Review: Orvis Pro Upland Softshell

Down coats are the standard during a cold Montana winter, with varying amounts of insulation based on the activity. Which is all well & good for trails and open country, but what about off-trail snowshoeing and ski-touring through the timber? A few sharp branches and your pristine puffy becomes a duct-taped derelict, forever compromised and no longer suitable for anything but dirtbag endeavors—or worse, relegated to your emergency overnight bag stashed in the trunk.

This is where a good softshell comes in, with its coveted combination of windproofness, water resistance, durability, and relative warmth. The PRO Upland Softshell Jacket from Orvis is a solid iteration, built for bird hunting so burly enough for trees & brush, but also versatile enough to serve you well in the wintertime—and well into spring, too. With stretchy fabric and pit-zips, it's best for moderately cold days and designed for activity; when things get frigid, slip a vest underneath or a shell on top. It may not be your favorite warm & cozy puffer, but it's an all-around workhorse that won't cause concern when bushwhacking or gathering around the campfire.

Available at orvis.com; $198.