What Are the 9 Best Hardshell Jackets of 2023?

The most ideal hardshell jackets are created for mountainous regions: They should be extremely windproof and waterproof while still being breathable and durable. This is the go-to outer layer for diehard adventurers who find themselves resort skiing, mountaineering, alpine climbing, or 4-season trekking in remote areas.

Below I’ve listed my top picks of hardshell jackets to help you gear up for winter 2023-2024. Choose between minimalist models designed for speed or burly options made to withstand any condition nature throws your way.

Our Best Hardshell Jacket Picks

Arc’teryx Beta AR

Overview

Arc’teryx makes some of the best hardshell jackets on the market, and its Beta AR model is no exception. This jacket is perfect for winter weather, thanks to its combination of performance, fit, weather protection, and craftsmanship. You may have to pay a little more for this jacket than you would for others on the market, but, in my personal opinion, it’s well worth it.

Bottomline

The Beta AR’s top-end Gore-Tex Pro fabric not only performs excellently, but the jacket itself is highly detailed and outfitted perfectly for use in the mountains. It features a tall collar, an amazing hood with easy adjustability, and a great fit that allows you to layer while still maintaining mobility. The actual shell of the jacket is also lightweight and comfortable, made from 40-denier fabric on the body. The 80-denier Gore-Tex on the shoulders may make it slightly heavier, but this addition can handle backpack straps and rain or snowfall with ease.

The jacket fits very comfortably, but the fit might be a little loose on some people, so it’s worth keeping that in mind when making the purchase. Overall, it’s a very high-quality product that I have no problem recommending to others.

Outdoor Research Microgravity

Overview

The average price for hard shells is around $400, so Outdoor Research’s Microgravity—priced at only $249—is a great deal. OR was able to keep the cost down by using their in-house AscentShell membrane rather than Gore-Tex, as well as a thin build and standard feature set.

Bottomline

The main concern I have with the Microgravity is its fit–I find it to be quite trim (even for a hardshell) and especially tight around the waist when worn over layers. Additionally, the hood design could use some improvement. When pulled tightly down over a ballcap, the cinch cord rests uncomfortably right against my ears (although it should be noted that the hood is compatible with most climbing and skiing helmets). Finally, in terms of weather protection and durability, the jacket’s relatively thin waterproof shell (20D x 45D) falls short of other full-on winter hard shells.

I did, however, find this jacket very breathable while still offering sufficient protection against Alaska Range winds. Velcro-adjustable cuffs are great when it comes to wind protection, so as long as you won’t get stuck in a snowstorm, you should be fine.

Patagonia Storm10

Overview

If you’re conscious about always carrying a lot of weight with you on outdoor excursions, the Patagonia Storm10 hardshell is perfect for you. It only weighs 8.3 ounces and can be easily stuffed into its chest pocket, but it still offers 3-layer waterproof and breathable protection.

Bottomline

With Storm10, you are making some sacrifices by opting for a more lightweight jacket. Its shell is made from very thin fabric (20D), which makes it feel more like a rain jacket than a hardshell. Additionally, it does not have pit zips. You will notice reduced protection on days that are especially wet or windy, particularly when compared to something like the 100-denier Alpha SV above. So, as much as I think this model has some great applications, I would be careful when choosing it on my next mountain trail.

Norrøna Trollveggen Gore-Tex Pro Light

Overview

Norrøna, an outdoor company based in Norway, has a great selection of high-quality hard shells. The Trollveggen series is their flagship product line, and the Gore-Tex Pro Light model can compete with other top-of-the-line designs like the Arc’teryx Beta AR.

Bottomline

I believe that Norrøna went a bit too far with their alpine-focused design by omitting hand pockets entirely–you only get two external chest pockets and one internal zippered stash. Additionally, the jacket has a very long cut which provides good coverage but may not be ideal for casual use like rain jackets. In contrast, the Beta AR has a more standard length and also features convenient hand pockets located high enough to be accessed even when wearing a hip belt or harness.

I found the one-hand hem adjustment very user-friendly, though. The same goes for the hood that fits most climbing helmets and also can be easily adjusted using only one hand. While I consider Norrøna a quality jacket that could pass the exam in many scenarios, there are some models on this list I like better.

Arc’teryx Alpha SV

Overview

If you’re looking for a top-of-the-line shell that can withstand piercing wind, driving rain, sleet, and snow, then look no further than the Arc’teryx Alpha SV. Although it is one of the most expensive options in the Arc’teryx lineup, its performance while ski touring and mountaineering has not disappointed.

Bottomline

The weather protection and durability are stellar with the adjustable cuffs, but the price is, unfortunately, quite high. At $799, it’s an overall expensive product, and for those who don’t need such durable construction, this softshell jacket-looking hardshell jacket wouldn’t be worth the investment.

However, if you’re looking for the best of the best, I can say that Arc’teryx Alpha SV exceeded all my expectations. This jacket is breathable, absorption resistant, and very immune to damage, thanks to its great lamination layer. Articulated patterning gave me a full range of motions, which is certainly valuable when weather conditions are getting worse and your trails – steeper. I wouldn’t say it’s a must-have product for everyone (a rather inaccessible price tag is proof of that), but if you can spare such an expense, you won’t be disappointed.

Patagonia Triolet

Overview

With all the recent advancements in technology, it’s easy to get excited about every new hardshell piece of gear. But sometimes, you just need a solid and reliable 3-layer Gore-Tex jacket like Patagonia’s Triolet. This standard-issue Gore Tex membrane is perfect for alpine excursions with its 75-denier face fabric. You’ll also be grateful for the four exterior zippered pockets (plus one drop-in interior pocket) that help keep you organized while on your journey. And finally, its regular fit leaves room to add an extra mid-layer if needed.

Bottomline

The Triolet does not perform as well as other options for high-output activities or fast missions. The thick shell cannot match the breathability of thinner alternatives or more advanced waterproof membranes (like Patagonia’s Pluma below) that provides some serious weather protection. Additionally, its 1-pound-3.4ounce weight can be a burden to carry for extended periods, and the jacket’s substantial build and regular cut limit mobility (it feels more like a ski jacket than alternatives like the Beta AR above).

I think this model can be a good choice for those who are looking for a compromise between price and quality. While some elements of the jacket (like the pit zips and pockets that use fabric flaps instead of more costly coated zippers) are designed with a lower price tag in mind, this model still offers the decent quality that Patagonia jackets are known for.

Mammut Nordwand Pro HS

Overview

Nordwand Pro HS is Mammut’s attempt at providing a comparable product to Arc’teryx’s Alpha SV, but at a fraction of the price. With features like increased mobility and protection from harsh weather conditions, the Nordwand is perfect for any serious alpine adventurer or backcountry skier. Using Gore-Tex Pro fabric and Most Rugged fabric, this jacket will keep you safe without breaking the bank.

Bottomline

The Nordwand Pro is similar to the Alpha SV in that both jackets provide extensive protection with tall collars and extended back lengths and have storage compartments that won’t get in the way of a harness or hip belt. However, The Mammut has more features overall, such as a zip-out powder skirt for skiing and a two-way main zipper. Additionally, it’s slightly lighter than Arc’teryx at 1 pound 2 ounces.

Thanks to the Gore-Tex Pro fabric that was used in the design of the jacket, you get outstanding protection against wind and water, but that doesn’t mean your movements will be constrained. I could easily perform all my usual activities on a trail, which I always find imperative when testing any new hardshell. This one passes the exam with flying colors.

Mountain Hardwear Exposure/2 GTX Pro Light

Overview

Gore-Tex’s Paclite technology is used in some of the best rain jackets on the market, thanks to its breathable and lightweight properties. Gore-Text Pro is their top membrane for hardshells. The Exposure/2 features a very strong 80-denier face fabric, a competitive 14.6-ounce weight, and superior weather protection.

Bottomline

Although Mountain Hardwear may not have the extensive history that Patagonia and Arc’teryx boast, their quality has rapidly increased in recent years. The Exposure/2 Pro Lite is one of the lightest builds on the market while still managing to provide adequate protection, making it deserving of a spot on my list despite being unproven and having some rather unorthodox colorways.

The jacket comes with underarm vents with laminated two-way zips for heat dump, which I found really useful, too. In my book, the Exposure/2 Pro Lite is another excellent proposition for those who are looking for something really high-quality, made from eco-friendly materials, in a decent price range.

REI Co-op Stormbolt GTX 

Overview

The REI Co-op’s Stormbolt GTX is an excellent product. It has several features that make it stand out from the competition, including pit zips, a chest pocket, and two handwarmer pockets, and a helmet-compatible hood with a large visor. All of these features are available for just $279.

Bottomline

I strongly believe that REI should enhance the construction of their hardshell to be more similar to Patagonia’s Triolet. The fit is currently too large and baggy for everyday wear or hiking, but it also isn’t sleek enough for winter sports or mountaineering because the shell fabric doesn’t provide much confidence.

When it comes to breathability and comfort of wear, I’d say the jacket comes off as pretty average, without any glaring flaws. But when I was not wearing a helmet, I noticed that the hood was pretty impractical, with the brim dipping down and blocking some of the visual range. For me, it’s a rather big downside. I hope they fix all of these drawbacks soon so we can enjoy wearing REI Stormbolt again.

Best Hardshell Jackets – Final Word

Hardshell jackets are an important part of any outdoor enthusiast’s wardrobe. They provide essential weather protection for a variety of activities, from skiing to mountaineering. In this article, I’ve highlighted some of the best hardshell jackets on the market and given you a brief overview of their features. I hope that this information will help you choose the right jacket for your next outdoor adventure.