Outdoor Research

Skyward II Jacket - Women's

There are softshells and hardshells, and then there's the Outdoor Research Women's Skyward Jacket; a soft hardshell suitable for skinning up steep, backcountry terrain and skiing down said steeps in deep snow. Outdoor Research's lightweight and thin three-layer AscentShell construction assures reliable waterproofing for snowy conditions, and it provides outstanding breathability that's air permeable to keep you comfortably cool when you work up a sweat.

A jacket this breathable might lead you to believe that it actually isn't that waterproof, but Outdoor Research taped the jacket's seams to prevent a single snowflake from seeping through. Just in case the fabric's air permeable nature isn't enough for you, the Skyward's long, hem-to-underarm, TorsoFlo ventilation system assures ample airflow. The hood adjusts over beanies on the skinner, and it slides over helmets with ease. In case your skins freeze, the internal Shove-It pockets warm them up on the ride down for the next hike up.