THE HYBRIDS

Last year I bought one of the best jackets ever, the NORTHFACE "CRIMPTASTIC" or what I like to call the "stretchy puffy". Its down insulated on the front and back with strategically placed Polartec® Power Stretch® side and arm panels to combine thermal warmth with maximum mobility. Its puffy where you need it and sleek where you don't. 

This year I am seeing lots of other "hybrid" jackets for both men and women that combine different fabrics and fills to provide insulation where warmth is most needed with stretch where mobility is most required. 

Above are four of of my favorites for the season. All come in lots of different color combinations, so if you want to stand out in the crowd or go stealth, the choice is yours.

FROM TOP LEFT CLOCKWISE (click brand to shop): 

NORTHFACE MENS JAKSON HYBRID: Built for backcountry layering, this new technical hybrid jacket features thermal-mapped PrimaLoft® Eco insulation at the core and Polartec® Power Stretch® panels at the arms. Asymmetrical center-front zipper helps eliminate abrasion at chin.

PATAGONIA WOMENS R3® HI-LOFT HOODY: Plush Polartec® Thermal Pro® and R3 fabric wicks moisture, dries quickly and caches heat when temperatures plunge. Polartec Power Stretch® panels under the arms and down the sides allow for a clean fit, full mobility and enhanced durability. Soft microfleece lines the collar, cuffs and hem. A 3-panel, close-fitting hood cranks the thermostat up another notch. 

MARMOT WOMENS VARIANT HOODY: The Variant Hoody delivers warmth and flexibility where you need it most. The jacket’s nylon ripstop DWR-treated shell plus Thermal R insulation in front provide wind- and water-resistant core warmth. Polartec® Power Stretch Pro® sleeves, back and hood fit comfortably on rock or trail.

ARC'TERYX MENS ATOM LT HOODY: This trim hybrid hoody is designed as an active-use insulation layer, providing vital core warmth with liberal mobility and breathability. Lightweight and compressible, the Atom LT Hoody features Coreloft™ insulation in the torso, arms and hood. The side panels and underarms feature Polartec® Power Stretch® with Hardface® Technology, delivering stretch, mobility and breathability. 

CLICK HERE FOR ADDITIONAL HYBRID REVIEWS