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. We’ve listed our top picks of hardshell jackets below to help you gear up for winter 2022-2023. Choose between minimalist models designed for speed or burly options made to withstand any condition nature throws your way.
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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 it’s well worth it.
Key Features
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.
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.
Key Features
Bottomline
The main concern we have with the Microgravity is its fit–we 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 our 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.
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.
Key Features
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.
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.
Key Features
Bottomline
We 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.
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.
Key Features
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.
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 Goretex 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.
Key Features
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).
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.
Key Features
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.
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.
Key Features
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 our list despite being unproven and having some rather unorthodox colorways.
REI Co-op Stormbolt GTX
Overview
The REI Co-op’s Storm bolt 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.
Key Features
Bottomline
We 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. We hope they fix this soon so we can enjoy wearingREI’s Stormbolt again.
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, we’ve highlighted some of the best hardshell jackets on the market and given you a brief overview of their features. We hope that this information will help you choose the right jacket for your next outdoor adventure.
