Best Backcountry Skiing Touring Shells 2026

A touring shell has a difficult job: it needs to be tough enough to block a Canadian winter gale, yet breathable enough that you aren't soaked in sweat before you reach the col. In this guide, we’ve categorized the best shells on the market into three distinct styles to help you choose the right tool for your specific touring DNA.

1. Hardshells: Maximum Weather Protection

This is your "bombproof" layer. Constructed with premium waterproof/breathable membranes like Gore-Tex Pro, eVent, or AscentShell, these jackets are built for "full conditions" days. If you're skiing in heavy coastal snow, dealing with high-velocity winds, or want one durable jacket that can handle both the deep backcountry and the resort, this is your category.

• The Vibe: Maximum security. When the weather turns nasty, you’ll be glad you’re inside one of these.

• The Trade-off: They are typically the heaviest and least packable option, and can run warm during high-output climbs.

2. Hybrid Shells: The "All-Day" Layer

Hybrid shells are designed to solve the "layering dance" (taking your jacket on and off every time you stop). By using body-mapping technology, these jackets place waterproof hardshell fabric on the shoulders and hood to shed snow, while using highly breathable softshell panels under the arms and on the back to dump heat while wearing a pack.

• The Vibe: The "Goldilocks" jacket. It offers enough protection for most days while allowing you to keep it on from the trailhead to the summit.

• The Trade-off: While versatile, they aren't meant for standing around in a torrential downpour or a wet sleet storm.

3. Ultralight & Packable: The "Just in Case" Layer

These shells are for the weight-weenies, the spring mountaineers, and the bluebird-day enthusiasts. These are minimalist hardshells—stripped of heavy zippers, extra pockets, and thick face fabrics—designed to take up as little room as possible in your pack.

• The Vibe: Essential insurance. You skin in a base layer or fleece, and only deploy this "emergency armor" when you hit the ridge or the wind picks up during transition.

• The Trade-off: To save weight, these jackets are less durable against tree branches and lack the "creature comforts" (like pit zips or fleece-lined collars) of heavier shells.

Explore our top-rated picks in each category below, featuring field-tested reviews from the Backcountry Skiing Canada gear team.