Hiking is a fun activity that you can do with family, friends, and your dog. Hiking is also a great exercise, particularly for the heart and muscles.
Many people don't realize that hiking is also one of the best forms of exercise for burning fat. But before you head out on the trail, ensure you are adequately equipped to handle whatever challenge you encounter.
If you're going hiking, getting the right jacket is important. A too thin jacket won't do you any good if it rains. But having a jacket that's too heavy might cause you to overheat.
Hiking jackets are a staple piece of clothing for hikers and adventurers. They are the last thing you put on before heading out into the wild. So choosing a great hiking jacket is important because it can make or break your adventure. You want to be comfortable when you finally decide to rest after walking for hours.
How We Search For The Best Choice
We are always searching for the best hiking jacket and have tried many different jackets over the years. Some have been cheap, and some have been expensive, but we believe you get what you pay for. We have put together a list of factors that we look at when searching for the best hiking jacket:
Flexibility
The jacket's flexibility is important because it will allow you to move freely while hiking. A flexible jacket will also allow air to flow through it. This is important because if you get too hot while hiking, then it could be dangerous for you. If no air flows through your jacket, sweat will build up inside the jacket and cause you to overheat quickly.
Waterproofing
Waterproofing is very important when looking for a good hiking jacket because there will be times when you'll be outside in wet conditions, such as light rain or snow.
Having a waterproof jacket will protect you from rain or snow getting into your clothing and keep your body dry from sweat build-up inside your clothing during hot weather conditions.
Material
The material used in a jacket is essential because it plays a crucial role in how well it performs during your adventures. For example, if you're going on a winter trip to Alaska, you'll want to choose a jacket with synthetic insulation so that it keeps you warm regardless of what kind of weather conditions you encounter along the way.
Our Top Picks
Thes are our five top choices, of all the hundreds we compared for this article:
Best Overall Choice For Men
TEZO Mens Rain Jacket Waterproof with Hooded Hiking Coat
Why It’s A Five-Star Choice
The Tezo men's rain jacket is an excellent choice for hiking gear you need to stay dry and cozy while adventuring. It's made of a lightweight, breathable, waterproof material that doesn't make you feel too hot or heavy while moving around.
The down jacket packs into its own pocket so that it won't take up space in your luggage or bag when not in use—but when you need it again, simply open up that pocket and pull out the jacket!
You can even use this jacket as an outer layer on windy days because it's so light and easy to move around. The stretchy fabric makes it easy for any size person to wear comfortably without looking like they've been playing dress-up their whole lives (and no one wants that).
Things That Are Good To Know
The jacket is made from polyester, keeping you dry for hours during heavy rain. It also has a waterproof coating that keeps the rain away from your body and prevents it from seeping through small holes in your jacket. This jacket is fully sealed and welded with a TPU membrane to ensure you won't get wet on even the most humid days.
You'll have no problem staying warm while hiking in this water-resistant jacket because its interior has non-fleece mesh lining fabric, which keeps air circulating around your body to provide extra warmth when needed most.
It also features Seal Tape invisible inside seams, so there's no chance of any leakage happening at any point during everyday wear time or washing cycles later down the line either! You'll find this lightweight yet insulated piece comfortable enough for long treks where temperatures fluctuate wildly throughout each day - whether it be summertime heat waves or spring showers!
Fun Story From A Product User
A delighted user wrote:
"I recently purchased this rain jacket for my frequent hikes, and overall, I am happy with my purchase. The price was very reasonable, and the jacket held up well in the rain. It is definitely water and wind resistant, precisely what I was looking for.
One issue I did have was with the fit. I am a fairly athletic build and usually wear a size large, but I found this jacket was a bit snug in the shoulders and arms. It's not a deal breaker, but it does limit the number of layers I can comfortably wear underneath.
Aside from the fit, I am delighted with this jacket. It looks great and has become a staple in my hiking gear. I recommend it to others, but perhaps suggest sizing up if you plan to wear multiple layers underneath."
Why It’s A Five-Star Choice
The Little Donkey Jacket is a lightweight jacket that is packable and waterproof. This jacket can be worn during hiking or outdoor activities where heavy rain occurs. It features a hood, adjustable cuffs, and zippers at the front side to allow easy access when necessary.
The jacket is also durable with its durable outer shell material that protects you against wind and rain while making you feel fresh at the same time. You can adjust the cuffs on both sides of this jacket, so they fit perfectly snugly around your wrists without being too tight or loose.
Things That Are Good To Know
It is a medium-weight, 100% polyester jacket with a zipper closure and adjustable fit. The adjustable fit allows you to tighten or loosen the waist belt, so you have complete control over how loose or tight it is. A mesh lining inside this raincoat transfers moisture away from your body and keeps you dry at all times.
This jacket works well as part of an active lifestyle because it shields against the wind while keeping out rainwater thanks to its PU-coated membrane with adjustable straps around the waistline, allowing for customization so there are no worries about feeling claustrophobic inside this jacket even if someone else wears something similar but different size wise!
Fun Story From A Product User
A satisfied customer wrote:
"I've been wearing this jacket on my dog walks since I bought it. I am satisfied with my buy overall. For treks, when I need to bring a lot of supplies, the jacket's small weight and ease of packing are perfect. During our hikes, it kept me dry and held up nicely in the rain.
I do, however, have a complaint about the jacket. The jacket was a little bit too tight on my shoulders and arms, even though I typically wear a size medium. It's not a deal breaker, but it does make wearing it for extended periods of time a little uncomfortable.
I still think this jacket is great despite the fit problem. It has been a regular in my outdoor gear and offers excellent value for the money. Just be aware that if you want to wear several layers below, you might want to size bigger."
Why It’s A Five-Star Choice
If you’re looking for a lightweight, breathable, and windproof jacket, this Moerdeng jacket is worth considering. It has a hood with a drawstring to keep your hair dry and protected from the elements. The material is soft and stretchy to the touch, so it moves with you when you bend or lift your arms.
You can adjust the cuffs to keep out cold drafts, especially if you have long arms (like me). The jacket has two side pockets that are great for carrying small items like keys or snacks on long hikes or travel adventures.
Things That Are Good To Know
The Moerdeng rain jacket is made from 100% polyester, which makes it durable and lightweight. The zipper closure helps to keep the cold air out, and you can use it to cover your hands with the fold-over cuff.
The full breathable mesh lining allows maximum airflow so that you won't get too hot while hiking in this jacket. Its water-resistant shell protects from rain or snowfall and wind chill.
Fun Story From A Product User
A delighted buyer wrote:
"I recently bought one of these for my outdoor activities, and I have to tell you that I am extremely happy with my purchase. The jacket is ideal for treks and other outdoor pursuits because it is portable and lightweight. It also helped me stay dry in the rain, precisely what I needed.
I do have one complaint about the jacket, though. I thought the jacket was a little oversized, especially in the sleeves, because I am a little older and don't have the same athletic build I did when I was younger. Although it's not a deal breaker, it does make it more challenging to layer below.
Overall, I continue to suggest this jacket to friends. It's a beautiful deal for the money and has established itself as a mainstay in my outdoor gear. Just be mindful that you might want to size down if your build is smaller."
Why It’s A Five-Star Choice
If you are looking for a hiking softshell jacket for women, this Marmot jacket is the best choice because of its breathability and waterproof material. The tempo shell is windproof, which can be especially important when hiking through exposed areas or at higher elevations where temperatures are cooler.
But even if it's not particularly windy, having this extra layer provides an added level of protection from the elements. In addition to being durable, this jacket is also lightweight. While some people prefer their jackets to be heavier to provide more warmth during colder months, others prefer lighter weights that allow them increased mobility while still keeping them warm when necessary.
Things That Are Good To Know
This softshell jacket is made of 100% Nylon, which means it's waterproof, breathable, and ideal for hiking. It has zippered handwarmer pockets that provide convenient storage space for keys or other small essentials to keep them easily accessible while on the move.
The lycra-bound cuffs and drawcord hem allow you to secure the fit while in motion—no matter how intense the activity may be—and keep out wind and rain from creeping through. In this jacket, You'll stay warm even when standing still or sitting down on those chilly days when temperatures drop below freezing levels at night but rise back up again during daylight hours!
Fun Story From A Product User
A happy buyer wrote:
"I've used this product for several years, and it has held up well. I have a black color, which is very flattering on me. I wear it with a tank top underneath, keeping me warm while still looking professional.
The fabric is smooth, so I don't have to worry about static cling or pilling like you would with a fleece hiking jacket. It also doesn't wrinkle as quickly as other jackets I've had in the past. The zippers are durable and work well, but they're not waterproof, which is my only complaint about this jacket."
Best Tactical Jacket For Men
ReFire Gear Men's Army Special Ops Military Tactical Jacket
Why It’s A Five-Star Choice
This jacket can be used for hiking and your everyday activities with its versatile use. It has a midweight design and is made of durable polyester fabric that lasts longer than other jackets on the market. The design allows heat to escape easily while keeping you warm as well.
The ReFire Gear Men's Army Jacket is water-resistant, so you can wear it even when it rains, ensuring there will be no wetness problem while in the rain or when swimming at a beach or pool party! You'll also appreciate how breathable this product is, which means you won't sweat like crazy after wearing it all day long either.
Things That Are Good To Know:
If you’re looking for a hiking jacket that’s comfortable, lightweight, and keeps you dry in any weather conditions, then this is the one. It’s made with 100% nylon fabric, making it easy to wash and clean. The thermal fleece jacket will keep your body warm in winter, while the zipper closure ensures that nobody can quickly get into your pockets while running or hiking.
The multi-pocket design allows you to easily store all your essentials, such as cell phones, keys, and money. There are also two large pockets on each side where you can put water bottles or handkerchiefs when needed.
Fun Story From A Product User
A delighted user wrote:
"This is a great product! The material is very soft and comfortable. It's also very lightweight, so it doesn't feel like you're wearing bulky fleece jackets. The material is also water-resistant and windproof, which is perfect for the cool weather in California!
The design of this jacket is very sleek and straightforward, which makes it super easy to match with any outfit. I like how the jacket collar can be folded up or down depending on how much exposure you want to your neck.
I would definitely recommend this jacket to anyone looking for something warm but also stylish!"
Emma
Hiking Jacket FAQ
The best hiking jackets are designed to protect you from the elements while remaining lightweight and comfortable. They're also made to last, so you can use them on your next hiking trip without worrying about durability. Here are some common questions about these jackets:
What are the best features of hiking jackets?
The best hiking jackets have a number of features that make them more comfortable and functional.
Waterproofing
One of the most important features you should look for in a hiking jacket is waterproofing. This protects you from rain and snow, which can be very uncomfortable. A waterproof jacket will also keep you warm in cold weather by trapping heat inside the jacket.
Hoods
Another important feature of a good hiking jacket is a hood. The hood keeps the rain off your head and face, which makes it much more comfortable to hike in wet conditions. It also protects your head from wind, which can cause headaches and make you tired faster.
Pockets
A good hiking jacket should have at least two large pockets that are easy to access while wearing gloves or mittens. The pockets should be large enough to store items like your cell phone or wallet but not so big that they add too much weight or bulk to the jacket itself.
What are the best materials for a hiking jacket?
There are a lot of different materials out there, but if you're looking for something that will be comfortable and durable, here are some of the most popular options:
Cotton
Cotton is a great option for hiking jackets. It's lightweight and breathable, so it won't trap heat when it gets too warm. Cotton also dries quickly, which is important in the rain or if you fall into a stream. It does have drawbacks, though; cotton tends to wrinkle easily and can absorb water fairly easily.
Nylon
Nylon is another common material for hiking jackets. It's often used for waterproofing because it resists water pretty well — although not as well as some other fabrics.
Nylon is also very durable and has good insulation properties, making it ideal for colder weather. The downside with nylon is that it doesn't breathe very well, so if you get too hot while hiking, your body may sweat more than you'd like down jackets.
Polyester
Polyester is similar to nylon in terms of durability, but it breathes better than nylon does — which means that if you get too hot while hiking (or doing anything else), your body won't sweat as much under.
What are some of the features to look for in a hiking jacket?
There are a few features that you should look for in a hiking jacket. The first is breathability. You want to be able to wear your jacket while hiking in hot weather, but you don't want to sweat too much. Look for fabrics with good ventilation and mesh panels.
The second feature is water resistance. If you're hiking in wet weather, you'll want a waterproof shell that will keep out rain, snow, and wind.
Third, look for comfort. This includes things like padding around the shoulders, armholes, and cuffs so that the jacket doesn't rub against your skin when you move around; zippers with tabs so that they're easy to use with gloved hands; and zippered chest pocket in all the right places so that you can store your gear where it's easy to reach without unzipping or opening the whole jacket up.
How do I choose the right size hiking jacket?
A good fit is the most important aspect of selecting a hiking jacket. If it doesn’t fit, you can’t wear it, which means the jacket doesn’t work for you.
First, put the jacket on without zipping or fastening it. Stand up straight with your arms hanging at your sides and measure from your shoulder seam to the bottom hem of the jacket. This measurement will vary depending on your height.
If you find yourself between sizes, go with the larger one. A too-small jacket will be uncomfortable and restrictive, while a too-large jacket will flap in the wind and catch on brush and branches.
For extra warmth, look for an ultralight jacket with extra insulation in critical areas like underarms and around the neckline. These are also great places to stash snacks or other small items you might need access to while hiking or climbing.
What Is The Best Hiking Jacket For You?
So, what’s the best hiking jacket? It really depends on your individual needs and budget. We hope our guide has helped you narrow your choices and given you the information you need to make an informed decision.
If you’re still unsure which one is right for you, we recommend checking out the reviews and prices of each jacket above. With a little bit of research, you’re sure to find the perfect fit for your next hike. Thanks for reading!
Emma
