Jacket Reviews

Find a jacket that's suited for highly active, cold-weather activities.

Cool-weather enthusiasts–skiers, snowboarders, snowshoers, & winter hikers–will love this jacket.

Softshell pants that are waterproof, breathable, and abrasion resistant.

Breathable softshell pants for skiers that log logs of vertical.

A three-in-one jacket system...that works.

This lightweight fleece jacket has been a long-time tester favorite.

-20°? No problem for this bargain heater.

A super warm jacket that compresses down to softball size.

Columbia's "Omni-Heat" increases insulation by 20 percent over standard fill.

A core-warming affordable, functional vest.

A versatile jacket that blends in anywhere.

A waterproof ski jacket that's warm as well.

A hybrid softshell/puffy jacket.

A water resistant, down-filled force field.

A weather-resistant shell that's as warm as a sweater.

This wind resistant yet breathable softshell is great for layering.

An ultralight softshell that wicks.

A midweight softshell that's multiseason.

This softshell provides maximum breathability and weather protection.

This eco-friendly jacket is everything you'd expect from a midweight softshell.

A bargain softshell that's cozy and great for aerobic activities.

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.

Our testers endured a year's worth of wet, cold conditions to find six lightweight jackets that will keep your body dry and your wallet plump.

From mild autumn evenings to winter's deep freeze, here's how to stay warm for less.

Check out Kristin Hostetter's author page.

A bargain waterproof insulated shell that is Rainier worthy.

A synthetic puffy that turns into a neck pillow.

The lightest jacket in our under-$100 test.

A cold-weather rain jacket that's $90.

A $100 jacket which doesn't skimp on features.

Ventilation on this jacket is top-notch.

The most bomber shell in our test.

There's nothing this bargain rain shell can't do.

Having the right boots, packs, bags, and tents is never enough. Here, a roundup of all the other "essential" pieces of gear you'll want in the great outdoors.

Repair any fabric with this super sticky tape.

Fleece sturdy enough to satisfy an Argonaut.

This stretch-nylon softshell jacket is one of the most-worn garments in our gear closet.

This Feathered Friends puffy jacket stays fatter than a StayPuff marshmallow.

This Arc'teryx Alpha SV Jacket is overkill when you need it.

The toughest, most versatile windshirt around.

This lightweight shell is mountain ready.

Total rain protection at a happy, happy price.

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

A sweet, packable puffy with big warmth

This synthetic-filled puffy stays warm even in wet, sloppy snow.

This stretchy-baffled down jacket traps mega heat for serious warmth.

A streamlined softshell that packs up small and cuts the wind

An affordable kids' rain jacket that can handle serious weather

Boost the performance of your down gear

Transform your shortsleeve tee to long with these cozy add-ons.

At 10.5 ounces, this jacket worked as a windshell in the Swiss Alps and and handled rain and wind in New England and the Rockies.

This classic windshirt–a favorite of BACKPACKER testers for 15 years–goes green.

Unparalleled breathability and clean, lightweight designs distinguish the year's top shells.

Forget the frills: This shell provides superior breathability with lightweight, all-season protection
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These essentials will make your dayhiker the envy of everyone else around the tree.

Whether you're skiing, snowshoeing, running, or hiking this winter, grab one of these softshells.

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

Stay cozy in all temps with these puffy jackets.

This shell-puffy combo comes with a shorter fit for climbers.

The super warm Rab jacket has an excellent warmth-to-weight ratio.

Mount Hardwear combines a puffy with a shell in their Synchronicity jacket.

This featherweight MontBell jacket is perfect for moderate winter temps.

This 700-fill down jacket was an instant tester favorite.

This warm, but not bulky, hoody can do double duty as insulation or outer shell.

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.

Soak up the sun in this windproof ARC'TERYX pullover.

This cold-weather The North Face jacket comes complete with handwarmer pockets.

This waterproof, hooded REI jacket is stretchy and breathable.