The Shield; What is a Hardshell.

• Finding a good hard-shell is crucial if you plan on being outside all year around. A person's shell tells you a lot about the person's hopes and dreams as they write their outdoor resume.

The Easy Part

A hard-shell is a water proof and wind proof layer. Designed for alpine endeavors with ease of use in mind. It creates the boundary for the micro-atmosphere that sits between the person's skin and the elements .

It's More Then A Raincoat

Yes, a rain jacket is water proof, yes a rain coat will have some wind proof properties; however, rain coats are designed to simply keep the rain out. A salesmen will never sell you a raincoat on its durability or its versatility in an alpine pursuits. That is what a hard-shell will do for you. Most rain coats use a 2 layer system to keep the elements out. Hard-shells use a three layer system to keep water and wind out, and also remove body head and moisture.

What is Gore-Tex

Gore-Tex is a name brand water proof fabric that companies use to make their garments water proof and wind proof. Gore runs ALL of their products through a battery of tests before they give the go ahead for the company to produce the garment for public sale. If a product has 'Gore-Tex' on it, then product is guaranteed to keep the wearer dry.

A Hard-shell That is NOT Gore-Tex

That means it is the company's own 3 layer take off on Gore-Tex. It's not necessarily a bad thing. However, it is unheard of for an outdoor company to make a high end hard-shell that is not Gore-Tex. Because Gore sets such high standards, it is expensive for companies to go through the process of getting it 'Gore' approved. Most companies have their own version of a 3 layer system. There is a reason that serious hard-shells are made of Gore-Tex, it's because it works. 

If You Like to Lift Weights, Lift Weights, If you Like to Run, Run

A hard-shell is a big investment for the average person who spends time outdoors. As I covered in Choosing the Right Winter Shell, a hard-shell can cost anywhere from $180-$700. Those are scary numbers.  It all comes down to how often you're up in the hills, and what you do when you are there. If you enjoy short day hikes in the summer, a raincoat is the way to go. If you outside for multi-day trips miles away from shelter, a light hard-shell would be just about perfect. It boils down to what you want to do outside. Just remember that your equipment should always enhance your experiences in the mountains. If what you choose fits that criteria then it was money well spent. 

Gore-Tex's Testing Process.

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