Our Favorite Hardshell Jackets and Pants

Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! Download the app. April’s showers might bring May’s flowers, but climbers know that waterproof layers are a year-round staple. Whether you’re hiking through a downpour to get to the sport cave, climbing steep water ice mid-winter, or just living in the Pacific Northwest, a good hardshell jacket and pants can make or break your day.We tested 10 waterproof jackets and pants, plus softshells and windlayers—on everything from windy rock laps in Washington Pass to mixed climbs in Patagonia’s Torre Valley—to find which layers are worth your while.At a GlanceBest All-Around Waterproof Jacket & Pant: Arc’teryx Beta ($300-400)Best for Alpinism: Patagonia M10 ($279-399)Best Lightweight Wind Jacket: Black Diamond Alpine Start Hoody ($189)Best Lightweight Wind Pants: Rab Phantom Pants ($150)Bonus: Best Softshell: Mountain Equipment Squall Hooded Jacket ($190)Best All-AroundArc’teryx Beta Jacke...