The Best Women’s Shells of 2023
36 testers tried 40 jackets. These are the crème de la crème.
Jackets
The Best Men’s Shells of 2023
36 gear testers tried 41 shell jackets. These ones came out on top.
The Best Midlayers of 2023
We asked 58 testers to put 99 puffies through their paces. These are the best.
The Best Touring Jackets of 2023
We spent all winter testing 50+ outer layers in the backcountry. These ones came out on top.
The Best Shells of 2022
Fend off water and wind with these breathable, packable jackets
Best Women's Down 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.
Decathlon Trek 100
Editors' choice for a bargain puffy from the 2018 Fall/Winter Gear Guide.
Best Men's Waterproof Jackets
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.
Does Your Jacket Leak?
Read the hang tags, know the lasting performance of the gear you are purchasing.
Waterproofing's Dirty Little Secret
Is Your Jacket Harming the Environment?
Best Women’s Windbreakers
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.
Editors' Choice Spring 2016: Columbia OutDry Ex Diamond
This jacket never wets out. Period.
Editors' Choice Snow 2015: Patagonia Dual Aspect Hoodie
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.
Editors' Choice Snow 2015: Arc'teryx Zeta LT Shell
The Zeta LT sets a new bar for shells.
Fix It: Waterproof a Jacket
Give your jacket extra waterproof protection with this easy DIY method.
Fix It: Waterproof a Jacket
Give your jacket extra waterproof protection with this easy DIY method.
Editors' Choice Snow: Montbell Frost Line Parka
A bargain puffy with 800-fill goose down. Enough said.
Crux Plasma Puffy Jacket
This jacket is “epically warm."
Gear Review: Arc'teryx Beta LT Shell Jacket
Durability and light package make this jacket shine.
Gear Review: Big Agnes Shovelhead Puffy Jacket
Big Agnes brings their sleeping bag tech to puffy jackets.
Flylow Lab Coat
A breathable fortress that's perfect for powder hounds.
Salomon Tour Jacket
This fully water-proof, breathable hardshell skips the bells and whistles and straight-up performs.
Editors' Choice 2014: Marmot Essence Shell
There's always room to pack this featherweight, bombproof shell.
Arc'teryx Alpha SV Jacket
Executive Editor Dennis Lewon shows off the Arc'teryx Alpha SV Jacket
Gear Review: Arc'teryx Tecto FL Jacket
Tester Ted Alvarez reviews the Arc'teryx's minimalist jacket with Gortex Active Shell.
Gear Review: REI Revelcloud Hoodie
A highly stuffable, lightweight puffy jacket from REI.
Gear Review: Marmot Stride Jacket
A highly packable windshirt that's extremely comfortable.
Gear Review: Outdoor Research Transonic Hardshell Jacket
A jacket that breathes - no matter the conditions.
Gear Review: Eddie Bauer First Ascent Accelerant Jacket
This Editors' Choice Award-winning jacket is a year-round favorite.
Gear Review: The North Face Summit Series Anti-Matter Softshell
This softshell packs a double punch with waterproofing and breathability.,See what our testers thought of this jacket from the North Face.
Gear Review: Rab Myriad Hardshell
This breathable shell with keep you warm and dry in all conditions.
Gear Review: The North Face Verto Micro Hoodie Jacket
This versatile jacket will keep you warm - and cool - year round.
Gear Review: Adidas Outdoor Terrex Zupalite Softshell
Stay protected from the elements with this ultralight adidas softshell.
Editors' Choice Snow Award 2012: Sierra Designs Tov and L.L. Bean Ultralite 850
Gear Editor Kristin Hostetter explains the new innovations in down insulation technology. See what our team thought of these two water-resistant down jackets.
Editors' Choice Snow Awards 2012: Sierra Designs TOV Jacket
Andrew Bydlon reviews Sierra Designs' TOV Jacket which utilizes the innovative DryDown technology
Gear Review: Patagonia Troposphere Jacket
Gear Editor Kristin Hostetter with Patagonia's breathable and packable Troposphere hard shell jacket
Backpacking 101: Picking the Right Jacket
Rocky Mountain editor Steve Howe helps you pick the right jacket for any weather condition or exertion level.
Eddie Bauer First Ascent Gear Preview
Climbing guru Peter Whittaker gives Backpacker a preview of a new line of gear from Eddie Bauer.
Outdoor Retailer Highlights: Merrell Gatherer Jacket
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.