Jacket Review Index

Come Spring in the Sierra's mostly-dry climate, I almost never wear a shell. For that reason, I love the ultralight Marmot Nano, the sadly-discontinued Triumph Anorak, or even the plain Nylon GoLite Ether. Carry one as insurance whatever the forecast says. When storms are brewing, upgrade to heavier shells like Marmot's Genesis, or North Face's Apex Bionic or Venture Jackets.

For fleecewear, the North Face Miwok is light, warm and comfortable; the windproof Patagonia R4 is my choice for Alpine (that is, lift-served) skiing—I find the R4 can replace a hard or soft shell in a wide range of conditions.