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The best jackets for outdoor activities

Written by Fiona

October 05 2022

It’s worth taking your time to consider the best jacket for your chosen outdoor activity, especially if you will be walking in countries and seasons that are likely to throw wet and cold weather at you. There are plenty of jacket to choose from and budget will be a major consideration, but equally you will want a jacket that keeps you warm and dry and can stand the test of time.

From men’s Superdry jackets to brand-new models from outdoor giants, such as Arc’teryx and Patagonia, here are the best jackets you need if you love the outdoors and extreme activities. 

Here are some jackets to consider:

The North Face Thermoball Outdoor Jacket

The Thermoball jacket from The North Face is one of the best jackets on the market if you are looking for a warm but lightweight item. The Thermoball also packs down small enough to fit into your pocket or the pocket of yur walking rucksack. 

The synthetic insulation rivals the best down jackets you have worn but keeps the jacket lightweight and ideal for those long winter hikes.

Montane Spirit Waterproof Jacket

The Montane Spirit Waterproof Jacket is made with a leading waterproof fabric Gore-Tex. It is lightweight, packable and great for keeping out the rain, while also being breathable, so you avoid the build up of sweat dampness inside the jacket.

Other features include a soft hand feel with a fully seamed tape construction, adjustable hood with stiffened peak, full zip fastening with internal storm flap, plus an adjustable hem and cinchable drawcord.

Columbia Rain Scape Jacket

A great budget option, the Columbia Rain Scape is lightweight and breathable and will keep you dry in the rain but won’t hold you back while running or cycling. It also comes with a couple of very useful features. 

The removable hood will keep your head dry, while the chin strap ensures no cold enters from the neck opening. The jacket is also designed with Columbia’s Omni-Tech seam-sealing technology, which it said to give you the breathability of a t-shirt without compromising warmth. 

Arc’teryx Beta AR jacket

The Beta AR from Arc’teryx is a high-end hardshell jacket that is perfect for cold walks to work, as well as extreme hikes. While it is at the more expensive end of the spectrum, you get extra features, such as Gore-Tex Pro with “rugged technology’, a helmet compatible DropHood™ with an internal collar for added protection; and an embedded RECCO® reflector to improve searchability in emergency situations.

Patagonia Storm10

Ultralight and packable aren’t terms you usually associate with a well-made hardshell, but the Storm10 proves it is possible. The jacket is waterproof and great for Alpine conditions but remains breathable and easy to wear while on the move. 

This slimmed-down and simplistic jacket does sacrifice a few features that you may want, but it makes up for it in versatility and craftsmanship. 

Patagonia, the brand, scores highly on environmental considerations.

Arc’teryx Alpha SV jacket

Another Arc’teryx jacket, the Gore-Tex Alpha SV is super high-end. This jacket from Arc’teryx is widely regarded as “bombproof”, as it can handle almost everything. This jacket was designed for cold winter hikes.

Many also say there are no drawbacks to this jacket, despite the price. It will keep you dry in a storm, and warm in piercing winds, all the while staying comfortable and flexible. The Alpha SV could easily be the ultimate outdoor jacket.  

Paramo Velez jacket

The Paramo Velez is a high-quality, functional and versatile outdoor jacket that is designed for those who need protection from the elements. The jacket weighs in at just over 600g and is absolutely ideal for those who enjoy the outdoors but need that extra layer of protection. 

Berghaus Paclite Dynak jacket 

Berghaus says: “A no-nonsense, lightweight, packable waterproof that is the ideal hardshell for long summer days on the trails.” Read my review of the Paclite Dynak jacket. Here are some of the features, too:

  • Fabric: 2L Gore-Tex Paclite
  • Articulated sleeves
  • Dropped hem length
  • Two zipped hand pockets
  • Fully adjustable hood with stiffened peak and chin guard
  • Water resistant YKK centre front zip
  • “Madekind” product featuring more than 90% bluesign® approved fabric
  • Packable.

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