When it comes to the constantly changing Colorado weather, a solid jacket is an essential part of every Coloradan’s wardrobe. If you’re an outdoor recreation junkie like me, you probably need something that looks great, but also performs while in the field. Here are a few of the jackets I’ve tried this year that I’d definitely recommend to a friend.

1. Mountain Khakis Fourteener Jacket

Ultra comfortable and quite warm, the Mountain Khakis Fourteener Jacket lives up to its name. While it might not look like the first jacket you’d typically grab for a high altitude hike, it’s quite functional, with an inner layer to break up wind and thick shearling pile sure to keep your core temperature up. Would you take this jacket into the freezing tundra? Probably not. But it’s a great fit for fall climbs when you’re sure to meet a lower temperature above treeline.

2. Outdoor Research Kalaloch Reversible Shirt Jacket

It’s two jackets in one and both jackets are jackets you’d probably buy by themselves. That makes this sub-$200 shirt-jacket a steal. The Outdoor Research Kalaloch reversible shirt jacket is made to be a chameleon, able to adapt to a number of settings. One side has the appearance of a plaid shirt jacket, while the other side is more formal, resembling the typical puffer jacket. The best perk? Switching between both sides takes mere seconds. If you’re looking to spend money on one light-weight jacket that you can use in nearly any occasion, this is it.

3. Pearl iZumi Versa Quilted Hoodie

At the time I’m writing this piece, the Pearl iZumi Versa Quilted Hoodie is my go-to jacket for nearly any occasion. It’s comfortable, it’s functional, and it looks great. Technically, this jacket is designed with the biker in mind, fitting tightly to the body and featuring conveniently placed pockets (on the lower back, for instance). It’s actually part of a larger Pearl iZumi BikeStyle set, which features an entire collection of clothes that cater to cyclists, but also look good.

That being said, the usage of this jacket extends far past the saddle of a bicycle. Because it’s so breathable, it’s great for a number of outdoor recreation activities – especially those where you might be grabbing a beer at the pub afterwords. It’s even capable of withstanding the powerful nibble of a kangaroo.

4. Ortovox Fleece Light Tec Hoody

Constructed with wool on the skin and designed to be very stretchable (read: comfortable), the Ortovox Fleece Light Tec Hoody is lightweight, but surprisingly durable. Granted, it is a jacket designed with climbers in mind, from extra reinforcement in high-contact areas (like the elbows) to pockets that don’t get in the way of a harness.

Not only is it practical for high-contact sports like rock-climbing, this jacket’s slim-fit design also makes it perfect for layering, though it also looks great as a standalone, as well. I’ve taken this jacket climbing a few times and summited several 14,000 foot peaks in it. It never lets me down.

Out of all of the jackets on this list, this one seems to be the best for more strenuous activities. I’ll generally switch to this jacket as my body starts to heat up thanks to how breathable and flexible the material is.

5. The Helly Hansen Odin Stretch Insulated Jacket

Ultralight and comfortable, the Odin Stretch Insulated Jacket is one of the best insulator jackets you’ll find. It’s warmth makes it perfect for layering when encountering cold, changing weather, while it’s also quite packable given its low weight and how much you can compress the jacket.

My favorite use for this jacket is high-altitude hiking on a cloudy day. Because the weather changes so much throughout the climb, you need something that you can take on and off easily, putting it over, under, or in-between layers. This is that jacket.

*** With regards to gear-related pieces, OutThere Colorado staff may receive product for testing purposes at no cost. Per our editorial ethics policy, receiving product in no way guarantees coverage, positive or negative. All selections made on gear lists are made by the author solely based on their experience with the gear.