A person looking to go on a hiking trip during winter will most likely need a few layers to make it work.

What are some of the best winter jackets out there that are pros? Most people seek something very specific that won’t hold them back. After all, going on a hike always requires being able to move around a bit, and any type of restriction is very frustrating.

 

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Best Softshell Hiking Jacket

Softshell winter hiking jackets are perfect for those who layer or live in relatively dry conditions and don’t need a hard shell option.

They are a bit bulky in most cases, but that’s because they provide a good amount of warmth. Some of the best options are expensive, but there are also affordable choices worth checking out.

1. Castelli Alpha ROS Jacket

The Castelli Alpha ROS soft cell winter hiking jacket (Amazon) is designed for the pros, and while it’s a bit pricey, people love what it brings. It has everything a person needs to stay warm in very cold temperatures.

With its ability to act as a hard shell and the flexibility of a soft shell, this jacket is worth it.

The jacket has a lot of pockets, is excellent for hiking in particular, and comes in various colors. People like that they can have good rain protection, even though it’s not technically billed as a rain jacket.

There is enough separation between the layers and the jacket to keep a person very insulated but also able to keep the body adequately ventilated.

If sweat builds up underneath, a person can eliminate it without letting in the cooler temperatures outside.

Make sure you have the right fit because the right fit in a winter hiking jacket makes all the difference in the world. There’s no flapping or moving parts when it fits properly, allowing people to have optimal speed and feel like they’re wearing minimal layers overall.

Pros

• Performs in many ways like a hard shell.
• Quality construction.
• Designed for hiking.

Cons

• A bit pricey.
• The women’s version has a bit of difficult sizing.

 

2. ARSUXEO 15-K Winter Warm-Up

The ARSUXEO 15-K Winter Warm-Up (Amazon) is made up of a combination of polyester and elastane. It’s a great version of a hiking jacket that people can get behind.

With strategic placement, the layers of the jacket allow people to enjoy it safely. One layer focuses on moisture management, while the second layer is a waterproof and breathable membrane film. Finally, the third layer of fleece keeps a person warm as any softshell option should.

This jacket is perfect on its own, or it can be worn with a warm base layer or hardshell over it. It will last a while, especially compared to the other jacket options in this price range.

That said, for such a low price, even if it’s not as durable as some of the more expensive options, it only needs to survive a little to make the price worth it.

It may not be the lightest softshell jacket for runners, but most aren’t going to notice a small difference. It’s still versatile enough and fits comfortably. So those worried about spending too much money have nothing to worry about.

Pros

• Very flexible.
• Inexpensive.
• Full coverage at the wrist.

Cons

• Zippers don’t seem to be very durable.
• Limited color choices.

 

3. PEARL IZUMI Versa – Quilted Hoodie

For people who want a really warm fleece that survives all types of hiking conditions, it doesn’t get much better than the PEARL IZUMI Versa Quilted Hoodie (Amazon).

It may seem a bit pricey for the average hiker, but it’s something that will last a long time and can even be used in many other situations.

This jacket certainly doesn’t look like a typical hiking jacket. It can be worn casually just about anywhere, and it’s also technically well constructed.

One notable feature many people don’t realize until they start using it is that the polyester is wrinkle-free. The jacket can be abused just about anywhere and will look and feel great.

This is excellent news for people who don’t necessarily want to wear their jacket as a baby, instead of putting it on and taking it off when they feel it is necessary.

With many different pockets for storage, people can get what they need when it matters most. Don’t worry about staying stylish because this jacket takes care of those little things.

It’s always necessary to have a few layers underneath to keep a person warm, but this is one of the best options out there for people who don’t necessarily want to look like a hiker all the time when wearing something warm.

Pros

• Lots of pocket options.
• Very breathable.
• Warm enough to wear as a stand-alone jacket layer.

Cons

• A bit pricey.
• The sleeves are slightly short.

 

Best Hardshell Jacket For Mountaineering

Softshell winter jackets for hiking may get all the attention, but there’s something to be said for having an excellent hardshell option.

While they may seem like bulky options, hardshell solutions are built to ensure that a person is protected from outside elements. That means anything that might cause discomfort or anything else for that matter.

The three options below are perfect for those who want something that works. It’s important not to mess around too much with a hardshell winter jacket for hiking, as they are primarily a technical part of the puzzle.

1. Gore Men C3 GTX Active Jacket

Many people are looking for versatility in a hardshell winter jacket. You may not always need it, but the Gore Men C3 GTX (Amazon) can be thrown on quickly when the weather turns nasty.

That’s where having something very foldable and packable like this option comes in handy. It may not seem like a big deal, but being able to unfold this jacket and use it right away quickly can save a person from getting drenched in moisture.

This lightweight hardshell option is for those who want a little extra layer for warmth. It won’t do much on its own, but it will provide good coverage to keep moisture away from the skin.

It may not be the strongest option, but many people will be pleased with its benefits. As long as a person knows they are sacrificing some protection for the ease of packing, it won’t be such a big deal.

Available in both men’s and women’s sizes, this is an excellent option for those needing that extra layer and constantly being caught in bad weather conditions.

No one wants to find themselves in that situation at some point, and a jacket that performs well during that time makes sense.

 

Showers Pass Elite 2.1 waterproof hiking jacket

The jacket’s shape is ideal for people who want to ensure their body is magnificent and feel good overall.

It seems to contort a person’s body, and that’s great news for people who feel like they sometimes have a hard time getting into the right kind of shape.

The ventilation is strong for people who want to wear this during various weather conditions, as this can also be used in the summer.

It’s light enough that it doesn’t completely overwhelm a person concerning temperature, which is excellent news for those who might have some concerns about that.

It’s not relatively as easy to pack as the option above, but it’s still very high on the list. It’s a must-have for people who want a hardshell option when hiking, as no one wants to be stuck in the rain and deal with that kind of situation.

Pros

• Very easy to pack and put in any bag.
• Ventilation is strong enough for any weather.
• Large pockets for more oversized items.

Cons

• Is it a bit expensive compared to other options?
• Reflective trim is a little too obnoxious for casual wear.

 

3. BALEAF Hardshell Hiking Jacket

Like the soft shell options, the last version to make this list is another budget-friendly solution. With the BALEAF Hardshell HikingJacket (Amazon), BALEAF has designed a durable overall hiking jacket for under $50.

Made from 100% polyester, it’s a waterproof and windproof option that offers a significant amount of protection overall. While it may lack a bit of breathability, it’s a small sacrifice for someone who wants to save money while getting the protection they need.

BALEAF has built some solutions for people trying to stay comfortable in the hiking world. They seem to have become one of the most sought-after options regarding affordable solutions.

They don’t seem to worry too much about profit margins and strive to give customers what they need at a lower price than many larger companies.

Once unfolded, a person will notice five pockets, which are handy if there is a lot to carry. It’s a bit of a hassle to get it out and start unpacking it entirely, but many people think it’s worth the effort to make everything work as it should.

Pros

• Very affordable.
• Does a great job of waterproofing and protecting a person’s body from the wind.
• The fit is solid.

Cons

• A little challenging to unpack.
• Not as durable as more expensive options.

 

 

 

What to consider when buying a winter hiking jacket

For those still undecided about which winter hiking jacket is right for them, here are some common buying tips to keep in mind. Most of them are self-explanatory, but they can help narrow down the selection process.

Softshell or hardshell jacket for hiking

Choosing the type of hiking jacket a person wants is an essential first step. Should a person opt for a more durable, sturdy hardshell option to keep them safe? Or should they opt for a lighter, soft shell, or even fleece option?

A hardshell hiking jacket is going to be the outer layer for winter. They are completely waterproof, windproof, and at least somewhat breathable.

It is supposed to protect the body as much as possible so that rain and wind do not cause uncomfortable body temperatures. They are not necessarily warm in themselves, but they serve as protection.

A softshell or fleece is best for those who need a little extra warmth without protection from the elements. This is an insulating layer, keeping a person warm above all else.

There may be some protection from the elements, but not enough for a person to withstand a severe storm.

For the best protection when hiking during the winter, the combination of a softshell jacket and a hardshell jacket makes the most sense.

Only two of the four layers are recommended. You need at least a base layer and a jersey under the softshell. Ultimately, putting on a waterproof hardshell will keep a person as safe as possible.

 

Try on the jacket

People don’t like to stop and waste a lot of time going on a long hike. The ideal situation would be to have the ability to put on and take off layers without ever having to stop. This may not always be possible, but a style that works this way should be practical.

The ideal way for this to happen is to have lots of zippers that allow easy access. Anything that has to go over the head can be problematic.

A person also needs to ensure they have the right fit, so anything too tight or loose could also be an obstacle.

Price

It’s easy to spend a decent amount of money on a quality hiking jacket, but remember that it must be durable and versatile.

A person will more than likely subject the jacket to a lot of abuse on long hikes. It must be able to live and provide value for a while to keep everything working.

Most hiking jackets are versatile enough to work in other situations as well. If it’s a little more expensive, make sure it can work, and different scenarios make sense.

This will be an ideal situation for many people who exercise differently.

Choice of color

Choosing the right color for a hiking jacket can make more of a difference than some initially think. There are a lot of factors to consider when choosing the right color, and there’s no right or wrong answer overall.

It is generally recommended to avoid super dark colors simply for visibility purposes. Every hiking jacket now comes with reflective tape and other tricks to ensure a person is always seen, so the basic color might not make as much of a difference.

At the same time, most people want a neutral jacket to go with different outfits. As bright as it might be to have a yellow or electric green jacket, it doesn’t exactly blend in with everything the person usually wears.

Lastly, anything too bright will show a bit of dirt and grime. People might have a much harder time keeping it clean regularly.

It’s almost impossible to keep something white clean for too long, which is why you rarely see them.

 

 

Why every hiker needs at least one winter jacket

A winter hike can become so cool that even in warm temperatures, a jacket is necessary. Don’t let slightly colder temperatures change the opportunity to get out and hike.

 

It may take a little hands-on packing to ensure that all the temperatures are probably handled. After that, a person can settle in and do the same type of hiking and exploring that they are used to doing in the first place.

This is good news for people who want to keep going and push themselves in different ways, no matter what the weather is trying to say.