The Best Rain Jackets for Hiking in Any Kind of Weather
These hardshells seal out weather so you can enjoy your hike in comfort.
Jacket Reviews
Jackets help to keep you insulated and dry while on the trail, and ensuring your jacket can hold up in the backcountry is vital. Our gear experts wear jackets through wind, rain, and snow on hiking and backpacking trips to test for durability, waterproofing, comfort and more. Take a closer look at which jackets are up to the task of keeping you covered while you are out on your next backcountry adventure with Backpacker’s expert gear reviews.
What We’re Testing Now: These Hardshells are Made for Winter Protection
These jackets will keep you dry and focused on your winter adventures.
Latest in Jacket Reviews
Weekly Obsession: The North Face Thermoball Eco Hoodie Is Warm and Breathable, Even in Soggy Conditions
It’s made of 100 percent recycled material, too.
Weekly Obsession: Mountain Hardwear’s Stretchy Puffy is Finally Packable
The Stretchdown Light Pullover is warm, flexible, and stowable.
This Hardshell Will Keep You Dry No Matter How Nasty the Weather
The Patagonia Triolet jacket is a water-shrugging beast.
No Rainshell Can Do Everything—But This One Comes Close
There are always tradeoffs when you're picking a hardshell—but the Fjällräven High Coast Hydratic Jacket masters more conditions than most.
Deal of the Week: Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer/2 Down Jacket
Get ready for cooler hikes with a deal on one of our favorite puffies.
Mountain Hardwear Shade Lite Hoody
The best UV-busting hoody of 2021.
Mountain Equipment Lumiko Hooded Jacket
The most versatile fleece of 2021.
Mammut Aconcagua Light ML Hooded Jacket
The best heat-trapping midlayer of 2021.
Beyond Clothing Women’s Veil Midweight K2 Pullover
The best budget-friendly hoody of 2021.
This Goldilocks Softshell Squashes Shoulder-Season Chill
The Marmot WarmCube Novus Hoody will keep you warm—but not too warm—on early spring hikes.
Black Diamond TreeLine
The best value shell of 2021.
The North Face Flight Lightriser FUTURELIGHT
The lightest shell of 2021.
Odlo FLI 2.5L Waterproof Jacket
The best price-to-weight ratio shell of 2021.
First Lite Vapor Stormlight / Cascade Stormlight
the most versatile shell of 2021.
Direct Alpine Deamon
The most durable shell of 2021.
Rab Kinetic Alpine 2.0
The most comfortable jacket of 2021
Maloja Beifuss/Birne
The most breathable shell of 2021.
Outdoor Research Helium Wind Hoodie
The best windshell of 2021.