I say this is a shell version of the Ranger LT because the design is very similar. Pocket placement is identical to the Ranger. This isn’t a bad thing. As I said in my Ranger LT review, It’s simply unreal how much stuff you can stash in this jacket. Both arms have fairly large pockets and there are two chest pockets. Behind you, there’s even a large pocket for stashing your gloves. The main difference between the fleece and shell version is that there are no thumb holes on the Stealth LT.

As with the Ranger LT, the jacket is well constructed and should provide many years of use. While the seams aren’t taped, the stitching is well done. The fabric appears to be very durable, easily standing up to the occasional rock scrape. The velcro adjustment on the cuffs works well and can be adjusted pretty easily while wearing gloves. There’s also enough room under the jacket for a mid-layer fleece without being too baggy by itself.

The Stealth LT is made from a stretchy fabric from Schoeller Textiles called “c_change“. According to Schoeller, the fabric reacts to rising body temperature by opening pores in the fabric to let out moisture. I’ve had the Stealth LT for a couple months now and had the chance to try it out on local hikes and a short trip to Crater Lake National Park. In the wind on the edge of Crater Lake, the jacket was as wind proof as any Gore-Tex jacket I’ve worn. On the trail, the Stealth LT also provided a good amount of breathability.

If I had to pick any fault with the Stealth LT, it would be the zipper. It’s a bit hard to operate and usually requires two hands. This can be a bit problematic if you’re wearing gloves, but over all it’s not a gigantic problem. I appreciate the use of a double zipper though. This way it’s easy to wear the jacket while also wearing a climbing harness and still have access to the belay loop.

Unlike the Ranger LT, this jacket is made in China instead of the US. That’s not exactly unique these days, but does effect buying decisions. The Stealth LT retails for $330, which certainly isn’t on the low end of the scale for a shell jacket. It is however, quite a nice jacket from a smaller Bay Area company. So, if you’re in the market for a well made military inspired shell jacket, give the Stealth LT a look.

Product sample provided by the manufacturer for review purposes.

Most of the competition (like the Sierra Designs Gnar jacket) use 800 fill down for insulation. This provides two advantages. Down is very light, and extremely compressible. However, there’s a fairly large drawback to down. When down gets wet, it starts to lose its insulating properties. For an insulating layer that you’re going to be sweating in, this can be an issue.

So, Brooks Range decided to use a synthetic insulation (Primaloft One). It’s still lightweight, but doesn’t lose insulating properties when wet. Since Primaloft One is a sheet of material, you don’t have to worry about cold spots like down either.

Primaloft One is a bit heavier than down as far as I can tell, and Brooks Range combated this by using 15 denier Pertex fabric. Pertex is simply amazing. I can’t believe how thin the fabric is, yet it’s still quite strong.

I’ve used the Cirro jacket quite a bit for the past couple months and I think I’ve gotten to know the ups and downs of it pretty well. First off, the fit of the jacket is spot on for my body type. When I tested the Gnar jacket from Sierra Designs, the shoulders were way too big for me. This isn’t a problem with the Cirro.

Insulation is roughly the same as the Gnar jacket too. It’s a pretty good replacement for the standard fleece, and at 12.4 ounces it isn’t going to break your back lugging it around in your pack either. The jacket doesn’t come with a stuff sack, but you can stuff it pretty much anywhere in your pack without worrying about ripping it.

Water resistance is pretty decent too. I’ve ended up wearing the Cirro in the rain more than once and didn’t have any issues. It’s certainly not a replacement for a hard shell, but a light rain isn’t a problem.

Negatives? If I had to pick something, the zipper pulls are a bit smaller than I like and they’re hard to use with gloves on. That said, this keeps the jacket lighter and it’s a minor problem in the grand scheme of things. Over all, the Cirro is an excellent jacket and I’d be hard pressed to complain about it.

At $169 for the jacket and $189 for the hoody, the Cirro isn’t exactly cheap when compared to the standard fleece. That said, the Cirro is a bit cheaper than the down alternatives. So, if you’ve recently noticed how much space a fleece takes up in your pack and you’re looking for an alternative, take a look at the Cirro jacket from Brooks Range Mountaineering. When it’s all said and done, the Cirro is well made, warm, and fairly water resistant.

Product provided by the manufacturer for review purposes.

I’m not kidding when I say it there’s a place for a pocket, Triple Aught Design has put one there. It’s simply unreal how much stuff you can stash in this fleece. Both arms have fairly large pockets. There are two chest pockets. Behind you, there’s even a large pocket for stashing your gloves. Thumb holes are also provided on the sleeves.

If you happen to use the Ranger LT as an insulation layer while skiing, there’s a wrist pocket too. This means if you ski at a resort that uses RFID passes, you won’t have to give up a regular pocket to store the pass. Considering my local resort just switched to RFID, this has been a great feature to have.

The quality of construction in this jacket is quite good. Double stitching is used wherever possible. So, you shouldn’t have any problems with seams ripping. Mesh fabric is used for the pockets. This means your gloves will say nice and warm when stashed inside.

The fit is what I’ll call athletic. If you’re used to Arc’teryx products, it’s along these lines. If you want a baggy fleece, order a size larger than you normally do. This does work quite well as a mid layer under a shell as there isn’t a lot of extra fabric.

In the past couple months of using this fleece, I haven’t run into many problems. At times it’s a bit hard to zip up, and the seams are a bit large. Other than that, it has held up well and works well around town or for more athletic activities.

When it comes down to it, this is a pretty nice fleece. While there’s not usually a lot one can say about a fleece jacket, TAD has put some thought into this one. It has more features than any other fleece that I’ve run across. You can even get a version that supports velcro patches on the shoulder.

At $220, this is on the high side for a fleece jacket. However, considering the features of the jacket and that it’s actually made in the USA, I don’t think it’s too bad. There are a few made in china Arc’Teryx fleeces in my closet that retail for around that and don’t have the features that this one does. You can purchase the Ranger LT directly from TAD’s web page.

I also ran across a video overview of the fleece if you want some more detailed images:

Product sample provided by the manufacturer for review purposes.

The company was founded over 60 years ago by Klaus Obermeyer, who used his engineering background and love of winter sports to design apparel that would perform and “enhance the experience” of it’s users. Flash forward to today, and this still rings true. Obermeyer is still true to its heritage and designs apparel that functions. One simple way they do this is by offering their ski pants in multiple lengths: short, regular, and long. Though not all styles have this option, many popular styles do.

Why does this matter when it comes to ski pants? While some like the baggier freestyle fit, sometimes there is just too much pant and it gets in the way. Hems get caught in bindings, they drag in the slush when walking through the parking lot, etc. But not so with the Sundance Ski Pant. Obermeyer took the cut of a pair of relaxed-fit jeans and transformed them into a pair of ski pants.

The Sundance pants have all the features you would find in most ski pants: articulated knees, sealed seams, reinforced scuffguards, and powdercuffs with gripper elastic. They also have a d-ring for your ski pass instead of a dedicated pocket. Though they have a lightweight fleece lining, they wear more like a shell pant, and feature Obermeyer’s StormShield fabric with HydroBlock technology. This combination provides durability and breathability.

On the slopes, they performed well in a variety of conditions, from cold and icy days to warmer, spring-like conditions. Because they fit like regualar pants, they are really comfortable. The key to this is in the fit, and being able to find the right length (so those articulated knees can be utilized) made these my top choice for ski days. Unfamiliar with Obermeyer’s sizing, I had to refer to the guide. By knowing my measurements, I was able to find the size that fit perfectly, and even had just enough room for some extra insulation (in the form of fleece pants) for the extra cold days.

Though I missed having at least one cargo pocket for stashing a lip balm or trail map, that wasn’t a dealbreaker. Though I might want something with a bit more insulation for the really cold days on the mountain, as the weather continues to warm up as we head into the spring skiing season, these will continue to be the pair of pants I grab first.

The Sundance Pant retails for $135 and is available in regular, short, and long lengths, as well as sizes 2-18.

Product sample provided by the manufacturer for review purposes.

This season, Icebreaker debuted their Real Fleece line of heavier merino pieces. Real Fleece is designed to replace your synthetic fleece jackets, providing a insulating, wind-resistant layer made from a natural fiber. The exterior is a smooth knit, but what provides the loft in the Real Fleece is the brushed terry knit that keeps you warm. Designed as a mid-layer, you won’t find tons of pockets and features on the Igloo Zip. Two (rather generous) zippered pockets are all you will find, which is just enough for a piece that can function as a layer or on it’s own.

Like all Icebreaker clothing, the Igloo Zip has a fitted, slim cut, but it doesn’t impact any range of motion in the arms or torso, making the Real Fleece a great layer under my shell jacket when I was skiing. Overall, the Igloo Zip has a slightly longer cut than other fleeces, and covers the back a bit more than the front–great for keeping out drafts. However, if you plan on wearing more than one layer under the jacket, I recommend going up a size (though refer to Icebreaker’s size chart for confirmation). I usually wear a tee and a long sleeve on colder days so going one size up gave me a better fit.

Why wear a merino wool insulating layer? The benefits of merino wool are pretty awesome for things like hiking, mountaineering, skiing, etc. It wicks and breathes well, is soft, and doesn’t retain smells like synthetic fabrics can (which is important for high-intensity activities). Plus, it’s natural, renewable, and sustainable, unlike petroleum-based synthetic fabrics. Personally, I prefer merino over synthetics when possible, but until the Real Fleece came along, it was hard to avoid layering with a regular fleece. After a few days of hard skiing, and a synthetic fleece will start to stink. So far in my testing, the Real Fleece hasn’t had that sort of problem. Though the care of wool can be a little more particular, it’s a trade-off I am willing to make for a material that will hold up over time. Icebreaker makes it easier than most, though–just throw it in the wash and line dry.

While a great layering piece, the Igloo Zip has also been a great stand-alone jacket for dry but cooler days. Whether you’re on an easy winter day-hike, walking the dogs or making a quick trip to the grocery store, this jacket works. For those that want the option, their is also a hooded version of the Igloo jacket.

Currently, Icebreaker has only the 320 weight (or levels of warmth, depending on how you look at it) for the Real Fleece. They’ll be expanding the line this coming Fall/Winter season though, to include a 260 weight Real Fleece, a true “mid-weight” layering piece. The Igloo Zip 320 is available in styles for both men and women and retails for $175.

Product sample provided for review purposes.

The Sundance Peak Parka’s 550-fill down and featherweight ripstop shell provide lots of warmth while staying lightweight. The jacket has two exterior zippered pockets and two interior pockets and a drawcord hem to keep warm air inside the jacket. Though the 550-fill down has quite a bit of loft, Hi-Tec prevents you from looking like the Michelin Man with a baffle box style construction. The cut is as flattering as a puffy down jacket can be, but leaves room for movement and a few lighter layers underneath. A big plus is that the zipper pull is easy to grab, even with gloves on (not something you find on all down jackets).

For colder ski days where I don’t want to wear layer upon layer upon layer, I throw a hardshell parka over the Sundance and hit the slopes. The down insulates better than multiple layers of fleece and gives me a wider range of movement than if I had two fleeces under my shell. However, for days when I don’t need to worry about the elements, on it’s own the Sundance jacket’s ripstop shell shields wind better than a fleece and provides significantly more insulation than a softshell jacket.

For under $100, it’s hard to find a down jacket with the same level of quality that Hi-Tec has made with this jacket. Available for women in both a red or black, the Sundance Peak Parka keeps you nice and toasty on cold winter days, and you won’t have to spend and arm and a leg to get it.

Product sample provided by the manufacturer for review purposes.

If you’ve flown on a plane recently, you’ve noticed the distinct lack of pillows on board. Sure, they’ll sell you one for $7, but who wants to pay for a terrible pillow you’ll never use again. As a result, many people bring along their own more comfortable neck pillows. The downside to this is that they’re bulky, and take up extra space in your luggage.

Merrell saw this as problem and figured out a solution. They created the Guise (Men’s) and the Charade (Women’s) jackets. Normally, these are Primaloft Eco insulated jackets that keep you nice and toasty on chilly days (or plane rides), but will convert into a neck pillow when needed. Thus, you can bring a jacket and a neck pillow in along for the ride.

As a jacket, the Guise is a water resistant insulating layer. Being water resistant, the Guise isn’t for summer downpours, but it will take a quick shower without a problem. The Primaloft Eco material is made from 50% recycled fibers and does the job quite well. Merrell thoughtfully included pit zips if you get too hot. Additionally, there are two hand pockets and one check pocket on the front.

Transforming the jacket into a pillow can be a bit awkward on a plane. You have to unzip a zipper on the inside of the jacket and essentially turn the jacket inside out. However, this does get the job done. The pillow itself isn’t as comfortable as a standalone neck pillow, but it’s quite a bit more comfortable than the $7 pillows they sell on board.

When it’s all said and done, I really like the guise. At $129 (MSRP), it’s a decent price for a name brand these days. It’s highly innovative, and it allows you to cut down on the amount of stuff you bring along on trips. Over all, that gets a thumbs up from me.

Here’s a video showing how to convert the jacket:

In the days of $600 jackets, it’s nice to be able to step back and take a look at what I would consider is a much more reasonably priced jacket. With a MSRP of $160, the Hi-Tec Mystic Mountain Shell is just such a jacket.

The basic specs of the Mystic Mountain are much better than I expected at this price point. The jacket is fully seam sealed. A few years ago, this was only available on the super expensive, high end jackets. It has a couple waterproof zippers with zipper garages on the chest. Pit zips are of course included. There are also ample pockets to store anything you happen to be carrying. To keep the water out, Hi-Tec utilizes their Dri-Tec breathable fabric. While I haven’t found any specific information about Dri-Tec, it appears to work about as well as the original Gore-Tex.

To test out the Mystic Mountain Shell, I brought it along with me on a couple trips to St Louis. Ambient temperatures at the time ranged from 2F to 33F. Since this is a shell jacket, there is no insulation included. So, I wore a Sierra Designs Gnar jacket underneath. This combination kept me more than warm enough and kept the snow from getting through. The Mystic Mountain appeared to block wind very well, and still was breathable. This isn’t an alpine climbing jacket. So, I wouldn’t be climbing Rainier in it. However, it’s certainly a very good choice for hiking, skiing, or daily wear.

No jacket is perfect, the Mystic Mountain included. The main thing that annoyed me was the velcro on the flap covering the main zipper. On my plane ride back, the velcro on the cuff of the wrist kept getting stuck to the velcro covering the zipper. While I know waterproof zippers aren’t cheap, it would be nice to replace the plastic zipper with a waterproof zipper. Thus, the velcro could be removed entirely.

I’d also like to see the mesh lining removed entirely. It works fairly well if you’re wearing the Mystic Mountain by itself, but it makes for a much heavier jacket. If you’re wearing an insulating layer underneath, the liner is just added weight.

That said, I really do like the Mystic Mountain. It reminds me of a jacket I used to have from The North Face, just updated with some newer features. It could do with a couple minor changes. At this price point though, it’s better than most everything else out there. A quick google search shows you can pick one up for around $110. That’s not a bad deal for a jacket that’s seam-sealed, has some waterproof zippers, and is breathable.

Product sample provided by the manufacturer for review purposes.

The Trinity Peak Parka can be classified as a three-in-one jacket, comprised of an inner fleece jacket, an outer shell jacket, and the ability to zip the fleece into the shell to create a third, more insulating jacket that also protects you from the elements. The shell is constructed with Hi-Tec’s proprietary Dri-Tec waterproof breathable fabric, is fully seam sealed, and has four pockets to stash away car keys, cell phones, iPods, etc. One of my favorite features of the jacket is the small security pocket on the left wrist. Perfect for stashing an ID and some cash when running a quick errand, at the park (in the rain) with the dogs, or for skiers or snowboarders, stashing your RFID-chipped season pass.

Securing the Fire Island fleece liner jacket into the Trinity Peak Parka shell is easy–after you zip the fleece into the shell, loop and snap closures at the cuffs and neckline keep everything in place. On top of the one or two layers you are probably wearing under a jacket, dealing with two more can be difficult. However, Hi-Tec kept that in mind when designing the liner fleece and added a smooth lining to the sleeves and front, eliminating the hassle that fleece layers can bring to the picture. An adjustable, stowable hood with brim keeps the rain or snow off your head and a generous collar is a welcome feature on windy days on the slopes.

Many expect a debut line to fall short of expectations but the Trinity Peak Parka bucks that trend. Hi-Tec’s mission is to make easy, friendly, contemporary, comfortable, and accessible products, all at a “true value” price. Though this parka may not have a ton of bells and whistles, it keeps you warm and dry and looks good while doing so, as the cut is slimmer but true to size. It’s kept me warm and comfortable for both high and low level activities, and the ability to quickly switch out layers makes it versatile for a number of activities and temperatures. Retailing for $189.95, this jacket is a relative bargain when you consider the three-jackets-in-one benefit it provides. Available in three colorways and sizes small through extra large.

And without further ado, the giveaway section of this post. Hi-Tec has partnered with us to give one of our readers their very own Trinity Peak Parka! To enter the giveaway for one woman’s Trinity Peak Parka, follow these steps:

1. ‘Like’ Hi-Tec and Daily Hiker on Facebook. (If you’re on Twitter, follow Hi-Tec and Daily Hiker as well).

2. In the comments of this review, tell us what inspires you about the great outdoors.

3. As always, there is the fine print. This contest is open to U.S. and Canada citizens only. If the winner’s size is out of stock, Hi-Tec will replace with another style of equal or lesser value. One entry per person, no purchase necessary. Contest closes Monday, December 20th at 9PM PST. We’ll choose a winner and notify them on Tuesday, December 21st  via email.

Update: The giveaway is now closed. Thanks to everyone for your great stories!

The Medusa is designed primarily as a Mountaineering/Alpine climbing glove. Accordingly, it has the usual features of a full gauntlet, leashes, adjustable cuffs, and an inner liner glove.

Mountain Hardwear’s designers put some real thought into the Medusa. A supple calf-skin palm with an integrated goggle/nose wipe on the thumb makes for easy gripping of ice tools or ski poles. The liner glove has Velcro and tab on it to make inserting and removing it from the shell rather painless. The strap that cinches around your wrist is easily adjustable with gloves on. Even the pulls for the gauntlet are different colors. So, it’s easy to tell which one opens and which one closes the end of the glove.

As with the Hydra gloves, OutDry Works quite well. As I showed in the OutDry vs Gore-Tex article, there is a significant advantage to using OutDry in gloves. It results in a warmer glove with less bulk than the equivalent glove using Gore-Tex.

In the 4 days of skiing I’ve had so far this year, I’ve worn the Medusa gloves every time. They’ve kept me warm in weather as cold as 10-15 F. Perhaps the best recommendation I can give the Medusa gloves is that they’re good enough for me to spend my own money to buy them. I have a rather large pile of gloves in my gear closet, but I still bought these. The only other gloves I’ve found that I like better are the new Alpha SV from Arc’Teryx. However, the Medusa retails for $140, and the Alpha SV somewhere around $400. I’ll take the Medusa gloves.