Hiking Jackets

Outdoor Research hiking jackets cover every trail condition: waterproof rain shells, wind-blocking softshells, and packable insulation for cold starts. The range spans men’s and women’s fits, so the right jacket is a matter of matching the weather you hike in.

Waterproof and Weather-Resistant Hiking Jackets

Waterproof and weather-resistant are different promises. A waterproof jacket like the Foray 3L or the women’s Aspire 3L uses a sealed membrane to keep sustained rain out entirely; a weather-resistant jacket sheds light rain and wind but will wet through in a downpour. Each product page states which label applies. If your hikes include real rain, carry a true rain shell; for showers, wind, and mixed forecasts, a weather-resistant softshell breathes better and moves more comfortably.

Hiking Jacket Types

The jacket types here mirror how hikers actually pack: rain shells for wet forecasts, softshells like the Ferrosi for wind and abrasion on dry days, windbreakers when weight matters most, down and synthetic insulation (Helium and SuperStrand) for cold starts and summit stops, and fleece for the everyday midlayer. The Jacket Type, Weather Resistance, and Warmth Level filters on this page sort the full range by the same logic.

Men’s and Women’s Hiking Jackets

Every jacket collection comes in men’s and women’s versions, sized to each fit rather than scaled from one pattern. The range includes extended sizes, with availability listed per product page.

FAQs

What kind of jacket is best for hiking?

Match the jacket to the conditions. A waterproof rain shell is best for wet forecasts, a softshell for windy or abrasive terrain in dry weather, and an insulated jacket for cold starts and rest stops. Many hikers carry two: a light shell for weather and a packable insulated layer for stops.

What is the difference between waterproof and weather-resistant hiking jackets?

A waterproof jacket has a sealed membrane that keeps sustained rain out; the Foray 3L is the range’s waterproof anchor. A weather-resistant jacket resists light rain and wind but is not built for a downpour.

What is a 3-layer (3L) hiking jacket?

A 3-layer jacket bonds the waterproof membrane between an outer face fabric and an inner liner, making one durable fabric instead of a shell with a loose lining. The result is better durability and less clamminess than lighter constructions, which is why 3L construction is the standard for jackets meant for sustained rain.

Should a hiking jacket fit loose for layering?

A hiking jacket should have room for a midlayer, like a fleece or light insulated jacket, without excess fabric that flaps in wind or bunches under pack straps. Size for the layers you will actually wear underneath, and check the size and fit guide for measurements by style.