Hard Shell Jacket Reviews

A light and comfortable shell.

Put it in your pack and you can forget it's there...until you really need it.

A versatile, three-layer shield

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

A look back at the hardshells we've loved for years that are still at the top of their class.

The protective and durable hardshell jacket from Millet.

Find your ideal shell with these myriad reviews.

What do you get when you make a down jacket water resistant and increase its loft? The Patagonia Encapsil Down Belay Parka Hardshell.

This well-rounded hardshell from Millet suits the most varied of lifestyles.

Choose the Outdoor Research Transonic for breathability in the worst of conditions.

Freedom of movement defines this hardshell from Salomon.

Spend less with this all-around performer from Patagonia.

Go minimalist with the Montane Minimus Smock.

Stay snug in a storm with the Marmot Micro G.

Breathability and ultralight combine in this hardshell from Westcomb.

The breathability of this hardshell from Bergans provides comfort in all conditions.

For comfort in Myriad conditions, look no further than this hardshell from Rab.

Stay protected from the elements with these nine hardshell picks.

A super breathable hardshell that also offers great protection.

A jacket burlier enough for a BASE jumper.

A sub-$100 jacket that provides excellent rain protection with decent breathability.

The comfort of a softshell with the protection of a hardshell.

A great fitting, great performing jacket for the ladies.

A lightweight hardshell for under $200.

A great all-around jacket that handled a month straight of wet weather and rough hiking.

A do-it-all hardshell for wilderness warriors who want four-season versatility in a light, packable, and impeccably cut package.

Core protection for any weather and environment

Extreme weather protection and breathability make these hardshells great performers when it comes to rough conditions.

Protect yourself from the worst of nature in these hardshell jackets.

An extremely lightweight and tough jacket that's only $70.

This hoodless Patagonia jacket is extremely breathable.

A windproof jacket with a warm, brushed tricot lining.

This waterproof, windproof jacket loves crappy weather.

A great jacket for trail runners at only five ounces.

A stretchy, three-season jacket

A ridiculously light shell that also blocks wind and rain.

Check out Kelly Bastone's author page.

The perfect three-season jacket.

A hooded, seam-taped, DWR-treated rain jacket for kids.

A stretchy softshell jacket that is perfect for dayhikes

Light on the wallet and on the back...and perfect for hunting salamanders.

Repel rain, cold, and snow with these hardshell jackets.

One pound of all-purpose protection

A good looking jacket with plenty of storm protection.

A versatile ski shell at a great price

An ultralight hardshell jacket for under $150.

A versatile hardshell that's lightweight and breathable.

Reinforced shoulders and three-layer Gore-Tex Pro Shell fabric make this jacket super tough.

An all-conditions jacket that's under $200.

This lightweight shell is mountain ready.

Total rain protection at a happy, happy price.

A do-it-all rainshell with a roomy cut.

An affordable kids' rain jacket that can handle serious weather

These six hardshell jackets will keep you covered in any weather.

This hoodless jacket is breathable and stretchy, perfect for aerobic activities.

This '08 Editors' Choice Award winner is still a staff favorite.

This Outdoor Research jacket was deemed "most comfortable" thanks to its stretch Pertex Shield fabric.

Pulling this jacket over many layers is a breeze with the elbow to hem pit zip.

This Westcomb hardshell is at its best in extreme, wet conditions.

This Millet hardshell is a great climbing jacket due to its high range of motion.

This lightweight, breathable hardshell comes complete with a transponder.