The hiking jacket is one of the most important pieces of kit for hitting the trails, summer or winter. It provides essential protection against the elements. With so many models out there, each one is designed for a specific activity. Cimalp breaks down how to choose the right hiking jacket.
Key takeaways:
- The hiking jacket protects against wind, rain and snow.
- Choosing the right hiking jacket depends on the climate and the type of outing.
- The hardshell is ideal for bad weather and extreme environments.
- The softshell is perfect for dynamic activities in moderate conditions.
The role of the hiking jacket
The hiking jacket is part of the three-layer system. Once you've figured out which t-shirt to hike in or which mid-layer to choose, it's time to focus on the protective outer layer.
Worn as a second or third layer, the hiking jacket must protect you from the elements and meet your needs. It's essential against wind, rain and snow, as well as potential abrasion from rocks, scrub and undergrowth. If you're into active hiking, it needs to wick moisture efficiently. If you're heading out in winter, it also needs to provide enough warmth.
As you can see, this is a garment with multiple properties. The hiking jacket must be waterproof, windproof, breathable and insulating. To best meet your needs, you can choose between two main types of jacket: hardshell vs softshell.
The hardshell waterproof jacket
The hardshell jacket is the benchmark waterproof garment. It keeps water out while ensuring effective moisture management. It's built for long mountain hikes or areas where the weather is unpredictable. Ideal in rain or snow.
Waterproof jackets come with a host of advantages. Their primary feature is waterproofing, delivered through a membrane such as Gore-Tex, which shields you from rain and snow. They're also windproof, relatively lightweight and built to withstand hostile environments.
On the downside, hardshells are not the most breathable jackets due to their membrane — something you'll notice during intense effort. They offer no thermal insulation, so they won't keep you warm on their own. They're also fairly rigid, which means they're not the most comfortable or flexible option.
In heavy downpours, other garments such as rain capes can be used. They have the advantage of offering greater coverage, are more compact and extremely waterproof — though considerably less breathable.
The softshell jacket
The softshell jacket is the ideal garment for dynamic activities. It has water-repellent properties that cause rain to bead and run off the surface. Wear it in moderate to stable conditions or on shorter outings.
Like hardshells, softshell jackets have plenty going for them. First and foremost, they're breathable garments that wick sweat efficiently, making them well-suited to high-intensity activities. They're comfortable jackets that deliver excellent freedom of movement. They're also windproof and water-repellent. Finally, they provide good thermal insulation thanks to their fleece lining or insulating material.
Despite all these advantages, choosing a softshell hiking jacket does come with a few drawbacks. Their main weakness is limited waterproofing — they won't hold up in heavy rain. They're also less protective than hardshells in strong winds. Ultimately, they're less versatile when the weather turns unpredictable.
Hiking down jackets
Alongside hardshell and softshell jackets, hiking down jackets are hugely popular on the trails. Typically worn as a mid-layer, they're ideal in cold, dry conditions and at altitude.
Down jackets are valued for their versatility. They're lightweight, packable and insulating, making them suitable for a wide range of activities. Above all, they deliver excellent thermal insulation — whether in natural or synthetic down. Use one to complement your hardshell.
On the flip side, down jackets are fairly fragile garments that don't hold up well to tears or heavy wear. Natural down models lose their insulating power when wet, while synthetic down models tend to be heavier and less compressible.
Choosing your hiking jacket based on the specific conditions of your outings is essential. Hardshell jackets are ideal for bad weather or long days out, while softshell jackets suit active outings in moderate conditions. Ultimately, carrying both is a solid option — hike in comfort and take shelter the moment a sudden shower hits.
