Read some of my other pieces on shell gear and you will see that I put tremendous importance on protective shells.  I have spent a great deal of time looking at what the market has to offer for all users.

Two things stand out in this category.  First is the rise of eVent as a viable alternative to industry standard Gore-Tex.  This may be the one thing that finally drives Gore to revamp their current confusing and forgettable product classification titles.  Second is the emergence of high quality technical mountaineering style shells in camouflage or stealthy colors like sage green or coyote brown.  This is an issue that I have been talking about for many years and while I don't think we have seen the best yet, we have come a long way from where we were and I am very happy about the progress.  Interesting to note that this niche is still not being addressed by the biggest players in the business.  The last big issue to be addressed is noise for those that can't afford to be given away by the nylon swish. 

Here is the Current list of shell layer layer pieces that I am recommending.  Changes will be made as Necessary.

Turtleskin Snake Armour Gaiters (camo/tan snake resistant, good for cactus country)
Outdoor Research Crocodile Gaiters (best all around, expedition quality)
Cabelas MTO50 Quiet Pack Jacket (Gore-Tex, multiple camo patterns, quiet. no pit zips)
Cabelas MTO50 Quiet Pack Bibs (Gore-Tex, multiple camo patterns, quiet)
Propper USMC APECS Gore Tex Parka MARPAT Digital Desert (heavy duty)
Propper USMC APECS Gore Tex Trousers MARPAT Digital Desert (heavy duty)
Propper USMC APECS Gore Tex Parka MARPAT Digital Woodland (issue, heavy duty)
Propper USMC APECS Gore Tex Trousers MARPAT Digital Woodland (issue, heavy duty)
Adventure Tech Silent Strike Viper Jacket (Gore-Tex, technical shell, quiet, not currently available)
TAD Gear Predator Hardshell Jacket v1, v2 and the new eVent v3 (technical shell, stealth colors)
TAD Gear Predator Hardshell Cargo Trousers (expedition level, technical shell, stealthy colors)
TAD Gear Combat Anorak (stealth colors, Kevlar, extremely heavy duty, technical shell)
TAD Gear Raptor eVent Jacket (technical shell, stealthy colors)
Rivers West Cascade Mountain Jacket (quiet, waterproof but not breathable)
Rivers West Steelheader Jacket (quiet, waterproof but not breathable, not currently available)
Arcteryx Theta AR Jacket (Gore-Tex, technical shell, arguably the best all around shell made)
Arcteryx Sting Ray Jacket (Gore-Tex Softshell, technical shell, no pit zips good for downhill skiing)
Arcteryx Alpha SV Bibs (Gore-Tex, midweight, high waisted, technical shell bibs) 
Marmot Minimalist Jacket (Gore-Tex, technical shell) 
Marmot Precip Jacket (lightweight, very packable, many colors including stealth)
Carhartt Waterproof Breathable Jacket (heavy duty, work, ATVing, riding, sitting, no pit zips)
Carhartt Waterproof Breathable Coat (heavy duty, work, ATVing, riding, sitting, no pit zips)
Carhartt Extremes Coverall (heavy duty, extreme cold weather, work, ATVing, riding, sitting)
Carhartt Waterproof Breathable Waist Overalls pant (heavy duty, work, ATVing, riding, sitting)
Sitka Gear Nimbus Jacket (technical shell, Mothwing camouflage, no longer available)
Sitka Gear Stormfront Lite Jacket and Pants
Sitka Gear Stormfront Jacket and Pants
Wild Things Alpinist Jacket (eVent, techincal shell)
Integral Designs eVent Cruiser jacket (hoodless, all around light jacket)
Integral Designs  eVent Thru Hiker Jacket 
Integral Designs eVent Pullover Jacket
The North Face Climb Very Light Jacket (Gore-Tex, waist length, no longer available)
The North Face Mountain Jacket (Gore-Tex, expedition duty, waist length, no longer available)
The North Face Mountain Bibs (Gore-Tex, expedition duty, no longer available)

Items currently under consideration and comments.

REI Ultra Light Jacket
REI Shuksan Jacket eVent (runs a little small)
Cabelas Alaskan Guide Jacket (disappointment)
Propper APECS Air Force Tiger Stripe Parka (Gore-Tex, issue)
Propper APECS Air Force Tiger Stripe Trousers (Gore-Tex, issue)
Cloudveil Koven Jacket
Clouveil RPK Parka
Cloudveil RPK Pant
Integral Designs eVent Thru Hiker Jacket
Integral Designs eVent Pullover Jacket
Patagonia Storm Lite Jacket (with h2no, pit zips and soft hand, quiet, nice but no longer available)
Outdoor Research Flex-Tex Gaiters
Outdoor Research Furio Jacket
Rab Momentum Jacket eVent (European cut runs small, narow through shoulders)
Wild Things Superlight Alpinist Jacket
Arcteryx Sidewinder SV Pants
Russell Outdoors APX G2 Zephr Jacket and Pants (good but not great, better for sitters/riders than walkers)
Russell Outdoors APX G2 Gale Jacket and Pants (good but not great, better for sitters/riders than walkers)
Outdoor Research Elixir Jacket (with Gore-Tex)
Wild Things Hard Shell Jacket (with eVent and in Multicam camouflage)

Thanks.
 
Wade Nelson
Editor

Sorting through the fads and fashion of the outdoor equipment industry to identify and promote the very best wilderness gear for high end recreational users, backcountry professionals and government agencies.

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