Tested: The 8 Best Hiking Jackets to Tackle the Trails

Enjoying the great outdoors means braving whatever the weather conditions happen to be. Many hikers opt to avoid the trail when the skies open, though when armed with the appropriate gear, contending with a little precipitation isn’t a problem. Fortunately, today’s most reputable outdoor brands not only produce waterproof, rain-ready versions of just about every category of garment and gear, but in recent years have managed to deliver increasingly high-performance items that afford better comfort, range of motion, weatherproofing, and breathability. To help you pick the best hiking jacket for your next outing, we’ve tested a handful of our favorites.

How We Tested

Just as important as keeping water out of your hiking boots, is keeping your upper body dry, as your core and arms lose ample amounts of heat under a soaked jacket, not to mention the discomfort and general unpleasantness of the bitter cold. A proper hiking-specific rain jacket can be an utter game-changer when hoofing it amidst showers and there have never been more truly stellar options available than there are now. With the enormous range of available options, it can be difficult to hone in on the few standouts that comprise the cream of the crop in the space, so we figured we’d use our expertise to curate and test our favorite jackets for the trail, looking at criteria such as brand reputation, materials, weight, packability, water resistance, aesthetic, and various features.

After we made our shortlist, we procured our selections for testing. We spent time with each jacket, wearing them out on the trail, looking for things such as comfort, fit, and weight, as well as using their various features, pockets, and hoods. It didn’t rain much during testing, so I also wore each coat in the shower and stood in there for 5 minutes to see how much water, if any, got inside. All of our results are detailed below in our reviews.

Measurements: I’m 6’0″ tall and wear an XL on most occasions, and almost every jacket in this guide is an XL. My body type is a bit large (one would call it a “dad bod”), so I also prefer jackets that are a bit slimming, especially around the belly area. For the sake of jackets, I’m more particular than most about hood fit since I have long hair that I usually wear in a bun.

Different Construction & Treatment Methods

The high-performance offered by today’s hiking rain jackets is owed to numerous areas, though none more than materials, construction techniques, and supplementary treatments and/or coatings. Below we’ll be exploring these three key areas, and how and why the latest and greatest jackets benefit from them.

Primary Constructions: Traditionally, waterproofing a jacket meant utilizing a material that simply prevented liquid or moisture from passing through it. And while this stopped water from seeping in, it would also trap body heat and vapor inside the jacket, resulting in excessive sweating when out on the trail, and ultimately leaving you wet underneath the coat. The rise in popularity of advanced proprietary membranes like GORE-TEX, Schoeller, eVent Fabric, and Polartec’s NeoShell has ushered in an era of immensely weatherproof jackets that still afford the wearer airflow and breathability. When paired with other materials and layers, this allows for the best of both worlds in terms of unrivaled water protections and stellar ventilation.

Coatings: The better-than-ever waterproofing offered by the latest hiking jackets is also owed to the supplementary coatings and/or treatments given to the outermost layer of the shell. Elements like waxing, polyurethane coatings, and DWR treatments add extra fortification from the rain via the addition of a thin flexible layer that helps water roll off of the garment rather than seep in. DWR — or Durable Water Repellent — coatings are the most common on premium hiking jackets, working on a microscopic level and taking a shape on the jacket’s surface with sharp peaks and valleys that force water to form into beads that even more efficiently roll off the jacket instead of penetrating the material.

Construction Technique: How a jacket is pieced together will ultimately have an impact on its range of mobility, comfort, and weatherproofing, which is why the manufacturers behind today’s best hiking jackets often employ cutting-edge lasered, taped, or welded seams in lieu of traditional methods. On top of bolstering comfort and waterproofing, the use of advanced construction techniques can also make for vastly more durable jackets that will serve you season after season and year after year.

Other Things to Look For

Though admittedly not as crucial as the construction and treatment, there are a handful of additional areas that are well worth factoring into the equation when shopping for a hiking-specific rain jacket. Below we’ll briefly touch on some supplementary aspects to think about before pulling the trigger on your purchase.

Mobility: Today’s most cutting-edge constructions really can do it all. Alongside affording incredible ventilation, comfort, and protection from the elements — all while doing so in incredibly lightweight packages –these materials allow for a completely unrestricted range of motion thanks to being bestowed with four-way stretch properties. This, coupled with athletic cuts, ultimately allows for unrivaled mobility, allowing for natural movements while out on the trail.

Style: Every rain jacket engineered specifically for hiking will serve the same inherent purpose and generally take the same form, though there are numerous noteworthy variations in terms of aesthetics, style, and color options. Hiking rain jackets come in several genres including anoraks, pull-overs, dual and three-layer items, and full-zip jackets, and can be technically focused and modern looking, or borrowing aesthetic elements from vintage offerings. There’s also an enormous range of color options, from muted earth tones to vibrant ‘80s- and ‘90s-inspired neon hues and practically everything in-between.

Intended Climate: Where and when you plan on using your hiking jacket should play an important role, not just in what model you end up opting for, but also in what size to select. If you’re going to be hiking in particularly chilly climates, you may want to consider going a size up in order to fit an insulated base or mid-layer jacket underneath.

Adjustability: Not unlike a motorcycle jacket, in order for a hiking-specific rain jacket to properly do its job, it needs to fit its wearer correctly. And while the regular sizing system (Small, Medium, Large, XL, etc) does afford a general fit, most modern hiking jackets are equipped with a myriad of adjustment points to tweak the fit of the torso, hem, wrists, and hood. This is also one key area that helps to distinguish hiking jackets from regular everyday rain jackets.

Waterproof: While being waterproof isn’t a necessity for hiking jackets, it’s certainly a plus. As we’ve stated, many, if not most, of these coats will have some sort of DWR treatment, you’ll usually need to dig a bit deeper to find out if they can actually stand up to torrential downpours.

Black Diamond Stormline Stretch Rain Shell

Best Budget Rain Jacket: Despite coming in at under $150, Black Diamond’s Stormline Stretch Rain Shell is an excellent hiking-specific jacket, backed by Black Diamond’s own in-house-developed proprietary BD.Dry membrane. Produced in ten different color options, the Stormline Stretch Rain Shell is crafted from Black Diamond’s 2.5-layer membrane, which is pieced together using fully-sealed seams and packs a 10,000mm waterproof rating and a 10,000g/m2 breathability rating. The jacket’s adjustable cuffs and hem afford a snug and precise fit while the placement of its underarm gussets allows for unrestricted mobility. The whole thing also conveniently stows away in one of its own pockets when not in use.

Opting for minimalism, the Black Diamond rain jacket is not only noticeably lightweight but it’s rather slimming. I love the simple waist drawstring that locks up tight and didn’t loosen throughout my hike. Although the front zipper is a bit stiff, especially when you’re trying to zip up quickly, I like how high it comes up. Reaching the bottom of my nose, the top of the collar, when zipped up, doesn’t sink down when I move, turn, or sit, like other jackets may do. On the other hand, I wish the hood had some sort of cinch to keep it covering my forehead when I’m walking in windier conditions. It kept falling back on my head when I moved or when gusts picked up. In terms of mobility, however, the coat never restricted my motion, which made it even more surprising when I noticed how well it packed away in my backpack.

The sleeves are on the longer side, which I’m not sure isn’t by design; they can be cinched up with Velcro to lock them in at the wrist. However, not everyone wants to resort to this adjustment –– what happens if you’re wearing a watch? I also didn’t love the grip on the zipper, which was on the smaller side and kept slipping out of my hand. While there are two large zippered pockets on the outside, they’re not given the same waterproof zipper treatment as the main front zipper. Also, interior pockets are curiously absent from this design, which is admittedly leans towards minimalism. In terms of durability, the jacket never gave me specific reason to think it couldn’t hold up to wear and tear, but the fabric just doesn’t feel as tough as some other coats I tested. It’s also important to note that in terms of waterproofness, this coat did exceptionally but the thinness of the material allowed me to feel the temperature of the water on my skin underneath.

Verdict: Holding up to rain incredibly well, the Black Diamond Stormline Stretch is a more than viable option for casual hikers who want something slimming, lightweight, and minimalist, albeit not terribly durable. Its zipper and pocket situation could be better, and its sleeves could be shorter, but this is still a solid pick at a fair price.

Patagonia Torrentshell 3L

Best Budget Hiking Jacket: Patagonia’s Torretshell 3L is the perfect budget-friendly shell to keep at the ready when on the trail. Weighing just 14.1oz, the jacket boasts Patagonia’s H2No Performance Standard shell three-layer construction comprised of a 3.5-ounce 50D recycled nylon ripstop face with a 7D tricot backer, and a breathable, waterproof polyester membrane reinforced via a DWR finish. Featuring an two-way easy-adjust hood, this item also sports a full-length zipper with a storm flap, a draw-cord-adjustable hem, and hook-and-loop cuffs. The Torrentshell 3L was also made in a Fair Trade Certified factory.

For as rugged as the Torrentshell 3L feels, it certainly doesn’t add too much weight. Fitting really well on my body, including the sleeves, the coat was rather slimming as well. Also, not a requirement for standard hiking jackets, but this lightweight jacket was unexpectedly warm as well, likely due to all the layers its constructed with. Conversely, the jacket is rather bulky, which may affect your comfort and range of motion when hiking. I kept feeling like I needed to stretch my arms because of how the armpits clung to my skin. Speaking of which, the pit vents are a nice addition, but make sure you remember to zip them back up. Like the Black Diamond jacket above, the Torrentshell lacks an interior pocket, which some users might want.

One thing I did notice though, was when I sat down in the jacket, the front hem rolled up a bit, which probably doesn’t cause any issues in terms of staying dry but I just thought I should mention it. My biggest gripe, however, is the hood design. While the rear drawstring is effective enough when cinching this around your crown, the two pull strings in the front don’t hold their tightness. Almost as soon as I pulled them tight, they released back to where they were. I suppose you could tie them into a bow, but no one really wants to do that –– and it’s not that easy to do even for the most nimble of hikers.

Verdict: Noticeably durable for its light weight, the patagonia Torrentshell 3L is a thick jacket that’s deceptively packable. Fitting easily into its own pocket, the coat looks great and has some unexpected warmth as well. While we didn’t love the hood design and how it cinched, this is a solid budget-friendly option for colder days with minimal rain.

The North Face Dryzzle FUTURELIGHT

Most Comfortable: For nearly 60 years, the Northern California outdoor clothing brand has risen the ranks to become one of the most revered names in the industry. As such, this Dryzzle FUTURELIGHT Jacket is incredibly waterproof, including the zippers, and can stow away in its own pocket if you’re needing to save space. The jacket’s body and yoke are crafted from 75D FUTURELIGHT — TNF’s new proprietary construction that it is now using in place of GORE-TEX and is said to be the most waterproof and breathable membrane ever — and fitted with a polyester face that, like the nylon tricot backer, is composed entirely of recycled content. This item is admittedly on the lighter side at 15.27oz, though it offers more robust protection than the vast majority of jackets on this list (and on the market in general).

Known for its wide-casting net, The North Face has a lot of fantastic outdoor options but the Dryzzle FUTURELIGHT is among its most popular. While the sleeves rest well on my palms, the jacket seemed to run a tad large. Zipped up, the shoulders bunched inward. On the other hand, I did find it interesting that this jacket was heavier and fit worse than the patagonia Torrentshell above, yet it didn’t feel as cumbersome on my body. In fact, the jacket was the most comfortable unit I tested, with its soft interior and range of motion. It also packed down really well when storing into my backpack. It may seem like a small asset but the cuffs are easy to adjust with the Velcro strips. Oftentimes, these shells are so thick that the cuffs aren’t terribly agreeable.

The hood gives excellent coverage but its function was similar to the patagonia above in that it adjusted with both a drawstring in the back and two pull strings in front. However, the pull strings were tucked on the inside, which made it impossible to tighten without unzipping the jacket first –– an issue if you’re trying to find quick coverage. Conversely, the interior zippered pocket is a nice addition, as are the inward-facing flaps on the exterior zippered hand pockets. Although it’s designed to preclude moisture, the main zipper in front won’t give you too much trouble, albeit the top portion was getting stuck for me every once in a while.

Verdict: Despite being the most comfortable jacket we tested, The North Face’s Dryzzle Futurelight didn’t necessarily fit like a glove. However, it’s wears much lighter than its weight, packs down well, and combats moisture as by design. We didn’t love the hood function, with its interior drawstring that doesn’t stay cinched, but this waterproof jacket form the legendary brand isn’t a bad pick, especially if you’re looking for comfort –– even though we’d probably go with the similar but cheaper patagonia Torrentshell for its features.

Prometheus Design Werx Defiant Hoodie

Best Technical Jacket: A technically-focused, tactical interruption of a hooded sweatshirt, Prometheus Design Werx’s is an over-engineered item that’s made from a combination of ultra-cutting-edge Schoeller fabrics and materials. This includes Schoeller c_change, Schoeller 3XDRY and Schoeller Cold Black, the first of which is an advanced two-in-one membrane, while the second is a material that reacts in real-time to weather conditions, and the third is a textile that offers UVA- and UVB-protection and hugely mitigates heat buildup. PDW’s Defiant Hoodie also features four-way stretch properties, fully-taped seams, YKK AquaGuard zippers, laser-cut Hypalon) cuff tabs, Cohaesive Hardware, and the Cohaesive Embedded Component Management System containing an enormous slew of zippered body and sleeve pockets.

Leave it to PDW to include some of the features boasted by the Defiant Hoodie. I loved the waterproof zippered pockets on the sleeve, which keep the extra weight off your torso, which often gets in the way of your swinging arms when. hiking, or even walking. The same goes for the hand pockets, which are positioned a bit higher on the torso. There’s an interior zippered pocket that has a reinforced loophole for carabiner attachments. Featuring the best construction of any item we tested, this jacket also sports a two-way armpit ventilation zipper, which is a nice touch. Likewise, the two-way zipper on the front was as smooth as could be. Oftentimes, these can be a pain to operate. Despite the 22.4-ounce claimed weight, this coat wears very lightweight due to its superb material construction, which feels equally as rugged to the touch.

Perhaps the most slimming on this list, the Defiant had such a low profile, even if it wasn’t as comfortable as some other picks. The upper arms clung weird and the cuffs were irritating after I Velcroed them tighter. In fact, the interior material in general could be a bit easier on the skin. While the front-side hood drawstring had an inside position, requiring you to unzip the jacket a bit in order to tighten it, they stayed cinched upon pulling. In order to release the strings, you simply press on the little buttons on the collar. This tech is applied to the drawstrings on the waist as well. Although the lower hem is cinchable, the jacket doesn’t wear that long on your torso and fell above my waist.

Verdict: Incredibly rugged and surprisingly slimming on the body, the Prometheus Design Werx Defiant Hoodie isn’t the most comfortable against the skin, although it wears much lighter than its claimed weight. That said, it’s construction is superb, with plenty of water-resistant zippered pockets for storing gear, two-way pit vents, and clever drawstring releases built into the collar. If you’re looking for the best technical jacket, there’s no better than this one.

Helly Hansen Odin 9 Worlds 3.0 Shell Jacket

Best for Outdoor Survival: Helly Hansen’s award-winning Odin 9 Worlds jacket is a star in its own right, not just featuring superb use of materials but constructed with an intuitive design that improves just enough of what you’re probably used to with these hiking jackets. The shell is a triple layer of HELLY TECH Professional, which is a polyamide material made here to be waterproof-breathable and windproof. The latest iteration features an upgraded hood design to accommodate a hood, large pockets that work well if you choose to wear a backpack, an adjustable hem with a taildrop for extra protection, zippered pit vents, and a built-in RECCO rescue system transponder. If you’re journey takes you far off the grid, this should be the jacket you bring along with you.

If durability is what you’re after, Helly Hansen’s Odin 9 Worlds will get the job done without too much extra weight. With a rugged shell and surprising warmth, the jacket also has some killer features you won’t find anywhere else. My personal favorite are the front pockets, which each span from your armpit to your waist and features a two-way zipper that can open from the bottom or top. And despite the length of the zipper, opening and closing one-handed is pretty easy. There’s also a smaller pouch inside each pocket for storing your more frequently accessed items. While there’s no inside pockets, the chest pocket is sizable as well and equipped with a water-resistant zipper. The hood design was pretty unique here as well. I typically wear my hair in a bun and the helmet-compatible hood allowed me to wear my hair up without worrying about the visor falling back off my forehead.

On the other hand, the jacket doesn’t wear as comfortably if you don’t have the hood on. It was difficult to zip the jacket all the way up when the hood was down and even so, the top of the collar pushed into my neck too much as well –– an issue that was rectified once the hood was on. However, the pullstrings used to tighten the hood also served to lower the collar at the chin, which was kind of annoying, so it was a good thing the hood didn’t stay cinched when I pulled it tight. Overall, the front zipper was giving me some trouble. Difficult to engage at the bottom, the up-and-down motion was a bit stiffer than desired. I should also note that, while the jacket was slimming, it fit awkwardly in some spots, such as the upper arms and shoulders, plus the sleeves were a tad too long.

Verdict: A tough jacket with some extra survival features, the Helly Hansen Odin 9 Worlds is a superb coat for combating any elements you might face out on the trail. It’s fantastic pocket design is intended to be used with backpacks and can store a lot inside. On the other hand, the front zipper and hood gave us some issues, as did the overall fit, so keep that in mind if you’re a larger person.

Arc’teryx Beta Lightweight

Most Versatile: One of the latest offerings from one of the most esteemed names in the outdoor gear space, the Arc’teryx Beta Lightweight is a lightweight full-protection rain shell that’s been engineered to be as versatile as possible. The bluesign-approved, breathable, wind and waterproof, triple-layer GORE-TEX shell that the jacket is constructed around affords robust protection from the elements and cold while armpit speed ventilation ports, a helmet-compatible StormHood, and hand pockets with WaterTight zippers allow the jacket to lend itself to a wide range of outdoor activity, from skiing to climbing to cycling to, of course, hiking.

If we’re being honest, most hiking jackets won’t look as appropriate off the trail. The Arc’teryx Beta Lightweight, however, is a different story. With an accessible style that looks more coat-like than it does outdoor-ready (that’s a good thing), the jacket doesn’t have many aggressive design cues or logos, albeit it does fit a tad large. And it’s able to have this appeal without losing anything in the way of durability; the GORE-TEX and nylon shell feels incredibly tough yet soft to the touch. I also appreciated the fact that you can wear this zipped all the way up without shrouding the entire lower half of your face. The hood drawstrings were some of the most effective of the products we tested and actually stayed tightened. On the other hand, I didn’t love how the hood adjustment on the back stuck out as far as it did.

Like the Helly Hansen Odin 9 Worlds jacket above, the front pockets are positioned high on the torso than normal, making them still accessible if you’re wearing a backpack. although they’re not quite as deep and the hydrophobic zipper gets a bit stiff upon opening and closing. There’s also a small interior pocket, which was nice, but it could afford to be a bit larger. Likewise, the pit vents were a bit stiff when it came to opening and closing the zipper. As we mentioned, the fit on the Beta Lightweight is a bit large, especially around the forearm, and the sleeves are very long. However, these are all minor quibbles when you consider how great the jacket looks and performs otherwise.

Verdict: The Beta Lightweight from Arc’teryx is a fantastic hiking jacket if you’re looking to continue wearing your outerlayer upon embarking on any post-trail activities. Sporting a versatile design and a lightweight build, the coat is tough yet soft, and very comfortable, despite the fact that it runs a bit large. Most of our complaints were minor, such as the stiff zippers on the pockets and pit vents, but we still wound up raving about this jacket.

Fjallraven Anorak No. 8 M

Best Anorak: Full-zip jackets may be the most common type of jackets for hiking but many will prefer a quarter-zip anorak, not just for style but for how well they keep out wind and water without losing any warmth. Fjallraven is just the brand to deliver on this promise, with quite a range of outerwear for frigid temperatures. Their Anorak No. 8 utilizes the proprietary G-1000 fabric, a recycled polyester and organic cotton blend that’s wind- and water-resistant, reinforced with G-100 HeavyDuty on the shoulders, sleeves, and back. Sporting a two-way adjustable hood with a high collar, the design allows for a large kangaroo pocket in front with both top and side openings. Meanwhile, there are large zippered ventilation openings on the sides.

Once I found the neck hole of this mansion of a jacket, I was able to fully experience the wonders of the Fjallraven Anorak, which was a fun jacket to explore. The most unique option on this list, the coat had a buttoned chest guard for extra protection that could be used whether or not it was zipped up. The massive pocket in front was essentially a giant backpack compartment –– although I’m not entirely sure who would use the top access zipper to take things in or out; it was too awkward to get my hands inside that way. However, my favorite element was the hood, which featured a straightforward cinched drawstring system in front and back. And there’s also a wire built into the visor that lets you shape the front however you want.

As amazing as the Anorak No. 8 is, it’s a bit heavy. Likewise, it’s not the most comfortable on the inside, albeit it is very warm. Also, I do wish there were a way to tighten the sleeve cuffs more. There’s only a snap button with two different positions. Another cool features are the side zippered vents, which can be opened all the way to turn this thing into a quasi-poncho. However, the zippers themselves are difficult to open and close because of their positioning. It’s also important to note that I was only able to test a size large (I’m an XL usually), but it fit very well nonetheless, which means these jackets may run a bit large. Likewise, the jacket isn’t really packable at all –– the only one in this guide that we would be a hassle to stuff into a backpack. As for waterproofing, the material will runoff water but the zippers won’t prevent moisture from coming into the jacket at all.

Verdict: It could be more comfortable and packable but the Fjallraven Anorak No. 8 is an incredibly rugged and warm jacket for hitting the trails. Sporting some unique design points such as the customizable wired hood, full-length side vent zippers, and massive front pocket, the jacket is a fun unit to wear. However, some may complain about the steep price tag.

Snow Peak Thermal Insulated Rain Jacket

Best Upgrade: If you’ve frequented Snow Peak at all, you’re well aware that the outdoor gear expert knows how to blend rugged, lightweight utility with streetwear sensibilities better than anyone. This recent addition to the Japanese brand’s catalog is produced in two color options (black and light gray), and is constructed with an entirely recycled polyester shell with synthetic fill. With its diagonal-zip design, it’s also outfitted with a single-touch adjustable hood, a zippered chest pocket, reflective detailing, Velcro cuffs, and waterproof zippers. This is a stylish option if its frigid or a bit drizzly outside.

You’ll pay a lot extra for the Snow Peak jacket but rest assured that you’re at least getting something you can’t really find at a lower price point. Aside from the diagonal zipper, there’s a bucket hat-style hood, and a whopping four zippered pockets on the front (and one small interior pocket inside the massive main pocket). As it’s no surprise coming from the Japanese gear brand, the Thermal Insulated Rain Jacket is incredibly style-forward but it’s also very comfortable. The exterior shell is soft to the touch, and one may be skeptical about its durablity, but the inside is even softer, feeling great against the skin.

While this particular style may not be for everyone (the bucket hat hood and diagonal zipper will surely get you noticed if that’s not something you want), there’s no denying that it’s assertive in its looks. If you’re spending this much money for a hiking jacket, you’re probably willing to overlook some small complaints, such as the impracticality of the hood adjustment thanks to the unique design, or the difficulty engaging such a diagonal zipper; the bottom of the zipper is all the way over to the left side of the coat. It could also use an interior pocket, especially when you consider how large the right side of the jacket is.

Verdict: Priced rather high considering its lack of emphasis on durability (though it’s still pretty durable), the Snow Peak Thermal Insulated Rain Jacket is still a great option for the trail for its warmth, light weight, and absolute comfort. Featuring some unique and interesting design quirks, the coat fits well and has some awesome pocket options. If you’re used Snow Peak gear in the past, you know what to expect from the brand.

Hiking Jackets Comparison Chart

Waterproof Vs. Water-Resistant

Often used interchangeably, “waterproof” and “water-resistant” are not the same thing. If a product is called water-resistant, it simply means that it can resist moisture on some level, usually thanks to materials that are inherently water-resistant, like nylon or polyester, or a special water-repellant fabric treatment.

On the other hand, “waterproof” is a usually combination of materials and construction methods that make it fully impenetrable to moisture. For instance, zippers and seams will designed to eliminate moisture from getting inside.

Honorable Mentions

If you want another budge-friendly option, REI Co-op is a great place to look. The brand’s own XeroDry GTX might not perform the same way as the jackets above but will be just as easy on your bank account.

There’s affordable and then there’s cheap, such as in the case of the Frogg Toggs Ultra-Lite Rain Suit, which clocks in at just $30, making it an unbeatable option for those who want the bare-minimum without spending much at all.

The Torrentshell 3L from patagonia is the brand’s best pick for hiking, but the Granite Crest is a solid option for people who want more of an everyday rain jacket that can be transposed to life on the trail.

We loved the outdoor-friendly down angle of the Big Agnes Shovelhead but the jacket seems to be out of stock everywhere we looked upon writing this feature. However, if you see one out in the wild, consider it as a warm option for your hiking loadout.

Aether is a really cool brand but its gear is also very expensive. The Snow Peak jacket we reviewed above is a cheaper yet style-forward hiking jacket, but if you want to go even more luxe, consider Aether’s Endeavor Jacket.

Tested: The Best Down Jackets

If warmth is your ultimate goal, then you’ll want something insulated, such as the outerwear from our guide to the best down jackets where we were able to test our favorites.