Mountain Hardwear Minalist Jacket

This no-nonsense jacket handles every day (save tank-top summer ones). Active Junky testers relied on Minalist from frigid dawn patrol backcountry missions to spring-like resort afternoons. Warm without overheating, testers appreciated the oversized, layer-friendly fit on mid-winter touring days. Minalist’s wicking DryQ Elite fabric excelled while lapping Copper Mountain’s sun-softened, south-facing bowls; rising mercury and sweat-sparking runs caused zero discomfort. Each pocket rates as thoughtful. The large side pocket is big enough for skins, the front integrates a handy key clip, internal mesh stow pockets house foggy goggles and the zippered chest locks up a cell phone and energy bar. A favorite feature; the diagonal front zipper. “At first I was skeptical,” the tester related. “But it didn’t irritate my neck and it actually looks pretty cool.”