The 5 Best Hardshell Jackets

Best Overall Hardshell Jacket

Norrona Trollveggen Gore-Tex Pro Light

Measured Weight (size large)	16.8 oz
Pit Zips	Yes
Material	100% recycled 40D Gore-Tex Pro with 160D reinforcements on shoulder, forearm, and hood
Pockets	2 front, 1 internal zippered chest, 1 zippered electronics pocket inside front chest pocket
Helmet Compatible Hood	Yes

The Norrona Trollveggen Gore-Tex Pro Light offers some of the best weather resistance we've ever seen, combined with a perfect fit. Waterproof but light Gore-Tex Pro fabric helps keep stormy weather out, and waterproof zippers and a long hem in the seat ensure that water can't creep in through vulnerable spots. The material is soft, but heavy-duty patches on the hood, shoulder, and forearms add durability. Our testers felt this was the most comfortable hardshell in our test lineup and the most versatile. Our lead tester summed it up well, saying, “This shell is the one I grab first when heading out the door for an extended trip in the mountains.”

The Trollveggen Pro Light is just a bit heavier and has a slightly more polarizing style than the closest competition. However, it makes up for these slight detractions with a well-tailored and athletic fit that is a pleasure to wear, similar to the Arc'teryx Beta AR. If you're after the best hardshell available for a range of activities, from backcountry skiing to resort skiing and even alpine climbing, the Trollveggen Pro Light is an excellent option. However, if the price is more than you want to pay, check out the Patagonia Triolet, which provides impressive weather protection, especially given the price.

Read more: Norrona Trollveggen Gore-Tex Pro Light review

Best for Harsh Conditions

Mammut Nordwand Advanced

Measured Weight (size large)	16.0 oz
Pit Zips	Yes
Material	100% Polyamide 30D Gore-Tex Pro
Pockets	2 front, 1 internal zippered chest
Helmet Compatible Hood	Yes

The Mammut Nordwand Advanced excels when the thermometer drops and the weather takes a turn for the worse. Our tests showed it to be extraordinarily weatherproof. Like several other jackets we tested, it's made with bombproof 3-layer Gore-Tex Pro fabric. The Nordwand, however, has a DWR finish that is still beading water months after some of its rivals started to wet out. This jacket also boasts a low hem, a snug hood, long sleeves, and strong wrist cuffs that work together to ensure moisture can't sneak in from anywhere, just like the waterproof design of the Mountain Equipment Lhotse Jacket. It also feels more durable than other lightweight hardshells. Our lead tester says, “I've used this jacket over 200 days in the mountains in all kinds of weather, and it's still holding up well.”

The primary downside of the Nordwand is its exorbitant price point. Also, it is too heavy for warmer missions during the spring, summer, and fall. Still, if you can stomach the price and shoulder the added weight, this hardshell is excellent for the harshest conditions. Most folks probably don't need a jacket this burly, but for winter expeditions or those who refuse to let a bad forecast spoil their fun, the Nordwand is our top recommendation. For adventures when a lighter hardshell jacket is more appropriate, the Norrona Trollveggen Gore-Tex Pro Light is a great pick.

Read more: Mammut Nordwand Advanced review

Best Budget for Weather Protection

Patagonia Triolet

Measured Weight (size large)	19.8 oz
Pit Zips	Yes
Material	100% recycled polyester 75D Gore-Tex
Pockets	2 chest, 2 hand, 1 internal mesh
Helmet Compatible Hood	Yes

The Patagonia Triolet is a durable and weather-resistant hardshell jacket at an unbeatable price. With Gore-Tex fabric, plenty of pockets, and a full-coverage design, it provides nearly as much protection as the best jackets on the market and does so at a fraction of the price. It has plenty of pockets for resort skiing, backcountry touring, and alpine climbing and has a versatile fit for any kind of winter activity. Some of our testers have used this jacket for years and applaud its durability, making it a great value. One tester even stated, “This is the last hardshell jacket you'll ever need to buy.”

Compared to the best shells, the Triolet weighs a few ounces more with a boxy, less refined cut, resulting in extra material that can get in the way. The zippers on the hand pockets and underarm vents are watertight, but not fully waterproof. That said, they do a good job of keeping water out. Our issues are only noticeable when comparing this jacket with others that cost nearly double the price. The Patagonia M10 Storm Jacket offers an even more palatable price tag and is almost 8 ounces lighter, but it can't compare to the weather protection of the Triolet. We think most shoppers searching for a durable and versatile hardshell will be pleased with the Triolet and its outstanding value. If you require the ultimate weather protection for your adventures, including waterproof zippers, the Norrona Trollveggen Gore-Tex Pro Light is hard to beat and weighs a few ounces less.

Read more: Patagonia Triolet review

Best Lightweight Hardshell

Patagonia M10 Storm Jacket

Measured Weight (size large)	11.5 oz
Pit Zips	Yes
Material	30D ECONYL 100% recycled nylon ripstop H2No
Pockets	2 chest
Helmet Compatible Hood	Yes

The Patagonia M10 Storm Jacket is an excellent, lightweight hardshell that skimps just a bit on protection but provides great mobility and comfort. At just 11.5 ounces (325 grams) in a size large, this jacket weighs very little and is supremely packable. It has good coverage in the hood, sleeves, and hem, with well-designed closures to keep water out. For alpine climbers and mountaineers who want to shave weight from their kit, this jacket is perfect. Our lead tester, IFMGA Mountain Guide Jeff Dobronyi, says, “I bring this jacket on every alpine climb, where it usually stays in the bottom of my pack, unnoticed. But when the clouds build and I need to stay dry, I can be confident in the protection it provides.”

The main fabric is thin and allows wind to penetrate the jacket, meaning it isn't the best choice if you know a bad winter storm is coming. And, with only two front chest pockets, there isn't much storage room. Hikers and urban users might want a bit more durability from their hard shells, as delivered in the Mountain Equipment Lhotse Jacket, but if weight is a concern, this is one of the best hardshells out there. When conditions get rough, we'd suggest swapping it out for a burlier jacket like the Mammut Nordwand Advanced, or the lower-priced Patagonia Triolet to battle the weather.

Read more: Patagonia M10 Storm Jacket review

Most Durable

Arc'teryx Alpha SV

Measured Weight (size large)	18.2 oz
Pit Zips	Yes
Material	100% recycled 100D Gore-Tex Pro
Pockets	2 front, 1 sleeve, 1 internal zippered, 1 internal mesh
Helmet Compatible Hood	Yes

The Arc'teryx Alpha SV represents the pinnacle of weather protection and durability. It features thick, stiff 100-dernier Gore-Tex Pro fabric that can withstand abrasion while skiing through dense trees and cut through the most bitter wind. It is completely seam-sealed and features waterproof zippers and a full-coverage, helmet-compatible hood. The sleeves and hem are long enough that they'll never expose your stomach when you lift your hands above your head while swinging at the ice. The cut is nearly perfect for active winter activities.

All of these attributes come at a high price that's hard to swallow. However, we think the Alpha SV is a safe investment, and it will pay for itself over the years as it lasts and lasts and lasts, especially backed by Arc'teryx's great warranty program. With proper cleaning, storage, and the occasional DWR treatment, there is no reason this jacket can't outlast your recreational lifetime. If you're in the market for a tough hardshell that can perform in any winter activity, from multi-pitch ice and alpine climbing to resort skiing, this is the one for you. If you love Arc'teryx but the Alpha SV is not within your budget, the Beta AR offers top-notch weather protection, but doesn't quite have the bells, whistles, and durability of this one.

Read more: Arc'teryx Alpha SV review

Compare Products

Compare select up to 5 products to compare

	Score	Product	Price
	81	Norrona Trollveggen Gore-Tex Pro Light Best Overall Hardshell Jacket	$649
	80	Mammut Nordwand Advanced Best for Harsh Conditions	$699
	78	Patagonia M10 Storm Jacket Best Lightweight Hardshell	$379
	77	Norrona Falketind Gore-Tex	$549
	72	Arc'teryx Beta AR	$600
	71	Arc'teryx Alpha SV Most Durable	$900
	71	Ortovox 3L Ortler	$550
	66	Mountain Equipment Lhotse	$750
	62	Patagonia Triolet Best Budget for Weather Protection	$449
	61	The North Face Summit Series Torre Egger FUTURELIGHT	$590

How We Test Hardshell Jackets

The task of finding the best hardshells began with us examining the wide selection of models that are currently available. We initially considered 70 jackets before choosing 10 for hands-on testing. We've been testing hardshell jackets for nearly a decade now, and with more than 62 jackets tested to date, this review is a culmination of what we've learned over that time. Testing took place while climbing, skiing, and ice climbing in Colorado's San Juans, the Columbia Mountains of British Columbia, and California's High Sierra. We supplemented this field testing with controlled experiments for weather protection, weight, and breathability. For example, we stood in the shower for five minutes with the hoods drawn to carefully compare water resistance among models. We wore the jackets on a stationary bike, with controlled base layers, heart rate, and run time, to compare ventilation and breathability.

Our hardshell jacket testing is divided across five rating metrics:

• Weather Protection (30% of overall score weighting)

• Weight (20% weighting)

• Mobility and Fit (20% weighting)

• Venting and Breathability (20% weighting)

• Features and Design (10% weighting)

For more on our testing process with hardshell jackets, see our How We Test article.

Why Trust GearLab

To find the very best hardshells, we convinced lead tester Jeff Dobronyi to take some time out of his busy schedule leading trips as an internationally-licensed IFMGA Mountain Guide. Jeff leads backcountry skiers and alpine climbers on missions from his home in Colorado to locations around the globe, including the Alps, Andes, Norway, Canada, and Alaska. Jeff spends over 200 days a year in the mountains, including many days in harsh winter weather, and knows what a good hardshell needs to accomplish. Jeff was assisted by GearLab testers Jack Cramer and Andy Wellman. Jack is a National Outdoor Leadership School alumnus and climber whose resume includes more than a dozen alpine first ascents. Andy completes the team, bringing extensive outdoor experience of all kinds, from alpine climbing to bouldering to writing guidebooks.

Analysis and Test Results

If your aspirations include steep descents or snowy summits, you'll need a great hardshell to keep you dry and comfortable. For this update, we pursued another season of winter adventures to evaluate a selection of the top-rated models on the market. Read on for some discussion of the most important factors influencing hardshell performance and the top scorers in each aspect.

Most jackets in this review are made with three-layer waterproof/breathable fabrics. These three layers typically consist of a face fabric on the outside, a waterproof/breathable membrane in the middle, and an inner backing to protect the membrane. Together, they combine to create a fabric designed to stop liquid moisture from getting in while allowing moist air from your body to escape. Three-layer hardshell jackets are some of the most technologically advanced and expensive pieces of outdoor clothing on the market. The primary difference between hardshells and rain jackets is that rain jackets are made from thinner materials and 2- or 2.5-layer fabrics, so they're usually less durable and breathable.

We graded each product in this review based on the five metrics that we believe are most critical to the performance of a hardshell jacket: Weather Protection, Weight, Mobility & Fit, Venting & Breathability, and Features & Design. We weighted each metric based on its contribution to overall performance and graded each jacket in each area on a scale from 1 to 10. For example, weather protection contributes 30% to the overall score, while weight accounts for 20%. In all cases, we awarded scores for the performance of a jacket in comparison to other products.

What's the Best Value?

Getting your hands on a hardshell jacket isn't cheap. Three-layer laminated fabrics are extremely expensive to develop and produce, and the price tags of these jackets reflect that intensive process. Generally speaking, you get what you pay for, and the most expensive jackets have the most protective technology, the lightest weight, and the best fit. However, there are great options that provide plenty of protection at a lower price.

The Patagonia Triolet is a classic hardshell jacket that our testers have used for years. It provides the best performance for the price, delivering weather protection that nearly matches that of the best hardshells, as well as a comfortable fit, plenty of pockets, and armpit vents. Our lead tester wore this jacket as his main hardshell for the better part of a decade, from alpine climbing and ski mountaineering missions in Alaska to day tours and ice cragging in Colorado, Jackson Hole, and British Columbia, and the jacket held up to years and years of abuse.

Another Patagonia shell, the M10 Storm, is a minimalist jacket that excels at technical climbing while costing a lot less than other jackets on the market. It's light, has great mobility, and has enough weather protection to get you through most brutal winter weather. We reach for this jacket whether the forecast calls for summer thunderstorms or winter winds. It's also a great jacket for ice climbing, repelling drips with ease. It costs a lot less than other hardshells on the market, probably because it uses a proprietary waterproof and breathable membrane rather than Gore-Tex.

Weather Protection

Nothing is more important when considering a hardshell jacket than how well it protects you from foul weather. After all, if it weren't for the weather, you wouldn't need a shell. Hardshell jackets are different than softshells because they are meant to be fully waterproof and thus able to keep you dry even in a downpour. On the other hand, softshell jackets are designed primarily to be breathable. Hardshells are also different from rain jackets. Both are designed to be fully waterproof and breathable, but hardshells are typically more durable and able to resist punctures from climbing sharp rock or skiing tight trees. They also have longer measurements to allow for layers to be worn underneath.

The primary driver of a hardshell jacket's weather resistance is a waterproof fabric. The best hardshell jackets on the market use Gore-Tex Pro, which is a three-layer waterproof fabric that includes a nylon outer layer, a membrane that allows water vapor to pass through but that repels liquid water droplets, and an inner lining layer for durability that are all laminated together to produce one single fabric. The Norrona Trollveggen Gore-Tex Pro Light, Mammut Nordwand Advanced, Mountain Equipment Lhotse, Arc'teryx Alpha SV, and Arc'teryx Beta AR all use Gore-Tex Pro fabrics, and all deliver great weather resistance. In addition to a lightweight, waterproof fabric, Gore-Tex Pro shells also have waterproof zippers, taped seams, and full coverage hoods. These are the most protective hardshells out there.

All of the jackets we tested come with a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) coating that has been applied to the jacket's outer fabric. This hydrophobic coating is applied to ensure the outside of the jacket stays dry so moisture beads up and rolls off a jacket rather than soaking in. Keeping the face fabric dry is necessary to allow the jacket to “breathe” and let humidity generated by your body escape through the waterproof/breathable membrane. Essentially, manufacturers apply a DWR coating to the jacket to ensure this breathability. The DWR treatments provided by Patagonia, Mammut, and Arc'teryx are the most durable, but all of them wear off over time.

Another important factor for weather resistance is the design and fit of the jacket closures. The hood is another essential feature for keeping water out, especially in a downpour. Some hoods worked magnificently in our shower test, while others didn't have enough of a bill on the forehead for optimal protection. The height and looseness of the collar when it's fully cinched also play a role in directing water dripping off the hood from falling inside the jacket. The Norrona Trollveggen Light, Mammut Nordwand Advanced, Norrona Falketind Gore-Tex, Patagonia Triolet, Mountain Equipment Lhotse, Arc'teryx Alpha SV and Beta AR all have great hoods that repel water with ease.

In the shower test, we also examined the main and pocket zippers. All of the jackets in this review have watertight main zippers, but some accessory pockets are left open to the elements and have only fabric flaps, preventing them from getting soaked. We were impressed with jackets like the Mammut Nordwand Advanced, Norrona Trollveggen Gore-Tex Pro Light, and Arc'teryx options that have exclusively waterproof zippers.

Weight

The jackets selected for this year's review have a wide range of weights, from superlight and barely noticeable in a pack to heavy and voluminous. Generally, the lightweight models have a reduced feature set and less durable fabrics.

Besides differences in fabric, manufacturers typically save weight by cutting out extraneous zippers and pockets, features that many users like to have. So, while wearing a lightweight hardshell jacket is preferable to heavier garments, you will need to decide whether cutting a few ounces is really worth it. Lighter jackets are also usually less durable, so a heavier model is more appropriate for users working outside every day or embarking on long expeditions. The Norrona Falketind Gore-Tex strikes the perfect balance between saving weight and preserving weather resistance. This jacket is protective enough for most alpine weather and weighs less than a pound.

Even lighter is the Patagonia M10, the lightest full-featured hardshell jacket in our testing. It weighs 11.5 ounces in size large and packs down to the size of a small water bottle. It's our go-to choice for alpine climbs and serious mountain travel when weight and weather protection both matter.

The importance of weight is subjective. As gear and materials have evolved, manufacturers have continually looked for ways to produce gear that meets the “light and fast” demands of elite alpinists. But most hardshell owners are not elite alpinists, and we don't expect a few ounces to be a dealbreaker for many users. It is thus essential to note that the difference between the lightest and heaviest jackets in the review is less than a pound. The most protective jackets are only a few ounces heavier than the minimalist models while providing enough weather resistance for the worst weather. The Mammut Nordwand Advanced is remarkably light, considering how much weather resistance it provides. This is our go-to jacket when weight is a concern, but harsh winter weather is also expected.

Mobility and Fit

Hardshell jackets often feel crinkly and stiff, which is inherently uncomfortable while moving. Hardshell fabrics also don't stretch much. The best hardshell jackets integrate articulated (pre-cut) tailoring to match the user's body shape while being active in the jacket, and they allow a wide range of motion without adding too much extra material.

Some new school hardshells feature fabrics that are waterproof and stretchy, allowing for a slimmer fit without compromising mobility. While these designs continue to improve every year, it's been our experience that stretchy models tend to lose their DWR treatment quicker than the traditional, non-stretchy hardshells. The Ortovox 3L Ortler is one such jacket that seemed to lose its DWR treatment faster than expected.

The Norrona Trollveggen Gore-Tex Pro Light is built from Gore-Tex Pro, which doesn't stretch, but the cut of the jacket is excellent. It fits our testers perfectly without using much extra material. We can climb, ski, hike, and skin comfortably while wearing this jacket. The Mammut Nordwand Advanced also has an excellent fit for a Gore-Tex Pro jacket, with just a bit more extra material.

We also love the fit and comfort of the Norrona Falketind. This jacket uses regular Gore-Tex fabric, which allows a slightly thicker and more comfortable lining fabric, giving this jacket a soft hand that is incredibly pleasant to wear.

There are three things that drive us crazy regarding fit: short sleeves, high hemlines, and baggy chests. When a climber raises their hands above their head to swing their ice tools, they need the sleeves to stay put at their wrists, not ride down to the middle of the forearm. Likewise, when skiing through glorious powder from last night's storm, a high waist hemline can lead to snow sneaking inside your jacket or pants. Lastly, skiing and climbing require you to see your feet, and a baggy torso can obstruct this view. These issues caused us to dock points for fit, while their absence made us very happy. In general, the jackets we tested this year showed a marked improvement in mobility over models we have tested in the past. The Norrona Trollveggen stands out in this regard for its extended hem and wrist panels that extend over the user's gloved hands.

Venting and Breathability

The hardshell jackets we tested all purport to be waterproof and breathable, so it only makes sense that we examined their breathability. Although an ambitious reader could spend days researching the science of breathability on manufacturers' websites, the sweaty outdoor enthusiast slogging uphill will quickly notice that hardshell jackets don't actually seem to be very breathable. The soggy truth is that hardshells require the user's internal environment to become quite moist before water vapor transfer begins.

While there is some difference between the breathability levels of each Gore-Tex jacket, it is incredibly difficult to objectively test the breathability of each jacket without scientific equipment. To the user, the “feel” of a jacket's breathability is the most important, and the size, location, and efficacy of a jacket's vents are a close second. We found the Norrona Falketind Gore-Tex to be the most breathable, thanks to a combination of its comfortable and breathable shell fabric and its generous 18-inch-long (45-centimeter) armpit vents.

The Ortovox Ortler 3L uses a proprietary shell fabric that is lighter, more stretchy, and more breathable than Gore-Tex. This jacket is great for high-output activities like ski touring in dry weather or light precipitation, thanks to its ability to vent air more quickly than traditional shells. This breathability comes at a cost to weather protection, but if you spend a lot of time in dry but windy climates performing high-output exercise, this specialty piece could be a good option.

Ventilation features include pit zips and two-way main zippers that allow you to unzip the front of the jacket from the top or bottom. The Norrona Trollveggen Light has armpit vents that are an astonishing 20 inches (50 centimeters) long. This allows for plenty of ventilation while moving. If you normally engage in aerobic activities while wearing your hardshell, like skinning uphill in wet, snowy weather or skiing moguls fast and hard, long armpit vents are key. However, if you spend most of your time moving slowly and meticulously while alpine climbing or cruising groomers without trying too hard, shorter armpit vents aren't a problem.

Features and Design

We chose to have the “features & design” metric account for just 10% of a product's final score because this metric seems more subjective and indirectly related to a jacket's overall performance. However, the features a jacket offers and how well they function can make the difference between smiling with appreciation or frowning with annoyance every time you wear it. All the jackets we tested include features like pockets, collars, wrist cuffs, zippers, and drawcords, so the quality, placement, and functionality of these features are important characteristics to consider. We assessed this metric based on the number and quality of the features and how well they are assembled to meet the jacket's advertised use. More ultralight designs usually offer fewer features and generally receive lower scores for this metric.

The Arc'teryx Alpha SV delivers one of our favorite sets of features. It has two large front pockets, with zippers located close to the center line rather than out to the side, which we appreciate for easy access. It also has an internal zippered pocket and an internal mesh stash pocket. Finally, it has a sleeve pocket that can easily hold a small snack, tool, or RFID ski pass, making this a great option for people who want to use it as their daily inbounds ski jacket. The hood is highly adjustable for a variety of headwear.

The Patagonia Triolet offers an impressive feature set, boasting two chest pockets, two handwarmer pockets, and one internal mesh stash pocket. The waist pockets are hard to use while wearing a harness, but the chest pockets are easily accessible, and the waist pockets become more useful when skiing. The internal stash pocket is great for carrying gloves and other accessories.

The Mountain Equipment Lhotse has a great set of features that are specific to alpine climbing. It has two large hand pockets that are easy to reach while wearing a harness and a spacious chest pocket for even more storage. It also has an internal zippered chest pocket for a phone. The drawcords are single-stranded and don't form a loop that can interfere with gear loops while clipping gear on climbs.

We also like the feature sets on the Norrona Trollveggen Gore-Tex Pro Light and Mammut Nordwand Advanced. Both have two external hand pockets above harness level and a smaller zippered chest pocket for additional organization. They have large hidden buttons that easily release the hem drawcords. The Norrona has extended flaps that cover the back of a user's hands, while the Mammut has large and burly hook-and-loop straps to provide a secure closure over gloves.

A hood can make or break a hardshell. Our favorite hoods have a stiff brim to keep the rain off and enough adjustability to perform well with or without a helmet. The best hoods include a cinch in the back to keep them in place while you look to the left and right, plus a cinch on either side of the collar to adjust the brim's position. Without these cinches, a hood can slide around, get in our way, and/or be ineffective at keeping rain out. Yet again, the Mammut Nordwand Advanced, Norrona Trollveggen Light, and Arc'teryx options come out on top for design when it comes to hoods. The North Face Summit Series Torre Egger FUTURELIGHT has a big hood with plenty of coverage as well.

Conclusion

It's important to select the right hardshell the first time because these are some of the most expensive pieces of clothing you can buy. That's not an easy task, though, because there are hundreds of options out there, and each one claims to be the epitome of waterproof-breathable excellence. Our tests were designed to differentiate the perfect jackets from the posers. We hope they help you identify the ideal hardshell for your needs and budget.