mens black zip up fleece jacket:Features and Considerations

Outer Shell

An important part of the jacket is the outer shell, where the main priority is protection against wind and precipitation. Areas with rainier winters, like Vancouver or Ontario may require a jacket with a waterproof exterior, such as one made from Gore-Tex. For areas that see more snow than rain, a water resistant shell with a DWR may be sufficient.

Hoods

A hood is more than just protection from rain or snow, but a way to keep the head warm. We recommend carrying a good hat when in the back-country, but an insulated hood can go a long way to provide added warmth. Some parkas come without insulated hoods, and while this is less bulky, wearing a jacket with no hood usually requires a hat. The best hood are adjustable so that they can fit snugly over your climbing helmet or winter hat when you need it to, and it can cinched tight around the face when wearing nothing on the head. You may want to decide against a hood if you plan on layering your jacket under an outer shell that already has a hood with significant coverage.

Pockets

The number and depth of pockets might be a big a consideration in finding your perfect winter jacket. Somebody looking to stick an iPhone in a zippered pocket likely is performing different activities than somebody looking for spots to attach more ‘biners. Climbers may want to consider finding a jacket with drop pockets in case they were interested in carrying gear, like extra shoes with them.

Fit

If possible, it’s helpful to try on different sizes of the same jacket, read the brand-specific sizing chart (not everything fits the same) and consider reading some reviews. You should envision how well other layers will fit underneath and consider how many layers you typically wear. Consider whether you want a close fit or something with a little more give to it, since a little forethought here will go a long way in ensuring you love your decision. A good rule of thumb for finding your best fit: if you raise your hands above your head and stretch, your core should remain covered and insulated by the jacket.

Winters can be rough, but finding an awesome jacket doesn’t have to be. With this handy guide in hand, you can rest easy knowing that the jacket of your dreams isn’t all that tough to find. Ready to get hunting for the perfect jacket? Let’s do it!