Welcome to Ask a Gear Editor, our monthly column where we answer readers’ most puzzling gear questions. Have a burning question of your own? Become an Outside+ member to ask an Outside expert for ...

Softshell jackets are highly wind and water resistant, and extremely comfortable because they are soft and stretch to move with you. Unless I’m stuck in an absolute downpour, I prefer to use a ...

Expensive. Can't use the hand pockets with a climbing harness. Like most durable water repellents, it uses carcinogenic perfluorocarbons in the waterproofing process. When it comes to outdoor ...