Best Hiking Jacket [2021]: TOP 10 Lightweight Backpacking Jackets

When the weather starts to cool down or as the rainy season is right around the corner, you might start doubting your hiking plan or begin to consider what it is the Best hiking jacket to invest in.

With so many options in the market, the decision is not so easy to make.

Therefore, we have brought you some of the best lightweight hiking jackets.

It will not only make your hiking comfortable but will save you from harsh elements.

Thus, we have searched every online market and buying guide then brought you these best hiking jackets.

Have a look at these products with their features and benefits and then select you suitable and best hiking jacket according to your need and type of hike.

Scroll down to find the best hiking jackets and enhance your comfort and support for your trekking or hiking trip.

Best Hiking Jacket

1. Arc’teryx Zeta SL Men’s Jacket
2. Black Diamond StormLine Stretch
3. Marmot Minimalist Jacket
4. Outdoor Research Foray Rain Jacket
5. The North Face Men’s Venture 2 Jacket
6. Marmot Women’s PreCip Eco Jacket
7. Columbia Women’s Arcadia II Jacket
8. Columbia Men’s Watertight II Jacket
9. Sherpa Adventure Gear Men’s Kunde 2.5-layer Jacket
10. Craft Women’s Lightweight Rain Jacket

1. Arc’teryx Zeta SL Men’s Jacket

Summer hiking and trekking involve unpredictable mountain weather that can be made comfortable with Arc’teryx Zeta SL Men’s Jacket.

Pros

• Super light materials
• Great for hiking and trekking
• Durable and protective designs
• Waterproof and breathable

Cons

• A bit high priced

The Arc’teryx Zeta SL Men’s Jacket is made from Gore-Tex material that is perfectly water-proof, wind-proof and breathable that works as an environmental shelter.

Further, this best hiking jacket is designed with super light material that makes it extremely lightweight and durable with amazing packability.

On the other hand, the non-helmet compatible stormhood of the jacket secures with a halo adjuster.

Eventually, this best backpacking jacket comes with an adjustable cuff and hem that further helps to seal out the weather.

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2. Black Diamond StormLine Stretch Jacket

When the weather is making your hike difficult, take Black Diamond StormLine Stretch with you that is waterproof and windproof with no movement restrictions.

Pros

• Lightweight and stretchy
• Provide mobility and comfort
• Compatible hood
• Quality of fabric and features

Cons

• The fit does not give the optimal support

The Black Diamond StormLine Stretch jacket is extremely lightweight, weighing 0.71 pounds, waterproof and windproof that comes with the four-way stretch design.

Further, it also comes with underarm gussets that help you climb and reach any mountain and trail with zero movement restrictions.

The best hiking jacket by Black Diamond is made of 2.5 layers with BD.Dry membrane and 100% nylon that provides additional warmth.

Moreover, this best lightweight hiking jacket contains durable water repellent coating and features adjustable hood, cuffs and hem for extra support.

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3. Marmot Minimalist Jacket

The Marmot Minimalist Jacket is one of the best waterproof jacket in the market as it has got you the best tquality and superior material for the amazing support.

Pros

• Extremely water-resistant
• Adjustable hood
• Zippered side pockets
• Breathable

Cons

• A little too roomy in the torso and arms areas

The Marmot Minimalist Jacket comes with water-resistant Gore-Tex with weight-minimizing paclite technology that makes it 100% recyclable.

On the other hand, this best hiking jacket is made with a wind-blocking hydrophobic membrane and weighs 0.94 pounds.

Further, the features of this best camping jacket include zippered side pockets and a chest that gives perfect access to extra storage while camping.

Eventually, adjustable elastic hem, cuffs and hood are also added in its features with pit zips that offer additional breathability and comfort.

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4. Outdoor Research Foray Rain Jacket

Try this multipurpose Outdoor Research Foray Rain Jacket that comes with great waterproofing to keeps you dry and safe in rainy or windy weather.

Pros

• Durable water repellent coating
• Easily packable
• Extremely durable
• Offers much-needed extra coverage
• Denier polyester material

Cons

• The fit might seem a bit baggy
• Side zips add more weight to the jacket

The Outdoor Research Foray Rain Jacket is made of 2-layer Gore-Tex palclite water-resistance that is a packable attribute and breathable feel.

Further, the TorsoFlo side zippers are added in this best hiking jacket for extra ventilation.

Also, it comes with a dual-pull adjustable hood for comfort and support.

Additionally, the dual drawcord hem, adjustable cuffs, a chest pocket and hand pocket are also an inclusion in the features of this best backpacking jacket.

Moreover, the Outdoor Research Foray Rain Jacket weighs 0.96 pounds and comes in a low-high style that offers good coverage.

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5. The North Face Men’s Venture 2 Jacket

Coming with 100% windproof quality and fabric to prevent moisture or rain getting inside, the North Face Men’s Venture 2 Jacket is something to try.

Pros

• 100% windproof
• Breathable and waterproof
• Built to last
• Velcro cuff tabs

Cons

• Not extremely weatherproof

The North Face Men’s Venture 2 Jacket is perfectly waterproof, breathable.

It comes with seam-sealed DryVent 2.5L shellstowable in hand pockets which is made with 100% nylon ripstop.

Moreover, the fabricpit zip venting of this best hiking jacket is 100% windproof and carry standard fit covered, secure-zip hand pockets for extra support.

Also, best jackets for hiking comes with additional features for extra support and comfort, the North Face Men’s Venture 2 Jacket also includes fully adjustable hoodvelcro cuff tabs.

Eventually, this best hiking jacket contains stormflap with Velcro closure that covers center front zipHem cinch-cord quite effectively.

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6. Marmot Women’s PreCip Eco Jacket

Try the leading women’s jacket on the budget-friendly market namely Marmot Women’s PreCip Eco Jacket that is lightweight as well as ecological.

Pros

• Adjustable hood
• Extremely lightweight
• Great for layering with puffy pieces
• Easily packable

Cons

• The mesh is not durable
• Lining might get damp in harsh weather

The Marmot Women’s PreCip Eco Jacket is made with 100% recycled nylon and weighs just 0.64 that makes this best hiking jacket more comfortable and extremely lightweight.

Moreover, the jacket comes with NanoPro technology that offers high-quality water-resistance and breathability.

On the other hand, DWR finish coating of these best lightweight backpacking jackets keeps the moisture away for a definite period.

Additionally, the angle-wing movement of the jacket allows you free movement with no restriction.

Where adjustable cuffs and a draw cord hem of the jacket makes it snug and secure for you.

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7. Columbia Women’s Arcadia II Jacket

This best hiking jacket of Columbia Women’s Arcadia II Jacket is a staple option in a women’s wardrobe which is perfect for an everyday shield against rain.

Pros

• Smooth front zipper
• Protects from water leakage
• Long and adjustable Velcro sleeves
• Easily packable

Cons

• Not much breathable
• Boxy feet

This Columbia Women’s Arcadia II Jacket is the best hiking jacket for women that come with Omni-tech coating made from 100% nylon.

Further, these best hiking coats for women by Columbia Arcadia II are extremely lightweight, weighing 0.67 pounds as designed according to the needs of women.

Moreover, the mesh lining of this amazing hiking jacket for women is made from 100% polyester that further helps in keeping you dry.

In addition to this, adjustable hood, drawcord hem, Velcro sleeves and two zippered hand pockets are also added in its features.

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8. Columbia Men’s Watertight II Jacket

We have done all the work for you and found the most affordable best hiking jacket namely Columbia Men’s Watertight II Jacket.

Pros

• Waterproof
• Quite a nice fit
• Mesh liner works as a shield
• Comfortable
• Pockets for extra warmth

Cons

• Hood gets loose in windy weather
• Does not have pit zips for extra protection

Made with 100% polyester lining, the Columbia Men’s Watertight II Jacket comes with a perfect waterproof nylon shell that protects you in all weather conditions.

Weighing just 0.9 pounds, this best hiking jacket is extremely lightweight to carry anywhere with you. Further, it is easily packable in a small bag.

Moreover, the jacket is made of  Omni-tech coating that offers amazing breathability sand water-resistance system.

Eventually, the mesh liner of this best lightweight hiking jacket acts as a shield for the 3-layer construction, that makes it extremely comfortable and reliable.

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9. Sherpa Adventure Gear Men’s Asaar 2.5-layer Jacket

Try this amazing lightweight Sherpa Adventure Gear Men’s Asaar 2.5-layer Jacket that will perfectly follow your movements.

Pros

• Keeps you dry
• Extraordinary protection from the elements
• Dry touch technology
• Functional and comfortable
• Adjustable fit

Cons

• A bit costly

This best hiking jacket is made from Sherpa’s Himaltec, an ultralight laminate that offers great water-proof, wind-proof capacity with amazing breathability.

Further, the Sherpa Adventure Gear Men’s Asaar 2.5-layer Jacket contains a four-way mechanical stretch that allows that jacket to follow your every move.

On the other hand, the flexible fabric preserves your full range of motion while the inner surface comes with a dry touch print to enhance comfort and breathability.

Moreover, the best hiking jacket comes with a drawcord adjustable hem, adjustable cuffs and a precise hood adjustment system to perfect adjust its fit according to your body.

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10. Craft Women’s Lightweight Rain Jacket

Designed in Sweden which is a land blessed with 200 days of challenging conditions, the Craft Women’s Lightweight Rain Jacket is perfect for every hiking lover.

Pros

• Lightweight and breathable
• Easily packable
• Wind and waterproof
• Allows you to move freely
• Optimal moisture transfer

Cons

• A bit costly with this quality

The Craft Women’s Lightweight Rain Jacket comes with lightweight and waterproof fabric that protects you from the elements.

Further, this best hiking jacket is made with light material that helps you to move freely while its airy mesh lining offers optimal moisture transfer.

Moreover, it is perfectly designed for women and contains waterproof zippered pockets that keep your belongings dry and secure.

Eventually, other features include adjustable elastic cuffs, full-zip design with a loose and tapered fit that ensures a comfortable and active movement.

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Best Hiking jacket – buyer’s guide

A good waterproof hiking jacket is always essential for slopes, no doubt!

But finding the right and best hiking jacket that suits all your outdoor activities isn’t always so simple.

There are several things to consider before buying the best camping jacket such as its features, waterproofs, breathability and more.

Simply have a look at this buying guide before selecting your right jacket.

• Waterproof

The best hiking jacket definitely comes with waterproofing that is expressed as a rating called hydrostatic head.

5000 – 10000 mm is ideal for those who spend long days in all weather conditions. Where 10000mm – 20000mm is perfect for the wetter climate.

• Gore-Tex

Gore-Tex is the most remarkable and well-known waterproof membrane that adds amazing durability and breathability in the product.

The best hiking jacket that uses Gore-Tex is found with slightly different benefits than others.

• Key features

There are several important features that your best hiking jacket should have such as extra storage capacities like pockets, hood, 3-in-1 jackets, Velcro, pull-cord, taped seams and chin guard.

Some of the best jackets for hiking comes with all of these great features.

So, better try to buy an all-in-one product if you wish to make your hike comfortable.

• Construction

Most of the waterproof jackets use a 2-layer, 2.5 layer or 3-layer construction.

All three construction types contain a durable water repellent (DWR) coated outer fabric that helps to protect your jacktar against moisture.

The second layer is the membrane that offers the jacket its water-repellant and breathable part.

Plus, the third and final layer have a (PU) layer painted onto the inside of the waterproof membrane. 3-layers jackets have a thicker PU layer but are much heavier than 2.5-layer jacket.

• Fabric

The material of the best hiking jacket should be reliable, durable, comfortable and most importantly lightweight.

It should not weigh you down while hiking and at the same time should provide all kinds of comfort that you are seeking in your hiking trip.

FAQ

What is the Best Jacket for Hiking?

Given below are some of the best and top class hiking jackets you will love to the core:

• Arc’teryx Zeta SL Men’s Jacket
• Black Diamond StormLine Stretch
• Marmot Minimalist Jacket
• Outdoor Research Foray Rain Jacket
• The North Face Men’s Venture 2 Jacket
• Marmot Women’s PreCip Eco Jacket
• Columbia Women’s Arcadia II Jacket
• Columbia Men’s Watertight II Jacket
• Sherpa Adventure Gear Men’s Kunde 2.5-layer Jacket
• Craft Women’s Lightweight Rain Jacket

To read the full review of the Best Hiking Jackets, you can read each of the above hiking jacket reviews.

Q2. Can you Wear Jeans on a Hike?

Well, if we talk about Jeans, it isn’t a good choice when it’s wet or even cold weather.

In short, each of the hikers must be prepared for every single bad weather conditions. For those reasons, you must note that hiking in jeans is a much worse idea.

On top of that, each of the hikers has the need to wear warm and waterproof clothing to avoid any issues.

Q3. What is the Best Lightweight Rain Jacket?

Indeed, over the Internet, you can find tons of lightweight rain jackets. But, if you are searching for some brilliant Lightweight Rain Jacket, the best ones are as follows:

• Arc’teryx Zeta SL Men’s Jacket
• Marmot Minimalist Jacket
• Outdoor Research Foray Rain Jacket
• The North Face Men’s Venture 2 Jacket

Here, you can choose any of the given Best Lightweight rain jackets at your convenience, without major issues. Also, for each of the given jackets, I have jotted down a review for each of the above.

Conclusion

On the whole, the best hiking jacket should come with all the necessary features including best fabric, Gore-Tex, and amazing quality waterproofing.

It will all help to enhance the comfort of your jacket while hiking in the woods or mountain, especially in the rainy or cold weather.

You can simply choose any of these above-mentioned hiking jackets as all of them comes with high-quality material and lightweight texture.