Alpkit Balance Hardshell Jacket

If you are a looking for light, versatile waterproof jacket, look no further than Alpkit’s Balance Hardshell. Whether you are trail running in the Alps or bikepacking through Scotland, this jacket is perfect for throwing in your bag and pulling on during a downpour.

The Balance Hardshell is a no-frills, three-layer waterproof jacket with two large pockets and an adjustable hood. The design is simple and the price is very reasonable for a high quality hardshell. What more could you ask for?

CHECK OUT OUR FULL REVIEW OF THE ALPKIT BALANCE HARDSHELL JACKET HERE

Arc’teryx Alpha SV Jacket

When you are clinging to the icy face of a mountain in a severe snowstorm, you want a jacket that is going to keep you bone-dry. Arc’teryx are the masters of high-quality, durable mountain gear suitable for the most extreme weather conditions.

The Alpha SV is one of their best hardshell jackets made with triple-layer Gore-Tex. It’s not only waterproof but highly breathable. This jacket is made with micro-seams which means it is incredibly light, weighing in at a mere 490g. The mid-length cut works with a climbing harness as well as allowing enough room for layers underneath.

CHECK OUT OUR FULL REVIEW OF THE ARC’TERYX ALPHA SV JACKET HERE

Burton AK Cyclic 2L Jacket

Burton’s AK Cyclic jacket is ideal for snowboarders who want a top-of-the-range technical jacket with an element of steeze. Their AK range is made for the backcountry with two-layer Gore-Tex and a moisture wicking liner to draw sweat away from your body while skinning up. With fully taped seams and waterproof zippers, this jacket is made to withstand anything Mother Nature throws at it. There are also plenty of pockets to store all your gear/snacks plus headphone loops for when you need some tunes to get you stoked.

CHECK OUT OUR FULL REVIEW OF THE BURTON AK CYCLIC 2L JACKET HERE

Columbia Women’s OutDry Extreme Gold Down Jacket

Traditional down jackets lose their insulating qualities when wet, but not the Columbia OutDry Extreme Gold. It’s a totally waterproof down jacket, covered with Columbia’s signature OutDry Extreme material which is both waterproof and breathable. So you can wear this down jacket hiking in the pouring rain or skiing in a storm without worrying about ruining it. With 700 fill power down, you are also  guaranteed to stay toasty warm.

CHECK OUT OUR FULL REVIEW OF THE COLUMBIA WOMEN’S OUTDRY EXTREME GOLD DOWN JACKET HERE

Eider Shaper Jacket

Eider are known for making functional outdoor gear with a hint of elegance. After all, the company was founded by a French tailor, so what would you expect? The Shaper jacket is a high-quality skiing jacket, designed to protect you from the harshest winter conditions.

One of our favourite features is the ‘Fix A Shape’ hood and collar which covers your lower face without restricting your movement. Ideal when you are wearing a helmet and also for men who don’t want icicles in their beard. It has a more fitted feel compared to a baggy snowboarding jacket which alpine skiers often prefer.

CHECK OUT OUR FULL REVIEW OF THE EIDER SHAPER JACKET HERE

Finisterre Nimbus Jacket

Finisterre are best known for pioneering the coldwater surf movement, creating waterproof jackets and fleeces for surfers who ride waves in cold Northern Europe.

Their Nimbus jacket is one of their most popular jackets. It’s an insulated jacket filled with recycled Primaloft which stays warm even when wet. You can wear this jacket hiking in Wales, after surfing or even to a pub in the city and it wouldn’t look out of place.

CHECK OUT OUR FULL REVIEW OF THE FINISTERRE NIMBUS JACKET HERE

Montane Endurance Pro Jacket

British brand Montane are known for making some of the best kit for climbers and alpinists – they dress the British Antarctic Survey team and Mountain Rescue teams across the UK. Their Endurance Pro jacket is a great hardshell for all inclement mountain weather. It’s beefed up with two different deniers of Gore-Tex, plus a helmet compatible hood, waterproof electronics pocket and a ‘beard guard’ to protect that all-important facial fuzz from the wind, rain and snow.

CHECK OUT OUR FULL REVIEW OF THE MONTANE ENDURANCE PRO JACKET HERE

Mountain Equipment Prophet Jacket

If you are looking for a belay jacket that’ll stay warm even when wet, take a look at the Mountain Equipment Prophet jacket. It’s a tough belay jacket that is made with a new material from Gore-Tex that is properly insulated called Gore Thermium.

While it’s not 100 per cent waterproof, it will hold up in wind, rain and even light snowfall. It is filled with lightweight PrimaLoft that will keep you warm when belaying your friend on a cold, craggy ledge.

CHECK OUT OUR FULL REVIEW OF THE MOUNTAIN EQUIPMENT PROPHET JACKET HERE

Mountain Hardwear StretchDown Hooded RS Jacket

Down jackets were traditionally designed to keep you warm in very cold yet dry conditions. Technology is now changing however, so down jackets not only keep you warm but are resistant to inclement weather as well.

Mountain Hardwear’s StretchDown jacket is a great example of this new technology put into practice. The down fill is treated with Q.Shield which makes it water resistant. It also binded with incredibly strong stitching, so you can reach for a high hold without worrying your jacket will tear. Perfect for winter climbers and mountaineers.

CHECK OUT OUR FULL REVIEW OF THE MOUNTAIN HARDWEAR STRETCHDOWN HOODED RS JACKET HERE

Páramo Ciclo Light Jacket

Páramo’s Ciclo Light is a waterproof road cycling specific jacket, designed for long days on the saddle. Unlike other companies, Páramo favour a waterproof material called Directional Fabric Technology made by Nikwax which moves water away from the surface as liquid rather than vapour. The jacket has a number of features that make it excellent for long-distance cycling including a dropped tail, extra long sleeves and a helmet compatible hood plus large underarm zipper vents.

CHECK OUT OUR FULL REVIEW OF THE PÁRAMO CICLO LIGHT JACKET HERE

Páramo Velez Jacket

Just like the Ciclo Light jacket, the Velez is made with Directional Fabric Technology from Nikwax. The idea is it keeps you warm and waterproof while even when you sweating. It moves sweat away from the body quickly while remaining insulated, which is great for winter activities such as ice climbing or mountaineering. Additionally, the Velez jacket has long arms, a wired hood and chest pockets which also work as vents.

CHECK OUT OUR FULL REVIEW OF THE PÁRAMO VELEZ LIGHT JACKET HERE

Patagonia Untracked Jacket

Patagonia make some of the best hardshell waterproof jackets for backcountry skiers and snowboarders in the world. Their most recent jacket – the Untracked – is designed for those who seek powder fields instead of lapping the piste.

Made with triple layer Gore-Tex, it’s windproof and waterproof plus lined with a soft-brushed fabric for warmth. Attention to detail is clear in the Untracked jacket. The zips are waterproof, there are big underarm vents in place and the hood is helmet compatible.

CHECK OUT OUR FULL REVIEW OF THE PATAGONIA UNTRACKED JACKET HERE

The North Face Flight Series Fuse Trail Running Jacket

The North Face have made a truly remarkable material called FuseForm, one fabric where the thickness can change without using any seams. Less seams means the jacket is more durable and lighter than ever before. This women’s trail running jacket has been created using FuseForm material with added perforated membranes in zones where you are more likely to sweat, allowing extraordinary breathability. It is water-resistant and windproof.

CHECK OUT OUR FULL REVIEW OF THE NORTH FACE FLIGHT SERIES FUSE TRAIL RUNNING JACKET HERE

The North Face FuseForm Brigandine 3L Jacket

The North Face are known for creating some of the best mountain gear on the planet. The FuseForm Brigandine is their flagship snowsports jacket for this winter. Made with three-layers of FuseForm, their revolutionary new seamless material, this jacket is tougher than ever before, particularly in high stress areas such as shoulders, arms and zip pockets. It is waterproof, breathable and weighs just under 700g, making it very light for a ski jacket.

CHECK OUT OUR FULL REVIEW OF THE NORTH FACE FUSEFORM BRIGANDINE 3L JACKET HERE

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