It can be confusing and overwhelming to shop for a hiking jacket for someone just starting, given the vast market and the assorted types of outerwear that include water-resistant, windproof, soft, and hard shells. None of this will likely make sense if you’re not versed in the sport.

In that same vein, you won’t know exactly what sort of hiking jacket you’ll need for your personal experience or if you need a few different varieties to suit varied weather conditions. The only way to find out is first to do a little research to understand the terms.

Plus, shop in a specialty store where you can explain your intended use, and the expert associates can explain the differences in outerwear and point you towards those most suited for your specific needs. Let’s break down the variations and explain the differences to help you make a more informed decision.

Types Of Hiking Jackets And How They Differ

With the broad array of hiking jackets on the market, someone just beginning the sport can get easily confused and overwhelmed when trying to select the appropriate option. 

It’s difficult to discern whether you should choose merely one for all occasions or if you need a few to meet varied weather conditions and hiking situations. 

Before starting, especially if the weather has turned brisk or inclement, it’s wise to do a bit of research on the topic and speak with experts in specialty shops that carry a wide selection.

You can explain your experience level and intentions and receive specialized guidance. Find details on choosing the right hiking jacket for your climate at https://blog.walkaholic.me/en/hiking-equipment/choose-right-hiking-jacket-every-season/.

Then consider a few suggestions on the topic as we go through some of the terminology with different types of jackets and offer tips on what to factor in when selecting a jacket.

·       A softshell variety

A softshell hiking jacket is meant to be water resistant and offers breathability. The material is often a blend of natural fibers and synthetic materials, making them ultra-lightweight, stretchable, and easily packed if the temps rise. The primary advantage with this choice is its versatility. 

It has the possibility for an outer layer when the conditions are mild or a mid-layer when the elements are harsh under a hard shell or beneath a rain jacket. The material allows for greater moveability with less restriction than the hardshell variety meaning these are comfortable and contour to the body.

·       The hardshell

The hard shell is meant to be a primary source of protection when the elements are more harsh, heavy winds, and the likelihood of inclement weather. These often offer a three-layer design with breathability and waterproofing between an ultra-durable outer layer and the interior lining material.

These jackets are ideal if you live in a climate that endures harsh weather, especially in colder climates or those that have greater rainfall than others. Some will wear the soft shell as an added layer under the hard shell for more warmth and protection.

These shouldn’t be confused, however, with the winter hiking jacket. These are distinct from each other.

·       The winter hiking jacket

The winter hiking jacket is a choice to incorporate when the temps drop because you must keep warm on your hiking expeditions. These supply a “rain resistance” more so than waterproofing and will have a broad array of weather-protecting features.

The downside of this jacket is its incredible bulk. That can make the hiking experience challenging. While you want to keep warm, you will generate a degree of warmth with the exercise, but the bulk can hinder the ability to maneuver the trails in the way you hope to.

What Should You Consider When Selecting A Hiking Jacket

When choosing the ideal jacket for hiking, you’ll want to consider a few factors to make the sport more enjoyable and comfortable. Let’s review.

·       The jacket fabric

As a rule, most hikers prefer material that is waterproof as a priority and then provides breathability or a level of ventilation. 

For the best water resistance, the coating is “Durable Water Resistant” for ultra dryness, and many jackets will incorporate “Gore-Tex” for the best ventilation. Read here how to choose waterproof jackets for hiking.

Another element to consider is the stretch in the material, which allows for greater movement, a key to hiking on unpredictable trails with varied twists and turns. Your choice will depend on how you want to start your journey into the sport and your location. 

It’s essential to do some research and speak with a sporting specialist to get some guidance on what will work for your specific needs.

Final Thought

In this brief summation, we’ve covered some of the terminology and what to look for in your quest to find the perfect hiking jacket, just enough to probably scratch the surface. There is a fantastic assortment of possibilities on the market, with the priority being to select for your location and specific hiking needs.

Spend some time with research and in specialty stores speaking with experts that can guide you based on specific details. This will start you on the right foot.