If you're looking to kit yourself out with 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 according to certain characteristics, identify the details that make the difference over the long term, and pay attention to key parameters to select the hiking jacket that's right for you. There is no 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 head out on the trails before long!
The different types of hiking jacket
The rain jacket
A rain jacket will be waterproof and windproof. It will protect you from rain and wind, acting as an effective first barrier and helping to prevent heat loss caused by the wind. It must also be breathable to allow perspiration to escape as water vapour.
But a rain jacket should really be optional — only brought along when there is a genuine risk of rain. It is less effective than other jackets for thermal protection when cold is the primary concern.
Today, when there's a risk of rain, it's better to opt for a softshell jacket, which offers a good 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 fleece and rain jacket duo.
Single-condition weather is fairly rare — generally, over the course of a day, you might have slightly cool temperatures in the morning, a brief shower in the afternoon, and the cold setting back in again by the end of the day. In these situations, the softshell jacket works wonders and fully justifies its existence. It offers both windproof protection and water-repellency, resisting light rain for 30 to 40 minutes, or even an hour.
It is lined with an inner fleece or a warm membrane that provides good thermal insulation. It's the ultimate hiking jacket for transitional seasons and mixed-weather days. It's often the go-anywhere layer you absolutely must slip into your pack!
The ultrashell jacket
Ultrashell jackets are 3-layer jackets that are often twice as light and eight times more breathable than a standard hardshell. Designed to be stretchy, robust and fitted with finer pores for better airflow, they feature a waterproof membrane rated to 20,000mm.
This makes them ideal hiking jackets for tackling bad weather and staying fully protected without the need to carry a classic hardshell, which can be heavy and impractical.
The extra-warm jacket
It's clearly built to shield you from the bite of the cold! The 3D STRONG® fabric is more resistant and lighter than a fleece, and offers 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 perfect jacket for facing cold early mornings or high-altitude conditions.
It will give you full satisfaction 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, you also need to pay attention to certain parameters when choosing your hiking jacket.
Weight
Weight is a less decisive criterion than when choosing hiking footwear, but it still needs to be considered, as differences can be significant from one model to another and one brand to another.
The hood
The hood — whether detachable or fixed — can be stowed in the collar. Hoods are essential for protecting the head from cold and wind, as it is the most exposed part of the body to the cold. If you're buying a hiking jacket for cold or cool conditions, don't overlook the hood.
The cuffs
The cuffs should be adjustable and adaptable. Velcro is the best option, allowing fine-tuning. It provides comfort and prevents draughts, which are always detrimental to thermal comfort.
The 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 compartments in well-placed positions.
Most hiking jackets today are designed with zipped pockets, which offer a high level of security. Not all pockets need to be zipped, but at least one of them should be!
The waist drawcord
This is often a detail that gets overlooked when buying a hiking jacket, yet it can make all the difference. A waist drawcord ensures a good seal and real comfort. This is especially the case for softshell or mid-season jackets, which absolutely must include one.
Cable management ports
It's a recent concern, but there's no denying that people now head out hiking with a phone or an iPod. Access to it — particularly for listening — therefore needs to be made easy. Audio earphone ports are increasingly common on hiking jackets. They're not essential, of course, but their presence can make a real difference in terms of comfort and practicality.
The collar
The collar is a point to watch, as it's a source of friction against fairly sensitive skin and a prime entry point for rainwater. A poorly positioned press stud or an ill-fitting cut can quickly become irritating. Bear this in mind when choosing your hiking jacket.
