The 6 Best Men’s Shell Jackets of 2021-2022

The outdoor industry is constantly innovating and pushing the boundaries of style and design, and the shell jacket is no exception. Shell jackets are designed to be sleek and functional, providing a waterproof barrier with no insulation so you can layer up or down to meet the needs of the day. In a good shell jacket, you can tackle the elements no matter what Mother Nature throws at you. We've reviewed the best men's shell jackets to help you choose the right one for skiing, snowboarding, backpacking, and more, so you can head out to the mountains with confidence.

Patagonia Calcite

Featuring a GORE-TEX® Paclite 2.5-layer membrane, the Calcite Jacket is the lightest and most packable of Patagonia’s jackets and is perfect for alpine climbing and ski mountaineering. A helmet-compatible hood adjusts easily over an alpine climbing helmet, while underarm vents help you regulate your temperature when you get uphill. This lightweight jacket offers bomber protection and ensures complete freedom of movement when you're on the move.

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Norrona Lofoten GORE-TEX Pro

The Norrona Lofoten Gore-Tex Pro Jacket is one of the best men's shell jackets on the planet. Designed for skiing and snowboarding, it features both GORE-TEX Pro technology and Gore Micro Grid Backer fabric for waterproof protection against wet snow, ice, and wind. The Lofoten’s 3-layer construction makes it lightweight, burly, and impenetrable to weather, all while providing essential freeride features like a helmet-compatible hood and a zip-off powder skirt.

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Burton GORE-TEX INFINIUM™ Multipath

Burton’s new GORE-TEX® INFINIUM™ Multipath Jacket is the perfect jacket for those looking for a new go-to jacket that’s as casual as it is technical. With an athletic fit and a clean, modern style, this jacket features multiple pocket storage and a tailored fit. The two-layer GORE-TEX® INFINIUM™ shell is waterproof and breathable and allows you to move freely with its flexible and soft fabric. It’s a perfect everyday jacket or lightweight backpack stash for when you’re not sure what the weather might do.

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Outdoor Research Skytour AscentShell

The Outdoor Research Skytour AscentShell Jacket is a waterproof, breathable 3-layer, fully-featured shell for skiing and snowboarding. By combining OR’s proprietary AscentShell™ membrane with a super stretchy face fabric, the Skytour Jacket offers exceptional freedom of movement while maintaining top-notch waterproofing and a clean silhouette. They’ve added pit zips to help regulate temperature, a large internal mesh stash pocket for climbing skins, and a forearm ski pass pocket for easy access to your lift pass. The Skytour Jacket combines the perfect balance of technical performance and classic style, whether you're riding the chairlift or earning your turns.

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The North Face Ceptor

The Ceptor is The North Face’s take on a classic shell jacket for all of your winter adventures. It’s a lightweight, highly breathable, fully waterproof rain/wind/snow layer that’s ready to tackle anything Old Man Winter can throw at you. The Ceptor’s 3-layer DryVent fabric is seam-sealed and fully taped for maximum protection, and it has two large underarm vents to let in airflow when you need it.

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Rab® Downpour Plus 2.0

The Rab Downpour 2.0 Jacket is your go-to protection for any kind of wet weather – from a summer shower to a torrential downpour. The waterproof and breathable Pertex Shield® fabric with 20K Waterproofing and 20K Breathability, plus waterproof zips and welded seams, keep you dry and comfortable. The 2.5-layer shell jacket has a very lightweight and packable design, ideal for putting in a backpack and taking on any kind of adventure.

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Learn More With Our Other Outerwear & Layering Guides:

• Waterproof Ratings & Breathability Guide
• Skiing & Snowboarding - What to Wear Skiing & Snowboarding
• 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

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