Soft Shells
Eight softshell jackets from super breathable to warm and cozy.
A stretchy, three-season jacket
A ridiculously light shell that also blocks wind and rain.
The perfect three-season jacket.
A hooded, seam-taped, DWR-treated rain jacket for kids.
A primo softshell jacket...for your dog.
An extremely light and extremely packable windshell.
A stretchy softshell jacket that is perfect for dayhikes
Softshell pants that are waterproof, breathable, and abrasion resistant.
Breathable softshell pants for skiers that log logs of vertical.
A weather-resistant shell that's as warm as a sweater.
This wind resistant yet breathable softshell is great for layering.
An ultralight softshell that wicks.
A midweight softshell that's multiseason.
This softshell provides maximum breathability and weather protection.
This eco-friendly jacket is everything you'd expect from a midweight softshell.
A bargain softshell that's cozy and great for aerobic activities.
This lightweight shell is mountain ready.
Total rain protection at a happy, happy price.
A do-it-all rainshell with a roomy cut.
A streamlined softshell that packs up small and cuts the wind
Soak up the sun in this windproof ARC'TERYX pullover.
This cold-weather The North Face jacket comes complete with handwarmer pockets.
This waterproof, hooded REI jacket is stretchy and breathable.
This Cloudveil jacket is great for wind, snow, and light precipitation. And it's under $200.
This ARC'TERYX pullover is the perfect mix of baselayer and jacket.
Want to enjoy more time on the trail? It's simple: Bring the whole family, but make sure the kids stay comfortable with gear built for them.
Goal: Help you stay comfortable in any weather. Solution: Hike through two-week-long downpours and hurricane-force winds to bring you the best new gear for every trip.
In a 2000 BACKPACKER raingear review, the average jacket weighed 20.6 ounces. Nine year later, that's down as much as 65%–and these six entries are more breathable to boot.
This all-around soft shell keeps the drizzle on the outside and warmth on the inside, right where it belongs.
New technology makes for a super breathable, go anywhere hard shell
Weighing less that 10 ounces this ultralight shell withstood 3 days of torrential rain.
This high intensity, breathable jacket is perfect for fast day hikes and cross training.
Get technical layers that work everywhere from hotel bars to high-mountain trails. Our testers vetted more than 50 products from the Alps to the Andes to bring you these top systems.
Core Concepts Monsoon to Market effortlessly transforms from satchel to shell.
Our female testers pick their favorite gear for fall hikes.
Our tester spent 18 days climbing, camping, and evaluating gear on America's highest, coldest peak. If his picks made it there, they can make it anywhere.
For all-purpose performance year-round, this layering system works overtime through any weather.
Don't let a crappy forecast keep you home for the weekend. Just pack this deluge-tested system.
From the Grand Canyon to sunshine-pounded Colorado peaks, stay cool and comfortable with this ultralight system.
Our testers faced raging blizzards, pounding hail, frigid temps, and 60-mph winds to select these top clothes.
Wild weather coming? We've devised a perfect system for every condition.
We couldn't fit all of our reviews in one spot. Here, read the outtakes.
Made with down or synthetic fibers and paper-thin shells, these puffy jackets weigh less, loft higher, and pack much smaller than fleece.
Proven extra-tough after 30 straight days of hiking
Budget shopper or big spender? We have the perfect three-season layering system for you.
They kill swiftly and silently. They flit like ghosts through enemy forests. And they will brew you a fine cup of cowboy coffee. Meet America's deadliest hikers as we hump ruck with the Special Forces.
How to acquire your very own Navy SEAL Protective Combat Uniform.
