The 10 Best Hardshell Jackets for Women of 2024
By: Sarah Ziffer: Women's & Kid's Techwear Buyer | October 26, 2023
When the weather is truly terrible, nothing beats a hardshell jacket. Their unique design and jacket construction keep out wind and moisture better than any other option on the market. And the best hardshell jackets for women are also very versatile. They can work with various layering systems so that you can use them for everything from summer rainstorms to the coldest days of winter. Combine an excellent hardshell jacket with the proper base and mid layers, and you have a winner, no matter what the weatherperson says.
New This Year:
And this season, more brands than ever before are making great women’s hardshell jackets. Companies are refining their fits to work well with female bodies, and they’re including handy features like good pockets and pit vents. That all combines to make this year’s crop of the best hardshell jackets for women a winner. So, if you’re looking for a shell that will keep you dry and comfortable no matter what Mother Nature throws at you, you’ve come to the right place.
Burton AK 2L GORE-TEX Upshift
Stomp on the gas in the Burton AK 2L GORE-TEX Upshift Jacket, a waterproof and breathable shell made for heavy activity. This lightweight shell has the [ak] stamp of approval, so you know you're in good hands on your local hill: resistant to rips, tears, and scuffs, this jacket's built to handle the rigors of life on a mountainside. This one has well-placed pockets, a storm-ready hood, and all the versatility that comes from a shell layer. [ak] all day!
| Waterproofing (mm) | Breathability (g) | Original Price |
| 28000 | 20000 | $459.95 |
Burton AK 2L GORE-TEX Kimmy Anorak
Lightweight, dependable and fine as heck. The Burton AK 2L GORE-TEX Kimmy Anorak pairs with the Kimmy Bib for the ultimate in mountain protection. GORE-TEX two-layer fabric with fully taped seams plays a key roll in keeping you dry and comfortable, allowing you to focus on where to drop next and less on the moisture seeping through.
| Waterproofing (mm) | Breathability (g) | Original Price |
| 28000 | 20000 | $429.95 |
Volcom V.CO Aris GORE-TEX
Invest in your time on the mountain with the Volcom V.CO Aris GORE-TEX Jacket. Crafted with a GORE-TEX waterproof breathable membrane, this jacket keeps you dry and comfortable while showcasing your fashion prowess. Equipped with YKK® AquaGuard® water repellent zippers and a plethora of pockets, it's the perfect blend of functionality and flair for the adventurous snowboarding gal.
| Waterproofing (mm) | Breathability (g) | Original Price |
| 28000 | 20000 | $310.00 |
The North Face Build Up
Offering outstanding value and even better protection, The North Face Build Up Jacket checks all the boxes with breathable DryVent™ 2L construction, an adjustable hood, and TNF quality throughout. Let your savings "build up" and treat yourself to that dream setup come fall.
| Waterproofing (mm) | Breathability (g) | Original Price |
| N/A | N/A | $159.95 |
Flylow Lucy
Embrace the best of both worlds with the Flylow Lucy Jacket, a high-performance 3L softshell jacket with all the technical chops to confidently navigate the backcountry but without the overtly "techy" look. Crafted from the legendary Tactic 3L recycled fabric, this 20K/20K waterproof breathable jacket is your secret weapon against the elements. And the best part? You'll look effortlessly cool without the obnoxious "I just conquered Everest" vibe.
| Waterproofing (mm) | Breathability (g) | Original Price |
| 20000 | 20000 | $399.95 |
Oyuki Nimi YamaPro 3L
To find Zen in the unpredictable backcountry conditions you need a jacket that can keep up on both the high output ascents as well as the stormy descents, and that's exactly where the Oyuki Nimi YamaPro 3L Jacket thrives. Styled with a relaxed freeride fit the Goshiki Jacket is feature packed to meet the demands of hunting pow on backcountry adventures, sidecounty missions, and stacking lap after lap on stormy resort days. YamaPro™ Always Dry technology keeps you protected from the elements with 20K/20K waterproof breathability. Designed with articulated patterning that allows you to move freely without compromise, plus backpack compatible pockets and a big, helmet-compatible storm hood, this jacket delivers performance from the skin track to the pillow line.
| Waterproofing (mm) | Breathability (g) | Original Price |
| 20000 | 20000 | $499.95 |
Patagonia Snowdrifter
Stay ahead of the storm and embrace backcountry adventures with the Patagonia Snowdrifter Jacket - a sleek and durable masterpiece. This jacket boasts 3-layer H2No® Performance Standard protection, ensuring you stay dry while pushing your limits in the powder. Plus, its stretchy 100% recycled polyester fabric means you can move freely and comfortably, making it the ultimate choice for those who live and breathe the snow-covered slopes.
| Waterproofing (mm) | Breathability (g) | Original Price |
| N/A | N/A | $449.00 |
Flylow Billie Coat
Down with the gimmicks. Flylow understands that all you really want in a high level ski jacket is a super durable 3-layer shell with a top notch waterproof breathable membrane and fully sealed up seams and zippers. Throw in some pit zips for ventilation and a handful of thoughtfully placed pockets, and you've got yourself the Flylow Billie Coat, a darn good ski shell for folks that like to keep it simple.
| Waterproofing (mm) | Breathability (g) | Original Price |
| 20000 | 20000 | $429.95 |
Picture Organic Aeron 3L
Venture into the heart of the wild with the Picture Organic Aeron 3L Jacket, your guiding light for audacious touring and splitboarding expeditions. Crafted with recycled polyester, this 3-layer marvel wraps you in targeted lightweight breathability, backed by a 20K/20K membrane fortified with a trusty durable water repellent treatment. As you forge the path less traveled, pit zips help you control your temperature while the adjustable hood, cuffs, and hem rally to your defense at a moment's notice. Designed for epic days of conquering untracked powder, the Picture Organic Aeron 3L Jacket is your ticket to freedom, style, and adventure.
| Waterproofing (mm) | Breathability (g) | Original Price |
| 20000 | 20000 | $419.95 |
Patagonia Torrentshell 3L
Grey skies? Put on the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Jacket and add a little pep to your step. The Torrentshell is a closet staple; a three layer rain jacket made with H2No™ Performance Standard Shell fabric. It keeps the day moving and the moisture from seeping in. Conveniently stuffable into one of its hand pockets and with an attached adjustable hood, you can go anywhere with the the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Jacket and put it to the test in wet weather.
| Waterproofing (mm) | Breathability (g) | Original Price |
| N/A | N/A | $179.00 |
Learn More With Our Other Outerwear & Layering Guides:
- Waterproof Ratings & Breathability Guide
- Skiing & Snowboarding - What to Wear Skiing & Snowboarding
- Outerwear - How to Choose a Ski & Snowboard Jacket
- Outerwear - How to Choose Ski & Snowboard Pants
- Outerwear - Fit Guide & Jacket Length
- How to Wash Waterproof Jackets & Clothing
- Outerwear - How to Choose by Region
- Outerwear - Construction, Fabric & Features
- Insulated Garments - How to Choose
- Insulated Garments - How to Wash Down & Synthetic Jackets
- Base Layers & Long Underwear - How to Choose
- GORE-TEX® Fabric - How it Works & Product Testing
- GORE-TEX® Fabric - How to Wash & Keep Waterproof
- Backcountry - How to Dress
Learn About Our Favorite Gear
- The Best Men's Ski Jackets
- The Best Women's Ski Jackets
- The Best Men's Snowboard Jackets
- The Best Women's Snowboard Jackets
- The Best Kids' Ski & Snowboard Jackets
- The Best Men's Ski Pants
- The Best Women's Ski Pants
- The Best Men's Snowboard Pants
- The Best Women's Snowboard Pants
- The Best Men's Ski Bibs
- The Best Men's Snowboard Bibs
- The Best Women's Ski Bibs
- The Best Kids' Ski & Snowboard Pants
- The Best Men's Down & Puffy Jackets
- The Best Men's Ski & Snowboard Mid Layers
- The Best Men's Ski & Snowboard Base Layers
- The Best Women's Snowboard Bibs
- The Best Men's Fleece Jackets
- The Best Women's Down & Puffy Jackets
- The Best Women's Fleece Jackets
- The Best Men's Rain Jackets
- The Best Women's Rain Jackets
- The Best Men's Hardshell Jackets
- The Best Women's Hardshell Jackets
- The Best Women's Ski & Snowboard Mid Layers
- The Best Women's Ski & Snowboard Base Layers
- The Best Down Vests
- The Best Kid & Toddler Snowsuits
The Selection Process:
Our techwear buyers have an endless amount of knowledge on all things outerwear stemming from years of experience in the outdoor industry in tandem with their countless hours spent outside in all conditions around the world. From hot to cold, snow, rain, wind, and even sunshine, they know what clothing will keep you comfortable. evo's buyers assess all products coming to market, lean into this knowledge, and put together this selection of the best products. They have a unique perspective as they truly see everything offered across the category.
Sarah Ziffer
Growing up in Florida, I missed out on the chance to get involved in snow sports. Tired of the heat, and seeking out the mountains, I moved to Seattle to start a new adventure. A few years after moving to WA I fulfilled my dream of learning to snowboard and immediately fell in love with it. After just one time out on a friend’s board I was hooked. I outfitted myself from head to toe with gear from evo, and got a season pass at Snoqualmie.
I quickly realized that snowboarding inspired me to live a lifestyle centered around the outdoors. I left my job at a fashion company to come and work for evo and become immersed in the culture and experiences that make the snowboarding community so vibrant. I have been at evo since 2017, am currently the women's and kids' techwear buyer, and enjoy learning and experiencing everything this incredible community has to offer.