hardshell jacket
Rigid weatherproof coat
A hardshell jacket is an outer layer designed for protection against rain, wind, and snow.
Unlike softshells, which prioritize breathability and stretch, hardshells use waterproof membranes or coatings that block moisture completely: I packed my hardshell for the summit push.
The term comes from outdoor and mountaineering contexts, where layering systems distinguish between soft and hard outer shells.
- waterproofImpervious to moisture
- water resistantAble to repel moisture
- windproofImpenetrable to air currents
- weather protectionGuarding against elements
- rainWater dropping from clouds
rain gear · Gore-Tex · outer layer · hood · zipper · breathable · hiking · hiking gear · summit · storm · layer · membrane · technical · outdoor · packable · ripstop · seams · downpour
- rainwearraincoat, rain coat, rain boots, rain hat, rain pants
- winterwearwinter coat, parka, snow boots, mittens, scarf
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Flexible, weather-resistant outerwear
softshell · fleece jacket · fleece · microfleece · sweatshirt
hardshell jacketinsulated jacket
Coat with heat-trapping fill
down jacket · puffy jacket · puffer · fleece jacket · quilted jacket
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