If you're looking to invest in a hiking jacket, the choice is wide and can sometimes feel overwhelming. There is, however, a way to navigate it. You can classify hiking jackets by certain characteristics, identify the details that make a long-term difference, and keep a few key factors in mind to find the hiking jacket that suits you. There isn't a single best hiking jacket — there are different models for different climates, situations and uses. Find all this information in this hiking jacket buying guide and get ready to hit the trails!
The different types of hiking jackets
The rain jacket
A rain jacket is waterproof and windproof. It protects against rain and wind, acting as an effective first barrier that helps prevent heat loss caused by the wind. It must also be breathable to allow perspiration to escape as water vapour.
A rain jacket should really be an optional layer — something to take along only when there's a genuine risk of rain. It's less effective than other jackets at providing thermal protection when cold is the main concern.
When there's a real risk of rain, a softshell jacket is the better call — a solid all-round compromise.
The softshell jacket
Softshell means "soft shell", but above all it's the term that describes the combined action of these new technical jackets, which replace the classic pairing of a fleece and a rain jacket.
Single-condition weather is fairly rare, and over the course of a day you'll often experience slightly cool temperatures in the morning, a brief shower in the afternoon, and the cold settling back in by evening. In those situations, a softshell jacket really comes into its own. It provides both windproof and water-repellent protection, holding up against light rain for 30 to 40 minutes, or even an hour.
Lined with an inner fleece or a warm membrane, it provides solid thermal insulation. This is the hiking jacket par excellence for shoulder seasons and mixed-condition days — often the go-anywhere model you should always have in your pack!
The ultrashell jacket
ultrashell jackets are 3-layer jackets, often twice as light and eight times more breathable than a classic hard-shell. Stretch, tough, and built with finer pores for better airflow, they feature a waterproof membrane rated at 20,000 mm.
This makes them ideal hiking jackets for taking on bad weather and staying fully protected, without having to carry a classic hardshell — heavier and less practical.
The extra-warm jacket
Clearly built to protect you from the bite of the cold! The 3D STRONG® fabric is tougher and lighter than a fleece, offering twice the stretch of standard stretch fabric. It's a jacket that both protects and delivers perfect ergonomics, promoting comfort and performance. Twice as insulating as a standard fleece fibre, it's the ideal jacket for tackling cold early mornings or high altitudes.
It will keep you fully satisfied in sub-zero temperatures, and its integrated neck and face mask is a real bonus for protection against wind and snow.
What details matter when buying?
Beyond the fact that different hiking jackets suit different contexts and situations, there are also certain key factors to keep in mind when choosing your hiking jacket.
Weight
Weight is a less decisive factor than when choosing hiking footwear, but it still deserves consideration — differences between models and brands can be significant.
The hood
The hood — whether detachable or fixed — can be stowed in the collar. Hoods are essential for protecting your head from cold and wind, as the head is the part of the body most exposed to the cold. If you're choosing a hiking jacket for cold or cool conditions, don't skip the hood.
The cuffs
Cuffs should be adjustable. Velcro is the ideal solution, allowing for a precise fit. It adds comfort and prevents cold air from getting in, which is always detrimental to thermal comfort.
Pockets
Pockets are essential for the practical side of your hiking jacket. You don't need to carry large volumes in your pockets, but you often need several different-sized pockets in the right places.
Most hiking jackets today are designed with zipped pockets for added security. Not every pocket needs to be zipped, but at least one of them should be!
The waist drawcord
This is often an overlooked detail when buying a hiking jacket, yet it can make a real difference. A waist drawcord gives you a proper seal and added comfort — it's especially important on softshell or mid-season jackets, which should absolutely include one.
Cable routing
It's a relatively recent concern, but there's no ignoring the fact that people now head out hiking with a phone or an iPod. Easy access to these devices — and particularly being able to listen through them — has therefore become important. Cable routing for audio earphones is increasingly found on hiking jackets. They're not essential, of course, but their presence can make a real difference to the comfort and practicality of your jacket.
The collar
The collar is a detail worth watching — it's a source of friction against a sensitive area of skin and a prime entry point for rainwater. A poorly placed snap fastener or an ill-fitting cut can quickly become irritating. Bear this in mind when choosing your hiking jacket.
