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. And while you can bump up to the Exposure/2 Pro (no Lite) for a few more features (including an extra chest and arm pocket), we dont think it justifies the extra $200. But these jackets are made to last and are the kind of apparel you rely on when Mother Nature gives you her worst. Arcteryx recently updated the jacket with Gores latest Most Rugged Pro construction and a RECCO reflector with only a minimal increase in weight. Weve found that Outdoor Researchs AscentShell, Patagonia's H2No Performance, and eVent all are formidable competitors to Gore-Tex. Category: All-around/minimalistWeight: 11.5 oz.Waterproofing: AscentShellDenier: 30DWhat we like: Punches well above its weight in protection, durability, and features.What we dont: Odd, baggy fit in the torso and waist; no pit zips. 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. A great mountaineering boot fills countless roles: it must offer support while carrying heavy loads Ultralight without being ultra-compromised, Patagonias new Storm10 Jacket is purpose-built for moving quickly in unpredictable mountain environments. Of course, there are some compromises to opting for such a streamlined jacket. Among premium hardshells, the Archangel makes a strong case by mixing stretch with Gores bombproof Pro membrane. 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). Further, AscentShell (along with certain types of Patagonia's H2No) comes with the added bonus of a stretchy, softshell-like construction. Gore-Tex still dominates the marketits no coincidence youll see their name on most jackets that made our list. Where the Triolet comes up short is for high-output activities or fast-and-light missions. 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, the use of thinner fabrics makes it less durable than the Beta AR, and its pricing is pretty ambitious at $500. 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. Patagonia Soft Shell Coats & Jackets for Men, 1 product ratings - Patagonia Men's Nano Puff Vest. 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. 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. Read more about us. 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. 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. In terms of weather resistance, it isnt even closeeven waterproof softshell jackets dont offer nearly the same level of protection. 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. 3.4 oz.Waterproofing: Gore-Tex ProDenier: 70D & 40D (stretch panel)What we like: Gore-Tex Pro construction with stretch improves range of motion and comfort.What we dont: Climbing-focused build impacts versatility. 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. Our primary issue is weight as the jacket comes in at 1 pound 1.5 ounces. 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. In addition, most of the all-around designs on our list feature regular fits great for both mountain and around-town use (alpine and minimalist shells are often trim-fitting), and are fairly uncompromised with a full array of pockets. 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. Category: AlpineWeight: 1 lb. 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. 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). Among the many options in their extensive lineup, the Beta AR is the quintessential do-all hardshell and our top pick for this winter. All hardshells share a basic design and construction, but weve separated them into three general categories: alpine, all-around, and minimalist. There seems to be a problem serving the request at this time, One stop shop for all things from your favorite brand, Patagonia Size XL Coats, Jackets & Vests for Men, Columbia Casual Button-Down Shirts for Men, The North Face Coats, Jackets & Vests for Men with Soft Shell, Carhartt Coats, Jackets & Vests for Men with Soft Shell, {"modules":["unloadOptimization","bandwidthDetection"],"unloadOptimization":{"browsers":{"Firefox":true,"Chrome":true}},"bandwidthDetection":{"url":"https://ir.ebaystatic.com/cr/v/c1/thirtysevens.jpg","maxViews":4,"imgSize":37,"expiry":300000,"timeout":250}}, Patagonia Men's Nano Puff Vest in Andes Blue Sz S #84242, Patagonia Mens Retro Pile Pullover hoodie XLarge DARK BOREALIS GREEN FA21, Patagonia Men's Better Sweater Fleece Vest 25882 Black Size XL, Patagonia Men's Better Sweater Fleece Vest 25882 Black Size Small. A hood that can fit over your helmet is a pre-requisite for alpine use. 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 The compromise, of course, is durability and rough weather protection. 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. Compared with the brand's Triolet above, the Pluma lacks the thick 75-denier shell for protection against ski equipment or pack straps. 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). Something went wrong. Category: Alpine/all-aroundWeight: 1 lb. 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. 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. This is the outer layer you turn to for ultimate protection while backcountry and resort skiing, mountaineering, alpine climbing, and 4-season trekking. 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. 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). 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. But its not a one-horse race, and brands like Norrna, Rab, and Mammut are similarly impressive. 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. Almost all of the jackets on the list above include a hood that can fit over a climbing helmet. Gores standard shell isnt as hardwearing as the Pro, but it can be used with much lighter fabrics, resulting in more minimalist pieces great for fast-and-light endeavors. 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. We have yet to test the Exposure/2 Pro Lite, so we hesitate putting it any higher on our list, but all signs are quite positive that its a high-quality option (other Exposure/2 products weve tested have been well-made). The construction is undeniably thinit feels almost paper-like along the interiorand the zippers are fairly stiff and have a cheaper feel to them. As an example, there have been very few instances where weve regretted packing our 1-pound-2-ounce Alpha SV on a trip. Here in the Pacific Northwest, we know a thing or two about rain. Intended for serious alpine adventuring and backcountry skiing, the shell prioritizes mobility, climbing-focused features, and sturdy protection. Category: All-aroundWeight: 1 lb. The Beta ARs top-end Gore-Tex Pro fabric offers a high level of performance, but its the detailing that sets the jacket apart. That said, the build is pretty focused on climbing, which impacts its versatility for backcountry and downhill skiing. Arcteryx has long experimented with minimalist jackets in their climbing-centric Alpha collection, but the Alpha SL Anorak here is their best effort yet. How does the Nordwand Pro stack up with the aforementioned Alpha SV? 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. 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. 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). 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. The Keb Eco-Shell was our go-to jacket throughout the winter, ideal for everything from snowy walks to the office to powder days at the resort. Softshell jackets are pliable, stretchy, and soft to the touch (especially on the interior), while hardshells are smooth and more rigid. The high placement means you can open and close the pocket without needing to pull up on the jacket or unclip the belt. 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. In the past, theyve used a range of waterproof options including eVent and NeoShell, but recently went all-in with Gore-Tex. 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. Further, we found it difficult to get the hood fully cinched over a ski helmet (although it fit fine over a climbing helmet). If youll be skiing with the jacket, youll need a hood thats even larger to fit the bulkier shape of a ski helmet. Category: Minimalist/all-aroundWeight: 14.6 oz.Waterproofing: AscentShellDenier: 20D x 45DWhat we like: Softshell-like comfort and excellent weather resistance for just $249.What we dont: Thinner and less refined than the premium competition. Plus, the Triolet excels as a ski jacket thanks to its extended cut, embedded RECCO reflector, and loop at the back for attaching to compatible Patagonia snow pants. The most important is weather resistance: hardshell jackets offer high levels of waterproofing and windproofing for sustained exposure in harsh conditions. 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. The quality and performance of a hardshells waterproof laminate is this jacket types defining feature. 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. 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. 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. Category: All-around/minimalistWeight: 1 lb. For top-of-the-line performance, Gores Pro laminate is the class leader. 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. Depending on how a hardshell will be used, weight and packed size may or may not be a priority. 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. This shell is designed as an all-rounder for various uses like mountaineering, skiing, and winter trekking, and features a familiar mix of 40- and 80-denier Gore-Tex Pro, a helmet-compatible hood with a tall collar, and pit zips. Norrna may not be on everyones radar, but the Norway-based outdoor company has a serious lineup of quality hardshells. Nor is it lacking in features: you get pit zips, plenty of interior and exterior pockets, and trustworthy zippers. Hands down, Arcteryx makes our favorite hardshell jackets. 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. Most hardshell jackets have hand pockets placed midway up the torso to accommodate a backpack hipbelt or climbing harness. Hardshell jackets are designed for the mountains: theyre highly windproof, waterproof, breathable, and durable. Of course, there are inherent limitations to an anorak design, and some might prefer more stretch in their face fabric for high-output activities. 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. As the name indicates, rain jackets provide good water and wind protection. 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. 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. But for those looking for a premium alpine climbing shell, the Archangel is a well worth a look. Despite its one-jacket-quiver intentions, the Lhotse is less of an all-rounder than our top picks. 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. 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. Theyre comfortable with or without a midlayer jacket and fit most body types very well. Within this category, the Arc'teryx Alpha SL Anorak is the lightest on our list, while designs like the Arc'teryx Beta LT and OR Microgravity are a bit more well-rounded. And in terms of weather protection and durability, the jackets relatively thin shell (20D x 45D) falls short of full-on winter hardshells. Category: All-aroundWeight: 1 lb. And now for something a little different. 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. 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. For the toughest alpine conditionsthink piercing wind, driving rain, sleet, and snowyou wont find a tougher shell than the Arcteryx Alpha SV. With a protective 3-layer H2No construction, functional feature set, and From short overnights to multi-day trips into the backcountry, every backpacker wants the right tools for the job. 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. In most cases, were willing to carry a little extra weight into the alpine for an added sense of security. 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). They are generally trim-fitting, feature thin shell fabrics, and have very few bells and whistles (often omitting pit zips and hand pockets). Category: AlpineWeight: 1 lb. 1.6Waterproofing: Gore-Tex ProDenier: 40D & 80DWhat we like: Proven weather protection and a great fit.What we dont: A bit heavy and bulky for an all-rounder. Mountain Hardwears Exposure/2 series is like a fashion show for Gore-Texs various waterproof membranes: take your pick from Paclite, Paclite Plus, Active, and Pro. 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). 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. 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. Within the hardshell landscape, Arcteryx consistently has our favorite fitthe time and effort thats gone into the design and tailoring of their shells is immediately apparent when you slip them on. Whats more, the jacket features a very long cut, which is great for coverage but slightly polarizing for casual use. 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. Category: All-aroundWeight: 1 lb. Plus, its harness and backpack hipbelt-friendly with raised hand pockets and a two-way main zipper. 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. But you do save a few ounces with the Helium AscentShell, which is undoubtedly an impressively featured and high-performance jacket for the weight. With a 40-denier face fabric and 15-denier backer, the Patagonia Pluma is on the thin side for an alpine shell. In addition, the Nordwand has a ways to go to match the excellent track record of the beloved Alpha. Compared with a hardshell, rain jackets are less durable and wont breathe as well, but are quite a bit cheaper (prices range from approximately $100 to $200), lighter-weight, and compress smaller for packing. 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. Outdoor Researchs Helium jacket has long been one of our go-to emergency shells, offering decent rain protection at a very low weight. 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 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.
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