The 10 Best Hardshell Jackets of 2024
By: Kevin Katsafanas: Men's Techwear Buyer | October 26, 2023
Shell jackets are a revelation to many skiers and riders. So many folks just equate a jacket with “warm” when, instead, it’s more helpful to think of your jacket as the first layer of defense in a cohesive system. When you buy a “warm” insulated jacket, you’re actually paying more for a less versatile coat. Why? Well, if you have a waterproof and breathable hardshell jacket, you can wear it over a puffy on those frigid days, over a light sweater on more mild days, and over your base layer in the spring. That makes it much more versatile and guarantees that you won’t overheat. Because while it’s easy to worry about the moisture that comes from the outside in the form of precipitation, it’s easy to forget about the moisture that comes off your body in the form of sweat.
New This Year:
That's where the best men’s hardshell jackets come in. These jackets are all designed to be used as part of a layering system. So they’re not insulated, but they are waterproof and breathable. So, if you’re looking for one jacket that will work every day of your ski or snowboard season, this list is the best place to start.
Flylow Quantum Pro
The Flylow Quantum Pro Jacket is Flylow's workhorse jacket featuring extra-durable three layer Intuitive™ fabric and 20K waterproofing and breathability. Shaped with a Freeride Fit for just the right amount of room to move, the Quantum Pro hits the perfect balance of comfort and dependability when the snow starts fallin' harder and the sends get gnarlier.
| Breathability | Waterproofing | Original Price |
| 20000 | 20000 | $429.95 |
Burton AK 2L GORE-TEX Cyclic
Water condenses and precipitates, storm cycles turn to high pressure, lines fill in and snow consolidates and melts out again. Another cold winter turns to another sunny spring. To get through it all, you need gear that's as adaptive and reactive as the snow is unpredictable. The Burton AK 2L GORE-TEX Cyclic Jacket has a GORE-TEX membrane that breathes as you do, paired with a Living Lining and its pores that expand and contract. Ride hard and trust your gear.
| Breathability | Waterproofing | Original Price |
| 20000 | 28000 | $459.95 |
Trew Gear Cosmic 3L Primo
We reserve the word "cosmic" for the best of the best - Cosmic Crisp apples, Neil deGrasse Tyson. So get ready to elevate your outdoor game to interstellar levels with the Trew Gear Cosmic 3L Primo Jacket. With eco-conscious Primo fabric, a 20K/20K membrane, and RECCO® reflectors, this performance-focused jacket has a dash of cosmic flair that's out of this world.
| Breathability | Waterproofing | Original Price |
| 20000 | 20000 | $479.00 |
Burton AK 3L GORE-TEX Stretch Hover
The Burton AK 3L GORE-TEX Stretch Hover Jacket is a high-performance shell designed for the most rigorous snowsports environments. GORE-TEX C-KNIT construction makes for a super lightweight and packable 3-layer shell wth a great next-to-skin feel. The articulated stretch fit offers enhanced mobility for tricky backcountry ascents and unrestricted freedom for the mobility riders want while soul surfing on the way down.
| Breathability | Waterproofing | Original Price |
| 20000 | 28000 | $689.95 |
Arc'teryx Sabre
A long time staple in their lineup, the Arc'teryx Sabre Jacket is arguably the pinnacle of freeride style and protection with a burly N80p-X 3L GORE-TEX construction complimenting its roomy yet articulated cut. Built to brave the eye of the storm, the Sabre is a key weapon in the arsenal of freeskiers who demand the ultimate in waterproof, windproof, and breathable performance and allows riders to block out the chaos of the storm swirling around them while they focus on the high-consequence line below. If past jackets have left you wishing for more, we don't think you can go wrong with the Arc'teryx Sabre Jacket.
| Breathability | Waterproofing | Original Price |
| 20000 | 28000 | $700.00 |
Volcom Brighton Pullover
Ride through winter's whims with the Volcom Brighton Pullover Jacket. Its V-Science waterproof membrane combined with the V-Science breathable lining system and mesh vents keeps you cruising in comfort, while its cool design and smart pockets make sure you're rocking both style and functionality from peak to park.
| Breathability | Waterproofing | Original Price |
| 15000 | 15000 | $325.00 |
Patagonia Torrentshell 3L
When it rains, it's time to zip up the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Jacket and embrace the deluge. Made with Patagonia's proprietary 3L H₂No® Performance Standard membrane, it's lightweight, weatherproof, and highly breathable for maximum comfort during activity.
| Breathability | Waterproofing | Original Price |
| N/A | N/A | $179.00 |
The North Face Alta Vista
For hikers and runners looking to avoid the chills of wind and intermittent drizzles, The North Face Alta Vista Jacket provides safe haven. Made from 100% recycled fabrics with a water-repellent finish, plus technical features like an adjustable hood, pit vents, and a super packable design that fits within its own hand pocket.
| Breathability | Waterproofing | Original Price |
| N/A | N/A | $129.00 - $139.95 |
Volcom Dua GORE-TEX
Ride the storm like a champ with the Volcom Dua GORE-TEX Jacket, your ultimate companion for the wettest slopes. The Dua jacket boasts a symphony of features like Zip Tech® jacket-to-pant connection, a GORE-TEX waterproof-breathable membrane, goggle and media pockets, and a whistle zipper pull for safety. Bid farewell to soggy letdowns and embrace the entire season, rain to pow.
| Breathability | Waterproofing | Original Price |
| 20000 | 28000 | $300.00 |
Patagonia Storm Shift
The Patagonia Storm Shift Jacket is ready for changing conditions, with a PFC-Free GORE-TEX membrane that withstands heavy snow without the application of harmful chemicals. The warm, wicking liner adds cold-weather comfort and it's Fair Trade Certified for seriously sustainable, stormy-ready protection.
| Breathability | Waterproofing | Original Price |
| 20000 | 28000 | $499.00 |
Learn More With Our Other Outerwear & Layering Guides:
- Waterproof Ratings & Breathability Guide
- Skiing & Snowboarding - What to Wear Skiing & Snowboarding
- Outerwear - How to Choose a Ski & Snowboard Jacket
- Outerwear - How to Choose Ski & Snowboard Pants
- Outerwear - Fit Guide & Jacket Length
- How to Wash Waterproof Jackets & Clothing
- Outerwear - How to Choose by Region
- Outerwear - Construction, Fabric & Features
- Insulated Garments - How to Choose
- Insulated Garments - How to Wash Down & Synthetic Jackets
- Base Layers & Long Underwear - How to Choose
- GORE-TEX® Fabric - How it Works & Product Testing
- GORE-TEX® Fabric - How to Wash & Keep Waterproof
- Backcountry - How to Dress
Learn About Our Favorite Gear
- The Best Men's Ski Jackets
- The Best Women's Ski Jackets
- The Best Men's Snowboard Jackets
- The Best Women's Snowboard Jackets
- The Best Kids' Ski & Snowboard Jackets
- The Best Men's Ski Pants
- The Best Women's Ski Pants
- The Best Men's Snowboard Pants
- The Best Women's Snowboard Pants
- The Best Men's Ski Bibs
- The Best Men's Snowboard Bibs
- The Best Women's Ski Bibs
- The Best Kids' Ski & Snowboard Pants
- The Best Men's Down & Puffy Jackets
- The Best Men's Ski & Snowboard Mid Layers
- The Best Men's Ski & Snowboard Base Layers
- The Best Women's Snowboard Bibs
- The Best Men's Fleece Jackets
- The Best Women's Down & Puffy Jackets
- The Best Women's Fleece Jackets
- The Best Men's Rain Jackets
- The Best Women's Rain Jackets
- The Best Men's Hardshell Jackets
- The Best Women's Hardshell Jackets
- The Best Women's Ski & Snowboard Mid Layers
- The Best Women's Ski & Snowboard Base Layers
- The Best Down Vests
- The Best Kid & Toddler Snowsuits
The Selection Process:
Our techwear buyers have an endless amount of knowledge on all things outerwear stemming from years of experience in the outdoor industry in tandem with their countless hours spent outside in all conditions around the world. From hot to cold, snow, rain, wind, and even sunshine, they know what clothing will keep you comfortable. evo's buyers assess all products coming to market, lean into this knowledge, and put together this selection of the best products. They have a unique perspective as they truly see everything offered across the category.
