The Best Men’s Shells of 2023
36 gear testers tried 41 shell jackets. These ones came out on top.
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.
36 gear testers tried 41 shell jackets. These ones came out on top.
We spent all winter testing 50+ outer layers in the backcountry. These ones came out on top.
Our testers weathered alpine gusts, freak downpours, and rough granite slabs to find the very best softshells. Eight jackets rose to the top.
These jackets will keep you dry and focused on your winter adventures.
These hardshells seal out weather so you can enjoy your hike in comfort.
It’s made of 100 percent recycled material, too.
The Stretchdown Light Pullover is warm, flexible, and stowable.
The Patagonia Triolet jacket is a water-shrugging beast.
There are always tradeoffs when you're picking a hardshell—but the Fjällräven High Coast Hydratic Jacket masters more conditions than most.
Get ready for cooler hikes with a deal on one of our favorite puffies.
The best UV-busting hoody of 2021.
The most versatile fleece of 2021.
The best heat-trapping midlayer of 2021.
The best budget-friendly hoody of 2021.
The Marmot WarmCube Novus Hoody will keep you warm—but not too warm—on early spring hikes.
The best value shell of 2021.
The lightest shell of 2021.
the most versatile shell of 2021.
The most durable shell of 2021.
The most comfortable jacket of 2021
The most breathable shell of 2021.
The best windshell of 2021.
The best price-to-weight ratio shell of 2021.
The best bargain shell of 2021.
The most breathable shell of 2021.
The shell with best features of 2021.
Barely any weight, but plenty of warmth: The Ghost Whisperer UL is in a class by itself.
Save your money—and the earth—with this markdown.
You'll never want to take this breathable puffy off.
This puffy will keep your little one toasty on the trail this winter.
Most breathable softshell jacket
Most versatile
Most protective
Everything you need to know about keeping dry.
Year-round pick
Best mobility
Most breathable
Best protection
This rain shell set has you covered from top to bottom.
Stay warm and cozy with these perfect puffies and fleeces.
Best-fitting women's insulated jacket
Most breathable insulated jacket
Best insulated jacket for weatherproofing
Lightest insulated jacket
Warmest insulated jacket
Save big on this breathable windbreaker.
Editors' Choice Fall 2020 Winner: Breathable Puffy
There's more than meets the eye with this comfy, waterproof shell.
Save on this warm, stretchy puffy.
Banish worries about pack space and morning shivers on your next cool-weather trip with these lightweight insulated jackets.
Most affordable lightweight puffy
Most comfortable lightweight puffy
Most versatile lightweight puffy
Most packable puffy
Most durable lightweight puffy
Best all-around light insulated jacket
Lightest shell
This puffy excelled as an insulating layer during winter on the Great Plains.
Cozy shell
This breathable midlayer is a jacket for all seasons.
Most durable shell
Shell with the best protection
Most versatile shell
Best softshell
Best shell makeover
Best windshell
Most breathable shell
Save big on one of our favorite puffies.
$50 will buy you one of the best packable, do-anything puffies on the market.
Save big on this light-yet-mighty windbreaker.
Heat-hoarding jacket
This versatile, comfortable jacket is on sale starting at 68% off.
Best value insulated jacket
Most comfortable
Lightest jacket
Best warmth-to-weight
Most durable puffy jacket
Best weatherproofing
Most versatile jacket