Hard Shell Jacket Reviews

Year-round pick

Best mobility

Most breathable

Best protection

Cozy shell

Most durable shell

Shell with the best protection

Most versatile shell

Best protection

Best features

Most versatile

Best mobility

Best value

Best for fast-and-light touring

Most breathable

Lightest

Most comfortable

Best protection

Most versatile

Best value

Killer deal

Most breathable

Best features

Editors’ Choice update

Versatile shell

This shell ditches PFCs for a weatherproof, eco-friendly coat.

Fend off moisture both inside and out with this uber-breathable shell.

This shell boasts the perfect balance of breathability and durability for backcountry skiing.

Best for quick changes

Most breathable

Best value

Eco-friendly

Most versatile

Full-featured

Lightest

Toughest

Bargain

This ultralight hardshell is the lightest three-layer waterproof/breathable shell we’ve seen.

This comfy, ultralight hardshell strikes the perfect balance between weight, features, and comfort.

This bargain hardshell gives you features and performance rarely seen at this price.

This ultralight, stripped-down hardshell will be a hit with the fast-and-light crowd looking for simple, effective weather protection at a sweet price.

This climbing-oriented hardshell has details everyone will love.

Save big on a weight-saving backpacking hardshell.

Breathability, durability, and design combine for year-round protection in this versatile hardshell.

This value hardshell gives you the breathability of shells that cost $100 more.

This well-ventilated featherweight hardshell can handle race-pace running and snowshoeing.

The merino wool lining inside this hardshell speeds wicking and reduces the need for a bulky midlayer.

This streamlined shell is tough enough for week-long expeditions.

This durable hardshell is ski armor, built for 100-day seasons, year after year.

This jacket is one of the most affordable three-layer shells we’ve tested.

This versatile hardshell's supple fabric proved stout enough for winter storms but light enough for summer wear.

This ski jacket provides top breathability and good mobility in one lightweight package.

This full-featured jacket is built for plundering powder.

This 11-ounce jacket sets a new bar for shells: It’s light and protective enough to wear 12 months a year.

This watertight hardshell with all the bells and whistles proved impenetrable in the gnarliest conditions.

One light and breathable jacket gets you four seasons’ worth of protection.

This jacket offers burly hardshell protection on the outside and a supple, cozy feel inside.

This bargain-priced hardshell performs better than some shells that cost three times as much.

One-piece construction with fewer seams delivers a hardshell with enhanced breathability and a streamlined aesthetic.

This hardshell is a souped-up version of the lightweight and breathable Essence, a 2014 Editors’ Choice Award-winner, with better coverage and durability.

We could trail run in this hardshell all day, even in mild weather.

There's no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing. These seven hardshells will bear the burden of anything Mother Nature offers.

Full side zips offer better ventilation than you typically get from shells this tough.

The Cham merges freeride styling with durable fabrics and ounce-shaving design.

A unique venting design and ultra-breathable fabric make this minimalist jacket ideal for hard-working hikers and skiers.

Most insulated jackets are so bulky, they’re only practical for lift-served skiing—but this toaster is trim and breathable enough for day tours in cold temperatures.

Snow-specific features and highly breathable Gore-Tex Active Shell make this three-layer jacket ideal for both ski-touring and ski-mountaineering.

Get top-shelf storm protection at half the cost of a top-shelf shell.

Cut full and long, this three-layer jacket features freeride styling that fits tall guys beautifully.

Can a shell that costs under $100 keep you dry in real rainfall?

There's always room to pack this featherweight, bombproof shell.

A versatile hard shell that's light too.

A shell that is light, sleek, and minimalist.

A bargain jacket with full amenities.