The Best Women’s Shells of 2023
36 testers tried 40 jackets. These are the crème de la crème.
36 testers tried 40 jackets. These are the crème de la crème.
36 gear testers tried 41 shell jackets. These ones came out on top.
We asked 58 testers to put 99 puffies through their paces. These are the best.
We spent all winter testing 50+ outer layers in the backcountry. These ones came out on top.
Fend off water and wind with these breathable, packable jackets
Women’s winter jackets have advanced in performance and style, with lightweight, bulk-free warmth leading the way. Here are three of our favorites with varying thickness, weight, and price. Each offers the warmth you need with the style you’ll love.
Editors' choice for a bargain puffy from the 2018 Fall/Winter Gear Guide.
While less than ideal weather conditions can make for a difficult trek, being prepared with a waterproof jacket can make your journey a lot more enjoyable.
Read the hang tags, know the lasting performance of the gear you are purchasing.
Is Your Jacket Harming the Environment?
Windbreakers are a must in every layering system—they’re light, water resistant, and of course, block the breeze. But with so many options available, it’s hard to choose the right one . Lightweight or full-featured? Trim cut or full length? Selecting the right jacket will prepare you for all conditions, and give you years of use. We love windbreakers for their versatility, flexibility, and reasonable cost. Lucky for you, we did the research so you don’t have to.
This jacket never wets out. Period.
It's a fleece, but warmer. It's a softshell, but more breathable. It's one of the most versatile midlayers we've ever tested.
The Zeta LT sets a new bar for shells.
Give your jacket extra waterproof protection with this easy DIY method.
Give your jacket extra waterproof protection with this easy DIY method.
A bargain puffy with 800-fill goose down. Enough said.
This jacket is “epically warm."
Durability and light package make this jacket shine.
Big Agnes brings their sleeping bag tech to puffy jackets.
A breathable fortress that's perfect for powder hounds.
This fully water-proof, breathable hardshell skips the bells and whistles and straight-up performs.
There's always room to pack this featherweight, bombproof shell.
Executive Editor Dennis Lewon shows off the Arc'teryx Alpha SV Jacket
Tester Ted Alvarez reviews the Arc'teryx's minimalist jacket with Gortex Active Shell.
A highly stuffable, lightweight puffy jacket from REI.
A highly packable windshirt that's extremely comfortable.
A jacket that breathes - no matter the conditions.
This Editors' Choice Award-winning jacket is a year-round favorite.
This softshell packs a double punch with waterproofing and breathability.,See what our testers thought of this jacket from the North Face.
This breathable shell with keep you warm and dry in all conditions.
This versatile jacket will keep you warm - and cool - year round.
Stay protected from the elements with this ultralight adidas softshell.
Gear Editor Kristin Hostetter explains the new innovations in down insulation technology. See what our team thought of these two water-resistant down jackets.
Andrew Bydlon reviews Sierra Designs' TOV Jacket which utilizes the innovative DryDown technology
Gear Editor Kristin Hostetter with Patagonia's breathable and packable Troposphere hard shell jacket
Rocky Mountain editor Steve Howe helps you pick the right jacket for any weather condition or exertion level.
Climbing guru Peter Whittaker gives Backpacker a preview of a new line of gear from Eddie Bauer.
Backpacker Map Editor Kris Wagner shows off one of the cooler jackets at this year's show. The Merrell Gatherer has zipper access that allows you to stuff the jacket with your own insulation.