12 Best Hiking Jackets For 2023 – Get Walking Year Round

Functionality: Your hiking jacket should be breathable, waterproof, and windproof. This way, it’ll let you avoid getting overheated  and sweaty.   The best hiking coats will use wik¡cking technology to hold the sweat off your skin and keep you dry!

Waterproof breathable hiking jackets will also offer protection against the elements. You should ensure your hiking or walking jacket is lightweight and fits like a second skin.

When looking for lightweight waterproof jackets, you should remember it’s the membranes, which are thin films made of synthetic materials that make a jacket entirely waterproof.  Waterproof walker jackets typically have two types of membranes – microporous and non-porous membranes. 

NeoShell or Gore-Tex are microporous membranes that let water vapour molecules escape through the synthetic blockade. 

Non-porous membranes, such as Dermizax, Ceplex, Venturi Sympatex, or Texapore allow water vapour to escape through the fabric’s molecular units.

Size: A good mountaineer jacket should have additional room to let you add a layer of clothing underneath. But it should also provide some space for air to move around. This will help keep the moisture out and keep you warm during the walk or hike.

Environmental conditions: You should know the altitude, weather, and temperature of the place you’re heading to. For instance, if your hiking terrain is likely to have rainy weather, wearing a waterproof jacket is your safest bet. But if your destination tends to have a greater variety in temperature, you may choose a flexible hiking jacket with a removable outer shell.  These often have a fleece inside and waterproof outer jacket you can remove unless needed

Warmth: Depending on the type of terrain you plan to head to and the activities you want to take up, you should consider how much warmth your jacket should offer. For instance, breathable and waterproof Gore-Tex hiking jackets are ideal for more active wearers or warmer weather. For colder terrains, a soft shell hiking jacket with an inner lining made of fleece will provide adequate warmth and comfort.

Weight: It’s another important factor that you need to consider before buying a hiking jacket. When going on a hike that involves a lot of climbing, jumping, and stretching, choosing a lightweight and flexible jacket is wiser than a heavy jacket that can restrict your movements. 

It also pays to have a hiking jacket that can be easily rolled and packed into your bag without increasing your load. But when you’re looking for the best waterproof dog walking coat, a heavier variety won’t be of much trouble.