It isn’t quite the holy grail, but for high output in bad weather, like ski-touring in a storm, this jacket gets darn close to solving the weatherproof-breathable equation. While it’s not technically waterproof—the seams aren’t taped—one tester stayed dry for hours in sleet and wet snow. And when the sun was out and his companions began delayering, the Kishtwar kept him in the comfort zone. That’s thanks to an improved version of Polartec’s Power Shield (called Power Shield Pro), which has been a staple (and highly breathable) soft-shell fabric for years. This new, reformulated stuff is tough, lightweight, thin, quiet, and much more windproof than the old fabric. Then there’s the craftsmanship. The North Face wisely included everything we like in a versatile shell—an articulated hood with a stiffened, precipitation-blocking brim, two massive front pockets, and nothing else. 1.4 lbs,
BREATHABILITY: 4.5 (OUT OF 5)
WIND/WATER RESISTANCE: 4.5