Hardshell vs. Softshell Jackets: What’s the Difference? Which One To Choose?

Hardshell vs. Softshell Jackets: What's the Difference? Which One To Choose?

It’s time for another comparison between two different types of jackets, hard shell jackets and softshells.

So far we have looked at numerous softshells and also hard shell jackets in our comparisons, reviews and especially selections. These are two very different jackets, not only in design but also in performance because each of them serves a different purpose.

We thought it would be interesting to not simply look at each separately and then compare them to each other, but to also look at how to choose the right softshell or hard shell jacket that will fit your needs and requirements best.

Let’s get started with an in-depth view of each, so you will learn a bit more about their specifics and technical details.

Read more

DryVent™ vs Gore-Tex® Technology: Which One is Better?

DryVent vs Gore-Tex Technology: Which One is Better?

Welcome back to a comparison review! In this one, as you saw in the title, we will not be looking at two jackets versus each other, but instead, we will be focusing on fabric technologies.

Gore-Tex® and DryVent™ are two of the most popular fabrics used in modern outdoor apparel, especially jackets. They come with many specifics and features that have given them their well-deserved reputation, as we will see in this review.

The reason why we chose to do a comparison between two fabrics rather than jackets that might have either of these as part of their material, is because both of them come up quite often in our reviews and especially in our selections.

Because of that, we thought it would be best to have a separate piece for them both, so you will not only have a better understanding of what they are best for but also know how they compare to each other.

Besides, they are also the two most used fabrics in The North Face‘s jackets, a brand that we have reviewed extensively before.

Once again, we will be following the usual structure of looking at each separately and then comparing their different aspects and features to see how they fare. With that being said, let’s get started right away with Gore-Tex.

Read more

The North Face vs Columbia: Which Is Better? (Two Jackets Compared)

the north face carto triclimate vs columbia bugaboo interchange jacket

Welcome back to our newest comparison review! Today’s chosen jackets are by The North Face and Columbia, respectively the Carto Triclimate jacket and Bugaboo Interchange for men.

We selected these two particular jackets to compare, as they fall in the same category, that of being 3-in-1 jackets. What 3-in-1 refers to is a jacket that comes in layers, which can be removed or put together in order to make it adaptable to different weather conditions.

Both brands are previously featured in our selections and taking into account that both are quality brands and come with some of the best reviews and impressions by customers, this is bound to be an interesting comparison.

Another thing they have in common is that they are American brands, which is a first for our comparison reviews.

Let’s get started with their short introductions and move on right away to each jacket.

The North Face is probably one of the most renowned US brands when it comes to outdoors clothing. They are always coming up with new designs and their products are reliable and high quality.

Columbia is also a very reputable brand that has provided us with some of the best jackets that we have come across, be it in quality or performance. All of their designs are tried and tested in the harshest conditions in order to guarantee that only the best of the best make it into the stores.

Read more

Helly Hansen Dubliner vs The North Face McMurdo Men’s Parka Compared

Helly Hansen Dubliner vs The North Face McMurdo Men's Parka Compared

We’ll do another parka comparison in this article, and this one is between Helly Hansen’s Dubliner and The North Face’s McMurdo parka.

They are similarly priced, first and foremost, so their own specific features is what will make the difference.

Helly Hansen is a Norwegian brand, which specializes not only in outdoor gear and clothing for sports, but also for those who work in the mountains and oceans. It was founded in 1877, so they have more than a century’s worth of experience.

Just like The North Face, which is an American producer of outdoor clothing, Helly Hansen, too, has developed its very own fabrics and we will be looking at Helly Tech in a few minutes.

The North Face makes its fourth appearance in our comparison reviews and unlike the previous ones, today it’s McMurdo‘s turn.

As mentioned above, this American company designs quality outdoor products and it was founded in 1968, originally targeting backpackers, climbers and then later skiers and campers.

Read more

Fjällräven Barents vs Canada Goose Expedition Men’s Parka Compared

Fjällräven Barents vs Canada Goose Expedition Men's Parka Compared

For this week’s comparison review we will be doing two back to back articles, so we surely hope you’ll like them both.

They are all parka jackets for men and in the first one we will be looking at Fjällräven’s Barents parka versus the Expedition parka by Canada Goose.

As per usual, a short introduction of each brand is in order.

Canada Goose is a Canadian manufacturer of luxury outdoor clothing and it is also a recurring brand in our comparison reviews. They are responsible for renowned designs such as the Expedition parka, a design that was developed in the 1980s. Since then, they have created numerous outdoor sports clothing, which are mainly aimed at those who go through very harsh winters.

Another thing that bears mentioning is their work in helping to conserve the habitats of polar bears, along with Polar Bears International.

Fjällräven is a Swedish brand, so we are comparing two international brands today. They are one of the most renowned companies in the outdoor gear and clothing market. They have also created their own special fabrics, which are designed to withstand different conditions and fulfill different requirements.

Let’s get started with Expediton first.

Read more

Jack Wolfskin vs The North Face: 4 Jackets Compared

Jack Wolfskin vs The North Face: 4 Jackets Compared

We are back with another comparison this week, where we will be looking at Jack Wolfskin vs. The North Face.

The North Face is an American brand renowned for their outdoor gear and we often include some of their best jackets in our reviews and selections.

This is the third time in a row that The North Face has been featured in a comparison review and just like in the previous one, Apex Bionic is included once again, to be compared with Northern Point by Jack Wolfskin.

As a preface, before we get into the jackets themselves, we like to include a short introduction to each brand.

You got to know about The North Face, so let’s move on to Jack Wolfskin, which is a European brand. Their headquarters are in Germany and they have a rich history of great outdoor gear and clothing, since 1981.

Another thing to note about the brand is their involvement in different projects that aim to help out the youth and children from different countries.

If this is the first time reading one of our comparison reviews, what we do is take a look at either two jackets total or, such as today, four jackets in a 2 vs. 2 setup.

After going through each jacket separately, then we get started on comparing them based on their specifics and how they differ from each other.

Without any further ado, let’s get started with the first two.

Read more