Choosing the best hiking jacket depends on a variety of factors, including the weather conditions you’ll be hiking in, the type of hiking you’ll be doing, and your personal preferences. Here are some features to look for when choosing a hiking jacket:
The features of the best hiking jacket
Waterproof and Breathable
A good hiking jacket should be both waterproof and breathable to keep you dry and comfortable during your hike. Look for jackets made with high-quality materials like Gore-Tex or eVent that are both waterproof and breathable.
Durability
A hiking jacket should be able to withstand the wear and tear of the outdoors. Look for jackets made with durable materials like ripstop nylon or polyester that can hold up to abrasions and punctures.
Hood
A hood is an important feature to look for in a hiking jacket, especially if you’ll be hiking in rainy or windy conditions. Look for jackets with hoods that are adjustable and can be tightened around your head for maximum protection.
Pockets
Pockets are a useful feature in hiking jackets, as they can be used to store small items like keys, a map, or a phone. Look for jackets with zippered pockets that are easily accessible.
Fit
A good hiking jacket should fit well and allow for a full range of motion. Look for jackets that are designed specifically for hiking and have a comfortable, ergonomic fit.
Some popular hiking jackets that meet these criteria include the Arc’teryx Beta AR Jacket, the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Jacket, and the North Face Venture 2 Jacket.
These jackets are all made with high-quality materials, are waterproof and breathable, and have adjustable hoods and zippered pockets. Ultimately, the best hiking jacket for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences, so be sure to do your research and try on different jackets before making a purchase.
Best Hiking Jacket for Men
When it comes to finding the best hiking jacket for men, there are a lot of great options on the market. Here are some of the top picks:
Arc’teryx Beta AR Jacket: This jacket is a popular choice among hikers and is made with Gore-Tex Pro material, making it both waterproof and breathable. It features a fully adjustable hood, pit zips for ventilation, and zippered pockets.
Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Jacket: This jacket is made with a 3-layer H2No Performance Standard material that is both waterproof and breathable. It features a fully adjustable hood, pit zips, and zippered pockets. It’s also made with recycled materials, making it an eco-friendly choice.
Outdoor Research Foray Jacket: This jacket is made with Gore-Tex Paclite material, making it lightweight and packable. It features a fully adjustable hood, zippered pockets, and pit zips for ventilation. It’s also available in several different colors.
The North Face Apex Flex GTX Jacket: This jacket is made with Gore-Tex material and features a soft, stretchy outer layer for comfort and mobility. It features a fully adjustable hood, zippered pockets, and pit zips for ventilation.
Columbia Watertight II Jacket: This jacket is a more budget-friendly option and is made with Omni-Tech waterproof material. It features an adjustable hood, and zippered pockets, and is available in several different colors.
Best Hiking Jacket for Women
When it comes to finding the best hiking jacket for women, there are many great options available. Here are some of the top picks:
Patagonia Women’s Torrentshell 3L Jacket: This jacket is made with a 3-layer H2No Performance Standard material that is both waterproof and breathable. It features a fully adjustable hood, pit zips for ventilation, and zippered pockets. It’s also made with recycled materials, making it an eco-friendly choice.
Arc’teryx Women’s Beta AR Jacket: This jacket is made with Gore-Tex Pro material, making it both waterproof and breathable. It features a fully adjustable hood, pit zips for ventilation, and zippered pockets. The jacket is designed with women’s-specific shaping for a more comfortable fit.
Outdoor Research Women’s Helium II Jacket: This jacket is made with Pertex Shield material, making it both lightweight and waterproof. It features a fully adjustable hood, and zippered pockets, and is packable into its own pocket for easy storage.
The North Face Women’s Apex Flex GTX Jacket: This jacket is made with Gore-Tex material and features a soft, stretchy outer layer for comfort and mobility. It features a fully adjustable hood, zippered pockets, and pit zips for ventilation.
Columbia Women’s Arcadia II Jacket: This jacket is a more budget-friendly option and is made with Omni-Tech waterproof
material. It features an adjustable hood, and zippered pockets, and is available in several different colors.
Best Hiking Jacket for Kids
When it comes to finding the best hiking jacket for kids, it’s important to look for a jacket that is both durable and comfortable, as well as appropriate for the weather conditions of the hiking trail. Here are some top picks for kids’ hiking jackets:
The North Face Boys’ Zipline Rain Jacket and Girls’ Zipline Rain Jacket: These jackets are made with a waterproof and breathable DryVent material, making them ideal for rainy hiking conditions. They also feature a fixed hood and zippered pockets.
Columbia Boys’ Glennaker Rain Jacket and Girls’ Glennaker Rain Jacket: These jackets are made with a waterproof and breathable Hydroplus material, making them perfect for wet hiking conditions. They feature a hood and zippered pockets, as well as reflective details for visibility.
Patagonia Boys’ Torrentshell Jacket and Girls’ Torrentshell Jacket: These jackets are made with a waterproof and breathable H2No Performance Standard material, making them ideal for wet and windy hiking conditions. They also feature a hood and zippered pockets.
Marmot Boys’ PreCip Eco Jacket and Girls’ PreCip Eco Jacket: These jackets are made with a waterproof and breathable NanoPro Eco material, making them both durable and eco-friendly. They feature a hood and zippered pockets, as well as reflective details for visibility.
Ultimately, the best hiking jacket for all will depend on personal preferences and the specific needs of the hiking trail. Consider factors like weather conditions, terrain, and length of the hike when making a decision.