket was also selected, and I'm keeping an eye on it.

Read the full review here

Base Layer Edition

The latest high-quality underwear made with 100% American Merino wool:
Duckworth Hummingbird Rib LS Crew

Sorry, I can't provide any images. Duckworth is a venture woolwear manufacturer founded in 2014 in Bozeman, Montana, a beautiful city surrounded by stunning natural scenery, including the Rocky Mountains and Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park. Their policy is to strictly adhere to "traceability" and "100% American wool," meaning they use 100% wool from their own Montana ranches and manufacture all of their products responsibly within the United States. With such a great philosophy, it's hard not to be excited (and supportive) about this emerging manufacturer! Testers reported excellent temperature regulation and quick-drying properties that are almost as good as synthetic fibers, so it seems like they're not just great at what they do; they're great at what they do

See images and a detailed review here

   

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