Editors' Choice 2014: ExOfficio Sol Cool Ultimate Hoody
Stay cool with the perfect top for heat and sun.
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.
Stay cool with the perfect top for heat and sun.
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.
A look back at the softshells we've loved for years that are still at the top of their class.
A synthetic puffy that rivals the weight and warmth of down.
The protective and durable hardshell jacket from Millet.
A movement-friendly puffy synthetic jacket from Arc'teryx.
A bargain rain jacket that's actually breathable.
Our crew of Grand Canyon rangers spent 520 days in the backcountry to find the best three-season wardrobe.
This souped-up windshirt is the latest iteration of the DriClime.
This breathable hoodie is ideal for high-elevation or high-intensity trips.
Discover extreme versatility: You'll find a reason to wear this mid- and outer layer 12 months a year.
Stay dry and warm with core protection for any weather.
Find your ideal shell with these myriad reviews.
Make a statement with this custom softshell from Wild Things.
The waterproof Marmot Nabu bridges the gap between softshell and hardshell.
The Rab Zephys/Solar pairs a multitude of features with one low price.
Explore off the beaten path with this durable softshell from Arc'teryx.
Be ready for all weather conditions with the Mammut Ultimate Light.
This ultralight adidas softshell excels in everything from daily life to daring ascents.
For cold weather activities, check out this softshell from Westcomb, a minimalist in price and weight.
The sky is the limit for this weather-resistant softshell from Outdoor Research.
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.
412 trail-tested products
Hundreds of pieces of outdoor gear from all the major outdoor retailers - now in an easy-to-print digital format.
A versatile fleece midlayer that performs like outerwear.
A jacket revered by a search-and-rescue team.
A killer softshell that performs both as an outerlayer and a midlayer.
This angler-worthy jacket keeps your torso toasty and your arms free.
Warm and fuzzy on the inside, durable on the outside.
Mediating breathability and weather-proofing, the Salvo does exactly what a softshell is supposed to.
This breathable softshell combats weather like the best hardshells do.
This sleek softshell was built for speed and temperature regulation.
Feel good, look good, and perform at your best in this high-tech merino softshell.
These versatile jackets repel wind and wet.
An outstanding winter performance combo.
Warm, high-tech, and fitted for optimal winter performance.
This coat redefines what warm means.
A versatile and lightweight puffy you won't be disappointed by.
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.
A shell that offers winter-worthy protection at a year-round weight.
The comfort of a softshell with the protection of a hardshell.
A 3-in-1 system that also works great as separate pieces.
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.
Will water-repellent down bags make synthetic insulation obsolete?
Get performance summer apparel for less.
These three key pieces will keep you comfortable on the trail.
A do-it-all hardshell for wilderness warriors who want four-season versatility in a light, packable, and impeccably cut package.
A featherweight, 800-fill puffy
Don't let the rainy season of spring keep you off the trail. Enter to win a rain shell a day and hit the trail in style.
Core protection for any weather and environment
Stay dry and comfortable on the move with these breathable softshells.
Lightweight and durable, these softshells provide solid weather resistance.
Extreme weather protection and breathability make these hardshells great performers when it comes to rough conditions.
This shell's design enhances moisture transfer and provides both wind-proofing and water resistance, making it the most versatile.
A stretch material allows for excellent range of motion while its overall cut leaves room for layering.
The Gamma SL's design achieves optimum flexibility while creating a great fit.
This multi-use shell demonstrates high performance weather protection with a breathable design.
The Odin Light offers a unique design that focuses on versatility as well as comfort.
This is the go-to shell for alpine activity providing great breathability and impressive weather protection.
With smart details and great versatility this shell delivers protection and breathability all in one lightweight package.
This shell handles wind, rain and snow like a pro offering versatility and a great fit.
This shell was built to take on the toughest conditions with ease providing heavy-duty protection with superior breathability.
This featherweight shell is full-featured with ultralight wind protection and a relaxed cut.
The Kimtah offers excellent weather protection and breathability at a bargain price.
The Compounder's design helps you stay completely dry and comfortable in the most wet conditions.