But its not a one-horse race, and brands like Norrna, Rab, and Mammut are similarly impressive. 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. 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. And a downside for those in the U.S. is availability: there arent nearly as many retailers selling Mountain Equipment as competitors like Arcteryx, Outdoor Research, and Patagonia. Heres the story: this latest design includes a 3-layer variation of their in-house BD.dry membrane, has a light amount of stretch incorporated into the nylon build, and keeps things pretty light at 12.7 ounces all-in. Most hardshells start their bidding around $400, so Outdoor Researchs $249 Microgravity is a really nice option to have on your radar. We were fairly unimpressed with the overly roomy fit of the Summit L5 LT (the now-discontinued lightweight version of the jacket here), and TNFs finishes lack a refined feel overall. That said, the build is pretty focused on climbing, which impacts its versatility for backcountry and downhill skiing. For top-of-the-line performance, Gores Pro laminate is the class leader. This jacket is ready for the elements, with a stretchy, hardwearing polyester and Fjallravens in-house Eco-Shell membrane. You can save weight and get a more layering-friendly fit with the Beta AR above, and the Alpha SV and Mammut Nordwandwin out in durability. patagonia torrentshell Alpine shells are built for the extremes. Hands down, Arcteryx makes our favorite hardshell jackets. In addition, the hood design could use some work: When tightened down over a ballcap, the cinch cord sits awkwardly and uncomfortably right over the ears (on a positive note, the hood is helmet-compatible with climbing and skiing lids). As the names indicate, softshell and hardshell jackets are differentiated by the type and feel of their face fabrics. Here in the Pacific Northwest, we know a thing or two about rain. That said, you are getting an upgrade in breathability, and its solid feature set that includes Rabs signature wire-brimmed hood and lots of pockets makes the Muztag a capable backcountry piece.See the Men's Rab Muztag GTX See the Women's Rab Muztag GTX. All hardshells share a basic design and construction, but weve separated them into three general categories: alpine, all-around, and minimalist. softshell css patagonia jacket mens Minimalist softshell css patagonia jacket mens These designs have a wide range of uses, from hiking to ski mountaineering, and generally slide in between alpine and minimalist shells in terms of weight, fabric thickness, features, and cost. However, with thin fabrics they don't measure up to the rest of the hardshell competition in terms of durability and weather protectionwe particularly don't recommend minimalist shells for true winter weather. And for lighter-weight and more compressible jackets for everyday use and hiking, see our article on the best rain jackets. 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). And its downright comfortable for a hardshell with lightweight 40-denier fabric on the body. In contrast, the Beta AR has a more standard length and convenient hand pockets, which are situated high enough to access under a hipbelt or harness. And the criticisms are typically warrantedthe tough face fabric (up to 100D) isnt as flexible as thinner blends and can be pretty noisy for activities with a lot of movement like skinning, belaying, or hiking. Category: MinimalistWeight: 8.3 oz.Waterproofing: H2No PerformanceDenier: 20DWhat we like: Alpine-centric features and 3-layer protection in a minimalist package.What we dont: Thin shell fabric and no pit zips. 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). eVent was one of the first to really break through with their direct venting design, and these other technologies follow suit with air-permeable 3-layer builds to encourage airflow. This is a primary reason that many professional mountain guides and serious outdoorspeople are willing to spend up for Arcteryx. The jacket has been a flagship piece since its release back in 2000, and its a favorite for everything from hiking and backpacking in rough conditions to No piece of gear is more critical to summiting high peaks than footwear. patagonia hooded softshell jacket simple guide backcountry Denier is a measurement of fabric thickness, and the higher the number the thicker the thread. Outdoor Research's Microgravityis a great example of this style, with a softshell-like face fabric and supple lining, in addition to a relatively thick shell (20D x 45D) and 3-layer construction typical of a hardshell. For reference, the Beta AR above measures 30.4 inches and weve found it a bit short for skiing. From Arcteryxs formidable hardshell lineup, the Beta AR slots in as the all-around workhorse. $799 is an eye-popping total, and for the average backcountry explorer, the Alpha SVs tank-like construction is more than youll ever need. patagonia torrentshell h2no waterproof shell rain jacket mens The high placement means you can open and close the pocket without needing to pull up on the jacket or unclip the belt. Read more about us. Currently, most of the designs in our alpine category feature Gore-Tex's most premium "Pro" membrane, which is just about as protective as it gets. Moreover, you do lose out on hand warmer pockets with the alpine-focused design. patagonia All told, the Pluma checks off all the boxes for high-mountain adventures where weight and comfort are the priorities. They are generally trim-fitting, feature thin shell fabrics, and have very few bells and whistles (often omitting pit zips and hand pockets). Outdoor Researchs Helium jacket has long been one of our go-to emergency shells, offering decent rain protection at a very low weight. softshell hooded patagonia jacket simple guide backcountry 2.9 oz.Waterproofing: FuturelightDenier: 75D x 20DWhat we like: Impressive protection and durability for high alpine environments.What we dont: Fit and finish doesnt measure up to Arcteryx. Along with this top-shelf weather protection, the Exposure/2 here features a burly 80-denier face fabric and a competitive 14.6-ounce weight, which are simply remarkable specs given its $450 price tag. Everything about the Alpha SL Anorak is streamlined, from the half-zip pullover styling to the single-adjustment StormHood and lone chest pocket. Plus, its harness and backpack hipbelt-friendly with raised hand pockets and a two-way main zipper. With a 40-denier face fabric and 15-denier backer, the Patagonia Pluma is on the thin side for an alpine shell. Both are exceptionally built and highly protective shells, but the Beta ARs more versatile design might be the deciding factor for many. After a short hiatus, Arcteryx released an updated version of their Beta LT hardshell last spring. The most important is weather resistance: hardshell jackets offer high levels of waterproofing and windproofing for sustained exposure in harsh conditions. rei snowshot 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. There are some cases where you may want to pass on the featuresuch as for fast-and-light tripsbut were usually quite willing to accept the extra ounces and slightly larger packed size. patagonia Known for stylish yet high-performance products that bridge the gap between the mountains and the city, Swedish based Fjallraven nailed the formula with their Keb Eco-Shell hardshell. The hybrid concept is built for high-output mountain activities, and the combination of breathability from the thin fabrics and solid weatherproofing from the Pro membrane pair well for ski touring and climbing. Moreover, the use of thinner fabrics makes it less durable than the Beta AR, and its pricing is pretty ambitious at $500. 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. The North Face is a go-to brand for casual wear, but they also take pride in building robust outerwear for expeditions to the worlds worst weather. For an emergency layer or lightweight shoulder-season protection, it doesnt get much better. Further, we found it difficult to get the hood fully cinched over a ski helmet (although it fit fine over a climbing helmet). backcountry Ideal for shoulder-season missions, it offers a nice middle ground between bombproof winter-ready hardshells and fully minimalist jackets like the Patagonia Storm10 above. We use affiliate links andmay receive a small commission on purchases. As a result, the Alpha SL Anorak is able to compete with emergency rain jackets in weight and packability yet still maintains protection and toughness on par with many hardshells here. What we dont: Fairly heavy; fits and feels a little too much like a ski jacket. Most hardshells in our all-around category have a "regular" fit, allowing ample room for layering while providing great coverage and a stylish look that looks great on the mountain and in town. Intended for serious alpine adventuring and backcountry skiing, the shell prioritizes mobility, climbing-focused features, and sturdy protection. The shell is properly outfitted for mountain use with a tall collar, fantastic hood with easy adjustability, and just-right fit for layering and mobility. Gore released a new stretch variation of its Pro membrane last year, and Outdoor Researchs Archangel is one of the first products to feature the material. 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. 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. Of course the Keb doesnt come up short on style points, either, with an array of non-traditional colorways (we loved the chestnut), attractive chest pockets and pulls, and a classy Fjallraven patch on the left arm. 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. View cart for details. Water-resistant zips, sleek Velcro cuffs, and a helmet-compatible hood further help to batten down the hatches, and side vents open wide when heat starts to build. Something both Pro models share, however, is a fairly short back length of 30 inches. Most all-around jackets for alpine climbing and skiing fall in the 30- to 80-denier range. If youll prone to running hot or need a waterproof shell for high-output activities, we recommend choosing a jacket with pit zips. Of course, there are some compromises to opting for such a streamlined jacket. backcountry 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. h2no There are three general options for an outer layer: rain jackets, softshells, and hardshells. Category: All-aroundWeight: 1 lb. Category: AlpineWeight: 1 lb. A jacket's fit often has a lot to tell you about its intentions. softshell hooded patagonia mixed jacket guide backcountry 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. And with large pit zips and a two-way main zipper, you can customize airflow for all manner of activities and conditions. Its nice to have the all-out security of a jacket like the Alpha SV or Beta AR above, but for weight-conscious missions like backpacking and alpine climbing, you can get away with a lot less. As expected at this price point, you get a premium build including top-end Gore-Tex Pro, a cozy micro grid liner for exceptional comfort and sweat absorption, and pit zipsall at under 15 ounces. But for fast-and-light climbers or mountain runners who want uncompromised performance in a lightweight and packable build (we stuffed ours into a 600ml mug), its hard to beat Arcteryxs Alpha SL AnorakRead in-depth reviewSee the Men's Arc'teryx Alpha SL Anorak See the Women's Arc'teryx Alpha SL Anorak. Further, its 1-pound-3.4-ounce weight can be a burden to carry for extended stretches, and the jackets substantial build and regular cut have a negative impact on mobility (it feels more like a ski jacket than alternatives like the Beta AR above). 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. Added up, the Archangel is a capable and mobile option for rugged alpine use. 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. jacket What we dont: Overkill for some, colorways are polarizing. As a result, despite being unprovenand featuring some rather polarizing colorwaysthe Exposure/2 Pro Lites combination of toughness and protection in an impressively lightweight build earn it a spot on our 2022 list.See the Men's MH Exposure/2 GTX Pro Lite See the Women's MH Exposure/2 GTX Pro Lite. Finally, the jacket is only available in one color (red orange), which isnt ideal for non-expedition use. 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. Some of the biggest complaints of hardshell jackets are their rigid feel and crinkly sound. This Gore-Tex Pro shell is meant for high-alpine adventure with a long cut, 40-denier face fabric with burly 70-denier reinforcements, helmet-compatible hood, and tall collar. Category: All-aroundWeight: 1 lb.Waterproofing: Gore-Tex ProDenier: 40D & 80DWhat we like: Excels in just about every category.What we dont: Expensive, and not ideal for fast-and-light trips. Patagonia Soft Shell Coats & Jackets for Men, 1 product ratings - Patagonia Men's Nano Puff Vest. As such, the Black Diamond cant come close to matching the versatility of a burlier competitor like Arcteryxs 4-season-ready Beta LT (plus, the Beta's larger hood makes it fully functional as a backcountry ski shell). U.K.-based Mountain Equipment isnt a household name in the U.S., but its starting to gain traction. However, for weight-conscious activities like backcountry skiing or backpacking, its heavy at 1 pound 2.3 ounces and not particularly packablewe generally take along a lighter jacket like the Arcteryx Beta LT instead. As an example, there have been very few instances where weve regretted packing our 1-pound-2-ounce Alpha SV on a trip. And in terms of weather protection and durability, the jackets relatively thin shell (20D x 45D) falls short of full-on winter hardshells. See the Men's OR Helium AscentShell See the Women's OR Helium AscentShell. Category: AlpineWeight: 1 lb. Of course, there are inherent limitations to an anorak design, and some might prefer more stretch in their face fabric for high-output activities. That said, we've begun to see more and more stretchy hardshells hit the market, which address both issues mentioned above. patagonia It balances high-mountain durability with waterproofing and breathability better than anything on the market, but does come with a significant increase in price. 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. Its also worth noting that the stretch panel uses a relatively thin 40-denier face fabric, making it less ideal for extensive wear under a heavy pack. 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). 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. A fresh DWR is an impressive thing and can offer sufficient protection and maximize a membranes ability to ventilate in light to moderate conditions. But the Storm10 is nevertheless a reliable companion for day trips and quick overnight excursions, and its hard to argue with the weightRead in-depth reviewSee the Men's Patagonia Storm10 See the Women's Patagonia Storm10. Category: AlpineWeight: 1 lb. Jackets that nicely balance weight and toughness include Arc'teryx's Beta LTand the Patagonia Pluma. But for those looking for a premium alpine climbing shell, the Archangel is a well worth a look. Almost all of the jackets on the list above include a hood that can fit over a climbing helmet. You pay a premium over the competition but nothing else on the market matches the combination of performance, fit, and craftsmanship. rei snowshot 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. 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. adze There are a number of factors that impact a jackets durability, but denier is a helpful indicator of strength. Like Outdoor Researchs Microgravity above, the Highline does a nice job balancing price, weight, and all-around performance, but it cant compete with a Gore-Tex shell in terms of outright protection and refinement. Finally, keep in mind that the Trollveggens sizing runs a little small, and we wound up going up a sizeRead in-depth reviewSee the Norrna Trollveggen GTX Pro Light See the Women's Norrna Trollvegen GTX Pro Light. Weve found that Outdoor Researchs AscentShell, Patagonia's H2No Performance, and eVent all are formidable competitors to Gore-Tex. Category: All-around/minimalistWeight: 13.9 oz.Waterproofing: Gore-TexDenier: 40DWhat we like: A streamlined version of the Beta AR for $200 less.What we dont: Less winter-ready than the AR. Its easy to get excited about all the fun tech working its way into the hardshell world, but theres something to be said for a simple 3-layer Gore-Tex jacket. These shells are also the most expensive here, ranging from $450 for the Mountain Hardwear Exposure/2 GTX Pro Lightto $825 for the Mammut Norwand Pro HS. The end result is that the pockets are slightly less comfortablethe location isnt as natural of a resting place for your handsbut its something were willing to tolerate to make the pockets usable. 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. 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. The combination of durability, weather protection, and breathability makes hardshell jackets popular for downhill and backcountry skiing, mountaineering, alpine and ice climbing, and 4-season hiking. Using familiar Gore-Tex Pro but with a burly 80D x 80D mix of the brands Most Rugged fabric, the jacket is built to withstand tough weather conditions and use around sharp rock and climbing equipment. 1.5 oz.Waterproofing: Gore-Tex ProDenier: 30D & 40DWhat we like: Thin fabrics enhance breathability.What we dont: Surprisingly heavy considering the lightweight materials. And Mammut put some real effort into enhancing range of motion with panels of Gores new Pro Stretch material and a body-mapping cut that limits pinch points in the shoulders and underarms. Theyre comfortable with or without a midlayer jacket and fit most body types very well. The construction is undeniably thinit feels almost paper-like along the interiorand the zippers are fairly stiff and have a cheaper feel to them. This is the outer layer you turn to for ultimate protection while backcountry and resort skiing, mountaineering, alpine climbing, and 4-season trekking. 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. windbreaker But AscentShell has proven itself to be an exceptional breather (weve worn it in a variety of jackets at this point, including the Realm, Skyward, and Interstellar), making the Microgravity a suitable jacket for shoulder-season activities like hiking or backcountry skiing. h2no Not many fabric technologies have received as much fanfare as Futurelight (touted as being thinner and more breathable than Gore-Tex) and Spectra is a fairly impressive name-drop, but The North Face simply cant measure up to the more premium brands in terms of quality. In short, this hardshell incorporates a large, stretchy panel along the upper back of the jacket for improved freedom of movement and comfort (the rest of the shell is standard Gore-Tex Pro). You get a 3-layer Gore-Tex build along with a 40-denier shell, and the LT doesnt skimp on the details, including pit zips, two handwarmer pockets, and an adjustable and helmet-compatible StormHood. The Summit L5 falls into an esteemed group of top-shelf alpine hardshells, including the Alpha SV Mammut Nordwandabove. 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. Hardshell jackets are designed for the mountains: theyre highly windproof, waterproof, breathable, and durable. Our main gripe with the Helium AscentShell is fit: The shape is extremely boxy, resulting in a baggy torso and waist on our tester (on the other hand, ORs Microgravity fit him well). h2no dwr windproof And now for something a little different. Patagonia has a rich history in alpine exploration, so it comes as little surprise that their high-end Pluma is a real standout. The compromise, of course, is durability and rough weather protection. rei powslayer shell Gore-Tex still dominates the marketits no coincidence youll see their name on most jackets that made our list. Further, it comes well-equipped for technical endeavors, thanks to a helmet-compatible hood, hand pockets that are accessible over a harness or hipbelt, and a slim fit. The Helium AscentShell keeps the ultralight ethos of the name but upgrades just about everything else, resulting in a real-deal hardshell that falls into the same category as lightweight all-rounders like the Arcteryx Beta LT above. 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 terms of weather resistance, it isnt even closeeven waterproof softshell jackets dont offer nearly the same level of protection. Where does the Trollveggen Light come up short? 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.). Clocking in at a scant 7.4 ounces, the Alpha SL manages to pack in a 3-layer build and impressively durable face fabric, which is a real feat in terms of hardshell design (previous versions of the SL resorted to 2.5L GTX in order to shave weight). In our opinion, Norrna took the alpine-focused build one step too far when they designed the jacket without hand pocketsinstead, you get just two external chest pockets and one internal zippered stash. When the wind is really blowing, throwing on a hood is your best form of protection. We've worn the Microgravitywhile hiking and backcountry skiing, and it's proven to be both quiet and highly mobile, even while reaching high overhead. hiking 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. Below we break down the best rain Arcteryxs Beta LT has been a mainstay in their lineup for years and received a significant update a few seasons ago. Nor is it lacking in features: you get pit zips, plenty of interior and exterior pockets, and trustworthy zippers. The thick shell cant match the breathability of thinner alternatives or more advanced waterproof membranes (like what you get with Patagonias pricier Pluma below). 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. Our primary issue is weight as the jacket comes in at 1 pound 1.5 ounces. Not only are they loud, but rigid hardshells can also impede movement, making them an onerous choice for high-mobility activities like alpine climbing and backcountry skiing. Category: Alpine/all-aroundWeight: 1 lb. To be clear, there isnt a perfect and universally accepted definition of a hardshell, but there are a number of common features that define this non-insulated jacket type. In most cases, were willing to carry a little extra weight into the alpine for an added sense of security. 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. 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. patagonia torrentshell 2 oz.Waterproofing: Gore-Tex ProDenier: 100DWhat we like: Bombproof shell, fantastic detail work.What we dont: Very expensive. 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.