A purpose-built backcountry shell that delivers exceptional breathability and protection, but relies on a lighter, more delicate fabric. It’s premium and expensive, with a sport-focused build that favors weight-conscious backcountry tours over heavy resort use.
The Lofoten Gore-Tex Pro Shell is a ultra-light, weather-protective ski shell with Gore-Tex Pro that blocks severe weather while allowing movement. It features internal wrist gaiters, a powder skirt/pants integration, and a close, adaptable fit, but offers limited warmth and few pockets; it’s expensive and highly specialized for maximum weather protection rather than everyday warmth or feature-rich skiing.
Norrona Lofoten Gore-Tex Pro - Women's is a premium backcountry shell built for uphill performance and weather protection. It uses Gore-Tex Pro for durability and breathability, offers features like a removable powder skirt and a rescue pocket, and breathes well for long ascents; warmth comes from layering since there is no built-in insulation.
Built for serious backcountry skiers, the Lofoten Gore-Tex Pro is a lightweight, 3-layer shell that delivers top-tier weather protection and standout ventilation with extra-long pit zips and a chest vent. It’s expensive and overkill for resort days, and its lighter face fabric means durability could be a concern, but for big, unpredictable conditions it’s among the best.
The Beta SL is Arc'teryx's lightweight, high-end rain jacket offering top-tier weatherproofing with a minimal weight and compact packability. It excels in wet conditions and can double as a ski shell, but it comes at a premium price and has a fit that may require careful size selection; maintenance to preserve the DWR is also a consideration.
The Arc'teryx Beta SL is a high-end 3-layer Gore-Tex hardshell rain jacket designed for backcountry use in wet conditions. It delivers superb weather protection and durability with a relatively light weight and packable profile, but it's stiff and pricey, making it best suited for serious backcountry hikers rather than casual day hikers.
Premium, waterproof three-layer Gore-Tex rain shell that prioritizes weather protection and mobility for demanding wet-weather adventures. Helmet-compatible hood, sealed zippers, and a tailored fit deliver full range of motion, but breathability is limited and price is high.
A technical, weather-resistant 3L Gore-Tex shell designed for resort and backcountry skiing. It delivers top-tier weather protection, durable construction, and a refined fit, with thoughtful pockets and helmet-compatible hood, but it's expensive, relatively bulky for backcountry, and not warm on its own.
Patagonia SnowDrifter is a stretchable backcountry jacket with a knit liner that prioritizes breathability and comfort for warm, dry days; offers more storage and a thicker fabric but lacks the same level of Gore-Tex-like protection as heavier resort shells.
The Patagonia SnowDrifter is a lightweight, softshell-like ski jacket designed for comfort and breathability in dry backcountry days. It uses a 50D stretch polyester shell with a knit backer, making it supple and highly mobile, but it lacks the weather protection and durability for sustained wet conditions or resort use. It’s best for backcountry travelers who value comfort and low weight, with caveats around pockets, hood fit, and sizing.
The Alpha SV Jacket is a burly, weatherproof hardshell built for severe alpine conditions. It offers exceptional durability and weather protection with smart design details, but comes at a premium price and a stiffer fabric that can limit mobility.
Patagonia Triolet - Women's is a durable 3L Gore-Tex hardshell that emphasizes weather protection and mobility for mountain days. It excels for alpine climbing, ski mountaineering, and trekking thanks to a helmet-friendly hood, waterproof chest pockets, and effective venting, while offering strong value compared with pricier jackets. Its shorter back length and heavier weight limit use in extreme weather and long descents.
The Patagonia M10 is the lightest hardshell jacket GearLab tested and excels for backpacking thanks to its ultralight weight and tiny pack size. It sacrifices weather protection and breathability for minimalism, has a very small hood and limited features, and Patagonia has discontinued the model. Best as an emergency or dryer-climate shell for backpackers and climbers who prioritize weight over all-weather versatility.
The M10 Storm Women's hardshell is ultralight and packable for fast alpine missions, using a three-layer H2No waterproof/breathable shell with a long cut for mobility. It delivers strong weather protection for its weight and remains comfortable during movement, but the thinner fabric trades durability and warmth in extreme conditions and it lacks underarm vents for heat management.
The Patagonia Storm10 is a very lightweight 3-layer hardshell designed for milder climates and high-output aerobic activities. It’s exceptionally breathable, lightweight, and packable, making it ideal for rain and warm-weather use, though it offers limited wind and cold protection and durability. The hood fits a helmet but is a bit snug, and there are no pit zips with a chest pocket that’s tight to stuff into.
A featherweight hardshell designed for alpine climbs, prioritizes mobility and packability with a lean feature set. It delivers waterproof protection and a helmet-compatible hood, but its ultralight design sacrifices wind protection, pockets, and vents for weight savings, making it less ideal as an everyday rain shell but a strong choice when weight is at a premium for alpine objectives.
Patagonia's M10 Storm Jacket is a lightweight, packable 3-layer hardshell designed for fast-and-light alpine climbing. It provides excellent rain and wind protection for its thin fabric, with surprising stretch and comfort, and packs down to a small volume. The trade-offs are no armpit zips and no hand pockets, which limit ventilation and casual versatility.
Patagonia's Untracked Women’s Shell is a burly, weatherproof three-layer Gore-Tex jacket with a relaxed fit designed for resort skiing and quick backcountry missions. It’s uninsulated, so you’ll need to layer underneath, and it provides excellent ventilation and ski-specific features, though it is pricey and adds some weight for longer tours.
