[Fall/Winter 2025] This season's best hard shell jackets, essential for the harsh snowy mountains, and tips on how to choose them safely
Written by Yasushi Hisatomi
A hard shell is the outermost layer of clothing worn during winter outdoor activities, including mountain climbing. Simply put, it is " an outer layer designed with mountaineering and skiing in mind, especially on snowy mountains and ice walls ." In fact, even on snowy mountains, thick rainwear may be sufficient depending on the weather and snow conditions. However, when it comes to severe cold or challenging routes, the weather resistance and toughness of the fabric inevitably become insufficient, so a hard shell with durable fabric and detailed construction designed for snowy mountains is still the safest option.
So, in this article, we will introduce the best hard shells for winter outdoor activities, and introduce "recommended models for different uses and preferences" of hard shell jackets that our editorial team can confidently recommend. In the second half, we will summarize the points you should pay attention to when choosing a hard shell jacket wisely.
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table of contents
- Impressions of this season's hard shell market trends
- Best hard shells for different uses and preferences
- 1. All-around hard shell
- 2. All-around lightweight hard shell
- 3. All-around low-cost hard shell
- 4. All-around low-cost, lightweight hard shell
- 5. Highly protective and durable hard shell
- 6. Alpine Hard Shell
- 7. Lightweight alpine hard shell
- 8. Low-cost alpine hard shell
- 9. All-around backcountry hard shell
- 10. Freeride hard shell
- 11. Lightweight hard shells for ski touring
- 12. Low-cost hard shells for backcountry use
- 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
Impressions of this season's hard shell market trends
As usual, we've taken a thorough look at all the items available in Japan for the 2025-26 season (some of which are not officially available in Japan), totaling around 150 models.
Excessively high prices that are reaching their limits
My first impression after making the list was, as expected, "expensive."
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, if you wanted to buy a decent model, it would cost around 80,000 yen at most, but now it's common for them to cost over 100,000 yen across the board. When I bought my Arc Alpha SV in 2015, it cost 86,000 yen, but this year's model is almost double that at 150,000 yen (although it wouldn't be a problem if your income doubled as well...).
It seems like every conceivable upward pressure -- raw material supply shortages, inflation, tariffs, a weak yen -- is working together to raise prices. Unfortunately, the current situation is that climbing snowy mountains requires not only physical strength but also financial strength.
Still, the good news is that there are a few models that can be purchased for under 30,000 yen. This time, we've picked out many such low-priced models, and we'll introduce some excellent models that are easy on the wallet later.
PFAS-free GORE-TEX PRO ePE membrane models now available from various brands
The next big topic this season is the release of PFAS-free GORE-TEX PRO products from various brands.
In recent years, with the shift to PFAS-free materials, the number of hard shells using GORE-TEX PRO fabric has become extremely limited, but it seems that new products have finally started to appear again from various brands this year.
With its excellent durability and breathability, there's no doubt that it remains one of the most reliable fabrics for extreme conditions like winter mountain climbing. I haven't tried it thoroughly yet, but I'm looking forward to it because I've heard that the lighter and more flexible membrane makes it more comfortable to wear.
However, I am concerned about the potential for a decrease in water repellency due to the new PFAS-free DWR treatment, and to be honest, I am not hopeful about this as there has not yet been a definitive technological leap. So this year, I purchased a fluorine-based water repellent for outdoor clothing, which was recently launched by Senshoya, a well-known dry cleaning service specializing in outdoor products. I am planning to experiment with using this to see if it improves water repellency.
Don't underestimate non-GORE-TEX models either. They offer stretch, water repellency, breathability, and cost performance that GORE-TEX doesn't offer.
Because of the superior performance of GORE-TEX PRO (or its lower-end model, GORE-TEX 3L), it is inevitably the first choice when choosing a hard shell for snowy mountains this year, but the other proprietary fabrics are by no means inferior.
In particular, pay attention to models that offer excellent stretchability, water repellency, and cost performance, which are not available in current GORE-TEX products.
GORE-TEX PRO stretch technology was introduced in an update a few years ago, but it disappeared without a trace due to the shift to PFAS-free products. Furthermore, as mentioned above, GORE-TEX models (and other PFAS-free DWR products) still have low water repellency, and GORE-TEX products are inevitably quite expensive.
In that respect, there is also a chance for using proprietary fabrics. For example, "Tasma," a material jointly developed by Teton Bros. and Toray, is a fabric with features not found in GORE-TEX, such as stretch and breathability, and it also uses the existing C6 water-repellent treatment (which has high water-repellent properties, even if it does have some environmental concerns), all while remaining affordable. Jackets that take advantage of these benefits are attractive enough even compared to mediocre GORE-TEX PRO models. In that sense, depending on the application and conditions, "GORE-TEX" is not the only option.
Best hard shells for different uses and preferences
1. All-around hard shell
Rab Latok Mountain GTX Jacket
First of all, hard shells can be roughly divided into "alpine" and "ski" types based on their construction, and "all-around" types, which are somewhere in between. Of course, there are gradations within each, but when it comes to purchasing, it's safe to think of them as roughly divided into these three categories.
Among them, the all-round model is safe and has the widest range of protection, and its overall good balance makes it an attractive piece.
While the basic performance of a hard shell is high, what makes it different from other categories is that:
- The length is neither too long nor too short
- A silhouette that is neither too slim nor too baggy
- Not too many pockets, not too few
That's about it.
There are many classic, long-selling models that represent each brand, and these models can be recommended to a wide range of people, from beginners who have not yet narrowed down their purpose to those who want to do everything with just one piece of clothing.
If I had to choose just one, it would be the Rab Latok Mountain GTX Jacket . The latest GORE-TEX PRO fabric is used in both 80D and 40D, achieving a high level of lightness and durability. The three-dimensional cut pattern provides reliable freedom of movement, and there are plenty of pockets on the chest, left and right sides, and inside for added storage.
2. All-around lightweight hard shell
MONTURA MAGICA GTX PRO JACKET
We designed a particularly lightweight model that combines the all-around features mentioned above. It is perfect for those who want to go light and fast on the snow.
The criteria are to have all-round characteristics and
- Weight less than 400 grams
Model.
One item that caught my eye was the " MONTURA MAGICA GTX PRO JACKET ." Who would have thought that MONTURA had been discontinued last year, but it's back so soon! Apparently, this time it'll be called "Montura."
This jacket uses the latest, flexible GORE-TEX PRO and has been trimmed down to the bare minimum, resulting in an astonishing weight of just 300 (330?) grams. It even has pockets and underarm pit zips. While I wouldn't recommend it for mountaineering in the dead of winter, it seems like it would be great for a wide range of high-tempo activities, from snow trekking to ski touring.
3. All-around low-cost hard shell
MILLET Typhon Warm Next Stretch Jacket
This category was chosen based on the constraint that models have all-round features and are priced at roughly under 50,000 yen.
Our top pick here is the Millet Typhon Warm Next Stretch Jacket . Made from durable nylon fabric, it boasts top-class water resistance and breathability, and is made from high-quality stretchable fabric. It's well-made and suitable for climbing snowy mountains, yet is reasonably priced at just under 40,000 yen.
4. All-around low-cost, lightweight hard shell
finetrack Everbreath Primo
If you're looking for an all-around, lightweight (under 500g) model that's also priced at just under 50,000 yen, the finetrack Everbreath Primo is an interesting choice.
Above all, the Everbreath fabric is excellent, with excellent waterproof, breathable, and stretch properties, and it has also been carefully crafted down to the smallest detail by a manufacturer with extensive knowledge of Japan's winter mountains.
Of course, this one piece won't be enough to get you through the harsh winter in the Alps, but it will do the job well as your first hard shell.
5. Highly protective and durable hard shell
Arc'teryx Alpha SV Jacket
Here are some noteworthy models that prioritize weather resistance, robustness, and durability, whether you're hiking long distances through the mountains in the harsh winter or on a variation route that must withstand harsh conditions. They are basically all-round or alpine-style structures, and on top of that,
- Cold protection to withstand severe cold
- Weatherproof against rain, wind and snow
- Durable fabric that won't break easily
If this is your first priority, the one to watch is the ever-famous "Mr. Tough" jacket, the Arc'teryx Alpha SV Jacket . Made with Arc'teryx's most durable and waterproof/breathable 100D nylon fabric, this lightweight model is packed with cutting-edge technology, making it a true symbol of Arc'teryx.
6. Alpine Hard Shell
Patagonia Pluma Pro Jacket
This "alpine" classification places more emphasis on comfort for climbing activities such as ice climbing and winter variation routes. Of course, it's not impossible to use it for all-around climbing, but when climbing, the more difficult the situation, the more comfort there is.
What is different is that the main features are:
- Slim, body-hugging silhouette prevents chafing and flapping
- Stress-free mobility even with large upper body movements such as swinging your arms
- A weather-resistant hood that fits snugly over a helmet
- Careful considerations based on the assumption that the rider is wearing a harness
Is that so?
It was quite difficult to choose just one jacket to recommend, but I'd like to recommend the Patagonia Pluma Pro Jacket . The reason is that it's made with durable GORE-TEX PRO 80D fabric. Its slim, three-dimensional cut allows for easy movement, the hood fits perfectly, and the chest, left and right, and inside pockets provide ample storage—it's a truly outstanding alpine hard shell. However, the other models aren't necessarily inferior, so feel free to choose.
7. Lightweight alpine hard shell
Arc'teryx Alpha Jacket
Among climbing gear, models that have been particularly lightened to emphasize lightness are not recommended for everyone as they can easily break with the slightest thing, but they are still recommended for those who prioritize lightness and ease of movement.
I'll try to choose an outfit for someone.
Among these, the Arc'teryx Alpha Jacket is our top pick for its overall performance despite being lightweight. It uses incredibly thin 20D and 40D nylon, blended with ultra-durable 50D Hadron™ ripstop fabric for lightweight yet high tear strength. The stable draping makes it perfect for an alpine jacket.
8. Low-cost alpine hard shell
mont-bell stream parka
Mont-Bell Stream Parka undoubtedly the best. This latest 2025 model from the familiar Mont-Bell brand is made with their unique "Super Dry Tech" highly breathable, stretchy three-layer fabric, making it lightweight yet durable. It also boasts ample functionality for stress-free winter mountaineering, and yet is surprisingly priced at just under 30,000 yen. Even those on a tight budget will appreciate this.
9. All-around backcountry hard shell
Teton Bros. TB Jacket
The last category is hard shells specifically designed for mountain skiing, including slope skiing, side country, freeride, and backcountry skiing/snowboarding. In addition to the basic functions of a hard shell, their main features are:
- Longer lengths and relaxed silhouettes are designed for layering and style.
- Powder skirt to prevent deep snow from entering
- Hood designed to accommodate large helmets
- Plenty of storage space for lift tickets, goggles, gloves, climbing skins, etc.
- Practical, activity-specific features like effective ventilation and goggle wipers
The following are some of the most notable examples:
Among these backcountry skis, this one is an all-around type that can be used for skiing, climbing, and sloping.
There are so many excellent models here that it wasn't easy to narrow it down to just one, but if I had to choose based on my personal preferences, I would say the Teton Bros. TB Jacket is still my favorite this season.
Up until now, most models other than the low-priced models have been GORE-TEX-based, but Teton Bros.'s proud ``Tasma'' has excellent performance, from moderate breathability to flexibility, stretchability, and durable water repellency.I've been using it for about three years now and have no complaints at all except in the harshest of winters.
There are so many other things I like about it, even down to the small details, such as the relaxed, easy-to-move silhouette that isn't too loose, the easy-to-use ventilation, and the Velcro cuffs that are easy to use (the only thing I like is that the hood could be made a little better).
I'm both happy and worried that it's difficult to find a BC ski jacket that surpasses this one.
However, this season will see the start of a counterattack by GORE-TEX PRO, so we can't rest easy. In particular, I'm secretly looking forward to the Patagonia Powslayer Jacket, which is being revived after a few years, as the fabric, appearance, and pockets all have specifications that are close to my ideal.
10. Freeride hard shell
PeakPerformance M Vertical Gore-Tex Pro Jacket
You want to tackle powder snow, but you don't necessarily want to hike all the way from the trailhead. At most, you'll hike up from the top of the lift for a few minutes, so for those who are focused on skiing, sweat management isn't really necessary. Instead, you'll want convenience on the slopes, comfort while skiing, and style. For those of you who want to tackle powder snow, the PeakPerformance M Vertical Gore-Tex Pro Jacket is the perfect choice. Its relaxed fit and slightly heavier weight make it less suited to light mountain skiing, but it's perfect for enjoying the side country slopes of Niseko, Happo, Kagura, and Tanigawadake, and occasionally venturing out to puff up the powder.
11. Lightweight hard shells for ski touring
NORRONA lyngen Gore-Tex Jacket
To begin with, mountain skiing is an activity where you climb snowy mountains using skis instead of feet, so in that sense, accessing the mountains from the slopes is a bit of a heresy. Setting aside my fussy side, I'm more of a fan of this style... In short, this is a hard shell suited to backcountry skiing, where you focus on a touring style of "long, hard climbs and quick descents."
It has the opposite characteristics to freeride, namely,
- Minimizing weight with minimal functionality and fabric thickness
- Good at dealing with sweat and stuffiness
- Slim and easy-to-move pattern that prioritizes lightness
We place importance on this.
For this type of "lightweight BC" type hard shell, we highly recommend the NORRONA lyngen Gore-Tex Jacket . Its lightweight design weighs just 362 grams, and its slim yet easy-to-move silhouette makes it both lightweight and durable. The 3-layer GORE-TEX uses a C-knit backing for a supple and comfortable lining. It also has two chest pockets, and the underarm ventilation has been removed to avoid restricting movement, with a large one placed on the front instead. Because of its slim silhouette, be sure to choose a size that takes layering into consideration.
12. Low-cost hard shells for backcountry use
Rab Khroma Kinetic Jacket
Finally, I'd like to finish by looking at a low-priced model of backcountry-style hard shell.
Modestly priced models with features suited to mountain skiing—a slightly oversized silhouette, ample pockets, deep snow protection, helmet- and glove-compatible hoods and cuffs—are quite rare, and for a model with even the minimum level of functionality, you'd have to be prepared to shell out over ¥50,000 (excluding Montbell, lol). However, even among these, the Rab Khroma Kinetic Jacket . Its supple softshell-like fabric boasts high specs, with a water resistance of 20,000mm and breathability of 25,000g. Its precise three-dimensional cut and high stretchability allow for ease of movement, and the three exterior pockets and two interior pockets are sufficient. At ¥60,000, this jacket is by no means expensive in this world of rising prices.
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!
You can read all the recommended hard shell jackets and a comparison list of all 144 models in the paid membership article.
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