Types of Outdoor Jackets at a Glance and Which Ones we Recommend

Question 1

An outdoor jacket is only something for the next hiking vacation? Wrong thought. With this type of jacket, fashion is combined with functionality. No matter if it is wind, rain, snow or bright sunshine - there is a suitable outdoor jacket for every weather condition. In this article you will learn everything about the optimal jacket for your nature adventures and which outdoor jackets are our favorites.

Question 2

Important features of outdoor jackets

An outdoor jacket is primarily designed to withstand wind and weather and do so without freezing, sweating or getting wet. Not only during the wet and cold days in autumn and winter, an outdoor jacket is suitable for outdoor activities. Even in spring and summer, a lightweight outdoor jacket can defy wind and weather. Features of an outdoor jacket should be, above all, a high breathability and a high water- as well as wind-repellent function. At the same time, it should transport moisture away from the inside to the outside. It should have fast-drying fibers and be comfortable. A comfortable feel is especially important for longer tours. Even after frequent wear, the material of the jacket should not wear out quickly. It must be robust and elastic at the same time. In addition, the outdoor jacket should only have a low weight, since it is worn for a long time and, if necessary, also stowed in the backpack. Of course, there is no jacket that perfectly meets all criteria, however, there are various "specialists" and "all-rounders", which I would like to show you in the following.

Overview of different types of outdoor jackets

Fleece jacket

This type of outdoor jacket is available at a price starting from 15 € and is made of synthetic fiber. It keeps warm, is light and dries quickly. The pleasant lining of the fleece jacket feels warm and soft and is best suited for the onion-skin principle, where several layers are worn on thin clothing. The thicker a fleece jacket is, the heavier it is. This can be recognized by the 100 or 200 fleece. The fleece jacket is not waterproof and can be worn under another outdoor jacket.

Softshell jacket

The softshell jacket is available from 20 € and consists of two to three membrane layers, which are laminated. The inside is usually made of fleece, which is designed to warm the body and provide a comfortable feel. The outer layer is durable and is breathable. Between the two layers there is a membrane, which is responsible for optimal moisture exchange. The softshell jacket is a real all-rounder and suitable for many outdoor sports. Even though it is only up to 90 percent waterproof, it can be worn in changing weather conditions. Its windproof membrane protects 100 percent from wind, which is why softshell jackets are also called windbreakers.

Hardshell jacket

A hardshell jacket can be bought from 50 €. This jacket also consists of two or three layers, the top layer is very robust and abrasion resistant. A hardshell jacket is permanently impregnated and therefore 100% waterproof. A special feature is that despite the strong outer material, it is still breathable, but does not keep you warm. A complementary fleece jacket underneath is therefore recommended. Hardshell jackets have a large hood, under which a helmet fits, as well as high side pockets to be able to reach them even with a strapped climbing harness. They also have extra reinforcement on the shoulders and hips to prevent abrasion in these high-wear areas.

Down jacket

You can get down-filled outdoor jackets starting at around €60. They keep you warm even in freezing temperatures and yet have a relatively low weight. For this reason, sleeping bags, functional jackets and comforters are also made of down. They are especially suitable for winter sports such as skiing, snowboarding or winter hiking in cold temperatures. Down jackets keep out the wind, but are not waterproof. However, for longer day trips, in cold weather they can be worn under a hardshell jacket. Down jackets are not only worn as outdoor or sports jackets, but often as fashionable winter jackets.

Double jackets

These jackets are available 2-in-1, 2.5-in-1 or as 3-in-1 jackets. They are available from 100 €. The advantage of these jackets is that the cozy inner part made of fleece can be separated from the robust, breathable as well as water-repellent outer part. So you have the onion-shell principle in one jacket. These multifunctional jackets can thus be worn and combined in any weather and any season.
The special feature of the 2.5-in-1 jacket is that there is no inner lining of fleece, but a thin coating. This reduces the weight of the double jacket and makes it a so-called ultra-light jacket. Since it is not particularly warm, it is not suitable for outdoor activities in winter, but rather for autumn or spring.
The 3-in-1 jacket provides insulating warmth and protection from rain and wind. It is mainly suitable for winter sports and is therefore also called a ski jacket.

Our recommendations for the different types

Fleece jackets

In the category of Fleece jackets we recommend the brand Vaude, among others the model [url="https://www.produck.de/link/JB",name="Skomer Fleece Jacket for women",title=""] and for [url="https://amzn.to/33cU6mx",name="men the Croz Fleece Jacket", title=""]. The jackets are made in an environmentally friendly way, quick drying and easy to clean.

Softshell jackets

In the category of Softshell jackets we recommend the model [url="https://amzn.to/398CFHC",name="Andy by Little Donkey for men",title=""] and [url="https://amzn.to/3m0En1d",name="for women",title=""] for just under 50 €. The inner lining is made of fleece, the outer part is made of windproof and water-repellent TPU material. The hood is removable and the waistband and hem are adjustable.

Hardshell jackets

In the category of Hardshell jackets we recommend the [url="https://www.produck.de/link/JF",name="Quest Insulated by The North Face for men",title=""] and [url="https://amzn.to/3kZmJd8",name="women",title=""]. The jacket is waterproof, lined and best suited for outdoor sports. The outer layer is extremely durable, whereas the inner layer is heat insulating and moisture wicking.

Down jackets

In the category of Down jackets we recommend the model [url="https://amzn.to/33dveuS",name="Lulana by Navahoo",title=""] for ladies. The shapely and fitted quilted jacket in many stylish colors, keeps you nice and warm and is also fashionable. It is available for just under €45.

A popular and recommended down jacket for men is the [url="https://amzn.to/35XwvYZ",name="Jack Wolfskin Helium Men",title=""], which thanks to the stowaway function can be packed compactly and thus fit into any backpack.

Double jackets

For the Double jackets we recommend the model [url="https://amzn.to/2UTyTcT",name="3-in-1-interchange-jacket Horizons Pine from Columbia",title=""] for men. The so-called Omni-Head technology regulates their body heat with silver dots by storing and regulating heat. The fabric is breathable and is made of 100us polyester.

For women, the [url="https://amzn.to/3fro6jr",name="Mammut Women′s Convey Hooded 3in1 Hardshell Jacket",title=""] is a worthwhile purchase. In addition to its chic design, the Mammut Convey features a Gore-Tex 2.5-layer outer jacket combined with a warming, wind- and water-resistant inner jacket made of Pertex Quantum material.

Conclusion

Which outdoor jacket you need depends mainly on the season and the weather. What kind of sport you practice, how long you are on the road and whether the jacket should also be stowed in the backpack, if necessary, should also influence the purchase decision. With our recommendations, you can be pretty sure to find the perfect jacket for you. ;)

Answer 1

Important features of outdoor jackets

An outdoor jacket is primarily designed to withstand wind and weather and do so without freezing, sweating or getting wet. Not only during the wet and cold days in autumn and winter, an outdoor jacket is suitable for outdoor activities. Even in spring and summer, a lightweight outdoor jacket can defy wind and weather. Features of an outdoor jacket should be, above all, a high breathability and a high water- as well as wind-repellent function. At the same time, it should transport moisture away from the inside to the outside. It should have fast-drying fibers and be comfortable. A comfortable feel is especially important for longer tours. Even after frequent wear, the material of the jacket should not wear out quickly. It must be robust and elastic at the same time. In addition, the outdoor jacket should only have a low weight, since it is worn for a long time and, if necessary, also stowed in the backpack. Of course, there is no jacket that perfectly meets all criteria, however, there are various "specialists" and "all-rounders", which I would like to show you in the following.

Overview of different types of outdoor jackets

Fleece jacket

This type of outdoor jacket is available at a price starting from 15 € and is made of synthetic fiber. It keeps warm, is light and dries quickly. The pleasant lining of the fleece jacket feels warm and soft and is best suited for the onion-skin principle, where several layers are worn on thin clothing. The thicker a fleece jacket is, the heavier it is. This can be recognized by the 100 or 200 fleece. The fleece jacket is not waterproof and can be worn under another outdoor jacket.

Softshell jacket

The softshell jacket is available from 20 € and consists of two to three membrane layers, which are laminated. The inside is usually made of fleece, which is designed to warm the body and provide a comfortable feel. The outer layer is durable and is breathable. Between the two layers there is a membrane, which is responsible for optimal moisture exchange. The softshell jacket is a real all-rounder and suitable for many outdoor sports. Even though it is only up to 90 percent waterproof, it can be worn in changing weather conditions. Its windproof membrane protects 100 percent from wind, which is why softshell jackets are also called windbreakers.

Hardshell jacket

A hardshell jacket can be bought from 50 €. This jacket also consists of two or three layers, the top layer is very robust and abrasion resistant. A hardshell jacket is permanently impregnated and therefore 100% waterproof. A special feature is that despite the strong outer material, it is still breathable, but does not keep you warm. A complementary fleece jacket underneath is therefore recommended. Hardshell jackets have a large hood, under which a helmet fits, as well as high side pockets to be able to reach them even with a strapped climbing harness. They also have extra reinforcement on the shoulders and hips to prevent abrasion in these high-wear areas.

Down jacket

You can get down-filled outdoor jackets starting at around €60. They keep you warm even in freezing temperatures and yet have a relatively low weight. For this reason, sleeping bags, functional jackets and comforters are also made of down. They are especially suitable for winter sports such as skiing, snowboarding or winter hiking in cold temperatures. Down jackets keep out the wind, but are not waterproof. However, for longer day trips, in cold weather they can be worn under a hardshell jacket. Down jackets are not only worn as outdoor or sports jackets, but often as fashionable winter jackets.

Double jackets

These jackets are available 2-in-1, 2.5-in-1 or as 3-in-1 jackets. They are available from 100 €. The advantage of these jackets is that the cozy inner part made of fleece can be separated from the robust, breathable as well as water-repellent outer part. So you have the onion-shell principle in one jacket. These multifunctional jackets can thus be worn and combined in any weather and any season.
The special feature of the 2.5-in-1 jacket is that there is no inner lining of fleece, but a thin coating. This reduces the weight of the double jacket and makes it a so-called ultra-light jacket. Since it is not particularly warm, it is not suitable for outdoor activities in winter, but rather for autumn or spring.
The 3-in-1 jacket provides insulating warmth and protection from rain and wind. It is mainly suitable for winter sports and is therefore also called a ski jacket.

Our recommendations for the different types

Fleece jackets

In the category of Fleece jackets we recommend the brand Vaude, among others the model [url="https://www.produck.de/link/JB",name="Skomer Fleece Jacket for women",title=""] and for [url="https://amzn.to/33cU6mx",name="men the Croz Fleece Jacket", title=""]. The jackets are made in an environmentally friendly way, quick drying and easy to clean.

Softshell jackets

In the category of Softshell jackets we recommend the model [url="https://amzn.to/398CFHC",name="Andy by Little Donkey for men",title=""] and [url="https://amzn.to/3m0En1d",name="for women",title=""] for just under 50 €. The inner lining is made of fleece, the outer part is made of windproof and water-repellent TPU material. The hood is removable and the waistband and hem are adjustable.

Hardshell jackets

In the category of Hardshell jackets we recommend the [url="https://www.produck.de/link/JF",name="Quest Insulated by The North Face for men",title=""] and [url="https://amzn.to/3kZmJd8",name="women",title=""]. The jacket is waterproof, lined and best suited for outdoor sports. The outer layer is extremely durable, whereas the inner layer is heat insulating and moisture wicking.

Down jackets

In the category of Down jackets we recommend the model [url="https://amzn.to/33dveuS",name="Lulana by Navahoo",title=""] for ladies. The shapely and fitted quilted jacket in many stylish colors, keeps you nice and warm and is also fashionable. It is available for just under €45.

A popular and recommended down jacket for men is the [url="https://amzn.to/35XwvYZ",name="Jack Wolfskin Helium Men",title=""], which thanks to the stowaway function can be packed compactly and thus fit into any backpack.

Double jackets

For the Double jackets we recommend the model [url="https://amzn.to/2UTyTcT",name="3-in-1-interchange-jacket Horizons Pine from Columbia",title=""] for men. The so-called Omni-Head technology regulates their body heat with silver dots by storing and regulating heat. The fabric is breathable and is made of 100us polyester.

For women, the [url="https://amzn.to/3fro6jr",name="Mammut Women′s Convey Hooded 3in1 Hardshell Jacket",title=""] is a worthwhile purchase. In addition to its chic design, the Mammut Convey features a Gore-Tex 2.5-layer outer jacket combined with a warming, wind- and water-resistant inner jacket made of Pertex Quantum material.

Conclusion

Which outdoor jacket you need depends mainly on the season and the weather. What kind of sport you practice, how long you are on the road and whether the jacket should also be stowed in the backpack, if necessary, should also influence the purchase decision. With our recommendations, you can be pretty sure to find the perfect jacket for you. ;)