Most buying guides present soft and hard shells as a simple trade-off: soft shells are breathable but leak; hard shells are waterproof but stiff. The truth is more strategic. Research on mountaineering outerwear in extreme conditions shows that the "best" choice depends entirely on your activity ...

Most shoppers see a jacket labeled "10,000mm waterproof" and panic. They assume it's barely protection. Then they find a premium jacket at double the price rated "20,000mm" and think they've found the "real deal." The truth? Most of those higher ratings are marketing theater—and you're ...