BACKCOUNTRY STANDBY
Good for Backcountry
Technically, the Vanquish is a “soft” shell, but it certainly didn’t behave like one in the field. Gore-Tex’s Soft Shell material is fairly breathable and virtually waterproof—we
didn’t test it in driving rain, but it easily shed several hours of heavy wet snow that fell on our tester in Idaho. Good-size pit zips and front pockets big enough to hold skins round out its backcountry-friendly features, but our favorite detail is the streamlined hood. The toggles are sewn into the storm flap; you adjust the hood by reaching up inside the front pockets. It works smoothly, gives the jacket a clean look, and eliminates the annoyance of bungee cords flopping around your face. Bummer: We wish it cost half as much. 1.3 lbs;