Jacket Reviews

Want to enjoy more time on the trail? It's simple: Bring the whole family, but make sure the kids stay comfortable with gear built for them.

Kids stay warm and dry with this deluge-proof shell, perfect for everything from family hikes, to waiting for the carpool.

In a 2000 BACKPACKER raingear review, the average jacket weighed 20.6 ounces. Nine year later, that's down as much as 65%–and these six entries are more breathable to boot.

Ever seen a cold goose? Slip into one of these cozy down (or synthetic down) heaters, and you'll understand why you haven't.

This midweight synthetic packs small and repels light rain and snow.

This quilted pullover was a go-to jacket all year round.

This puffy is perfect as a midlayer for skiing or a springtime camp coat–and comes in a wide variety of sizes.

This overstuffed puffy was the warmest of the bunch with a high-collared hood and hand gaiters.

This microlight puffy will keep you warm no matter the rain, sleet, or snow.

This close fitting jacket is great for winter cragging, or fast trips from spring trough fall.

Waterproof and breathable, this hard shell is perfect for cold places and pursuits.

This all-around soft shell keeps the drizzle on the outside and warmth on the inside, right where it belongs.

New technology makes for a super breathable, go anywhere hard shell

Weighing less that 10 ounces this ultralight shell withstood 3 days of torrential rain.

This high intensity, breathable jacket is perfect for fast day hikes and cross training.

Bargain shell for rainy weather

This "magic coat" is great for changing conditions.

This rainshell excels with weekend warriors who dabble in a bit of everything.

These versatile jackets weigh less than a pound and pack smaller than a grapefruit.

This puffy layer saves weight without excess cold spots.

Trim fitting, highly durable, and easily packable, this is one shell you'll never question packing.

Check out Berne Broudy's author page.

With a fleece lining, and Gore Windstopper fabric, chills are blocked and breathability is excellent.

While editors were wringing out their socks, nothing penetrated the Mica's waterproofing.

With a puffy insulated layer and the clean anorak design, this ultralight did the trick in wet Welsh weather.

This durable shell is hefty enough for four-season wear.

Get technical layers that work everywhere from hotel bars to high-mountain trails. Our testers vetted more than 50 products from the Alps to the Andes to bring you these top systems.

Plenty of cargo space, an adjustable hood and great air flow, you may never have to take this coat off

Core Concepts Monsoon to Market effortlessly transforms from satchel to shell.

Stay warm with the Arc'teryx Kappa SV Hoody, Marmot Torrid, REI Ladro Hoodie, and Solstice Cool Ruler.

Check out the Cloudveil Hobak, EMS Aurora Shell Pant, L.L. Bean Ascent GTX, Mountain Hardwear Dragon, and Sierra Designs Cyclone Eco

Check out The Backpacker Editors, Photos by sethhughes.com's author page.

Check out The Backpacker Editors, Photos by sethhughes.com's author page.

Check out The Backpacker Editors, Photos by sethhughes.com's author page.

The best gear in the world can be worthless in the wrong conditions. That's where Backpacker's Perfect System comes in.

Check out The Backpacker Editors, Photos by sethhughes.com's author page.

Packs, tents, boots, and bags–that's easy. Now comes the hard part: Everything else. Below, you'll find our top picks for all the lust-worthy backcountry essentials you'll need to make your trip safe, fun, and simple.

We found 17 pioneering products that will cut your carbon cost without sacrificing performance.

Made with down or synthetic fibers and paper-thin shells, these puffy jackets weigh less, loft higher, and pack much smaller than fleece.

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is waterproof and durable, but the manufacturing process creates carcinogens

From your tent, to your bivy sack, to yourself, learn how to stay dry and comfortable.

Clothing is gear that's just as important as a tent or sleeping bag. We'll help you choose wisely.

Make sure you don't forget a thing with our comprehensive gear checklists for pretty much any trip occasion. Plus, learn how to pick the perfect piece of gear.

Salvage a few more years out of your favorite jacket with these zipper fixes.

Don't overload your pack. Learn how to leave the non-essentials behind and still stay warm.

Cutting-edge fabrics make outdoor gear eco-friendly.

Testing confirms it: You can get a real rain jacket for less than 8 ounces.

Proven extra-tough after 30 straight days of hiking

How to make your cold months warmer: boots, bags, jackets, backpacks, and booties for frosty weather

Comfortable, water-resistant fabric earns points lost from this jacket's boxy fit

Don't let your kid board the bus underdressed this winter

Keep your wallet and load a little lighter with Outdoor Research, Marmot, and Integral Designs

Stay sweat-free in all conditions with this lightweight shell

You don't have to be a direct Mayflower descendant to appreciate a little Yankee thrift with this rain shell

Racing a storm to a peak is no time to whip out an inferior rain shell.

This super-compact and affordable shell is perfect for the Southwest

This is one of the lightest three-season sleep systems we've seen

They kill swiftly and silently. They flit like ghosts through enemy forests. And they will brew you a fine cup of cowboy coffee. Meet America's deadliest hikers as we hump ruck with the Special Forces.

How to acquire your very own Navy SEAL Protective Combat Uniform.

Going sleeveless might save you weight, but will a vest keep you as warm as a jacket?

Make the proper buying decision by first learning the language of jackets.

Getting the right shell has as much to do with personal needs and hiking habits as it does with the quality of a garment.