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 ...

A quality soft shell is the best jacket for athletes who perform highly aerobic activities in variable conditions (basically, spring pretty much anywhere in the country). While this type of jacket won ...

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 ...