Standout comfort with a trim fit, noticeable amount of stretch, smooth integrated hand gaiters, and fleece-like material at the collar. Skyward II– Another good choice from Outdoor Research, the Skyward II ( review) is a reliable, well-rounded hardshell perfect for those who want extra protection for their travels. While this isn’t the best in terms of flexibility, I’m a big fan of the 3-layer design. It’s also incredibly waterproof and comes in at a lower price point than other premium items.

Adequate breathability for short sidecountry excursions, which isn’t always the case with waterproof shells.

When it comes to extras, the Stoney excels. Not all of the features are as good as I initially hoped, but they more than get the job done. You get a large cinchable hood that can easily fit over a helmet and it’s removable as well. In addition, the three-point adjustment design is both secure and easy to use, even with gloves on. While the Stoney’s fit is quite nice, it tends to be a bit small for larger skiers. You should size up. Why Trust Me Collar only covered part of my chin (most shells reach the lower lip or higher), which had a noticeable impact on wind protection. Nicely executed feature set including ample storage, a removable and functional powder skirt, and a highly adjustable hood (although the aperture is fairly large, so a mask is needed in rough conditions).

The Stoney is a sturdy piece of clothing made to stand up to harsh winter weather. The fabric, while stretchy, has a toughness that I greatly appreciate. There are also some details built into the item, such as tough zipper pulls, that round out the general durability. This is a sturdy piece of clothing that will hang around for a good amount of time if you take care of it. I tested a men’s medium in the Stoney (for reference, I’m 5’9” and 155 lbs.) and found it to fall on the trim and slightly small end of the spectrum. It’ll likely work really well for those that prefer an athletic cut or have a somewhat thin build. Additionally, the stretchy construction meant I had zero issues with pinch points or discomfort even when wearing puffy midlayers like The North Face’s ThermoBall Eco, Arc’teryx’s Atom LT, or Patagonia’s Down Sweater underneath. On the other hand, those that like a more traditional, bulkier shape may want to consider sizing up or avoiding the Stoney altogether—if that’s your preference, we recommend an option like Patagonia’s Powder Bowl.