Core Skin

Patagonia Core Skin
This award-winning soft shell from Patagonia will shed water like a duck when ugly conditions rear, yet dry quickly thanks to a lack of water-retaining Lycra in the outer membrane. A two-ply laminated shell (fleece interior and nylon upper), the 20-ounce Core Skin ($249; www.patagonia.com) can go it alone in cool weather, or under a shell for colder, wetter climes (its trim fit allows for easy layering). The interior fleece lining, made of specialized, open-weave R1 insulation, enhances breathability, while the outer shell is a barrier to wind, rain, and snow. We recommend accessorizing with a pair of skis or snowshoes.
Best Use: Cool weather workouts—a strap fits between the legs and keeps the Core Skin in place when riding and climbing.

Cold Mountain Jacket

Jagged Edge Cold Mountain Jacket
Telluride-based Jagged Edge's Cold Mountain Jacket ($130; www.jagged-edge-telluride.com) doesn't mind use and abuse, in fact the design expects it. The lightweight shell is made with a combination of wind-blocking material and wicking mesh lining, ideal for cool-weather aerobic pursuits. While close-fitting, the Polartec Power Stretch fleece covering three-quarters of the back allows for unrestricted movement and breathability. The jacket is season-friendly, working as an easy layering piece for chillier excursions, or alone for temperate activities. The chest and front of the arms are made with Polartec Windbloc fleece, while the back of the arms have the same stretch material as the back. You can count on this shell to hold up in light rain, but in heavy rain, expect some water retention.
Best Use: If the weather report isn't calling for torrential downpours, take this one on the mountain.

Chagga Jacket

Moonstone Chagga Jacket
Whereas Chagga is the Bantu language spoken in northern Tanzania, Moonstone's 16-ounce Chagga Jacket ($150; www.moonstone.com) speaks the universal language of comfort. Sleek and simple, the technical fleece is made of Polartec WindPro fabric, which gives it high breathability and better-than-moderate wind-resistance. Not to mention that this piece is super soft, durable, and able to retain its insulating properties after repeated launderings. The smooth fit makes it a comfortable layering piece, though adding top layers will mean you lose the benefit of its well-placed handwarmer pockets.
Best Use: The Chagga is a jacket to be worn any and everywhere: on the slopes or the trails, around the campfire, cleaning out the garage...

Venus Jacket

Isis Venus
Men, you're out of luck on this one, Isis is a women's-only manufacturer. But ladies, Isis is custom-made to meet your needs, and the Venus ($220; www.isisforwomen.com) soft shell will make you feel like a goddess in action. The jacket works across a wide range of temps and is designed to perform in all but the harshest conditions; it's lightweight, fleece-banded, and finished with a DWR coating for added water-resistance, as well as featuring extra coverage across the torso and shoulders for protection from the rain and snow. The Velcro gusset cuffs slide nicely over gloves, and the drawcord hem, adjustable hood, and three-and-a-half-inch microfleece-lined collar serve up extra protection from those unwanted elements.
Best Use: The Venus will work on the slopes and trails every bit as well as your skis (just make sure you're not facing sub-arctic temperatures).

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