The 5 Best Windshells for Hikers
These featherweight windshells ensure that the weather doesn’t blow your plans away.
Finding the perfect hiking apparel can be tricky. But with the help of Backpacker Magazine’s dedicated team of expert gear reviewers, you’ll easily find the perfect men’s and women’s outdoor apparel for every hiking and backpacking trip on your bucket list.
Finding the perfect hiking apparel can be tricky. But with the help of Backpacker Magazine’s dedicated team of expert gear reviewers, you’ll easily find the perfect men’s and women’s outdoor apparel for every hiking and backpacking trip on your bucket list.
These featherweight windshells ensure that the weather doesn’t blow your plans away.
Lightest windshell
Warmest windshell
Most comfortable
Best protection
From eye protection to bibs to energy chews, we reach for these products again and again.
Warmest softshell
Best value softshell
Most breathable windshell
Lightest windshell
Most comfortable
Best protection
Most versatile
Best value
Killer deal
Most breathable
Best features
Stay warm and save rivers with this eco-friendly fleece layer.
Finally, a pair of rainpants you won't be afraid to wear all day.
This sun shirt is a soft alternative to wearing sunscreen.
It used to be a bunch of plastic bottles. Now, it's one of the most eco-friendly windshells on the market.
An outerwear line that uses cork and a waste-free computerized knitting system are among the innovations the company hopes to show off this year.
We thought we had seen every possible way to package down. This coat proved us wrong.
Efficient padding protects noggins from frontcountry snowmobiling to backcountry splitboarding.
Get boots, jackets, and more on the cheap—but hurry.
Abrasion-resistance, moisture management and natural stretch carries this puffy to a top level.
Versatile pant
Editors’ Choice update
This weight-saving shell will keep you dry in any weather.
Get this closet staple for 56% off, but hurry.
Versatile men's pants
Versatile women's pants
Foot savers
Versatile shell
Jackets, packs, puffies: Let us be your guide.
This shell ditches PFCs for a weatherproof, eco-friendly coat.
The secret ingredient in this shirt's quick-drying fabric? Used coffee grounds.
With salvaged materials and no PFCs, these pants are easy on the Earth.
There’s nothing cheap about this shell’s performance.
Most versatile insulation layer from the Fall/Winter 2018 Gear Guide.
You’ll never want to take this midlayer off.
The year's best new layers all point to one truth: No matter where you go, comfort is always in style.
Hang on to your hat—this is a great deal.
Fend off moisture both inside and out with this uber-breathable shell.
Your warmth strategy starts with your next-to-skin layer. Pick the right one.
With a perfect mix of breathability and protection, these shells are reliable trail buddies.
Fend off thorns, cold, and more with the best hiking pants on the market.
Prices may vary in these five rain jackets, but all of them are guaranteed to keep you dry depending on the conditions.
The future is now. These 10 gear picks set new standards in their respective categories.
This shell boasts the perfect balance of breathability and durability for backcountry skiing.
Warmth meets style
Most eco-friendly
Versatile beanie
Best value helmet
Best value
Best for quick changes
Most breathable
Best value
Eco-friendly
Most versatile
Full-featured
Lightest
Women’s pick
Best wicking
Best ski bottoms
Bargain set
Most versatile
Eco-friendly all-rounders
Women’s touring pant
Best for touring laps
Most breathable
Most versatile
Most comfortable
Warmest
Most comfortable