The Ultimate Guide to Men’s Hardshell and Softshell Jackets for 2024 (Part I)

Get ready to upgrade your outdoor wardrobe with our top picks for men’s hardshell and softshell jackets for 2024. From ultralight windbreakers perfect for a quick hike to heavy-duty alpine armor built for the harshest conditions, we’ve got you covered. Read on, layer up, and hit the trails with confidence.

Hardshells

Best All-Around Jacket

Outdoor Research Foray II

Pros:

• Unmatched weather resistance
• Extreme durability
• Impressive ventilation
• Affordable price point

Cons:

• Jack of all trades, master of none

The adage “if it’s not broken, don’t fix it” aptly describes the enduring appeal of the Foray II among avid mountaineers and hikers. The jacket’s signature hip-to-pit zippers have consistently drawn enthusiasts to this model, and the latest iteration continues to deliver on that promise. Scott Simper, a seasoned tester who has spent countless hours evaluating outdoor gear, recently put the Foray II to the test while hauling heavy camera equipment up the treacherous slopes of Mount Shuksan. Despite breaking into a sweat reminiscent of a “squatty pig man,” Simper marveled at how the jacket’s expansive lateral vents efficiently dissipated heat like never before.

“This jacket truly excels at breathability,” Simper commented, drawing attention to its Gore-Tex Paclite construction. Enhanced this year with a durable 50-denier, 100% recycled polyester exterior, the jacket not only reduces environmental impact but also stands the test of time. After enduring the abrasive terrain of the North Cascades’ Curtis Glacier and enduring a season of rigorous film expeditions spanning Africa to New Zealand, Simper was thoroughly impressed by the jacket’s two-layer Gore-Tex fabric and PFC-free DWR treatment, which ensured both durability and waterproofness.

In terms of functionality, the Foray II’s athletic fit and well-conceived design earned high praise. Its simple yet strategic organization boasts two spacious, zippered hand pockets and a cleverly angled chest pocket, perfectly sized for storing a smartphone. This thoughtful detail makes accessing essentials smoother and more convenient than traditional vertical pocket designs.

In summary, the Foray II embodies the essence of a versatile “one-jacket quiver,” as evidenced by the consistent recommendations from our testers to their peers and their own daily reliance on the jacket. When considering its competitive pricing and eco-conscious use of recycled materials, Outdoor Research’s best-selling jacket stands out as a formidable contender in its category, making it difficult to surpass.

Best Trail Shell

Mountain Hardwear Premonition UL Jacket

Weight: 11.2 oz (Medium)
Sizes: XS-XL

Pros:

• Solid waterproofing
• Highly packable
• Minimalist design

Cons:

Last year, Anchorage experienced one of its wettest summers on record, which underscores the significance of Alaska-based tester Dorn Van Dommelen’s endorsement of Mountain Hardwear’s new Premonition UL jacket. Despite its ultralight construction featuring a 20-denier, three-layer Pertex Shield fabric, Van Dommelen attested that the jacket kept him “remarkably dry even in frigid, rain-soaked conditions” while navigating dense wet willow and dwarf birch along the Upper Teklanika River in Denali National Park. These experiences also highlighted the jacket’s resilience, as Van Dommelen reported that despite numerous encounters with abrasive bark and brush, “the jacket retained its pristine appearance, looking as fresh as the day it was purchased.”

Fellow testers in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains concurred that the fabric provided sufficient breathability, albeit at the expense of some moisture-wicking capabilities, particularly in the anorak version, prioritizing complete protection from precipitation. Drew Zieff, the Tahoe-based category manager, emphasized, “This jacket offers the utmost weather resistance within the ultralight category.”

Regarding features, the Premonition UL incorporates snap-closure pit vents, which Van Dommelen described as “unconventional yet functional.” He praised Mountain Hardwear’s minimalist approach, appreciating the lack of unnecessary embellishments. The jacket boasts two zippered hand pockets, a zippered internal pocket, and an adjustable hood compatible with helmets, catering to practical needs without excess. However, testers’ primary criticism centered on a lingering, potent chemical odor that persisted long after unpacking the garment.

Best Emergency Layer

Montane Featherlite Nano

Weight: 1.8 oz (Medium)
Sizes: XS-XXL

Pros:

• Ultralight
• Surprising durability and weather resistance

Cons:

• No hood or chest pocket
• Tight fit

Montane’s Featherlite Nano boasts a negligible weight difference compared to the esteemed Crazy Fly, our groundbreaking 2023 Editor’s Choice award winner. Despite lacking the Fly’s hood, the Nano compensates with enhanced fabric durability and weather resistance, positioning it as an alluring choice for emergency layers. Enthused tester Jeff Schwartz, a seasoned backcountry ranger at Grand Canyon National Park, likened the Nano to being “practically featherweight.” During a seemingly mild day hike ascending Wyoming’s Medicine Bow Peak, Schwartz opted for the compact Nano over a bulkier jacket, prepared for any unforeseen weather shifts. When a forecasted 10% chance of rain escalated into a deluge, the Nano’s Pertex Quantum 10-denier recycled nylon proved its mettle, keeping Schwartz bone dry.

Schwartz further attested to the Nano’s exceptional breathability during a cycling expedition along the majestic South Rim of the Grand Canyon, solidifying its status as his “new go-to jacket for road biking adventures.” Astonishingly, even after three grueling days of trekking and backpacking through Idaho’s rugged Sawtooth Mountains, the Nano emerged unscathed, testament to its resilience. While Schwartz was content to forgo additional features in favor of minimal weight and superior packability, he did express a yearning for a chest pocket to stash his tunes during trail runs. Lastly, he noted that the Nano runs slightly tight, advising those on the cusp of sizing to opt for the larger size for optimal comfort.

Best Everyday Shell

Salomon Outerpath 2.5L Pro Jacket

Weight: 12.6 oz (Medium)
Sizes: XS-XXL

Pros:

• Protective chest flap
• Stylish design
• Decent waterproofing

Cons:

• Limited breathability
• Durability concerns

Avid gear enthusiasts who meticulously scrutinize waterproofing and breathability ratings will undoubtedly be enthralled by Salomon’s Outerpath. Crafted from a durable 2.5-layer, 40-denier ripstop nylon fabric, this jacket boasts a respectable 10K waterproof rating (industry standard) and an impressive 40K breathability rating (exceptionally high). Tahoe-based tester Anthony Santos, an avid cyclist and snowboarder, subjected the Outerpath to rigorous testing during a grueling 10,000-foot descent on sodden mountain bike trails in Downieville, California, navigating an estimated thousand puddles along the way.

“Every puddle seemed to find its way onto the jacket,” Santos quipped, yet he emerged from the ride comfortably warm with a virtually dry base layer. Nevertheless, he observed that despite its touted 40K breathability, moisture accumulation was perceptible during uphill climbs. However, the Outerpath garnered praise for its thoughtful design features, including a discreet, compartmentalized pocket that effortlessly accommodates tools and snacks, and a muted color palette complemented by a protective chest flap, lending the jacket a sophisticated air. One unforeseen drawback? The hood suffered a tear when the jacket inadvertently snagged on Santos’ handlebars during a bike mishap—a freak occurrence that nonetheless sparked concerns regarding durability.

Best Value

REI Co-op Rainier

Weight: 11.3 oz (Medium)
Sizes: S-XXXL

Pros:

• Affordable price
• Solid waterproofing
• Above-average durability
• Fully featured

Cons:

• Average breathability
• Not super packable

The Rainier, an environmentally conscious 2.5-layer rain shell crafted entirely from recycled nylon ripstop by REI Co-op’s in-house brand, stands apart in one critical aspect among all the shells we evaluated: its unbeatable price point. Wyoming-based tester Chris Odom attests that despite its cost-effectiveness, the Rainier surpasses expectations in terms of waterproofing capabilities and durability. During frigid, stormy morning walks through the Tetons, Odom found the jacket’s relaxed fit (albeit slightly less boxy than previous iterations) to be accommodating for insulating layers, while its elastic fabric allowed for unrestricted movement. Most importantly, the Rainier excelled at its primary function – keeping Odom both warm and dry. To truly put its resilience to the test, Odom stacked a half-cord of wood in the midst of a downpour, remarking, “I was amazed – not a drop of water penetrated, no scratches marred the surface, and surprisingly, I didn’t overheat.”

Given its affordable price tag, the Rainier’s feature set is all the more impressive. REI Co-op has equipped the jacket with pit zips for ventilation, adjustable cuffs, internal storage pockets, and a Velcro storm flap over the main zipper, offering a reassuring dual-layer protection that some reviewers appreciate while others find excessive. The enlarged zippered hand pockets, a recent update, proved invaluable in shielding Odom’s hands from the Tetons’ relentless rain. Furthermore, REI Co-op has revamped the hood design, transitioning from an internal collar to a sleek, standard hanging hood that Odom praised for its versatility. With a semi-rigid visor, elastic drawcord, and chin guard from the front zip, Odom could effortlessly adjust the hood’s angle to deflect rain and wind while maintaining clear visibility even during intense downpours. For just a hundred bucks, the Rainier represents an unparalleled bargain that cannot be overlooked.

Best for Trail Running

Patagonia Storm Racer

Weight: 7.2 oz (Medium)
Sizes: XS-XL

Pros:

• Versatile
• Lightweight for a three-layer hardshell

Cons:

• No pit zips

The Storm Racer, Patagonia’s heaviest-duty offering in their 2024 trail-running lineup, is a fully waterproof, three-layer shell that defies expectations by weighing less than half a pound in a medium size. This year, Patagonia has streamlined the design, transitioning from a specialized, vest-compatible dual-zipper configuration to a more conventional front chest zip. This modification enhances the jacket’s versatility, making it an ideal choice not just for running but also for backpacking, fly fishing, gravel biking, and even casual urban excursions. A noteworthy addition to this year’s model is a chest zip pocket, accommodating a smartphone and a pair of light gloves.

Distinguishing it from lighter alternatives, the Storm Racer boasts a durable H2No membrane and nylon ripstop exterior that can withstand prolonged exposure to wet conditions. The hood features a convenient pull-tab at the back, allowing for easy adjustments even while navigating uneven trails. Despite acknowledging its stiffer construction compared to lighter shells.