Introduction:
A good hiking jacket protects you from wind, rain, and cold temperatures while you’re on the trail. Weather can change quickly in the mountains or wilderness, and being caught without proper protection can be dangerous. The right jacket keeps you comfortable and safe during outdoor adventures. Let’s check out some of the best hiking jackets.
Hiking jackets come in several types, from lightweight windbreakers to heavy duty rain shells. Some focus on breathability for active movement, while others prioritize waterproof protection. The best hiking jacket depends on the climate you’ll face, the intensity of your activities, and how much weight you want to carry.
The most important factors to consider are the jacket’s waterproof rating, breathability, weight, and packability. Look for fabrics that balance weather protection with moisture management. Features like ventilation zips, adjustable hoods, and reinforced areas also matter for long term use.
We tested dozens of hiking jackets across different price ranges and weather conditions to find the ones that offer the best protection and comfort for various outdoor activities.
Best Jackets for Hiking
We tested dozens of hiking jackets to find the top options for every trail adventure. Our picks offer the best mix of weather protection, comfort, and durability for hikers of all levels.
33,000ft Women’s Softshell Jacket
This jacket offers solid protection and warmth for outdoor activities but may require careful sizing to get the right fit.
Pros
- Three-layer design provides good wind and water resistance while keeping you warm
- Multiple pockets with fleece lining keep hands warm and gear secure
- Adjustable features like drawcord hood and hem help customize the fit
Cons
- Sizing can be tricky and may need to go up or down from usual size
- Made primarily of synthetic materials rather than natural fibers
- Breathability may be limited during high activity situations
The three-layer construction makes this jacket work well for cold weather hiking. The outer shell resists wind and water while the fleece lining adds warmth without too much bulk.
We found the pocket setup useful for outdoor activities. Two hand pockets have fleece lining to keep your hands warm. The arm pocket works well for small items you need quick access to.
The adjustable features help seal out cold air. The stand-up collar protects your neck from wind. Both the hood and bottom hem have drawstrings so you can tighten them when weather gets worse.
The jacket works for many outdoor activities beyond hiking. You can wear it for camping, cycling, or daily use in cold weather. The design balances warmth with the ability to move freely during active pursuits.
Baleaf Women’s Sun Protection Hoodie
This lightweight sun protection hoodie offers excellent UV coverage and practical features that make it a solid choice for hikers who need reliable sun protection.
Pros
- Provides maximum UPF 50+ sun protection while maintaining breathability
- Features thoughtful design elements like thumbholes and a ponytail opening
- Includes four pockets for storing hiking essentials and small items
Cons
- Made entirely of synthetic polyester rather than natural fibers
- May feel too warm for extremely hot weather conditions
- Higher price point compared to basic sun protection shirts
The Baleaf sun protection hoodie delivers serious UV defense with its UPF 50+ rating. This jacket blocks 95% of harmful sunlight, giving hikers confidence during long days on exposed trails.
Smart design choices set this hoodie apart from basic sun shirts. The ponytail hole prevents overheating for those with long hair. Thumbholes keep sleeves in place and provide extra hand coverage.
Storage won’t be an issue with four well-placed pockets throughout the jacket. Two large interior pockets offer secure space for phones or trail snacks. The lightweight polyester fabric feels smooth against skin and washes easily after muddy hikes.
Users appreciate how the hoodie balances protection with comfort. The loose fit allows air circulation without being baggy. While the synthetic material works well for sun protection, some hikers prefer natural fiber options for extended wear.
Outdoor Ventures Rain Pullover
We recommend this jacket for hikers who want affordable weather protection that packs down small.
Pros
- Folds into its own pocket for easy storage in backpacks
- Sealed seams and waterproof material keep rain out effectively
- Back reflective strip improves visibility in low light conditions
Cons
- Pullover design makes temperature control harder than full-zip jackets
- Limited breathability may cause overheating during intense activities
- Basic construction may not hold up to heavy use over time
The Outdoor Ventures Rain Pullover offers solid protection from rain without breaking the bank. This lightweight jacket uses 100% nylon material with sealed seams to block moisture. The pullover style keeps things simple but means you can’t open it up when you get warm.
One standout feature is how small this jacket packs down. It stuffs into its own front pocket, making it easy to carry in a day pack or hiking bag. The elastic cuffs and adjustable drawcords help seal out wind and rain around your wrists and waist.
Storage options include zippered hand pockets and a large front pocket for your gear. The hood stows away when you don’t need it. Back vents and underarm openings help with airflow, though breathability isn’t this jacket’s strongest point. The reflective strip on the back adds a safety feature for dawn or dusk hiking.
Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket
We recommend this jacket for hikers who need reliable rain protection without extra bulk or weight.
Pros
- Packs down small enough to fit in your hand for easy storage
- Waterproof nylon construction keeps you dry in heavy downpours
- Adjustable cuffs and hem let you customize the fit
Cons
- Limited insulation means you’ll need layers underneath in cold weather
- Basic design lacks advanced ventilation features for high-activity hikes
- Nylon material may not breathe as well during intense physical activity
The Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket stands out for its simple approach to weather protection. Columbia built this jacket with 100% nylon that blocks rain while staying lightweight on the trail.
Two zippered side pockets give you secure storage for small items like your phone or energy bars. The elastic cuffs and hem help seal out wind and rain without feeling too tight. An abrasion-resistant chin guard protects your skin when you zip up all the way.
We like how this jacket packs into its own pocket for easy storage. This makes it perfect for day hikes when weather might change quickly. The elastic details allow good movement while climbing over rocks or reaching for handholds.
The Omni-Shield technology helps water roll off the fabric instead of soaking in. This means the jacket dries faster when you get caught in a storm. Machine washing makes care simple after muddy trail adventures.
TACVASEN Military Tactical Softshell Jacket
We recommend this tactical softshell jacket for hikers who want a military-inspired design with good storage options, though the sizing may run larger than expected.
Pros
- Multiple pockets provide excellent organization for hiking gear and personal items
- Fleece lining offers warmth while maintaining breathability for active use
- Water-resistant coating helps protect against light rain during outdoor activities
Cons
- Military styling may look too tactical for casual hiking situations
- Sizing tends to run large which can affect the fit and comfort
- Synthetic materials may not be as durable as premium outdoor fabrics
This tactical-style jacket brings military design features to the hiking trail. The polyester softshell construction includes fleece lining that balances warmth with breathability during active use.
Multiple storage options make this jacket practical for hikers. Two shoulder pockets, chest zippers, and forearm storage give you plenty of space for trail essentials. The back pocket adds even more carrying capacity.
Water resistance helps keep you dry in light rain or snow. The windproof design blocks cold air while adjustable cuffs and hem create a secure fit. Hood drawstrings let you customize the coverage based on weather conditions.
The military aesthetic appeals to some hikers but may feel too tactical for others. Five color options include traditional outdoor shades like army green and khaki. Machine washing makes care simple after muddy trail adventures.
THE NORTH FACE Men’s Antora Waterproof Jacket
We recommend this jacket for hikers who want reliable weather protection with eco-friendly materials from a trusted outdoor brand.
Pros
- Uses recycled fabric materials that help reduce environmental impact
- Features seam-sealed construction that prevents water from leaking through stitching
- Comes with adjustable hood and zip pockets for practical outdoor use
Cons
- Standard fit may feel restrictive during active hiking movements
- Higher price point compared to basic rain jackets
- Limited color options might not appeal to all hikers
The North Face Men’s Antora Waterproof Jacket delivers solid weather protection for trail adventures. This jacket uses DryVent technology to keep rain out while letting sweat escape. The breathable design helps prevent that clammy feeling during uphill climbs.
We appreciate the sustainable approach with this jacket. North Face made it from recycled nylon that still performs well in tough conditions. The non-PFC water repellent coating protects the environment while keeping you dry.
The practical features work well for hiking needs. The three-piece hood adjusts to fit over hats or helmets. Two hand pockets have Alpine-style zippers that stay secure when you’re moving on the trail.
This jacket fits true to size with a standard cut. The design allows good arm movement but stays close to your body. Larger hikers can find big sizes up to 5X for a comfortable fit.
OTU Men’s Waterproof Rain Jacket
This jacket offers solid waterproof protection at a budget friendly price, making it worth considering for casual hikers who need basic weather protection.
Pros
- Waterproof technology keeps you dry in moderate to heavy rain
- Lightweight design packs down small for easy storage in backpacks
- Multiple pockets provide good storage space for hiking essentials
Cons
- Basic construction may not hold up to heavy outdoor use over time
- Limited breathability can cause moisture buildup during intense activity
- Sizing runs large, which may require ordering a smaller size
The OTU Men’s Waterproof Rain Jacket delivers reliable protection from rain and wind without breaking the bank. The polyester shell blocks moisture effectively while staying light enough for day hikes.
We appreciate the practical design features this jacket offers. The hood adjusts well and stays put in windy conditions. Two front pockets and one chest pocket give you space for snacks, maps, and small gear.
The jacket compresses into a compact size when not needed. This makes it easy to stuff into a backpack corner until weather turns bad. The simple design works well for hiking, camping, and everyday outdoor activities.
However, breathability becomes an issue during strenuous hiking. Moisture can build up inside when you work hard on steep trails. The lightweight construction also means this jacket may not last as long as more expensive options with reinforced materials.
Buying Guide
When we shop for hiking jackets, we need to think about several key features. The right jacket depends on where we hike and what weather we face.
Jacket | Type | Weight | Best For |
33,000ft Women’s Softshell Jacket | Softshell (3-layer, fleece-lined) | Medium | Cold weather hikes, wind & light rain |
Baleaf Women’s Sun Protection Hoodie | Sun Protection Hoodie (UPF 50+) | Very Light | Sun protection on exposed trails |
Outdoor Ventures Rain Pullover | Lightweight Rain Pullover | Very Light | Affordable rain protection, packability |
Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket | Waterproof Rain Jacket | Light | Reliable waterproofing for wet climates |
TACVASEN Military Tactical Softshell Jacket | Tactical Softshell (fleece-lined) | Medium | Hikers wanting storage & tactical style |
The North Face Men’s Antora Waterproof Jacket | Eco-Friendly Waterproof Shell | Medium | Eco-conscious hikers, wet weather |
OTU Men’s Waterproof Rain Jacket | Budget Waterproof Rain Jacket | Light | Budget hikers needing basic waterproofing |
Weather Protection
Waterproof rating tells us how well a jacket blocks rain. Look for ratings above 10,000mm for heavy rain. Breathability helps sweat escape so we stay dry inside.
Wind resistance keeps us warm on exposed trails. Seam sealing prevents water from getting through stitched areas.
Fit and Comfort
We should try jackets with hiking clothes underneath. Arms need room to move freely when we reach or climb.
Length matters too. Longer jackets protect our lower back and hips. Shorter ones give us more leg movement.
Essential Features
| Feature | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Hood | Protects head from rain and wind |
| Pockets | Store snacks, maps, and small items |
| Zippers | Should be strong and easy to use |
| Ventilation | Prevents overheating on hard climbs |
Adjustable cuffs and hem drawstrings help seal out cold air. Pit zips let us cool down without removing the whole jacket.
Material Choices
Hard shell jackets work best for wet, windy conditions. They block everything but can feel stiff.
Soft shell jackets stretch more and breathe better. They work well in dry, cold weather but won’t stop heavy rain.
We should pick based on our local climate and hiking style.
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