Sweet Protection Jailbreak Jacket

Field Notes: When it’s time to push hard, high and long, shed the shackles of minimalist outerwear for the kingpin-tier Jailbreak Jacket. While weighing in a notch above others at 12.7oz, this Sweet Protection technical offering has yet to bow out in tough weather. As with a few others in the Guide, this Gore-Tex Active 3-layer model can push well above 10,000ft where ice, snow and pummeling winds reside. Testers found the shoulder yoke sheds precipitation – and pack-strap wear – while doubling-up as zipper garages for two extended-length diagonal chest pockets; they serve as ventilation outlets as there are no pit zips on Jailbreak. An oversized hood handles climbing and ski helmets as the single-pull front zip (overbuilt on purpose) secures a nearly nose-high neck. Consider it Active Junky’s choice at the professional level. Bar none. 

Pros: Built for extreme challenges, fit accommodates midlayers, adjustments easy, fully-taped seams perform

Cons: Hip-length design requires wind pants for back-end protection, pricing pushes toward quiver-of-one status

Tester Comments: “The soft ‘hand’ or feel of the quiet jacket stands in sharp contrast to its suitability for rigorous conditions. Same with an interior fleece guard that backs up the beefiest zipper in our Shell line-up. Except for hotter summer conditions, Jailbreak is ready to escape even when threatening weather looms – or hits. Total confidence in the piece.”

Key Attribute: Protection

Best For: Tougher alpine and coastal conditions, backcountry skiing and riding from first fresh to June couloirs