The 8 Best Hardshell Jackets of 2018

Stay warm and dry with this season's most bombproof shells.

Author:: Elisabeth Kwak-Hefferan
Updated:: Nov 20, 2018
Original:: Oct 31, 2018

Rain, sleet, snow, wind: If you're the kind of hiker who hits the trail no matter the conditions, you need a good shell to keep the weather out. Luckily, we've picked eight of the best on the market. Armor up and get out there.

Even if REI tacked on another Benjamin, we’d still buy the XeroDry. It performs like a premium pick, keeping us fully sheltered through downpours on Canada’s Prince Edward Island, but doesn’t tip the scales like many value-priced shells.Read The Full ReviewBuy Now

Even if REI tacked on another Benjamin, we’d still buy the XeroDry. It performs like a premium pick, keeping us fully sheltered through downpours on Canada’s Prince Edward Island, but doesn’t tip the scales like many value-priced shells.Read The Full ReviewBuy Now

We love air-permeable membranes for their superior breathability, but we’ve noticed most can’t handle the wettest storms. Flylow’s designers tackled this challenge with their new proprietary fabric, called The Perm.Read The Full ReviewBuy Now

Long tours in variable conditions demand a set-it-and-forget-it shell. If that’s your M.O., the Helio—with its soft hand and impressive breathability—is your pick. Read The Full ReviewBuy Now

Extended sleeves prevent the dreaded wrist gap even for the long-limbed, and the hem kept snow out of our pants even when we bent and reached. Read The Full ReviewBuy Now

If light and fast is your mantra, this is your shell. The TLT is stripped down to the basics, dispensing with extra features in favor of softball-size packability.Read The Full Review

The Beta AR has adjustable everything: hem, cuffs, and helmet-friendly hood. Long-cut sleeves never exposed our wrists when we reached high with ice tools, and the cut is roomy enough for piling on several layers underneath. Caveat: price.Read The Full ReviewBuy Now

Of all the lightweight shells we tested, this one is the toughest. Through a strategic combination of 30-denier Gore- Tex Active (one of Gore’s most breathable fabrics) on the torso and 40-denier standard Gore-Tex on the shoulders and hips, the Fleet stayed strong through a winter of backcountry skiing and hiking.Read The Full Review

Happy coincidence: This eco-friendly, two-layer shell is also the most affordable model in the test. It’s made from polyester that’s recycled from ocean plastic trash, through a partnership with the environmental group Parley for the Oceans.Read The Full Review

REI Xerodry GTX Jacket

Even if REI tacked on another Benjamin, we’d still buy the XeroDry. It performs like a premium pick, keeping us fully sheltered through downpours on Canada’s Prince Edward Island, but doesn’t tip the scales like many value-priced shells.

Read The Full Review

-

Check out the rest of the 2018 Winter Gear Guide

-

bp_gg_2018_shell_tnf

Stay warm and cozy with the season's best softshell jackets.

bp_gg_2018_pant_mountainhardwear

Stay warm and dry with this season's best trousers.

best softshell jackets

A good shell protects you from rain, snow, wind, and more. Grab one of these to keep the weather out.

bp_gg_2018_jacket_blackyak

Keep warm and cozy with an insulated layer.

gifts-montage

From craft beverages to do-anything shoes to a cooler that fits on your back, these are our favorite presents of the season.

BP0419SHEL_BlackDiamond_Deploy_gn

Keep out the wind, rain, and cold with our favorite shells of the season

bpk_gg_2018_ski_blackcrow_v

Ski in-bounds and out with the best planks of the season.

bp_gg_2018_baselayer_ortovox

Its whats inside that counts.

best softshell jackets

Soft Shells Reviews

With a perfect mix of breathability and protection, these shells are reliable trail buddies.