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How We Test
In snow, wind and sun, these jackets were rigorously tested by using them in the cold circumstances they were created for. They were worn under shells, over thick base layers, as cozy belay jackets, and as insulating mid-layers. They were crammed into packs, stuffed into their pockets, clipped to harnesses, and dragged along on adventures ranging from skiing to ice climbing. The specs and details of these jackets were researched, and some of the weight facts double checked with postal scales (just to keep everyone honest.) Then we reached our own conclusions about the best features and uses for each individual jacket.
Warmth
How do you test how warm a jacket is relative to each other? We didn't assume that just because a jacket is warmer that made it better. All these jackets have a bit different uses. We did try and select a weight that the most people would use. In addition to looking at the weight, type, and volume of each jacket's insulating fill we tested each through side-by-side comparison in the cold. With nothing but a capilene T-shirt underneath we wore each for five minutes, then took the jacket off for two minutes, then put the next one on. We did jumping jacks with each fresh jacket for about 20 seconds to warm back up in the sub-freezing temps.
Packing Ability
This category measured which jacket was the most compressible for both down and synthetic. We used the same size stuff sack and jammed every jacket into it to compare them more fairly. We awarded extra points in this catagory for jackets that came with stuff sacks and had a clip in point for it.
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