This season's vest model of hard shell jackets is essential for harsh snowy mountains, and tips for choosing them without making a mistake
written by Outdoor Gearzine Editorial Department
As the name "shell" suggests, hard shell is a type of outerwear that is worn on the outside, but in a nutshell its basic characteristics are "outerwear made with mountain climbing and mountain skiing aimed at snowy mountains and ice walls in mind."
This time, we will introduce the perfect hard shell for winter outdoor activities.In the first half, the Outdoor Gearzine editorial department, which has been a mountain tool review site for over 10 years, will introduce some of the most popular hard shell jackets that we can confidently recommend, and in the second half we will summarize how to choose a hard shell jacket without regrets and what to be careful about.
table of contents
- The editorial department's recommended hard shell 3x3 [by purpose and purpose]
- 5 important points to consider when choosing a hard shell jacket that won't go wrong
- What is a hard shell?
- The difference in characteristics of hardshell, softshell, and rainwear
- Important points when choosing a hard shell jacket: Choose the type that suits your needs
- Important points when choosing a hard shell jacket: Choose fabrics and materials that are waterproof and breathable.
- Important points when choosing a hard shell jacket: Consider the balance between the thickness (durability) of the fabric and weight
- Important Point 4 when choosing a hard shell jacket: Check if it has the necessary functions
- 5 important points when choosing a hard shell jacket: Check the size and comfort
- summary
The editorial department's recommended hard shell 3x3 [by purpose and purpose]
First, while our editorial department checks out new releases from major manufacturers every year, we will introduce three recommended hard shell jackets in three categories (for climbing, BC, and all-round jackets that we can actually be confident in saying, "If you choose this, you'll be sure to make a mistake." In reality, there are still many excellent models that are so difficult to narrow down to third place, but we have deliberately narrowed down to three models, with the first step being to be a guideline for first-time users.
Three recommended hard shell models for climbing
This clothing has a slim silhouette designed to be worn with a harness, but is cut for ease of movement. We will introduce recommended models for use in snowy mountain climbing during harsh winters, starting with climbing rocks and snow.
Rab Latok Extreme GTX Jacket
Source: Rab Japan
This piece is made of 80D recycled GORE-TEX Pro for the fabric, making it a very secure piece.
This hard shell jacket is recommended for tough mountain climbing. It has a clean fit for climbing purposes, and a silhouette that doesn't get rough when wearing a backpack or harness.
There are pockets where there is no interference when the harness is attached, and the zipper has a large loop, making it easy to open and close.
Each adjuster is carefully crafted down to the smallest detail to improve operability, not only providing peace of mind but also excellent ease of use.
The simple design makes this clothing look good for use in town (although it's over-spec for street wear...)
THE NORTH FACE Hybrid Sheer Ice Jacket
The Hybrid Sheer Ice Jacket from The North Face's highest-end line, the Summit Series, is a hard shell jacket made from fabrics of different thicknesses depending on the location.
The front and rear body and under the sleeves are made of 30 denier "GORE-TEX PRO" that is less likely to cause friction. The 70-denier "Stretch GORE-TEX" is used on the hood and shoulders, which are prone to wear and move easily, and as the name suggests, it is a hybrid piece.
It has a loop at the hem that allows you to pass your feet on, so that the clothing does not swell up while you are on the move. This clothing was created with the range of motion of climbing scenes in mind so that you can protect your body from cold air and wet in a harsh environment where there are repeated violent stops and goss.
The silhouette is narrow for climbing, so choose the size, taking into consideration the layering that is intended for the environment you will be using.
Patagonia M10 Anorak
The Patagonia M10 alpine shell series, which has been suspended for product improvements, has been revived in 2024 after gaining support from alpine climbers who are looking for lighter than 1 gram and are free even at 1 mm.
This three-layer waterproof and breathable shell has been eliminated with all unnecessary functions and is extremely simple and lightweight with minimal functions, and has a slim silhouette, but is designed to be stress-free in all situations, including the shoulders and hips, thanks to its unique pattern that is calculated down to the smallest detail.
It is surprisingly lightweight for a three-layer hard shell, and is a recommended item for fast and light alpinists and skiers who are used to winter mountains and want maximum mobility with minimal equipment.
Please take a look at this article for more information about the Patagonia M10 Anorak.
3 recommended hard shell models for backcountry skiing/snowboarding
For those who run out of the slopes in search of powder snow and head to BC (backcountry), we'll introduce three items of clothing that are spacious, long lengths and highly durable.
Teton Bros. TB Jacket
Teton Bros' unique waterproof and breathable material, "Täsmä", made from highly durable, high-strength nylon, is both completely waterproof and breathable, making it comfortable to avoid sweating even when hiking with intense sweating. The surface is also treated with the highest standard of water repellent coating, making it difficult to get hot during high temperatures.
Although it is made of nylon, it is stretchy enough, and the three-dimensional cutting does not interfere with body movement, making this a really hard shell! ? The comfort that makes you think of it is unparalleled.
The ventilation is positioned in a unique position that opens wide diagonally from the chest to the sides, making it easy to open and close even during activities. This piece is perfect for use with BC skis (snowboards), with its hood with a focused adjuster on the front and cuffs that wrap around the wrists.
NORRONA Lophoten Gore-Tex Pro Jacket
This is the flagship model of the NORRONA Snow Series, a dream for backcountry skiers.
It uses GORE-TEX PRO most breathable, made from 100% recycled nylon outer material, and is highly durable, in addition to being waterproof and breathable.
The quality of the material and the calculated, lean, 3D cutting makes it easy to move, but over the past few years, the high level of detailed functionality specializing in backcountry skiing has been steadily improving. For example, the access hole on the left chest that allows you to quickly remove the avalanche beacon without opening the front zipper, a mesh ventilator on the chest that opens along the front zipper, and a thick hand gaiter that are crucial for ease of use in the BC field.
If you wear this guy, you won't be scared of deep snow during the harsh winter.
Rab Khroma Latok GTX Jacket
Source: Rab Japan
Rab's high-end Cromaratok GTX jacket.
The fabric material is GORE-TEX Pro, which boasts the highest level of durability and weather resistance, but the outer material is 80D reinforced, and the body is 40D, and the thickness of the fabric changes depending on the location, making it both lightweight and lightweight without compromising durability. Both thicknesses are impressive, using the GORE-TEX Pro Most Breathable, which is the most breathable of the GORE-TEX Pro.
The long-designed length, snow skirt, and hand gaiters can prevent snow from entering even when using deep powder when skiing (snowboarding) and act comfortably.
Three recommended models of all-around hard shells with low prices
Performance is important, but costs can't be ignored either. We will introduce an all-round jacket that is cost-conscious while ensuring the performance of a hard shell jacket.
Montbell Dyna Action Parka
Source: Montbell
A Dyna Action Parka made from "Super Drytech," a waterproof and breathable material that is hard shell but has stretchability. The lightest model of Montbell's Alpine jackets.
We use two different types of fabrics to pursue flexibility and light weight. This item is perfect for active occasions, from winter climbing and ice climbing to trekking during snowless seasons.
This wallet-friendly clothing has this performance, and costs 36,300 yen (tax included). (Prices are as of December 2024)
MILLET Typhon Warm Next Stretch Jacket
The Tiffon Warm Next Stretch Jacket is a classic hard shell made from the brand's classic water pressure (30,000mm) fabric with incredible specs of water pressure (30,000mm) and breathability of 40,000g/m2/24h, which has reached a new level. This is a perfect jacket that is highly waterproof and breathable, yet has a three-layer fleece lining that is comfortable and durable, and is also stretchable.
And yet, the price is amazing for a change of 40,000 yen.
The simple design and regular fit silhouette can be used not only as an outer shell for mountain climbing and snow activities in the cold season, but also as a town use. This is a highly recommended item for those who want to keep their initial costs down or as an entry model.
Mountain Hardwear Firefall Jacket
Source: Mountain Hardware
A snow jacket made from Dry.Q, a unique waterproof and breathable material with a two-layer structure. The price is 31,900 yen including tax, and is the lowest price of the hardshell jackets introduced.
Because it's low-priced, it's not that low-functioning, and you don't have to worry about it, as it has the necessary functions, such as a snow skirt that is convenient for winter activities, ventilation, and a helmet-compatible hood.
5 important points to consider when choosing a hard shell jacket that won't go wrong
What is a hard shell?
The reason why hard shells are essential for snowy mountains is that the latest technology has been used to provide the best performance in winter mountains during the harshest snowy seasons, and is waterproof, windproof, durable, breathable, and breathable to adapt not only to rain but also to any weather, including wind and snow .
Even in snowy mountains during the snowy season, if the weather is good, you can feel the warmth of the sun and act comfortably in the warmth, but if the weather worsens, it can completely change, causing a blizzard, and a storm of windstorms can hit you. In such cases, the hard shell protects you from the stormy snow.
However, if you go to an outdoor shop, you will notice that in addition to hard shells, there are a wide variety of jackets that can be worn as outerwear, including soft shells and rainwear. At first glance, you may not be able to really understand what is different from rainwear. What is the difference between each? Some people may have such questions.
First, let's look at why hard shells are essential for outdoor winter activities by comparing them to other shell layers and rainwear.
The difference in characteristics of hardshell, softshell, and rainwear
Hardshell is a must-have item for snowy mountain activities
| kinds | Hard shell | Rainwear | Softshell |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waterproof | ◎ | ◎ | ◯ |
| Windproof | ◎ | ◎ | ◯ |
| Cold protection | ◎ | ◯ | ◯ |
| Breathable (breathable) | ◯ | ◯ | ◎ |
| Durability | ◎ | ◯ | ◯ |
| Stretchability | △ | △ | ◎ |
| weight | ◯ | ◎ | △ |
| Rough texture of the fabric | Rough | Smooth | Moist and smooth |
| cuff | Wide-mouth variable structure designed to be worn with gloves | Variable structure based on the assumption that it can be used with bare hands | Variable structure based on the assumption that it can be used with bare hands |
| Food | Adjustable assuming that you will be wearing a helmet | Both helmet compatible and non-compatible models available | Both helmet compatible and non-compatible models available |
| Ventilation | Most models come with one, and many open wide. | Both models available and without | Basically it's not included |
The hard shell has waterproof, windproof, and breathable functions, making it strong enough to withstand harsh environments, but it also has a variety of detailed functions and ingenuity to make it comfortable to use in snowy mountains, such as the collar and hood structure that shuts out cold air, the rough textured outer fabric that increases friction resistance when the snow falls and water-repellent performance, and the sleeves and hem designed to be worn for gloves.
Depending on the season and activities, rainwear with a firm fabric can be used as a substitute, but for those who are thinking about serious snowy mountain climbing or BC (backcountry) skiing/snowboarding, a hard shell is a must-have item.
Important points when choosing a hard shell jacket: Choose the type that suits your needs
When choosing a hardshell jacket, you must first decide what it is. Hardshell jackets are made for alpine climbing and jackets made for BC skiing/snowboarding, and have slightly different sizing, functionality, and design.
- For alpine climbing: A slim fit that emphasizes ease of movement of the upper body, and designed to be equipped with harnesses and other climbing equipment.
- For mountain skiing/snowboarding... A slightly loose fit (so that you can wear thicker winter clothes inside) and is designed to prevent snow from entering while skiing
If you are thinking of climbing winter mountains or ice climbing, then choosing slim fit clothing is the theory of wearing a slim fit clothing, as wear with a spacious fit can get in the way when wearing a harness or something similar. Attaching a harness may prevent you from using the abdominal pocket, so you should also check the position of the pocket carefully.
Mountain skiing and snowboarding require more movement while skiing, so a more relaxed type with a longer length makes it less likely for snow to enter while skiing and makes it easier to move around. When skiing on the slopes, it's cold while riding the lift, so choosing one with layers of clothing is less likely to make a mistake.
Hardshell jackets are not clearly drawn as ◯◯ or ◯◯, so it is not that they cannot snowboard with alpine climbing clothing (and vice versa) and although the design is simply suitable, if you decide on the purpose, it will be easier to choose a hardshell jacket.
Important points when choosing a hard shell jacket: Choose fabrics and materials that are waterproof and breathable.
Hardshell jackets are intended to be worn at all times during activities, so they are made of waterproof and breathable material that is comfortable in all weather conditions to ensure that you stay comfortable even when it's sunny, snow or rainy. Naturally, the higher the waterproof and breathable fabric, the higher the quality of the clothing.
Among the various waterproof and breathable fabrics, GORE-TEX is a material that has been used by many outdoor manufacturers for decades. It has high wind resistance, breathability and water resistance, and is made by rigorous testing in labs and in real fields on all products. In that sense, it is a material that can be used with confidence even for all tough activities.
The high-end line, GORE-TEX PRO, is intended to be used in the most harsh conditions, and has a durable front and lining, sufficient windproof and water repellent, and excellent breathability that can handle heavy sweating, providing peace of mind and comfort for any tough activities in the winter mountains. Of course, other types of GORE-TEX also have hard shells, but if you are thinking about mountains in the harsh winter season, we recommend GORE-TEX PRO.
If you have a fixed purpose and purpose, and consider the price range, the manufacturer's own materials are sufficient.
On the other hand, other than GORE-TEX, waterproof and breathable materials developed by each manufacturer are also evolving every day, and it is also worth noting that there are many high-performance materials that are just as good as the champion GORE-TEX. These materials are not all about overall strength, but are often superior to GORE-TEX in certain areas, such as breathability, weight, and comfort, and even more exciting, they are often in a price range that is slightly lower than GORE-TEX.
A quick introduction to some of the famous items include Patagonia's unique waterproof and breathable material, the H2No Performance Standard Shell , Montbell's Super Dry Tech® , the North Face FUTURELIGHT™ , the Mountain Hardware's DRY Q the Täsmä which was developed by Teton Bros with Toray .
Although there are no materials that have been accumulated up until now that are compatible with GORE-TEX, there are many materials that are superior to GORE-TEX in some respects, such as their individual characteristics and prices. After achieving basic waterproof and breathable performance, choose a fabric and material that is lean to suit your needs, usage environment, and price range.
Important points when choosing a hard shell jacket: Consider the balance between the thickness (durability) of the fabric and weight
Weight and durability are also important for outdoor activities where you carry all the necessary tools in harsh environments.
Although a hardware jacket is worn all the time, if it is heavy, the burden on you will be put on a lot of strain when you take action, and it will be stressful because it is difficult to move around.
In situations where you carry all your food, clothing and shelter on your back and walk long distances, you should choose clothing that is as light as possible, and when you are riding a tree run or climbing a rough place with a mix of rocks and snow, you should be durable enough to prevent it from breaking even if it gets caught on a twig, and no holes will be made even when rubbed against the rock.
The weight of a hardshell jacket will vary depending on the thickness of the thread used, the layer of the fabric (how many layers) and the attached functions (pockets, etc.). Jackets made from thick thread generally become heavier, and the seam tape used to waterproof it also has an impact.
The thickness of the fabric varies depending on the "thread" used, but that's not the case when it comes to thread thickness = durability.
For example, if you simply think about it, clothing made with 80 denier yarn is thicker and heavier than clothing made with 40 denier yarn, but it can be said that while it is thicker and heavier, it is also more durable, but even if it is thin, it will increase the strength and weight, so it is clear that there is no general correlation between the thickness and durability of the yarn.
If the thickness of the thread used and the density of the sewing is high, there are few manufacturers who have published it, so try it on and check the comfort of wearing it and the weight when worn.
I roughly checked the weight of about 50 pieces of clothing, and on average, hardshell jackets for alpine climbing cost around 500g to 600g, and clothing that falls below 500g is lightweight, and when it exceeds 600g, it seems to be considered heavy clothing.
When it comes to clothing for BC skis, many models have snow skirts and large pockets, so it is heavier than for alpine climbing, and is generally in the 600g range.
Important Point 4 when choosing a hard shell jacket: Check if it has the necessary functions
The required functions vary depending on the purpose.
The features that each clothing has will ultimately have a major impact on ease of use and comfort. To avoid making a mistake when choosing a hard shell jacket, be sure to check that it has the features you need before purchasing.
Parts and features you should check before purchasing
- Front zipper
- Food
- Snow skirt
- Ventilation
- collar
Zipper: Check for ease of opening and closing and waterproofness
There are many different types of zippers, making them an important part that will affect ease of use.
Do you use a highly waterproof zipper? It is also important to be able to open and close. Be careful as some types of waterproof zippers are stiff and cannot be opened or closed with one hand. Make sure you check not only the main zipper for putting on and taking off, but also the ventilation and pocket zippers.
The Vislon type waterproof zipper is hard to break, freezing, highly waterproof and lightweight, making it a reliable zipper that is often used for winter mountains (photo below).
Not only is it easy to open and close, but the double zipper model also makes it convenient because it can effectively ventilate the jacket while preventing it from flapping. Check that the zipper is easy to open and close with gloves attached.
Pockets: The layout and number vary according to the purpose, so check the ease of access when you are taking action
A chest pocket is convenient for storing smartphones etc.
That doesn't mean that there are as many pockets as possible. It's also important to know where it is located. The alpine climbing clothing is intended to be attached, and there are models with pockets on the abdomen removed, and instead, the chest pocket is larger and is installed on both sides.
When it comes to clothing for BC skis (snowboarding), the chest pocket is small, and instead there are often large pockets in the inner pocket that can hold goggles, snow gloves, stickers, etc. (it's convenient to have them).Many models have pockets on their arms, and on slopes that use IC chips, you can pass through the gate without any stress.
It is recommended to keep valuables such as keys in an inner pocket that is not frequently accessed. Some clothing does not have an inner pocket, so be careful.
Hood: Check the fit when using the adjuster
Food is a must in bad weather. The sizes vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. Make sure to check the fit carefully.
Models with no brim on the hood will likely get wet when it's raining or snowing. The length of the brim depends on your preference, but the longer the brim, we recommend it because it has better protection.
Basically, many models are designed to be large enough to be worn over a helmet, but if the hood is too large, it may not fit well without the helmet. There is an adjuster so check the fit without a helmet.
Check the fit with the adjuster
Even if the hood has an adjuster, if the size doesn't fit, it may block your vision when you turn sideways, so when trying on, try shaking your face left and right to make sure you can ensure your vision.
Snow skirt: shuts out snow intrusion
A snow skirt that prevents snow from entering the hard shell. It is often equipped with clothing intended for BC skiing (snowboarding). It's never been that bad without it, but it's useful when you have a scene like a powder run and want to properly protect the snow from entering. It prevents snow from entering when you fall, so beginners to BC skiing should choose clothing with a snow skirt.
On the other hand, when it is mainly used for vertical snowy mountain climbing, such as ice climbing, snow skirts are often not necessary because they just get heavy. In that case, the wise choice is to choose a model that does not have a snow skirt or can be removed.
Ventilation: Check ease of operation, size, stiffness, etc.
A ventilation vent is a ventilation hole set up to prevent overheating during action. Hardshell jackets are intended to be worn at all times during activities, so most models have ventilation.
The larger the opening and closing part, the greater the ventilation is convenient, but the opening and closing of the zipper may not be smooth, and depending on the position and size of the ventilation, you may feel a rough feel, so it's a good idea to try on this part carefully to make sure it fits you.
Collar: Check to see if it does not interfere with your chin when worn
The collar protects your face when windproof, but the design also varies depending on the manufacturer and model, and it has a big impact on comfort.
Try wearing a hardshell jacket and make sure to check the position of the collar when the zipper is closed all the way up (and not too tight). It's a rather plain but surprisingly important point. It can be stressful if you get in a position that touches your chin while wearing it. The collar is too high and if worn, it may interfere with your chin and cause it to curl up, so check the firmness of the fabric.
5 important points when choosing a hard shell jacket: Check the size and comfort
No matter how well it is, it can be ruined if it's not comfortable to wear. As I explained in the usage section, even though the jacket is basically the same, the same hard shell jacket has a slim silhouette that adheres to the body lines for alpine climbing, and the one for BC skis (snowboards) is slightly more relaxed, making it a design suitable for each activity. In addition, the details of the construction and fit vary depending on the manufacturer and trend, so rather than just choosing based on the trendy manufacturer or design, it is ideal to try on carefully before purchasing.
Also, the size may differ from what you imagined depending on the make and model. If the size is too perfect, it may become cramped when layered, or it may feel tense or sticky when moving your body, so when trying on, try to try layering and movements that are designed to make you more aware of your actions, such as raising your hands or stretching them out, as you can, so try not to overlook them.
summary
Hard shellware is robust and protects you in the harsh outdoors. Find the right hardshellware for you and head out into the field!
Recently, due to environmental considerations, PFC-free models that do not contain recycled materials or have been used for water-repellent treatments, which have been used in water-repellent treatments, have become more common. It's great that clothing that allows you to act in nature is produced using natural-friendly materials and processing, but as before, fewer items can maintain water repellent for a long time without maintenance.
Once you find your favorite hard shell, do regular maintenance to maintain its performance and use it for a long time!
