If we were to pick a single shell for all backcountry uses, we would go with an all-around jacket.
Many softshells are only water- and wind-resistant instead of waterproof, instead focusing on breathability for working hard in mild conditions. Over time, the DWR finish will wear down, although you can keep it fresh by washing and drying the shell or reapplying a new coating (Nikwaxs TX.Direct Wash-In is our personal favorite).
See the Men's OR Helium AscentShell See the Women's OR Helium AscentShell. Category: MinimalistWeight: 7.4 oz.Waterproofing: Gore-TexDenier: 20DWhat we like: Hardshell performance for just 7.4 ounces.What we dont: Pullover styling and single pocket makes this a niche piece.
Here in the Pacific Northwest, we know a thing or two about rain.
The compromise, of course, is durability and rough weather protection. We prefer rain jackets for daily wear, on summer backpacking trips, or as emergency shells when bad weather isnt in the forecast.
At the extreme end of the spectrum are designs like the alpine-focused Arc'teryx Alpha SV, which foregoes hand pockets altogether and instead boasts dual chest pockets. As a result, the Triolet is the better all-rounder, but the Plumas weight, comfort, and features make for an appealing packageRead in-depth reviewSee the Men's Patagonia Pluma See the Women's Patagonia Pluma. 1.5 oz.Waterproofing: Gore-Tex ProDenier: 30D & 40DWhat we like: Thin fabrics enhance breathability.What we dont: Surprisingly heavy considering the lightweight materials. OR keeps the price low by using their in-house AscentShell membrane rather than Gore-Tex, in addition to a relatively thin build and run-of-the-mill feature set. Category: Minimalist/all-aroundWeight: 12.7 oz.Waterproofing: BD.dryWhat we like: A stretchy and light hardshell at a good price.What we dont: Less bombproof and versatile than a Gore-Tex design. The Patagonia Storm10 is a minimalist hardshell at its finest, packing 3-layer waterproof and breathable protection into an 8.3-ounce design that stuffs down into its own chest pocket. And for lighter-weight and more compressible jackets for everyday use and hiking, see our article on the best rain jackets.
Both jackets are extremely protective with tall collars and extended back lengths, and both include harness- and hipbelt-friendly storage. The premium Summit L5 is just that, combining the protection of a Futurelight membrane with a ridiculously strong, Spectra-infused shell (in high-wear areas).
Weve found that Outdoor Researchs AscentShell, Patagonia's H2No Performance, and eVent all are formidable competitors to Gore-Tex. In the end, $500 is a lot to spend on a casual hardshell, but for frontcountry activities and the odd day at the resort, the Keb offers great weather protection and is one of the best-looking designs here Read in-depth reviewSee the Men's Fjallraven Keb Eco-Shell See the Women's Fjallraven Keb Eco-Shell. Few jackets can compete with Arcteryxs Alpha SV in price and performance, but Mammut is giving it a real go with their $825 Nordwand Pro HS. A more streamlined version of our top-ranked Beta AR, the LT offers a great combination of weight-savings and protection, ideal for backcountry skiers, backpackers, and more. Something both Pro models share, however, is a fairly short back length of 30 inches. Even the best waterproof breathable membrane will make you overheat in mild temperatures on the skin track, and we value the ability to quickly dump heat. 5.8 oz.Waterproofing: Gore-Tex ProDenier: 80D x 80DWhat we like: An intriguing competitor to the legendary Arcteryx Alpha SV above.What we dont: Heavier than the Alpha SV and cant match its proven track record. And now for something a little different.
Our biggest gripe with the Microgravity is fit: We found it to be pretty darn trim (even for a hardshell), and especially tight in the waist when worn over layers.
They are generally trim-fitting, feature thin shell fabrics, and have very few bells and whistles (often omitting pit zips and hand pockets). From their flagship Trollveggen series is the Gore-Tex Pro Light, which goes head-to-head with top-end designs like the Arcteryx Beta AR above. Alpine shells are built for the extremes. Further, at $375 youre paying a lot for a niche piece thats fairly impractical for daily use. Most manufacturers list the jackets only as being helmet-compatible, so weve called out hoods that run a little smallsuch as the Patagonia Plumain our write-ups above.
If you dont need full-on winter protection, however, the Highline is a comfortable and well-designed hardshell jacket that costs significantly less than the Gore-Tex-equipped alternatives.See the Men's BD Highline Stretch See the Women's BD Highline Stretch.
Arcteryx recently updated the jacket with Gores latest Most Rugged Pro construction and a RECCO reflector with only a minimal increase in weight. Overall, while there arent as many options on the market that utilize these waterproofing designs, they are all worth considering if breathability is a priority.
A fresh DWR is an impressive thing and can offer sufficient protection and maximize a membranes ability to ventilate in light to moderate conditions.
The partnership produced the unique Muztag GTX, which combines lightweight 30-denier Gore-Tex Pro in the body (the thinnest Pro material available) with slightly sturdier 40-denier reinforcements. Along with the thinner fabrics and less premium Gore-Tex waterproofing mentioned above, the LT features a trim cut (the ARs is regular), resulting in great range of motion but less room for layering underneath (the jackets center back lengths are nearly identical). You lose a little storage and dont have a place to put your hands going this route, but many weight-conscious backcountry adventurers are happy to make the trade.
Were overall quite impressed by ORs latest effort, which uses their in-house waterproof membrane and a premium Pertex shell to offer exceptional durability and weather protection alongside stretch and breathabilityall for the low weight of just 11.5 ounces (our mens medium checked in at 11.3 oz.). The proven design is plenty tough to withstand brutal alpine conditions without compromising on comfort and breathability for everything from ski hut trips to backpacking. Category: All-aroundWeight: 1 lb.
As the names indicate, softshell and hardshell jackets are differentiated by the type and feel of their face fabrics.
Category: All-around/minimalistWeight: 14.6 oz.Waterproofing: Gore-Tex ProDenier: 40DWhat we like: High levels of performance and comfort.What we dont: Hood doesn't fit easily over a ski helmet. But its not a one-horse race, and brands like Norrna, Rab, and Mammut are similarly impressive. Further, the side vents arent a win for us: Their low placement makes you much more vulnerable to the elements (its for good reason that pit zips are hidden underneath your arms), and we constantly mistake them for pockets.
Denier is a measurement of fabric thickness, and the higher the number the thicker the thread. Below we break down our top hardshell jackets for 2022, from minimalist models for those who want to move fast and light to burly jackets made to withstand the worst winter conditions. When you consider that the Arcteryx Beta AR above undercuts it while utilizing thicker 40- and 80-denier materials, its surprisingly hefty for lightweight alpine travel.
And in contrast to the crinkly, rigid nature of many hardshells, it features a soft and stretchy face fabric, which lends a lot of comfort and versatility for casual environments. With a 40-denier face fabric and 15-denier backer, the Patagonia Pluma is on the thin side for an alpine shell. The 80-denier Gore-Tex on the shoulders may add weight, but its built to handle backpack straps and rain or snowfall. Accordingly, these tents are much stronger Norrna Trollveggen Gore-Tex Pro Jacket Review, Norrna Trollveggen Gore-Tex Pro Light ($599), See the Norrna Trollveggen GTX Pro Light, See the Women's Norrna Trollvegen GTX Pro Light, Mountain Hardwear Exposure/2 GTX Pro Light($450), See the Women's MH Exposure/2 GTX Pro Lite, See the Women's Outdoor Research Archangel, Outdoor Research Helium AscentShell ($399), See the Women's Mountain Equipment Manaslu, The North Face Summit L5 Futurelight ($650), See the Women's TNF Summit L5 Futurelight, See the Women's Arc'teryx Alpha SL Anorak, Mountain Hardwear Exposure/2 GTX Pro Light, Back to Our Hardshell Jacket Comparison Table. But for $200 less, the LT is still a very protective and high-quality shell and will be the more practical pick for manyRead in-depth reviewSee the Men's Arc'teryx Beta LT See the Women's Arc'teryx Beta LT. Category: Alpine/all-aroundWeight: 14.6 oz.Waterproofing: Gore-Tex ProDenier: 80DWhat we like: Impressively lightweight and affordable for a winter-ready hardshell. All-Around All in all, thats a lot of features and versatility for $399. The Mammut has the advantage in features with extras like a zip-out powder skirt for skiing, a two-way main zipper, and more pockets, but it cant touch the Arcteryxs burly 100-denier construction or its 1-pound-2-ounce weight. However, its a compromise many are willing to accept for the all-out weather protection that these robust shells provide. 0.3 oz.Waterproofing: Gore-Tex ProDenier: 40D & 70DWhat we like: Top-notch weather protection and build quality in a light and compressible design.What we dont: No hand pockets and especially long cut.
And compared to most minimalist hardshells, storage is excellent, with internal dump pockets (great for storing skins and gloves), massive hand pockets (awkwardly sized, in our opinion, but accessible with a pack on), and interior and exterior chest pockets. The jacket sits at the very top of the Arcteryx lineup in both weather resistance (the SV is for "severe weather") and price, and its performance while ski touring and mountaineering has not disappointed. For more information, see our hardshell comparison table and buying advice below the picks. You pay a premium over the competition but nothing else on the market matches the combination of performance, fit, and craftsmanship. Further, AscentShell (along with certain types of Patagonia's H2No) comes with the added bonus of a stretchy, softshell-like construction.
For less than half as much as the competition, its a great option for penny pinchers or those just starting outRead in-depth reviewSee the Men's OR Microgravity See the Women's OR Microgravity. In the past, theyve used a range of waterproof options including eVent and NeoShell, but recently went all-in with Gore-Tex. But given the quality of their product, were hopeful that changes soon.See the Men's Mountain Equipment Lhotse See the Women's Mountain Equipment Manaslu. Where does the Rab Muztag fall short? But thats not to say the Microgravity doesnt hold its own: We took the jacket hiking in the stormy Cerro Castillo range of Patagonia, and were impressed with its performance, comfort, and breathability. Our favorite hoods consistently come from Arcteryx: theyre highly adjustable, easy to use, and dont feel ungainly when youre not wearing a helmet. How does the Nordwand Pro stack up with the aforementioned Alpha SV? Everything about the Alpha SL Anorak is streamlined, from the half-zip pullover styling to the single-adjustment StormHood and lone chest pocket. Most people will go with an all-around shell, but our alpine and minimalist categories fill in the gaps for those with more specific needs.Alpine
But we were blown away by the jackets practicality during our testing: on Vancouver Islands wet Juan de Fuca Trail, protection and breathability were on par with other 3-layer Gore-Tex jackets weve tested, and coverage was great despite the trim fit (we even layered it over our lofty Cerium SV down hoody).
This differentiates them from rain jackets, which commonly use 2 or 2.5 layers as a way to cut costs and weight. On the other hand, for multi-day tours or if youre traveling in mild conditions, it's best to leave a heavyweight like the 1-pound-7-ounce Norrna Trollveggen at home and instead bring a trimmed-down hardshell. But theres no denying the Summit L5s impressive protection and durability, and the price is competitive at $650.See the Men's TNF Summit L5 Futurelight See the Women's TNF Summit L5 Futurelight.
In addition, the Nordwand has a ways to go to match the excellent track record of the beloved Alpha. Among premium hardshells, the Archangel makes a strong case by mixing stretch with Gores bombproof Pro membrane. For an emergency layer or lightweight shoulder-season protection, it doesnt get much better. The Storm10 sheds most of its weight with a very thin shell fabric (20D)it feels more like a rain jacket than a hardshelland a design that forgoes pit zips.
At the lightweight end of the spectrum, minimalist hardshells are built with the goal of keeping weight and packed size to an absolute minimum.
This coating is applied to the exterior of every jacket that made our list above to prevent moisture from absorbing into the face fabric by beading up the droplets.
Both are exceptionally built and highly protective shells, but the Beta ARs more versatile design might be the deciding factor for many.
Its true that the Alpha SV below is tougher and has a slimmer and longer cut, and you can save weight by choosing one of the thinner options below, but for all-around backcountry use, the Beta AR is best in classRead in-depth reviewSee the Men's Arc'teryx Beta AR See the Women's Arc'teryx Beta AR.
2 oz.Waterproofing: Gore-Tex ProDenier: 100DWhat we like: Bombproof shell, fantastic detail work.What we dont: Very expensive.
Of course, there are some compromises to opting for such a streamlined jacket. Moreover, you do lose out on hand warmer pockets with the alpine-focused design.
The construction doesnt come cheap: the most affordable jacket to make our list is the $249 Outdoor Research Microgravity, and you can easily spend upwards of $700 on a quality shell. Intended for serious alpine adventuring and backcountry skiing, the shell prioritizes mobility, climbing-focused features, and sturdy protection. The Summit L5 falls into an esteemed group of top-shelf alpine hardshells, including the Alpha SV Mammut Nordwandabove. Finally, the jacket is only available in one color (red orange), which isnt ideal for non-expedition use.
In short, if youre looking for a high performance hardshell for winter conditions, youd be hard pressed to find a better deal (most GTX Pro jackets are $550 or more). 2.3 oz.Waterproofing: Eco-ShellWhat we like: Sophisticated performance; great comfort and style with a soft and stretchy shell.What we dont: Too heavy for backcountry use; side vents are strange. In addition, the Lhotse is known for having a great fit: its cut long to accommodate a harness and offers plenty of space for layering without impacting mobility. But for those looking for a premium alpine climbing shell, the Archangel is a well worth a look. For fast-and-light alpine trips when you need a shell with good mobility and the weather wont be too rough, the Highline certainly can do the trick. If youll prone to running hot or need a waterproof shell for high-output activities, we recommend choosing a jacket with pit zips.
Most all-around jackets for alpine climbing and skiing fall in the 30- to 80-denier range. But despite its shortcomings, the Triolets no-nonsense, trustworthy design makes it a go-to hardshell option for a wide range of winter sports at a good priceRead in-depth reviewSee the Men's Patagonia Triolet See the Women's Patagonia Triolet. And while Paclite and Active technologies are at home amongst our favorite rain jackets (thanks to their lightweight and breathable nature), Gore-Tex Pro is the go-to membrane for most premium hardshells. Despite its one-jacket-quiver intentions, the Lhotse is less of an all-rounder than our top picks. Further, the Patagonias fit is so trim that you probably won't be able to fit much more than a lightweight insulated jacket underneath, and the somewhat sticky interior places function first and comfort second.
These things matter if youll be heading out in the worst of conditions, which is why the Mammut ends up with a midpack finish.See the Men's Mammut Nordwand Pro HS See the Women's Nordwand Pro HS.
And Arcteryx honed things in even further last year with improved durability and a RECCO reflector for avalanche scenarios. After a short hiatus, Arcteryx released an updated version of their Beta LT hardshell last spring. This impressive performance-to-weight ratio is achieved via Arcteryxs innovative Hadron fabric, which has a ripstop grid of liquid crystal polymer (in laymens terms: its materials are cutting edge).
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In addition to the 3-layer waterproof construction, another key piece of a hardshells protection and breathability is its durable water repellent finish (commonly referred to as DWR). We brought the From backcountry ski tours to mountaineering in some of the most inhospitable weather on Earth, a 4-season tent is the last line of defense between you and the elements. In addition, hardshells share a common 3-layer construction type that bonds an interior liner and exterior face fabric to a waterproof and breathable membrane.
Further, we found it difficult to get the hood fully cinched over a ski helmet (although it fit fine over a climbing helmet).
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