By Billy Brown

GoLite Ashdown Pro Shell 3-Layer Jacket ($450, www.GoLite.com)

Short of being eaten by something bigger and meaner than you, few things can ruin a trip outside like spending it soaking wet and freezing. If you're going to be kicking butt and taking names no matter what the weather (since you're reading The Fix, we assume that you are), you're going to need a shell that'll take all the punishment that mother nature can dish out.

When it first arrived at Active Junky, the Ashdown didn't make a huge impression at first. With so many jackets to test, it takes a heck of a piece to make an impression, but in the never-ending quest for the perfect shell, GoLite's Ashdown Pro Shell 3-Layer Jacket makes a strong argument for one of the top spots.

Close examination shows its true potential as a weather beater: a shock cord at the hem, hook and loop closures on the sleeves, and volume-adjustment in the helmet-compatible hood all batten down the hatches when the wind and rain picks up. Laminated seams and waterproof zippers keep water from creeping in, and chest-high pockets keep gear accessible when wearing a harness.

The fit is spot on - a medium provided a relaxed fit with room for insulating layers while the clean lines and muted styling allowed us to wear the Ashdown around town without sacrificing style points. The only issue that we've found with the Ashdown's fit is in its armpit articulation. When reaching overhead, the jacket pulls up at the waist and down at the wrists, exposing the midriff and wrists to whatever damage mother nature's doing.

On a 10-mile hike on the Pacific Crest Trail, the Ashdown had to deal with hours of steady rain, a stiff wind, and a 30-pound pack. Rain and wind both rolled off the jacket, and the Gore-Tex breathed well enough until the trail developed an aggressive incline. When things started to get a bit clammy, opening up the waterproof pit zips helped keep testers cool. Testers especially appreciated the Ashdown's high collar, which had a soft felt lining to prevent any irritating chin or neck chafing.

Lack of articulation aside, the Ashdown does a solid job of locking out the elements. That and its light weight and packability make it a solid addition to your pack when the weather gets ugly.

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