- Hardshell jacket
- Softshell Jacket
- Windshell Jacket
- Fleece Jacket
- Insulated Jacket
- Technical Jacket
- Waterproof Jacket
- Down Jacket
- 3-in-1 Jacket
Hardshell Jacket
What is a hardshell jacket?
Hardshell jackets are designed for the fiercest weather.
Advantage of a hardshell jacket
A hardshell jacket is designed to protect you from water and wind.
The disadvantage of a hardshell jacket
While the jacket can assist in keeping you dry, they are not always as strong as keeping you warm. If you wear several layers under the jacket and you end up hiking and sweating, you can get warmer than usual as the hardshell is not as breathable as other options. Venting the moisture is not always provided with most hardshell jackets as their goal is to seal out water.
What type of weather is a hardshell jacket mostly used for?
Hardshell jackets are the ideal solution for winter and cold weather. If you plan to head out in the colder months, you’ll need a good hardshell jacket to go with it.
Recommended hardshell jackets
Women’s hardshell jacket: Finding the right hardshell jacket depends on how long you plan to be outside, where you are going, and if you are planning to layer your clothing underneath. Here are some of the top hardshell jackets for women. If you want to purchase the best jacket on the market, we recommend the Mammut Kento Hardshell Hooded Jacket.
Men’s hardshell jacket: Women and men have different needs when it comes to hardshell jackets. The hardshell jackets are durable and offer protection against the snow and rain. Here are some of the top hardshell jacket for men to consider. The Helly Hansen Alpha 3.0 Jacket is one of the top jackets for men for outdoor survival.
Softshell Jacket
What is a softshell jacket?
A softshell jacket is designed for warmth, can be waterproof, but are highly breathable. These jackets are often used for hiking and mild weather days.
Advantage of a softshell jacket
A softshell jacket is extremely versatile as it does allow the water to evaporate from the layers below the jacket. They are ideal for hiking, warm skiing, and climbing.
The disadvantage of a softshell jacket
A softshell jacket is not designed to be waterproof and they are not for the extreme weather conditions.
What type of weather is a softshell jacket mostly used for?
A breathable softshell jacket is perfect for individuals planning to go venture in the great outdoors, and possibly sweat a little bit. A good softshell will have moisture wicking capabilities, allowing the sweat to dissipate easily.
Recommended softshell jackets
Women’s softshell jacket: Most softshell jackets have a thin fleece lining with a simple outer layer for protection. We recommend trying the North Face Women’s APEX Nimble Jacket.
Men’s softshell jacket: We recommend the North Face APEX Bionic 2 Hooded Softshell Jacket for men.
Windshell Jacket
What is a windshell jacket?
A windshell jacket is often called a windbreaker. This jacket is designed to resist light rain and wind chill. It is a lightweight jacket designed to protect you when the weather turns windy and chilly. Normally it includes armbands to seal out the cold air around the wrists and waist.
Advantage of a windshell jacket
A windshell jacket is lightweight and versatile. These jackets can include a hood with elastics to help protect you from the cold wind.
The disadvantage of a windshell jacket
Windshell jackets are great for light camping days, but they should not be used for snowlike conditions.
What type of weather is a windshell jacket mostly used for?
A windshell jacket is ideal for warmer seasons, or to use as an outer layer in the cooler seasons. These jackets are perfect for hikers planning to climb mountain peaks where the wind tends to pick up quickly.
Recommended windshell jackets
Women’s windshell jacket: This Nike Women’s Sportswear Windrunner Jacket is ideal for women.
Men’s winshell jacket: This North Face Novelty Cyclone 2.0 Jacket is perfect for men.
Fleece Jacket
What is a fleece jacket?
Fleece is one of the top options for a versatile jacket. Fleece is often used for jackets because it is warm, soft, and breathable.
Advantage of a fleece jacket
Fleece jackets are perfect for those seeking a warm jacket to wear for hiking, light camping, and general outdoor enjoyment.
The disadvantage of a fleece jacket
Fleece on it own can struggle to keep you dry. Fleece is not designed to prevent moisture from penetrating the skin due to the fact that it doesn’t have a moisture-wicking layer.
What type of weather is a fleece jacket mostly used for?
If you want to travel light, a fleece jacket is one of the best options. They are easy to stash into a backpack for a quick weekend camping trip, a day hike, or general outdoor enjoyment.
Recommended fleece jackets
Women’s fleece jacket: The North Face Arcata Full Zip Fleece Jacket works perfectly for general hiking and camping weather.
Men’s fleece jacket: The Arc’teryx Covert Cardigan Fleece Jacket for men is ideal for most weather conditions.
Insulated Jacket
What is an insulated jacket?
Insulated jackets are one of the most common jackets seen on the market. Insulated jackets are meant for cold weather. They have an outer layer that is constructed to prevent moisture from getting in. The interior layer has moisture wicking and typically fleece or down material to keep you warm.
Advantage of an insulated jacket
A quality insulated jacket has multiple layers to prevent you from getting cold in all types of weather.
The disadvantage of an insulated jacket
Depending upon the insulated jacket you purchase, you may find the insulated jacket to be too warm. Some jackets will allow you to shed a layer, which does make it versatile for multiple weather options.
What type of weather is an insulated jacket mostly used for?
Insulated jackets are built for cold weather. When you are planning to go out in weather below 40 degrees, consider buying a good insulated jacket.
Recommended insulated jackets
Women’s insulated jacket: We love this Columbia Hillsdale Spring Reversible jacket!
Men’s insulated jacket: This REI Co-op Stratocloud Down Hoodie is one of our favorite insulated jackets.
Windbreaker Jacket
What is a technical jacket?
A technical jacket is designed to be used in most weather conditions. These jackets are weather resistant, lightweight, and has insulating properties.
Advantage of a technical jacket
Technical jackets are used for multiple conditions, and many people add them to their daily outfits. Technical jackets are breathable and idea for all types of weather when it changes from cold to warm.
The disadvantage of a technical jacket
Technical jackets are perfect for daily living, and they can be used for moderate hiking, campaign, but they do not work well in extreme cold. If you are planning a camping trip in the woods, below 40 degrees, you’ll want to consider another jacket.
What type of weather is a technical jacket mostly used for?
The weather-resistant jacket is used for just about any weather condition. If you want to get the most out of the jacket, you’ll want to add on some layers if you are planning to venture out in the cold.
Recommended technical jackets
Women’s technical jacket: Ladies, you’ll love this technical jacket for your next day hike!
Men’s technical jacket: Men, this is the perfect technical jacket for daily use!
Waterproof Jacket
What is a waterproof jacket?
A waterproof jacket provides the best level of protection against water. Rain can quickly soak the out layer of other jackets, which makes it harder to stay dry.
Advantage of a waterproof jacket
A waterproof jacket has water wicking materials with high-tech laminates or coatings to keep water out. If you are headed to camp in a wet area, with a lot of rain, you’ll want a good waterproof jacket!
The disadvantage of a waterproof jacket
The brand makes a difference in waterproof jackets. Some jackets are capable of resisting some water, while others will not wick the water away, leaving you wet and cold. The Durable water repellant coating is one of the most important elements of a waterproof jacket.
What type of weather is a waterproof jacket mostly used for?
A good waterproof jacket is designed to be used in the rain. If you are headed to a place where rain is expected, you’ll want to purchase a waterproof jacket.
Recommended waterproof jackets
Women’s waterproof jacket: Stay dry with The North Face 1990 Mountain Jacket GTX.
Men’s waterproof jacket: Enjoy the Columbia Watertight II Jacket to stay dry in the rain.
Down Jacket
What is a down jacket?
A down jacket is designed to provide warmth and comfort. Down jackets have soft and warm under feathers from duck or geese and remain insulated and warm in cold weather conditions. Goose down is normally warmer than duck down jackets.
Advantage of a down jacket
Down jackets are extremely comfortable, and some campers even use them as a pillow when in need. Down jackets are great for cold days and last for several years.
The disadvantage of a down jacket
Down jackets are hard to understand the ratings as there are a lot of synthetic materials on the market, many of which do not provide the same protection in the cold weather.
What type of weather is a down jacket mostly used for?
Down jackets are built for the cold weather. Many of the jackets include multiple insulated layers for extreme weather conditions.
Recommended down jackets
Women’s down jacket: The Mountain Hardwear PackDown Jacket by REI is one of our favorites.
Men’s down jacket: We’re loving this 1996 Retro Seasonal Nuptse Jacket by the North Face.
3-in-1 Jacket
What is a 3-in-1 jacket?
If you are torn between the selection of an insulated or non-insulated jacket, consider a 3-in-1 jacket as it does give you everything in one!
Advantage of a 3-in-1 jacket
3-in-one jackets have multiple layers in one coat. You can zip off the outer layer for those warmer days, or wear just the liner or the shell depending upon what the weather is doing.
The disadvantage of a 3-in-1 jacket
Most brands do a great job with the way the 3-in-1 jacket fits, but there are some that do struggle to have the liner properly assembled with the outer layer. The important element is to do some research to find the best one.
What type of weather is a 3-in-1 jacket mostly used for?
3-in-1 jackets are for everyone and can be used in just about any weather condition. You can have a comfortable experience in a 3-in-1 jacket in moderate to cold weather.
Recommended 3-in-1 jackets
Women’s 3-in-1 jacket: We are loving the new Columbia Catacomb Crest Interchange Jacket.
Men’s 3-in1 jacket: The Men’s Bugaboo II Fleece Interchange Jacket is a great one for anyone seeking a versatile jacket.
Conclusion
With so many options out there, it can be hard to choose the best survival jacket for your specific situation. To help you make that decision, I have written a step-by-step guide that should make your decision easier. It’s called “What to Know Before Buying a Winter Jacket.” In this guide, I’ll help you answer the following questions. What to Know Before Buying a Winter Jacket- What type of weather you will be in while wearing the jacket?
- Do you need a waterproof jacket?
- What quality of material do you prefer? High, medium, or low quality?
- What activates are you going to be doing while wearing the jacket?
- How many pockets do you need in your jacket?
- Do you need a jacket that breathes well so you’re not constantly sweating?
- How important is comfort over usability?
- What type of clothing are you mostly going to be wearing underneath the jacket?