Sometimes, a rain jacket just isn’t enough. When you are heading into tougher weather you can need more protection than a standard rain shell can, that’s where hardshell jackets some into their own.
For most average hikers, a rain jacket should be enough, but if you plan to push the boot out a bit, maybe moving more into mountaineering activities, or if you also enjoy winter sports like skiing and snow boarding, then a rain shell won’t be enough.
In this article we list out the best women’s hard shell jackets that are available on the market in 2023. We try to be succinct by listing out the key features so can zero in on the functionality and capability of each jacket quickly.
If you just don’t have time to look through the whole article, let us save you time by telling you now that our favorite hardshell jacket for women is the Norrona Trollveggen Light Pro.
1. Norrona Trollveggen Gore-tex Light Pro
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Pros:
- Durable, long lasting, high-quality shell
- Waterproof and breathable thanks to the advanced three-layer Gore-Tex Pro laminate
- Water-resistant YKK zippers
- Pit zips for rapid cooling
- Complete with a five-year warranty
Cons:
- Price
Norrona Trollveggen Jacket Features Summary:
- Fabric: 70% nylon/30% expanded polytetrafluoroethylene
- Waterproof 3-layer GORE-TEX Pro waterproof breathable laminate
- Weight: 14.8 ounces / 420 g
- Helmet-compatible hood integrates seamlessly with a climbing or snow helmet
- Pit zips
- Pockets: vertical chest pockets; inner mesh phone pocket
- YKK® water-resistant zippers repel rain and snow
- Adjustable cuffs have hook-and-loop closure
- Single-hand hem adjustment
Best Uses: Hiking, mountaineering, skiing, day-to-day use
Top Norwegian brand Norrona have developed the women’s Trollveggen jacket that’s durable, lightweight and ideal for exploring the backcountry.
Waterproof, windproof and breathable, it’s sure to become your new, go-to favorite jacket.
This jacket is made from a durable 70% nylon and 30% expanded polytetrafluoroethylene complete with a three-layer Gore-Tex Pro laminate for a shell that is lightweight, waterproof and breathable.
All seams are fully sealed with seam tape and all external zippers are high-quality water-resistant YKKs to ensure that you stay warm and dry no matter what.
This thigh-length jacket has a comfortable fit that is perfectly adjusted to wearing with layers. The pit zips allow you to rapidly cool off during periods of high exertion, without having to remove your shell, risking exposure to the elements.
The Norrona Trollveggen Light Pro comes with a helmet compatible hood that is easily adjusted, while the cuffs can be adjusted thanks to Velcro fastenings.
There is also a hem drawstring adjuster that can be altered with just one hand. This shell features vertical chest pockets and an internal pocket that is made from stretch mesh and suitable for a variety of essential objects.
At 14.8 ounces, the Trollveggen Light Pro is light enough to be comfortable and allow ease of movement while retaining the durability and windproof nature of heavier jackets, without the excess weight.
This makes the Trollveggen an excellent hiking companion with structure and an excellent fit. All of this comes at a price, however, for the excellent quality offered by this brand, its high price is more than justified.
2. Arc’teryx Beta AR
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Pros:
- Waterproof three-layer Gore-Tex Pro laminate
- Pit zips
- Durable, tough construction materials
- High quality water resistant zippers
Cons:
- Price – at top end of the price range
Arc’teryx Beta AR Jacket Features Summary:
- Fabric: Body: 40-denier (N40p-X) 3L GORE-TEX Pro; reinforcements: 80-denier (N80p-X) 3L GORE-TEX Pro
- Weight: 380 g / 13.4 oz
- Waterproof 3-layer GORE-TEX Pro waterproof breathable laminate
- DropHood™ is helmet compatible with Cohaesive™ cordlock front hood adjusters and a separate collar for draft protection
- Pockets: #5 WaterTight™ VISLON® center front zipper; RS™ zipper sliders on hand pockets; internal zip-closure security pocket
Pit zips for additional ventilation - Adjustable hem drawcord seals out cold YKK® water-resistant zippers repel rain and snow
Best Uses: Hiking, mountaineering, backcountry skiing, downhill skiing
Prestigious Canadian brand Arc’teryx have produced this excellent women’s Beta AR (All Rounder) hardshell that is versatile, lightweight and waterproof, your ideal jacket for backcountry winter expeditions.
The Beta AR is made from a durable N40p-X and N80p-X complete with a three-layer Gore-Tex laminate for a fully waterproof yet breathable finish.
Weighing in at 13.4 ounces, it combines strength and windproof qualities yet remains lightweight for ease of movement and a comfortable fit. The micro-seam allowance reduces weight and bulk, while all seams are taped for an all-over waterproof finish.
This hardshell is specifically designed to fit women with anatomical shaping to ensure optimum comfort. Articulated elbows and underarm gussets ensure that this jacket offers an exceptional fit.
Comfort is further enhanced with the brushed microsuede collar interior and the fully adjustable helmet compatible hood.
With Arc’teryx’s unique Cohaesive™ adjustment, the hood is quickly and easily adjusted even when wearing gloves or mittens. The cuffs are adjusted with Velcro fastenings to ensure an excellent fit.
All zippers are high-quality and easy to grab. The WaterTight™ Vislon front zipper ensures that you remain warm and dry, alongside the RainShield™ pocket zippers and pit zip zipper protection.
This hardshell also features a laminated hem with adjustable drawcord, an internal chest pocket with a laminated zipper and underarm pit zips for rapid cooling during intense exercise.
The Beta AR really is an excellent all-rounder and with its excellent fit, protection from the elements and good looks, you’ll struggle to find a better candidate for your winter hiking expeditions.
Only downside is the price, however, you tend to get what you pay for and if it is in your price range it’s definitely one to seriously consider.
3. Arc’teryx Beta SL Hybrid
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Pros:
- Lightweight
- Flexible, providing a good fit
- Excellent Breathability
- Water-resistant zippers
- Excellent hood
Cons:
- It is an expensive jacket
Arc’teryx Beta SL Hybrid Jacket Features Summary:
- Fabric: Compact, lightweight, 2-layer GORE-TEX® PACLITE® Plus is reinforced with 3-layer GORE-TEX in high-wear areas, providing breathable, waterproof protection
- Weight: 309 grams (10.9 oz)
- Adjustable, helmet-compatible StormHood™ provides coverage and full visibility
- 3 WaterTight™ VISLON center front zipper
- 2 hand pockets with WaterTight zippers and RS™ zipper sliders
- Adjustable hem drawcord seals out wet and cold
- DryCuff™ laminated adjustable cuffs provide weather protection and a fine-tunable fit
Best Uses: Hiking, mountaineering, day-to-day use
Respected Canadian brand Arc’teryx have developed this Super Light (SL) Hybrid shell that is highly packable, so you can be protected from the elements at a moment’s notice wherever you go, while enjoying its barely there feel.
We should state from the outset that this jacket fits well in the women’s rain jacket category and we list it there too. However, it is a lightweight hardshell, we love versatility, which could be just what you need, as opposed to the typically heavier and bulkier three layer jackets listed elsewhere on this page.
The Beta SL Hybrid is made from two complementary Gore-Tex fabrics, ensuring that you have a jacket that is both lightweight yet tough and durable, especially in high-wear areas.
Weighing just 10.9 ounces, the Beta SL Hybrid is extremely packable, so you can take it wherever you go without having to sacrifice space. It is waterproof, durable, windproof and breathable, making it an essential piece of gear to have with you out on the trail, even in mild conditions.
It’s reduced weight and bulk make it a great, close-fitting jacket which has been especially anatomically designed for women offering extra breathability.
The helmet-compatible StormHood™ offers excellent coverage, complete with a laminated brim and adjustable drawcords for a customized fit.
Underarm pit zips allow rapid cooling during intense exertion, without increasing exposure to the elements.
Other main features DryCuff™ laminated adjustable cuffs, a WaterTight™ Vislon front zipper to keep you warm and dry, two hand pockets also with WaterTight™ zippers and an adjustable drawcord hem.
In short, this is an excellent lightweight shell to have at the ready all year round. It does not, however, replace the more durable, slightly heavier models, especially in winter time and in very harsh weather conditions.
4. Patagonia Snowbelle
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Pros:
- Comfortable and warm fit
- 3-in-1 so can remove inner liner and wear as a jacket, which is also reversible
- Provides excellent protection from the wind and the rain
Cons:
- Pit zips can be a bit fiddly
Patagonia Snowbelle Jacket For Women Features Summary:
- Fabric: 2-layer H2No® Performance Standard waterproof, breathable polyester with durable water repellent (DWR) coating
- Weight: 2 lbs 8.7 ounces / 1301 g
- 3-in-1 system can be worn as a shell, as light insulation or as a waterproof, insulated jacket
- Zip-out jacket with 60g Thermogreen® insulation compresses easily and insulates even when wet; liner fabric reverses from smooth to quilted face
- Embedded RECCO® reflector enhances radio signals from search-and-rescue RECCO detectors, helping speed up the search for a buried avalanche victim
- Polyester lining wicks moisture and glides smoothly over layers; a portion of the lining is also certified as bluesign® approved
- Removable, helmet-compatible, 2-way-adjustable hood with visor provides optimal visibility in bad conditions; tall collar protects neck and face even with hood down
- Powder skirt with webbing loop at center back keeps snow out and connects to any Patagonia snow pants (sold separately)
- Pit zips quickly release heat; low-profile cuffs with pleated gussets secure over or under gloves
Best Uses: Hiking, skiing, snowboarding, winter sports, day-to-day use
The Snowbelle jacket for women is an excellent offering from Patagonia. It is a fairly high priced hard shell jacket but as it is a 3-in-1, you get a lot in return for your investment.
In terms of core performance, the jacket is waterproof and windproof, and it provides excellent protection from the elements whether you’re hiking on the trail on a very cold winters day, or sliding down the slopes on a snowboard.
The jacket utilizes breathable polyester and pit zips to help you keep the temperature just right inside. It is an excellent jacket for winter sports like skiing and snowboarding, and will perform well on any cold day when you need some serious weather protection.
The Snowbelle is constructed using 2-layer H2No® Performance Standard waterproof, breathable polyester with a durable water repellent (DWR) coating, on the outside that sheds rain and snow. That’s the first 1 out of the 3-in-1.
For the warmth element, it has a zip-out jacket with 60g Thermogreen® insulation which compresses easily and insulates even when wet. This zip out liner fabric reverses from smooth to quilted face, so that’s the remaining 2 of the 3, in the 3-in-1.
This is more a winter sports jacket that a hiking jacket, so the full jacket is not very packable, although the inner liner compresses down nicely if you are just carrying that part of the jacket in your pack.
Specifically designed for winter sports, the Snowbelle offers a very relaxed and comfortable fit, given that there is a lot going on with it.
The jacket comes with zippered pockets: two handwarmers, one chest with cable routing, one internal stash and one internal drop-in for goggles or gloves. So plenty of pocket options to utilize.
All in all, this is an excellent choice for winter sports and it will be a good companion if hiking in very cold winter conditions. It has all the key things that one would need in a good hard shell, plus a bit more with the 3-in-1 versatility.
5. Patagonia Pluma Jacket
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Pros:
- Waterproof Gore-Tex Pro membrane
- Made from durable 40 denier nylon
- Functional pit zips
- Great versatile all-rounder
Cons:
- No two-way front zipper
Patagonia Pluma Jacket Features Summary:
- Fabric: 3-layer, 3.4-oz 40-denier 100% recycled nylon plain-weave GORE-TEX Pro shell with a 15-denier GORE™ Microgrid Backer Technology woven backer and a DWR (durable water repellent) finish
- Waterproof/breathable performance in a lightweight and durable jacket
- Optimal Visibility Hood adjusts with single-pull Cohaesive® embedded cord-lock system to work equally well with any type of helmet or a bare head
- Two high handwarmer pockets with watertight zippers stay clear of a harness or pack waistbelt; one exterior left-chest pocket with watertight zipper and one interior left-chest pocket
- Two-way pit zips for venting
- Cohaesive embedded cord-lock system has two contact points at hem for one-handed operation
- Cuffs feature minimal self-fabric hook-and-loop cuff closure and textured polyurethane inner cuff that grips gloves
Best Uses: Hiking, climbing, mountaineering
The Pluma jacket for women by popular brand Patagonia is a versatile waterproof all-rounder that’s great at keeping you warm and dry when you’re out exploring the backcountry in tougher conditions.
Made from 40 denier nylon, the Pluma is a durable, strong shell jacket with a weight of around 14 ounces depending upon the size, it is also extremely packable.
Featuring a waterproof, breathable three-layer Gore-Tex Pro membrane the Pluma keeps you warm and dry in the rain and snow. Its minimal seams are reinforced with tape for extra waterproofing and reduced bulk and improved fit.
The Pluma features a drawstring adjusted hood that is helmet compatible. It is great for making quick and easy adjustments on the go to maintain good visibility in worsening weather, rendered easier by its flexible brim.
The cuffs close with a tight-fitting Velcro system to keep warmth in, although if you’re looking to lose heat during intense exercise, there are two zip pit vents.
The Pluma has several pockets, with all of the external ones being protected by waterproof zippers, with two hand pockets, an external chest pocket and an internal mesh pocket.
The molded main jacket zipper is waterproof, but only zips one way, two way would have been useful and further assisted the zip pits in intense periods of exertion.
All in all, the Pluma offers a great, versatile all-in-one shell that’s useful for any outdoor activity in cold, wet weather. It’s dependable and lightweight, easily packable to take with you on your travels.
It is priced around the mid-market mark and it is a decent hardshell to get you through most of the year.
6. Arc’teryx Alpha SV
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Pros:
- Extremely durable
- Waterproof and breathable three-layer Gore-Tex laminate
- Pit zips
- Ease of movement
- Lightweight and packable
Cons:
- Price – expensive, but it will last a very long time
Arc’teryx Alpha SV Jacket Features Summary:
- Fabric: Nylon, N100p-X 3L Gore-Tex Pro waterproof membrane
- Arc’teryx Nu water repellent treatment for additional weather protection
- Womens’ specific design for optimal fit
- No-lift gusseted underarms and articulated patterning for unrestricted mobility
- Helmet-compatible StormHood adjustable with mittens or gloves
- Laminated chin guard
- WaterTight external zippers with micro-corded zipper pulls
- Pit zips for easy venting
- Laminated die-cut Velcro cuff adjusters
- Laminated drop-back hem with adjustable drawcord
- Cohaesive hem adjusters function as hemlock to prevent jacket from slipping out from under a climbing harness
- Pockets: Two crossover hand pockets with WaterTight zips; internal chest zip pocket; two internal laminated pockets; left bicep pocket with WaterTight zip; internal dump pocket
Best Uses: Hiking, mountaineering, backcountry skiing
The women’s Alpha SV (SeVere weather) jacket by Arc’teryx is one of highest priced in this category of shell jackets. Designed to withstand the harshest alpine conditions, this shell jacket won’t let you down, wherever you take it.
The Alpha SV is incredibly strong and highly abrasion resistant, made from N100p-X with a three-layer Gore-Tex Pro laminate that makes it waterproof, weatherproof and extremely breathable.
This shell is built to last, justifying somewhat its rather large price tag. In spite of its robust construction, the Alpha SV is lightweight and extremely packable, weighing in at 15.5 ounces.
Like other hardshells from Arc’teryx, it features a micro-seam allowance for a reduction in bulk in weight and is anatomically shaped for an excellent fit and freedom of movement. Articulated patterning and underarm gussets allow unrestricted mobility.
The breathable Alpha SV also features pit zips for rapid cooling during periods of intense exertion.
For added protection from the elements the helmet-compatible StormHood™ can be adjusted for an individual fit without the need to remove mittens or gloves, while its laminated brim helps to maintain an optimum visibility. The collar features a laminated chin guard for added protection and comfort.
The Alpha SV also features Velcro cuff adjusters for a tight fit, Cohaesive™ hem adjusters that also prevent the jacket from slipping through a harness and WaterTight™ external zippers.
There are numerous pockets including two high crossover hand pockets with zippers, a left bicep pocket, an internal chest pocket with zip, useful for small valuable items and an internal dump pocket.
The Alpha SV can be used alone in warmer wet weather or with layers in winter for unbeatable protection from the elements. It offers excellent unrestricted mobility and is lightweight and packable so you can take it anywhere.
In spite of its high price, due to its long durability and tough abrasion resistant material, this shell can still be seen as good value for money designed to last well over a decade.
7. Patagonia Triolet
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Pros:
- Reasonably priced all-rounder
- Waterproof with three-layer Gore-Tex laminate
- Plenty of pockets
- Pit zips
Cons:
- Badly designed hood
Patagonia Triolet Jacket Features Summary:
- Fabric: 3-layer, 4.2-oz 40-denier 100% nylon GORE-TEX® fabric. Reinforcements: 3-layer, 5.5-oz 70-denier 100% nylon GORE-TEX fabric
- DWR finish
- Pit zips feature supple watertight, coated Slim Zips
- Internal drop-in mesh pocket and external chest and handwarmer pockets that stay clear of harness and pack lines
- Helmet-compatible, 2-way-adjustable hood with a laminated visor for optimal visibility
- Full-reach gusseted underarm panels for mobility
- Embedded cord locks in the hood and hem for quick adjustment
Best Uses: Hiking, skiing, snow boarding, snow sports
The Triolet by Patagonia is a multi-purpose, waterproof and extremely weatherproof jacket that comes with a whole host of features.
Priced at the mid-range of the market, this popular hardshell is a great way to stay warm, dry and active over the cold, rainy season.
The Triolet is made from polyester with a triple layer Gore-Tex laminate for waterproof protection and breathability. Weighing 18.3 ounces, it is heavier than some of its competitors.
Featuring a relaxed fit with space for layering, gusseted underarm panels offer extra mobility.
The jacket’s breathability is enhanced by the two-way zippered pit zips allowing you to dump heat during intense exercise without getting cold, while the adjustable drawcord hem helps to seal out the weather.
The integrated hood is helmet compatible, it can also be adjusted two ways for a customized fit and features a visibility enhancing laminated visor. Unfortunately, the hood is not the greatest design, sometimes resulting in slight leaking.
Velcro tight fastening cuffs keep heat in, while an internal strap allows the jacket to be securely attached to any pair of Patagonia snow pants to keep it from riding upwards.
This hip-length winter shell jacket also features two chest pockets with watertight zippers, two hand warmer pockets that are above backpack harness height and a useful, interior stretch pocket.
The Triolet has plenty of features and will keep you warm and dry, it is a great versatile jacket that is much more affordable than those at the higher end of the spectrum.
8. Arc’teryx Zeta SL
Pros:
- Waterproof two-layer Gore-Tex laminate
- Very lightweight and durable
- Ample room for layering
- Great fitting hood
Cons:
- No pit zips
- Less features than other jackets
Arc’teryx Zeta SL Jacket Features Summary:
- Fabric: N40r GORE-TEX fabric (40-denier ripstop nylon) with PACLITE® Plus technology
- Weight: 9.5 oz / 269 g
- StormHood™ with halo adjuster (not helmet compatible)
- WaterTight™ front zipper
- 2 hand pockets with RS™ sliders
- Adjustable cuffs and drawcord-adjustable hem help seal in warmth
Best Uses: Hiking, skiing, snow boarding, snow sports
The Zeta SL Women’s Jacket by Arc’teryx is an all-in-one emergency shell solution that is waterproof, windproof and breathable.
Extremely packable and lightweight, the Zeta SL is ideal for hiking in tougher conditions. It has plenty of room for layering so its a jacket that can be adapted for use all year around, in combination with other layers for additional warmth.
This jacket is made from N40r GORE-TEX fabric (40-denier ripstop nylon) with PACLITE® Plus technology for added rain protection. The material is resilient and performs well in heavy rain showers.
Weighing just over 9.5 ounces / 265 grams, the Zeta SL lives up to it’s SL title (super light). It is easily packable in your backpack for long days out on the trail. However but it doesn’t pack away into its own pocket, you’ll just have to roll it up into the hood when carrying.
The Zeta SL offers a great, relaxed regular fit specifically designed for women.
While this jacket is an excellent performer which excels in rain protection and breathability, it does lack some features. While the storm hood with halo adjuster is functional and performs well, it is not helmet-compatible. There are also no pit zips in the jacket for extra ventilation.
The jacket comes with WaterTight™ zippers, Velcro cuff adjusters, a WaterTight™ front zip, two hand pockets and a chin guard with brushed microsuede. Note that the zippers are very water resistant but not waterproof.
This is a great jacket for a hiker to be used all year around when the skies open up. It’s super light and although ideal for hiking, it makes a great general all-rounder as a jacket, to be used for a wide variety of activities. It is easy to pack away, waterproof and breathable.
However, it does lack some features that we like e.g. pit zips and perhaps another pocket or two wouldn’t go astray. Overall though, the Zeta SL is an excellent emergency shell for the trail.
9. REI Co-op Powderbound
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Pros:
- Very warm and comfortable fit
- Excellent basic ski jacket
- Good value for money
Cons:
- Bit wide at the bottom
REI Co-op Powderbound Jacket Features Summary:
- Fabric: 2 layer Nylon (bluesign® approved)
- 2-layer waterproof breathable laminate
- Weight: 1 lb 8.9 ounces / 857 g
- 80g synthetic insulation keeps your core warm while 60g synthetic insulation in the sleeves gives a little more movement, a little less bulk
- Helmet-friendly hood is big enough to pull over a helmet but not too big to wear over a beanie; hood can be adjusted in the front and back to dial in the fit
- High collar lets you tuck your chin when the snow is blowing and is lined in fuzzy tricot to eliminate chin chafe
- Pit zips let you quickly release heat
- Articulated elbows support ease of movement while riding
- Shaped cuffs with wide hook-and-loop adjustments help seal out the elements, can fit over gloves and are easy to grab—even with mittens
- Powder skirt snaps away when not needed; drawcord at hem helps seal out the elements
- Media port and plenty of pockets, including a lift pass pocket on wearer’s left wrist, a key clip in the left hand pocket and drop-in goggle pocket inside the wearer’s right
Best Uses: Skiing, snowboarding, winter sports, winter hiking, day-to-day use
The Powderbound jacket for women is designed by outdoor specialist REI. It is a mid range average priced winter ski jacket. Waterproof, windproof and breathable, it a great go-to jacket for outdoor adventures and exploration, whatever the weather may be up to.
The Powderbound utilizea its Peak 2-layer nylon shell to protect you from the rain and snow. It also easily resists biting winds while staying breathable and dry on the inside.
The Powderbound’s breathability is further enhanced by its pit zips which can be easily opened with gloves on, allowing you to quickly cool down without increased exposure to the elements.
Specifically designed for snow sports, the REI Powderbound offers a relaxed fit and is made for strength and durability, combined with suppleness and ease of movement.
There are plenty of standard pockets available in the jacket as well as a media port, a lift pass pocket on wearer’s left wrist, a key clip in the left hand pocket and a drop-in goggle pocket, inside the wearer’s right hand side.
The jacket’s shaped cuffs come with wide hook-and-loop adjustments that help seal out the elements. These can fit over gloves and are easy to grab. The hood is easily adjustable and is also helmet compatible.
All in all, this is an excellent choice for snow sports but can easily be used for a cold day hiking on the trail. It’s a really nice jacket with lots of very functional features and a very comfortable fit.
10. Outdoor Research Skyward II
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Pros:
- AscentShell waterproof breathable laminate for full waterproof protection
- Suitable for year-round use
- Excellent jacket for snow sports
Cons:
- Thick and heavy
Outdoor Research Skyward II Jacket Features Summary:
- Fabric: 88% nylon/12% spandex
- Weight: 1Ib 5oz / 680g
- Waterproof and breathable
- Extra stretch in the face fabric enhances range of motion during dynamic activities
- Fully seam-taped, AscentShell laminated construction is waterproof and breathable
- Halo hood with wire brim and integrated cordlocks is helmet-compatible
- TorsoFlo™ venting allows cooling airflow from hem to bicep with a 2-way zipper
- Zip hand pockets; 2 internal Shove-It™ pockets; 2 chest pockets; media pocket; key clip
- Pockets are placed so they don’t interfere with your harness or pack hipbelt
- Brushed tricot-lined collar adds soft comfort
- Movement-mirroring stretch and articulated elbows enhance your freedom of movement
- Elastic cuffs and elastic drawcord hem help seal in warmth; Thumb Drive™ hook-and-loop cuff closures
- YKK® AquaGuard® zippers; YKK AquaGuard Vislon zippers; 2-way center front zipper
Best Uses: Snow sports, Hiking, mountaineering, day-to-day use
The women’s Skyward II Jacket by Outdoor Research is an extremely practical hard shell jacket that is breathable and supple, offering increased mobility on the slopes whilst keeping the elements at bay.
Made from 88% nylon / 12% spandex, the jacket fabric has a nice stretch in it, so your ease of mobility is definitely complimented with it. It also features the AscentShell laminated construction which is waterproof and breathable.
Its movement-mirroring stretch and articulated elbows further enhance your freedom of movement, ensuring an optimum fit no matter what the weather might hold in store for you.
Weighing in at 1Ib 5oz / 680g, the Skyward II is feasibly light enough to pack away, but the jacket is not really designed with that in mind.
Not only is this shell jacket fully seam taped, but the front external zipper is also a YKK AquaGuard™ zipper, which helps ensure that you remain warm and dry inside.
The Halo hood with wire brim and integrated cordlocks is helmet-compatible, and can be adjusted to provide an individual and easy fit.
Pockets are situated above backpack harness level for easy on-the-go access. There are two zippered hand pockets and a zippered chest pocket. The jacket also features a drawstring hem cord and Thumb Drive™ hook-and-loop cuff closures for a close fit.
The lining fabric is 50-denier polyester knit backer so there is also excellent insulation inside to keep you warm. Overall, a great all-rounder around the mid to high price point for hard shell jackets in this category.
Currently the Skyward II does not feature any pit zips, although it is highly breathable. Maybe a bit on the heavier side, this durable shell is a great choice for ski touring, snow sports or hiking in winter conditions.
Conclusion
We hope you found this look through the best women’s hardshell jackets of 2023 informative and useful. Please share it across your networks if you did.
A hardshell jacket is not necessary for many, they’re an expensive luxury which the average hike probably doesn’t need. However, if you decide you want to push the boat out a bit, by maybe hiking over a glacier or maybe taking up some winter sports, then a hardshell jacket is what you will need.
As mentioned, they’re pricey, but you get a lot of bang for your buck, and a good hardshell well looked after will last a long time, and give you plenty of great use.
If you’re not sure where to start with hardshell jackets and don’t know anything about whats involved with them, head over to our hardshell jacket buying guide. It walks you through all of the key things to think about before making a purchase.