The North Face Verto Storm Shell Review
Put it in your pack and you can forget it's there...until you really need it.
Hard Shell Jacket Reviews
Hard Shell Jacket Reviews
Let the experts at Backpacker Magazine help you find the perfect hard shell jacket.
Let the experts at Backpacker Magazine help you find the perfect hard shell jacket.
L.L.Bean NeoShell Bounder Shell Review
A versatile, three-layer shield
Editors' Choice 2014: Marmot Essence Shell Review
There’s always room to pack this featherweight, bombproof shell.
The Backpacker Gear Hall Of Fame: Hardshells
A look back at the hardshells we've loved for years that are still at the top of their class.
Gear Review: Millet Trilogy GTX Pro
The protective and durable hardshell jacket from Millet.
Gear Review: More Tester Picks Shells
Find your ideal shell with these myriad reviews.
Gear Review: Patagonia Encapsil Down Belay Parka Hardshell
What do you get when you make a down jacket water resistant and increase its loft? The Patagonia Encapsil Down Belay Parka Hardshell.
Gear Review: Millet Alpine Xcelerator Hardshell
This well-rounded hardshell from Millet suits the most varied of lifestyles.
Gear Review: Outdoor Research Transonic Hardshell
Choose the Outdoor Research Transonic for breathability in the worst of conditions.
Gear Review: Salomon Veyrier Stretch Jacket Hardshell
Freedom of movement defines this hardshell from Salomon.
Gear Review: Patagonia Torrentshell Hardshell
Spend less with this all-around performer from Patagonia.
Gear Review: Montane Minimus Smock Hardshell
Go minimalist with the Montane Minimus Smock.
Gear Review: Marmot Micro G Hardshell
Stay snug in a storm with the Marmot Micro G.
Gear Review: Westcomb Focus LT Hoody Hardshell
Breathability and ultralight combine in this hardshell from Westcomb.
Gear Review: Bergans Helium Hardshell
The breathability of this hardshell from Bergans provides comfort in all conditions.
Gear Review: Rab Myriad Hardshell
For comfort in Myriad conditions, look no further than this hardshell from Rab.
Fall/Winter Gear Guide 2012: Hardshells
Stay protected from the elements with these nine hardshell picks.
Gear Review: Wild Things Alpinist Hardshell Jacket
A super breathable hardshell that also offers great protection.
Gear Review: Millet Davai GTX Hardshell Jacket
A jacket burlier enough for a BASE jumper.
Gear Review: Hi-Tec Hard Rain WP Hardshell Jacket
A sub-$100 jacket that provides excellent rain protection with decent breathability.
Gear Review: adidas Terrex Skyclimb Hardshell Jacket
The comfort of a softshell with the protection of a hardshell.
Gear Review: Marmot Speed Light Women's Hardshell Jacket
A great fitting, great performing jacket for the ladies.
Gear Review: The North Face Split Hardshell Jacket
A lightweight hardshell for under $200.
Gear Review: Outdoor Research Mentor Hardshell Jacket
A great all-around jacket that handled a month straight of wet weather and rough hiking.
Gear Review: Arc'teryx Alpha SL Hybrid
A do-it-all hardshell for wilderness warriors who want four-season versatility in a light, packable, and impeccably cut package.
Gear Guide 2012: Hardshell Jackets
Core protection for any weather and environment
Gear Guide 2012: More Tester Picks – Hardshells
Extreme weather protection and breathability make these hardshells great performers when it comes to rough conditions.
Fall/Winter Gear Guide 2011: Hardshells
Protect yourself from the worst of nature in these hardshell jackets.
Gear Review: Outdoor Research Vigor Jacket
An extremely lightweight and tough jacket that's only $70.
Gear Review: Patagonia Nine Trails Jacket
This hoodless Patagonia jacket is extremely breathable.
Gear Review: Mountain Hardwear Shadowland Jacket
A windproof jacket with a warm, brushed tricot lining.
Gear Review: GoLite Kenai Jacket
This waterproof, windproof jacket loves crappy weather.
Gear Review: Arc'teryx Celeris Jacket
A great jacket for trail runners at only five ounces.
Gear Review: The North Face Leonidas Jacket
A stretchy, three-season jacket
Gear Review: GoLite Malpais Jacket
A ridiculously light shell that also blocks wind and rain.
Gear Review: Marmot Ether DriClime Jacket
Check out Kelly Bastone's author page.
Gear Review: Stoic Welder Lo Jacket
The perfect three-season jacket.
Gear Review: Sierra Designs Hurricane Accelerator Shell
A hooded, seam-taped, DWR-treated rain jacket for kids.
Gear Review: Outdoor Research Alibi Jacket
A stretchy softshell jacket that is perfect for dayhikes
Gear Review: Sherpa Thamel Hard Shell Jacket
Light on the wallet and on the back...and perfect for hunting salamanders.
Fall/Winter Gear Guide 2010: Hardshells
Repel rain, cold, and snow with these hardshell jackets.
Gear Review: Westcomb Cruiser Jacket
One pound of all-purpose protection
Gear Review: The North Face Lockoff Jacket
A good looking jacket with plenty of storm protection.
Gear Review: Sierra Designs Mantra Fusion Jacket
A versatile ski shell at a great price
Gear Review: Rab Kinetic Rain Jacket
An ultralight hardshell jacket for under $150.
Gear Review: Mountain Hardware Axial/Emporia Jacket
A versatile hardshell that's lightweight and breathable.
Gear Review: Mammut Adrenaline Jacket
Reinforced shoulders and three-layer Gore-Tex Pro Shell fabric make this jacket super tough.
Gear Review: First Ascent BC-200 Jacket
An all-conditions jacket that's under $200.
Gear Review: Millet 350
This lightweight shell is mountain ready.
Gear Review: White Sierra Tempest Tek Jacket
Total rain protection at a happy, happy price.
Gear Review: Merrel Norgate
A do-it-all rainshell with a roomy cut.
Gear Review: Mountain Hardware Boys' Epic
An affordable kids' rain jacket that can handle serious weather
Fall/Winter Gear Guide: Hardshells
These six hardshell jackets will keep you covered in any weather.
Gear Review: REI OXT Airflyte Running Jacket
This hoodless jacket is breathable and stretchy, perfect for aerobic activities.
Gear Review: Rab Latok Alpine Jacket
This '08 Editors' Choice Award winner is still a staff favorite.
Gear Review: Outdoor Research Revel Jacket
This Outdoor Research jacket was deemed "most comfortable" thanks to its stretch Pertex Shield fabric.
Gear Review: ARC'TERYX Alpha SL Pullover Jacket
Pulling this jacket over many layers is a breeze with the elbow to hem pit zip.
Gear Review: Westcomb Revenant Hardshell
This Westcomb hardshell is at its best in extreme, wet conditions.
Gear Review: Millet Aerial Max Evo Hardshell
This Millet hardshell is a great climbing jacket due to its high range of motion.
Gear Review: Ground Essence All-Season Shell
This lightweight, breathable hardshell comes complete with a transponder.