Logo
    Login

    Register

    New Ski Touring Maps and Guides

    HOTTEST REVIEWS

    Elan Ripstick 106 Black Edition Skis Dynafit Free 107 Skis Ortovox Diract Voice Transceiver Burton Straight Chuter Splitboard Scarpa 4-Quattro XT Boots Atomic Backland Carbon Boots Plum OAZO Bindings

    VIDEOS YOU'LL LIKE

    Avalanche Transceivers 101 Dalbello Quantum Boots How To Buy a Transceiver North Face FUTURELIGHT Jacket Faction La Machine Skis Tecnica Zero G Tour Pro Boots Plum OAZO Bindings

    NEWSLETTER SIGNUP

    HARD SHELLS

    Gore-Tex and eVent aren't the only kids on the waterproof/breathable block these days. Plenty of manufacturers have other brand spanking new technologies to keep you warm and dry so have a look below and see which jacket is right for you. We've reviewed hard shells from Arcteryx, Peak Performance, Outdoor Research, The North Face, Mammut, Mountain Hardwear, Westcomb, Patagonia, Stoic, Haglofs, Montane, First Ascent and Rab. Your opinions matter, so tell us what you think in the Forums.

    Best Ski Touring Shells BEST SKI TOURING SHELLS 2021
    Date: Nov 25th 2020
    Reviewer: Pete
    Overall Rating: The Best

    Read the full review here.
     

    MADE Hard Shell JacketMADE HARDSHELL JACKET
    Date: Mar 6th 2023
    Reviewer: Brad
    Overall Rating: 9/10
    Product Link: MADE

    Read the full review here.

    MEC Couloir Gore-Tex Jacket and Bib-PantsMEC COULOIR GORE-TEX JACKET AND BIB-PANTS
    Date: Jan 11th 2023
    Reviewer:Mara
    Overall Rating: 8.5/10
    Product Link: Mountain Equipment Company

    Read the full review here.

    Arc’teryx Rush, Procline and Sabre AR PantsARC'TERYX RUSH, PROCLINE & SABRE AR PANTS
    Date: Mar 5th 2022
    Reviewer: Brad
    Overall Rating: 8.5/10, 9/10, 8.5/10
    Product Link: Arc'teryx

    Read the full review here.

    Arc'teryx Alpha SV Jacket and BibARC'TERYX ALPHA SV JACKET AND BIBS
    Date: Feb 17thth 2021
    Reviewer: Andrew
    Overall Rating: 8.5/10
    Product Link: Arc'teryx

    Read the full review here.

    Mountain Hardwear High Exposure Jacket and BibsMOUNTAIN HARDWEAR HIGH EXPOSURE JACKET AND BIBS
    Date: Dec 7th 2020
    Reviewer: Sarah
    Overall Rating: 8.5/10
    Product Link: Mountain Hardwear

    Read the full review here.

    Arc'teryx Zeta SL Jacket and PantsARC'TERYX ZETA SL JACKET AND PANTS
    Date: May 18th 2020
    Reviewer: Andrew
    Overall Rating: 9/10
    Product Link: Arcteryx

    Read the full review here.

    The North Face Summit L5 LT Futurelight JacketGear of the Year AwardTHE NORTH FACE SUMMIT L5 LT FUTURELIGHT JACKET
    Date: May 13th 2020
    Reviewer: Pete
    Overall Rating: 9/10
    Product Link: The North Face

    Read the full review here.

    Helly Hansen Odin Mountain 3L Shell Jacket and Bib PantsHELLY HANSEN ODIN MOUNTAIN 3L SHELL JACKET
    AND PANTS
    Date: Jan 21st 2020
    Reviewer: Brad
    Overall Rating: 8.5/10
    Product Link: Helly Hansen

    Read the full review here.

    Black Yak Hariana Jacket and PantsBLACK YAK HARIANA JACKET AND PANTS
    Date: Jan 8th 2020
    Reviewer: Pete
    Overall Rating: 9/10
    Product Link: Black Yak

    Read the full review here.

    Arc'teryx Beta SL Women's Jacket and PantsARC'TERYX BETA SL WOMEN'S JACKET AND PANTS
    Date: Sept 5th 2019
    Reviewer: Andrew
    Overall Rating: 9/10
    Product Link: Arc'teryx

    Read the full review here.

    Patagonia Powslayer JacketPATAGONIA POWSLAYER JACKET
    Date: Mar 6th 2019
    Reviewer: Andrew
    Overall Rating: 8.5/10
    Product Link: Patagonia

    Read the full review here.

    Arc'teryx Rush LT Jacket and PantsARC'TERYX RUSH LT JACKET AND PANTS
    Date: Jan 22nd 2019
    Reviewer: Tom
    Overall Rating: 8.5/10
    Product Link: Arc'teryx

    Read the full review here.

    Outdoor Research Skyward II jacket and PantsOUTDOOR RESEARCH SKYWARD II JACKET AND PANTS
    Date: Dec 27th 2018
    Reviewer: Ken
    Overall Rating: 8.5/10
    Product Link: Outdoor Research

    Read the full review here.

    Black Diamond Recon Stretch Jacket and PantsBLACK DIAMOND RECON STRETCH JACKET AND PANTS
    Date: Dec 13th 2018
    Reviewer: Brad
    Overall Rating: 8.5/10
    Product Link: Black Diamond

    Read the full review here.

    Peak Performance Women’s Teton Ski Pant and JacketPEAK PERFORMANCE TETON JACKET AND PANTS
    Date: April 23rd 2018
    Reviewer: Marian
    Overall Rating: 8/10
    Product Link: Peak Performance

    Read the full review here.

    Black Diamond Helio Active Jacket and PantsBLACK DIAMOND HELIO ACTIVE JACKET AND PANTS
    Date: April 3rd 2018
    Reviewer: Brad
    Overall Rating: 9.5/10
    Product Link: Black Diamond

    Read the full review here.

    Rab Sharp Edge Jacket and PantsRAB SHARP EDGE JACKET AND PANTS
    Date: Mar 26th 2018
    Reviewer: Pete
    Overall Rating: 9.5/10
    Product Link: Rab

    Read the full review here.

    Arc'teryx Alpha IS JacketARC'TERYX ALPHA IS JACKET
    Date: Feb 7th 2018
    Reviewer: Andrew
    Overall Rating: 9/10
    Product Link: Arc'teryx

    Read the full review here.

    Eddie Bauer BC Duraweave Freshline Jacket and Pant EDDIE BAUER BC DURAWEAVE FRESHLINE JACKET AND PANTS
    Date: Feb 5th 2018
    Reviewer: Pete
    Overall Rating: 7.5/10
    Product Link: Eddie Bauer

    Read the full review here.

    Mountain Hardwear BoundarySeeker Jacket and Pants MOUNTAIN HARDWEAR BOUNDARY SEEKER JACKET AND PANTS
    Date: Jan 6th 2018
    Reviewer: Pete
    Overall Rating: 9.5/10
    Product Link: Mountain Hardwear

    Read the full review here.

    Arc'teryx Sphene JacketGear of the Year 2018ARC'TERYX SPHENE JACKET
    Date: Sept 12th 2017
    Reviewer: Andrew
    Overall Rating: 8.5/10
    Product Link: Arc'teryx

    Read the full review here.

    Montane Spine JacketMONTANE SPINE JACKET
    Date: May 31st 2017
    Reviewer: Marian
    Overall Rating: 8.5/10
    Product Link: Montane

    Read the full review here.

    Westcomb Apoc JacketWESTCOMB APOC JACKET
    Date: Dec 20th 2016
    Reviewer: Brad
    Overall Rating: 8.5/10
    Product Link: Westcomb

    Read the full review here.

    Dynafit Yotei JacketDYNAFIT YOTEI JACKET
    Date: Oct 16th 2016
    Reviewer: Bradley
    Overall Rating: 9.5/10
    Product Link: Dynafit

    Read the full review here.

    Arc'teryx Zeta LT JacketARC'TERYX ZETA LT JACKET
    Date: Sept 30th 2016
    Reviewer: Andrew
    Overall Rating: 9/10
    Product Link: Arc'teryx

    Read the full review here.

    Jottnar Asmund JacketJOTTNAR VANIR LT PANTS
    Date: Apr 1st 2016
    Reviewer: Kyle
    Overall Rating: 9/10
    Product Link: Jottnar

    Read the full review here.

    Jottnar Asmund JacketJOTTNAR ASMUND JACKET
    Date: Mar 31st 2016
    Reviewer: Kyle
    Overall Rating: 9/10
    Product Link: Jottnar

    Read the full review here.

    Patagonia Refugitive JacketPATAGONIA REFUGITIVE JACKET
    Date: Mar 10th 2016
    Reviewer: Andrew
    Overall Rating: 8/10
    Product Link: Patagonia

    Read the full review here.

    Stio Environ JacketSTIO ENVIRON JACKET
    Date: Feb 25th 2016
    Reviewer: Vince Hempsall
    Overall Rating: 8.5/10
    Product Link: Stio

    Read the full review here.

    Under Armor Nimbus Jacket & PantsUNDER ARMOR NIMBUS JACKET & PANTS
    Date: Feb 6th 2016
    Reviewer: Bradley
    Overall Rating: 8.5/10
    Product Link: Under Armor

    Read the full review here.

    Black Diamond Recon Jacket & PantsBlack Diamond Recon Jacket & PantsBLACK DIAMOND RECON JACKET & PANTS
    Date: Dec 28th 2015
    Reviewer: Brad
    Overall Rating: 9/10
    Product Link: Black Diamond

    Read the full review here.

    Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic Jacket MOUNTAIN HARDWEAR STRETCH OZONIC JACKET
    Date: June 17th 2015
    Reviewer: Emily
    Overall Rating: 8.5/10
    Product Link: Mountain Hardwear

    Read the full review here.

    Arcteryx Lithic Comp Jacket and PantsARC'TERYX LITHIC COMP JACKET AND PANTS
    Date: Feb 27th 2015
    Reviewer: Andrew
    Overall Rating: 9/10
    Product Link: Arc'teryx

    Read the full review and see the video here.

    Montane Fast Alpine Stretch Neo Jacket ReviewMONTANE FAST ALPINE STRETCH NEO JACKET
    Date: Jan 3rd 2015
    Reviewer: Vince Hempsall
    Overall Rating: 8/10
    Product Link: Montane

    Read the full review here.

    Rab Neo Guide Jacket and PantsBackcountry Skiing Gear of the yearRAB NEO GUIDE JACKET AND PANTS
    Date: Jan 1st 2015
    Reviewer: Brad
    Overall Rating: 9.5/10
    Product Link: Rab

    Read the full review here.

    Jottnar Bergelmir jacket and Vanir PantsJOTTNAR BERGELMIR JACKET AND VANIR PANTS
    Date: Dec 12th 2014
    Reviewer: Ryan
    Overall Rating: 9/10
    Product Link: Jottnar

    Read the full review here.

    Salomon SoulQuest BC GTX 3L Jacket and PantsSALOMON SOULQUEST BC GTX 3L JACKET & PANTS
    Date: Dec 11th 2014
    Reviewer: Ryan
    Overall Rating: 9/10
    Product Link: Salomon

    Read the full review here.

    Mountain Hardwear Alchemy JacketMOUNTAIN HARDWEAR ALCHEMY JACKET
    Date: Nov 24th 2014
    Reviewer: Brad
    Overall Rating: 8/10
    Product Link: Mountain Hardwear

    Read the full review here.

    Marmot Artemis Jacket Review Gear of the YearMARMOT ARTEMIS JACKET
    Date: May 19th, 2014
    Reviewer: Brad
    Overall Rating: 9/10
    Product Link: Marmot

    Read the full review here.

    Sherpa Adventure Gear Lakpa Rita JacketSHERPA ADVENTURE GEAR LAKPA RITA JACKET
    Date: April 15th 2014
    Reviewer: Brad
    Overall Rating: 9/10
    Product Link: Sherpa Adventure Gear

    Read the full review here.

    First Ascent Neoteric Jacket ReviewFIRST ASCENT NEOTERIC JACKET
    Date: April 11th 2014
    Reviewer: Jordan
    Overall Rating: 8/10
    Product Link: First Ascent

    Read the full review here.

    Mountain Hardwear Torsun JacketMOUNTAIN HARDWEAR TORSUN JACKET
    Date: Mar 31st 2014
    Reviewer: Jordan
    Overall Rating: 8.5/10
    Product Link: Mountain Hardwear

    Read the full review here.

    Mountain Equipment Arclight jacket MOUNTAIN EQUIPMENT ARCLIGHT JACKET
    Date: Mar 7th 2014
    Reviewer: Jordan
    Overall Rating: 9.5/10
    Product Link: Mountain Equipment

    Read the full review here

    Arcteryx Alpha SV Bib Pants Review ARC'TERYX ALPHA SV BIB PANTS
    Date: Dec 20th 2013
    Reviewer: Vince Hempsall
    Overall Rating: 8.5/10
    Product Link: Arcteryx

    Read the full review here

    Mountain Hardwear Compulsion 3L Jacket ReviewMOUNTAIN HARDWEAR COMPULSION 3L JACKET
    Date: Dec 19th 2013
    Reviewer: Bradley
    Overall Rating: 8.5/10
    Product Link: Mountain Hardwear

    Read the full review here.

    Bergans Stryn Jacket Review BERGANS STRYN JACKET
    Date: Dec 1st 2013
    Reviewer: Andrew
    Overall Rating: 8/10
    Product Link: Bergans

    Read the full review here.

    The North Face Free thinker jacket ReviewTHE NORTH FACE FREETHINKER JACKET
    Date: Dec 1st 2013
    Reviewer: Jordan
    Overall Rating: 8.5/10
    Product Link: The North Face

    Read the full review here.

    Salomon Quest Motion Fit Jacket and Pants ReviewSALOMON QUEST MOTION FIT JACKET & PANTS
    Date: Sept 11th 2013
    Reviewer: Robin
    Overall Rating: 8/10
    Product Link: Salomon

    Read the full review and see the video here.

    Westcomb Shift LT Hoody reviewWESTCOMB SHIFT LT HOODY
    Date: April 30th 2013
    Reviewer: Brad
    Overall Rating: 8.5/10
    Product Link: Westcomb

    Read the full review here.

    Peak Performance Heli Loft PantsPEAK PERFORMANCE HELI LOFT PANTS
    Date: Mar 18th 2013
    Reviewer: Blue
    Overall Rating: 7/10
    Product Link: Peak Performance

    Read the full review and see the video here.

    Peak Performance Heli Alpine Jacket PEAK PERFORMANCE HELI ALPINE JACKET
    Date: Mar 9th 2013
    Reviewer: Blue
    Overall Rating: 8/10
    Product Link: Peak Performance

    Read the full review and see the video here.

    The North Face Kannon FlashDry Insulated JacketTHE NORTH FACE KANNON FLASHDRY INSULATED JACKET
    Date: Jan 1st 2013
    Reviewer: Bradley
    Overall Rating: 8/10
    Product Link: The North Face

    Read the full review here.

    Outdoor Research Enigma JacketOUTDOOR RESEARCH ENIGMA JACKET
    Date: Dec 13th 2012
    Reviewer: Jenny
    Overall Rating: 8.5/10
    Product Link: Outdoor Research

    Read the full review here.

    Mammut Ransom Jacket MAMMUT RANSOM JACKET
    Date: Sept 22nd 2012
    Reviewer: Andrew
    Overall Rating: 8/10
    Product Link: Mammut

    Read the full review here.

    Mountain Hardwear Alakazam JacketMOUNTAIN HARDWEAR ALAKAZAM JACKET
    Date: Sept 2nd 2012
    Reviewer: Andrew
    Overall Rating: 7.5/10
    Product Link: Mountain Hardwear

    Read the full review here.

    First Ascent BC-200 Jacket FIRST ASCENT BC-200 JACKET
    Date: July 1st, 2012
    Reviewer: Marian
    Overall Rating: 8/10
    Product Link: First Ascent

    Read the full review here.

    Patagonia Womens Super Cell Jacket PATAGONIA WOMAN'S SUPER CELL JACKET
    Date: June 24th 2012
    Reviewer: Jenny
    Overall Rating: 8.5/10
    Product Link: Patagonia

    Read the full review here.

    The North Face Alpine Project Jacket THE NORTH FACE ALPINE PROJECT JACKET
    Date: May 6th 2012
    Reviewer: Vince Hempsall
    Overall Rating: 8/10
    Product Link: The North Face

    The North Face Enzo JacketTHE NORTH FACE ENZO JACKET
    Date: April 2nd 2012
    Reviewer: Ryan
    Overall Rating: 9/10
    Product Link: The North Face

    Read the full review here.

    The North Face Haines TuxedoTHE NORTH FACE HAINES TUXEDO
    Date: April 2nd 2012
    Reviewer: Doug
    Overall Rating: 8.5/10
    Product Link: The North Face

    Read the full review here.

    Westcomb Revenant Jacket WESTCOMB REVENANT JACKET
    Date: Mar 29th 2012
    Reviewer: Doug
    Overall Rating: 8/10
    Product Link: Westcomb

    Read the full review here.

    Arcteryx Beta FL and Acto MX Hoody jacketsARC'TERYX BETA FL AND ARC'TERYX ACTO MX HOODY
    Date: Mar 29th 2012
    Reviewer: Andrew
    Overall Rating: 8.5/10
    Product Link: Arc'teryx

    Read the full review and see the video here.

    Patagonia Super Alpine Jacket PATAGONIA SUPER ALPINE JACKET
    Date: Mar 19th 2012
    Reviewer: Vince Hempsell
    Overall Rating: 9/10
    Product Link: Patagonia

    Read the full review here.

    Stoic Bombshell Jacket STOIC BOMBSHELL JACKET
    Date: Feb 7th 2012
    Reviewer: Curtis
    Overall Rating: 8/10
    Product Link: Stoic

    Read the full review here.

    Stoic Bombshell Bib Pants STOIC BOMBSHELL BIB PANT
    Date: Feb 7th 2012
    Reviewer: Curtis
    Overall Rating: 9/10
    Product Link: Stoic

    Read the full review here.

    Haglofs Arete jacketHAGLOFS ARETE JACKET
    Date: Jan 5th 2012
    Reviewer: Brad
    Overall Rating: 9/10
    Product Link: Haglofs

    Read the full review here.

    The North Face Potosi JacketTHE NORTH FACE POTOSI JACKET
    Date: Nov 25th 2011
    Reviewer: Ryan
    Overall Rating: 8/10
    Product Link: The North Face

    Read the full review here.

    Granger's waterproof and cleaning productsGRANGER'S WATERPROOF & CLEANING PRODUCTS
    Date: Sept 17th 2011 - UPDATED April 2013
    Reviewer: Curtis
    Overall Rating: 9.5/10
    Product Link: Grangers

    Read the full UPDATED review here.

    RAB LATOK JACKET
    Date: Aug 29th 2011 - UPDATED April 2013
    Reviewer: Marian
    Overall Rating: 10/10
    Product Link: RAB

    Read the full UPDATED review here.

    Montane Air JacketMONTANE AIR JACKET
    Date: Aug 3rd 2011 - UPDATED April 2013
    Reviewer: Brad
    Overall Rating: 9.5/10
    Product Link: Montane

    Read the full UPDATED review here.

    Haglofs Endo JacketHAGLÖFS ENDO JACKET
    Date: Aug 3rd 2011 - UPDATED April 2013
    Reviewer: Brad
    Overall Rating: 9.5/10
    Product Link: Haglöfs

    Read the full UPDATED review here.

    RAB Latok Tour Pants RAB LATOK TOUR PANTS
    Date: July 8th 2011
    Reviewer: Ryan
    Overall Rating: 9/10
    Product Link: RAB

    Read the full review here.

    MOUNTAIN HARDWEAR SNOWTASTIC JACKET
    Date: May 23rd 2011
    Reviewer: Brad
    Overall Rating: 7.5/10
    Product Link: Mountain Hardwear

    Read the full review here.

    MOUNTAIN HARDWEAR DRYSTEIN JACKET
    Date: May 23rd 2011
    Reviewer: Brad
    Overall Rating: 9/10
    Product Link: Mountain Hardwear

    Read the full review here.

    FIRST ASCENT SEABA HELI GUIDE JACKET
    Date: April 25th 2011
    Reviewer: Brad
    Overall Rating: 8/10
    Product Link: First Ascent

    Read the full review here.

    Backcountry_Skiing_Canada_Gear_Year_2012FIRST ASCENT FRONT POINT JACKET
    Date: April 23rd 2011
    Reviewer: Brad
    Overall Rating: 9.5/10
    Product Link: First Ascent

    Read the full review here.

    Backcountry_Skiing_Canada_Gear_Year_2012WESTCOMB APOC JACKET
    Date: Feb 15th 2010
    Reviewer: Brad
    Overall Rating: 9.5/10
    Product Link: Westcomb

    Read the full review here.

    ARC'TERYX THETA SV BIB SKI PANTS
    Date: Oct 7th 2010
    Reviewer: Andrew
    Overall Rating: 8.5/10
    Product Link: Arcteryx

    Read the full review here

    TOP

    Back to the rest of the reviews.

    buy backcountry skiing gear

    Backcountry skiing is an inherently dangerous activity that requires experience and knowledge to travel safely. Any of the routes on this site may be dangerous depending on conditions. You are responsible for your own safety in the backcounty—the team behind backcountryskiingcanada.com disclaim any responsibility for any injury resulting from people travelling on routes described on this site.  To read our Terms of Use and get all the details, read HERE. 

    We built this backcountry skiing community for you, the passionate skier, and hope you enjoy the hard work we put into all the reviews, routes, videos, and posts we create. It’s been free from day one but that doesn’t mean it’s not a valuable resource. If you enjoy this website and value the content we create for you, then please support Backcountry Skiing Canada by donating today or by clicking on those sponsor ads and 'Buy Now' links at the bottom of the reviews. Thank you!

    Copyright © 2022-23 Backcountry Skiing Canada. All Rights Reserved.