Hardshell jackets are the best defence between you and the nastiest weather you’ll encounter outdoors. These jackets are durable, protective and utilize highly advanced materials to keep you outdoors longer in even the worst snow or rain. Don’t worry, we’re going to talk about all the details you need to know before you buy your next hardshell jackets in just a moment. With hundreds of days spent guiding skiing and backpacking trips, I know what to look for in a top rated hardshell jacket. By the time you’re done with this article you’ll know what to look for and what to avoid!

Best Hardshell Jackets

	Outdoor Research Men's Foray Jacket	MARMOT mens Precip Eco Jacket	Arc'teryx Zeta LT Jacket
Shell:	Polyester	Nylon, polyester	N40p-X GORE-TEX Pro 3L
Hood:	Yes	Yes	Yes
Weight:	16.3 oz	10.1 oz	13.1 oz
Seam Taped:	Yes	Yes	Yes

For more of my hiking gear recommendations, have a look through these popular Outside Pursuits guide links: Hiking Shoes, Boots, Pants, GPS Watches.

Quick Answer: The Best Rated Hardshell Jackets

1. Outdoor Research Men’s Foray Jacket
2. Marmot Men’s Precip Jacket
3. Arc’teryx Alpha FL Jacket
4. Outdoor Research MicroGravity AscentShell Jacket
5. Sherpa Adventure Gear Men’s Kunde Jacket
6. Helly Hansen Men’s Waterproof Insulated Jacket

Just remember that hardshell jackets aren’t the perfect answer for every situation. Be sure to see our guide about softshell jackets to further learn what types are available and when you should use each one.

Hardshell Jacket Reviews

#1 Editor’s Choice – Outdoor Research Men’s Foray Jacket

If you’ve read many of my reviews you know by now that I favor OR products and why it’s our Editor’s Choice for the best hardshell jacket. They always seem to put out quality gear that’s priced right. There’s no exception to that rule here! I love napoleon pockets myself and they’re even better when they double as stuff sacks like this one does. If you’re not aware, Napoleon pockets are the chest pocket on a jacket. While this jacket isn’t breathable, it does have pit zips. If I had to choose between a breathable jacket and one with pit zips, I would opt for pit zips every time.

Of course, you’re going to also get all the standard features. Adjustable hood, elastic cuffs, and adjustable hem. One nice feature is the soft inner liner. Unlike many hardshells, this jacket is 100% polyester. That doesn’t make it any worse, in fact it makes it a bit softer to the touch and less of a “plastic bag” feeling. The Foray is full featured hardshell that makes a good multi-sport companion.

Women’s Model: Outdoor Research Women’s Aspire Jacket

#2 Best for Backpacking/Hiking – MARMOT Precip Eco Jacket

There’s hardly a more classic waterproof jacket out there than the Marmot Precip. This jacket is a breathable, coated waterproof jacket that keeps things simple and affordable. It’s among the most well-loved pieces of backpacking gear I’ve ever known. I bought this jacket when I first started backpacking and loved it. Today’s Precip jacket has a few cool upgrades you’ll want to know about. First, they’ve create the NanoPro WPB fabric so the PreCip jacket is now breathable. That’s a big improvement over the old non-breathable fabric, but many users rate its breathability as low, so I wouldn’t expect to use it as a running jacket.

They also raised the neckline on the jacket and have separated it from the hood. This is a cool and useful change to the jacket that most users will love. It means a tighter fitting neckline that stays comfortable thanks to the DriClime lining. The PreCip is one of the best hiking jackets you can buy that won’t let you down.

Women’s Model: Marmot PreCip Women’s

#3 Best for Mountaineering – Arc’teryx Zeta LT Jacket

Arc’teryx is a brand that doesn’t compromise. They go all out on style, function, and tech. That means that you’ll usually pay through the nose to get a piece of their gear, but you’ll be hard-pressed to find anything wrong with it! Remember when I said you might have to do some searching to find a good helmet-compatible hood? Well, look no more.

The Storm Hood on this jacket is a signature Arcteryx touch that makes a great companion for mountaineering or skiing. I’m a huge fan of the tight, sleek look of this jacket. If style points are a thing for you, you’ll love the Zeta LT. However, style isn’t everything. The slim fit of this jacket is specifically designed for climbers who need to see the gear on their harness that they’re carrying. If you’re looking for the best mountaineering jacket, the Arc’teryx is for you!

#4 Best Value – Outdoor Research MicroGravity AscentShell Jacket

OR comes into our list again with another solid hardshell. There’s a reason they make so many appearances and it’s because their gear is always on point. This time it’s more oriented toward hiking and backpacking. Whether you’re backpacking or climbing this jacket is meant to move. It’s a lightweight, slim jacket that has breathability paired with a trimmed figure. The waterproof zippers are nearly hidden on the jacket and they look great. The features, however, are also trimmed compared to some jackets.

The hood is not helmet compatible. However, unlike some of the jackets on our list, there are a few extra pockets. Ultimately it looks and feels like a jacket designed to be minimal, yet with high-end features. The best part is that it doesn’t cost as much as some on our list!

Women’s Model: Outdoor Research Women’s Clairvoyant Jacket

#5 Best Classic – SHERPA ADVENTURE GEAR Men’s Kunde Jacket

While I haven’t had direct experience with this brand, I think the reviews on the SHERPA ADVENTURE GEAR Kunde jacket speak for themselves. Users love this jacket and it’s one of the most affordable on our list so there’s little reason not to give it a shot! I’ll admit, Sherpa earned some brownie points by putting pit zips on this jacket. They’re one of my favorite features and even today, I think too many jackets fail to incorporate this feature.

I like that they doubled the Napoleon pocket as a media pocket with its own headphone port and all! Why not kill two birds with one stone? Little features like an adjustable hood and chin protection with a soft liner are easy to miss but really add to the quality of this jacket. There’s only one color, however, and it’s bright blue. So if you’re looking for a multitude of colors to choose from, maybe to deck out the whole family, you might have to look elsewhere.

#6 Customer’s Choice – Helly Hansen Men’s Insulated Jacket

Helly Hansen has one of the most robust lines of outdoor gear going around. Their products are both well-made and affordable. Too many hardshell jackets today are going with waterproof zippers and forgetting the zipper cover. Waterproof zippers are great, but they have one problem – they don’t always keep out all the water. I honestly prefer a zipper cover most of the time.

Helly Hansen uses their proprietary HELLY TECH waterproof and breathable outer layer in this jacket. Its membrane keeps rain out while allowing sweat to wick away, keeping you dry and comfortable. It consists of DWR treated outer fabric, a waterproof, breathable membrane and an inner mesh lining. If you’re looking for a light jacket for skiing or snowboarding, this is one of the best hard-shell ski jackets you can find.

Women’s Model: Helly Hansen Women’s Loke Jacket

Hardshell Jacket Comparison Table

How to Choose the Best Hardshell Jacket

• Materials
• How Will You Use It?
• Waterproof Breathable Jackets
• Zippers
• Pit Zippers
• FAQs
• Conclusion

Picking out the right hardshell jacket for you means understanding how they work and what they’re made of. Let’s get into all the details here so you can get on the fast track to picking out the right one.

Shell Materials

Exactly what is a hardshell jacket made from? There are several common materials, and it’s important to understand the differences between each so you can choose the right one for you.

Nylon

The most common hardshell jacket material is nylon. It’s a man-made fiber that’s extremely durable and robust. By itself, nylon can be made to block wind and rain almost flawlessly. However, without some additional materials, it may not be as comfortable as you’d like. The Marmot PreCip Jacket is a great example of a high-quality nylon jacket.

Membranes

Whenever you hear that a jacket is “waterproof breathable”, that’s thanks to a membrane which is composed of layers of porous and semi-porous synthetic fabrics. These allow water vapor to pass out but not in, giving you those moisture-wicking properties that you look for in a breathable jacket.

Polyester

Polyester is less common in hardshells than other jackets. That’s because it’s a great wicking material, and hardshell jackets aren’t quite the right place for that material. However, it’s sometimes used as a liner to make the jacket feel softer and more comfortable as nylon often has a plastic feel by itself. Our Editor’s Choice product, the Outdoor Research Foray, has a built-in polyester shell.

How Will You Use It?

Hardshell jackets are most often used in mountaineering, skiing and backpacking where extreme weather can’t be avoided. For that reason, you’ll want to make sure that the hardshell you pick has the right set of features for your activities. It stands to reason that the best hardshell for skiing may not be the best for backpacking.

Skiing

These days, skiing almost always involves needing a helmet. In these cases, the hood of a hardshell jacket becomes more of a nuisance than a help. Look for a hardshell jacket with a removable hood so that snow doesn’t pile up in there while you’re skiing – it will go down the back of your jacket and make you cold and wet!

For skiing or snowboarding, many hardshells have nice extra features. One important extra feature is the goggle pocket. If I had to recommend one feature to have on a skiing jacket, this would be it! Also, keep an eye out for powder skirts to keep snow out of your jacket and inside your pants.

Mountaineering

Mountaineering usually involves helmets as well. However, many mountaineers prefer a hardshell with a helmet-compatible hood. These can be harder to find and more expensive than basic hardshell jackets, so be sure to do your homework before settling on one. If you’re doing a lot of climbing, seek a hardshell with stretchy gussets to help with mobility.

Backpacking

Hardshells for backpacking technically can come in a ton of materials and styles. Just about any jacket that has a solidly waterproof barrier can be considered a hardshell. That means classic jackets like the Marmot Precip all the way to cutting edge jackets like cuben fiber waterproof coats. Before making a decision, think about how often you’ll use the jacket and important factors like weight and bulk for backpacking.

Waterproof Breathable Jackets

Hardshell jackets are the only type that will feature breathable membranes. We talked briefly about them earlier, but here we’ll dive into detail. Membranes are the part of a hardshell which are responsible for the “breathable” part. Not all hardshell jackets are breathable, however. Keep in mind that there are several drawbacks to breathable jackets.

Breathability is depending on the outer nylon layer of the jacket remaining dry. For this reason new WPB jackets will be treated with DWR finishes which helps water bead up and roll off the outer layer of the jacket. As the jacket gets older you’ll have to restore the DWR treatment or the jacket will become ineffective. Even though a “wetted out” breathable jacket can’t breathe – it will still be waterproof from the outside.

Zippers

Zippers may seem like a small detail, but if your jacket is waterproof, the zippers are going to be one of the weak spots. Don’t forget there’s a big hole in your jacket at the top and bottom where water can get in, too! Today’s zippers have had a big waterproof boost thanks to the invention of the siliconized zipper. These zippers are essentially standard zippers turned inside out and covered in a water-resistant material.

Many high-end hardshell jackets have these zippers and will often leave them exposed (uncovered) because they look quite sleek and stylish. However, on less expensive jackets this zipper style is rare. Instead, what you’ll usually find is a regular zipper that’s covered with a flap that snaps or can Velcro into place. These are just fine, and frankly I think they’re better value and just as functional as the more expensive waterproof zippers.

Pit Zippers

Hardshell jackets have this awesome feature called a pit zip. Not all jackets have them, but they’re well worth looking for. So, what do they do? Pit zips can be opened to help with ventilation. Even with breathable jackets, they can get sweaty inside. Using a pit zip means your body can dump excess heat and sweat quickly. This avoids the swamp jacket effect. I encourage everyone to look for a jacket with pit zips, because they’re just too useful to pass up.

Types of Waterproofing

Hardshell jackets range from cheap waterproof bags with sleeves to expensive garments that are just as likely to bleed your wallet dry. All of them have one thing in common – they’re waterproof rain jackets. Let’s go over the types of waterproofing that are most likely to be employed in your hardshell jacket!

Single Layer

These garments are cheap, lightweight, and simple. A single layer hardshell is probably not suited to mountaineering or technical ascents. Rather, these jackets keep the rain off using the simplest and most affordable methods. In my world, that still technically counts as a hardshell.

PU Coated Nylon

Some may consider this a “rain jacket” but the line is blurry between hardshell and rain jacket anyways. You may also hear these called “two layer” hard shells. Note that there are several other 2-layer construction possibilities, but PU coated nylon is the most common example.

A hardshell jacket made this way will have a nylon outer (usually ripstop) that has a thin layer of rubberized polyurethane coating adhered to the inside. That’s it! PU coated nylon is famously employed in the Marmot PreCip jackets and most other inexpensive waterproof hard shells. It is not breathable and has a tendency to feel a lot like wearing a rubber bag due to the lack of inner liner material.

3-Layer WPB

These are the big kahunas of the hardshell category. This jacket’s outermost layer will be made from durable nylon. Then the jacket will feature a waterproof/breathable layer inside like Goretex, eVent, DryQ or other. Finally, the jacket will have an inner layer of something soft and nice-feeling like a microfleece or polyester weave.

These jackets are the heaviest option in hardshells and they require understanding the jacket’s unique maintenance needs and limitations. Arguably most suited to high-output cold-weather activities, the performance gains of these technical garments can best be seen during cold dry conditions.

Hardshell vs. Rain shell Jackets

It may be important to know the difference between a hardshell jacket and a rain shell jacket. Rain jackets are best used if you’re looking for something to keep you dry and rain or snow. They’re usually used for people walking to school or work, watching a sports game outdoors in rain, going ice fishing on a snowy day or kids playing outside when it’s raining.

If you notice, the majority of those activities are easy to do, if you’re planning on exerting yourself or moving a lot, you’ll likely need a hardshell jacket. This is because they help illuminate the moisture inside of the jacket as well as protect you from the moisture on the outside of the jacket. They’re waterproof, breathable, durable and have more uses than a standard rain shell jacket.

Finding The Right Fit

Another thing that’s crucial when it comes to finding the best hardshell jacket is finding one that fits you properly if you get one that is too large or too small for you, it may not keep all of the water out. You’ll want a jacket that you can move around in, especially while exerting yourself.

While it may be incredibly convenient to buy a hardshell jacket online, it is advised that you at least try some on in-store so you know the proper size to get. This will also save you the hassle of having to return an item you bought online, making sure you get the perfect jacket the first time around. This can be crucial if you need it for a trip and are short on time.

The other thing you want to consider when it comes to fit is how much room the jacket takes up in your pack. Whether you’re hiking through the mountains or you’re just on a simple camping trip, you may not always need to wear the jacket. This is why it’s important to know how much space it takes up when not in use.

Price

When it comes to hardshell jackets, they have quite a price range. You can find ones in the $200 range as well as higher price jackets that will cost you over $600. Just because a hardshell jacket is more expensive, that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s better. As we know, brands alone can easily dictate the price. If you have a hard time spending hundreds of dollars on a jacket, it may be good to know that hardshell jackets are incredibly durable and can last for several years. They keep you warm, dry and are great to have in several different circumstances.

Waterproof Breathable Membranes (WPB)

There was a time when Gore-Tex owned the market on WPB fabrics. Today their patents have evaporated and almost every major brand has their own in-house WPB fabric. Last I checked Gore-Tex was touting their “Active” membrane as the newest and most breathable in their lineup, but that’s bound to change. Mountain Hardwear has their Dry.Q fabric which is essentially a variant of eVent fabric. Outdoor Research uses several membranes but offers its in-house AscentShell.

And, of course, there’s eVent itself which was at one point arguably the most “breathable” membrane around. Don’t worry, 6 months from now there will be more. Suffice it to say that WPB tech is and has been rapidly spreading through the industry. If you’re interested in finding the absolute best WPB membrane you’ll have to look at the research as it comes out. Tests are rarely independent or objective, however, and most of the information you’ll find is likely to be saturated with marketing jargon from the manufacturers.

I can say with confidence that I am not aware of any WPB fabric that is so astoundingly outperforming its competition that it merits mention. I encourage you to do your homework but personally, I think most of the WPB membranes out there are doing a darn good job these days and one is likely quite comparable to the next.

FAQs

Are hardshell jackets waterproof?

As mentioned above, hardshell jackets almost always have one thing in common: they’re made to be waterproof. There are 3 types of waterproofing capabilities that these jackets have, and we go into more detail on that above.

What are hardshell jackets good for?

As well as the benefits of being waterproof and windproof when you’re not looking for a thick parka, layering is the key to success with a hardshell jacket. Start with a thin base layer, then use a lightweight mid-layer like a thin fleece. Put the hardshell jacket on top and you’ll be good to go for many high exertion activities in the colder weather. During the warmer months, make sure to use a jacket with pit zips and wear a thin polyester shirt under your hardshell. This will keep you from feeling sweaty under the jacket and will help get rid of excess body heat.

How do I wash/care for my hardshell jacket?

Most hardshell jackets are machine washable, and it’s safest to follow the manufacturer’s instructions before deciding which cycle and method of drying is best suited for your jacket.

What is the difference between a hard and soft shell jacket?

To answer that, let’s take a look at the advantages of each and where each excel.

Advantages of a Hardshell Jacket:

Durability – The tough outer shell resists abrasion that you encounter in outdoor activities like hiking and backpacking, skiing snowshoeing and even climbing.

Weather Protection – Hardshell jackets are ideal for protection from the rain and wind as compared to a softshell jacket.

Breathability – While not as breathable as their softshell cousins, hardshells with membranes like Gore-Tex will allow moisture to evaporate.

Advantages of a Softshell Jacket:

Comfort – By their very nature the soft, flexible outer shell matched typically with a fleece type liner makes them not only warm but comfortable to wear.

Water Resistance – While certainly not as waterproof as a hardshell they provide adequate protection from light rain.

Flexibility – The more flexible fabric of a softshell lends them to be more easily folded and fit in a backpack.

Your choice is determined by what you will be doing with the jacket and of course the weather.  Each have their advantages and neither is “superior” but each is better for certain activities. If you will be primarily running, hiking or cycling the extra flexibility of a softshell may be better for you. A hardshell on the other hand will most likely be better suited for more cold and windy weather activities like skiing, snowboarding and cross country skiing.

Conclusion

When it’s time to go shopping for a hardshell jacket, it’s important to keep in mind why you’re getting one. Each hardshell is going to be better for different things, and you’ll be disappointed unless you pick out the right one for your unique needs. It’s not necessary to get the most expensive hardshell to be happy with your purchase. In fact, many users won’t notice the difference between a $150 jacket and a $500 jacket, and the extra money in your pocket is always nice!

Recent Updates

March 29, 2022: Verified availability of all products. Included additional FAQs to address common consumer queries.

How We Researched

To come up with the top hardshell jackets we researched a variety of sources for reviews such as REI, Bass Pro Shops, Cabelas and Backcountry along with our own personal experience. We also consulted online magazines for product research and reviews to get as much unbiased information as we could. To help weed out fake reviews we used Fakespot.com to make sure we only looked at genuine reviews.

With so much quality gear available, we had to narrow it down based on what we felt were the best options for the price. The author, Casey Fiedler has been leading backpacking trips for over a decade in his native state of Michigan. To help narrow down the selection he used his personal experience along with recommendations from fellow guides and outfitters. After extensive research, we came up with our list to help you choose the right one for you.