In this article, we will explore the basics of technical shells and learn why they play such a key part in rain protection. We’ll cover everything from the features that make them so versatile to the differences that make them each unique, and you’ll learn how to select a piece of rainwear that’s perfect for you!

What Is a Technical Shell?

“Technical shell” is a term used to describe the outermost layer in a layering system, such as a windbreaker or a rain jacket, that helps protect against the elements. The technical shells we will be discussing in this article are not insulated but rather are outer layers that go over existing insulation layers to help stop the wind chill, rain, or whatever else the weather may throw at you.

Why Choose a Shell Over an Insulated Jacket?

The lack of insulation makes shells a more versatile layering piece of rain gear, compared with insulated outer jackets that may only be suitable when the weather is cold enough for them. Shells give you the flexibility to choose the warm layers you wear underneath.

With a shell, there is any number of layering setups you can have for whatever type of weather conditions you might encounter during any type of activity:

• Walking the dog on a warm, rainy day: a simple base layer with a shell on top
• Doing a hike, or trail run on a chilly day: Jacket with synthetic insulation and a shell on top
• Hitting the slopes on a cold day: light down jacket with a shell on top

This separation of insulation layers from the shell also keeps it more breathable than insulated jackets that have lots of layers of material — from the weather-proof outer layer to the insulation to the backing fabric. Not to mention, in the case of many insulated jackets, they do not have pit zips to vent out heat as many shells do.

This is not to say that insulated jackets don’t have a place in a closet. An insulated ski jacket can be a great choice that provides a ton of warmth for resort skiing or everyday wear around the town during winter. However, for camping and hiking, shells provide flexibility for year-round use.

Hard Shell vs. Soft Shell

A quick note on different types of shells. Though there is a lot of variability between types of shells, the main differentiation when talking about shell jackets is hardshell jackets vs. softshell jackets. Softshell jackets are not waterproof but typically have some water resistance and total wind resistance. A soft shell jacket is usually lined with fleece and offers slightly more mobility and ventilation than a hard shell jacket. This article is focusing more on hardshell jackets, though for a more in-depth look at hardshell vs. softshell jackets, check out this article.

What Features Do Shells Have?

The feature set of a shell varies based on model, purpose, and brand, but we will break down the most common differences in features and explain what they mean.

Layers (L)

Commonly listed as 2L, 2.5L, or 3L, the “L” describes how many layers of material the jacket is made up of.

• 2-Layer (2L): A 2L shell consists of two layers of fabric, with the outer fabric bonded to the waterproof membrane. There is no liner layer, so a loose liner such as mesh is typically used in less expensive shell jackets. This separate liner can add a few extra ounces of weight but also improve next-to-skin comfort. These tend to be the cheapest rain shell options out there.
• 2.5-Layer (2.5L): A 2.5L shell consists of two layers of fabric (outer fabric and waterproof membrane) and an inner “0.5L” of a spray or print-on protective coating. This helps with next-to-skin comfort and prevents oils and contaminants from degrading the performance of the waterproof membrane. These are typically the most common budget shell options and are very versatile due to their lightweight and packable nature.
• 3-Layer (3L): A 3L shell consists of three layers of fabric — outer face fabric, waterproof membrane, and a liner layer. This is the most durable and protective shell fabric design. Typically, it is stiff and “crinkly,” making it trend bulkier than the other options. Three-layer shells are on the higher end of the price scale.

Waterproof vs. Water-Resistant vs. Windproof

The naming of shell features can be very confusing! Typically, windproof shells and jackets are meant for emergency use due to their packability, or during activities in windy conditions where waterproofing isn’t needed. More on the waterproof membranes below!

• Waterproof: fully protected from water.
• Water-resistant: holds up against water, but is not fully protected from it.
• Windproof: usually doesn’t have a membrane to protect against water at all, but the fabric can stop the wind.

Waterproof Membrane:

The middle layer of a shell fabric lamination, the waterproof membrane, is where the waterproofing happens. Some popular membranes include GORE-TEX, eVent®, or The North Face’s® FUTURELIGHT™. Membranes are rated on a millimeter scale to determine how waterproof they are, as well as a breathability scale in grams per meter squared. These measurements are not usually directly listed, but they are a helpful gauge for choosing a suitable shell once you understand what they mean.

• Waterproof Rating: Waterproof rating is measured in millimeters when a one-square-inch column is placed on top of the shell and water is continuously added — the resulting measurement relates to how high up the column of water gets before it leaks. Typical waterproof ratings are as follows:
  • 0 to 5,000: Water resistant, good for light rain or dry snow.
  • 5,000 to 10,000: Lightly waterproof, good for light-to-medium rain or snow.
  • 10,000 to 15,000: Waterproof, good for medium or constant rain or snow.
  • 15,000 and up: Very waterproof, good for heavy conditions.

• Breathability Rating: The breathability rating is measured based on how many grams of water vapor can breathe through a square meter of material, or how much moisture can make it through the membrane. As a note, it’s strongly recommended to wear clothes that can wick moisture such as sweat away from the skin underneath so that the shell can also help with its breathability. Typical breathability ratings are as follows:
  • 5,000 to 10,000: Less breathable and meant for less active activities, such as resort skiing or urban use.
  • 10,000 to 15,000: Breathable for many active uses, such as backcountry skiing and hiking.
  • 15,000 and up: Highly breathable for warmer weather or high exertion where sweating is common, such as trekking or hiking in the mountains.

Pit Zippers

Also known as “pit zips,” these are zippers in the underarms of the shell which allow you to open them to let out body heat and warm air.

Storm vs. Drop Hood

A storm hood means the hood is connected to the collar of the jacket in one piece, while a drop hood means the hood and collar are separated.

• Storm Hood
  • Pros: It is more comfortable while the hood is worn up, the collar is usually easier to layer under, and the collar can go higher up the face for better protection from the elements.
  • Cons: The collar may pull toward your face and chin and be uncomfortable when the hood is down.

• Drop Hood
  • Pros: It is more comfortable while the hood is down and not being used.
  • Cons: The collar typically only goes up to the top of the neck and is less protective in the harshest conditions.

Helmet-Compatible Hood

Many hoods, especially those meant for alpine activities, can be worn with a helmet underneath, such as a climbing, biking, or skiing helmet. Many brands will advertise this feature with their shells. Some companies use a reinforced brim to keep the structure of the hood up and make sure it doesn’t sag down in the rain. Even with helmet-compatible hoods, they are adjustable to fit your head (usually with a releasable drawstring) so you don’t have a huge hood flapping in the weather.

Trim vs. Regular Cut

Depending on the brand, model, and intended use of the shell, its cut may be trim or regular. A regular fit or regular cut gives space underneath to layer with fleeces, while a trim fit or trim cut might be more suited to warmer weather where fewer layers will be worn underneath.

Durable Water Repellent (DWR)

Water-shedding durable water-repellent or DWR is a coating applied to the outer or face fabric that helps repel water and bead it off the surface. This coating may need reapplying in the long term and also when shells are put into the dryer.

• Even if the DWR finish is wearing away and water stops beading from the surface — what we call “wetting out” — the waterproof membrane will still do its job to keep water out.
• Re-treating can be done using various laundry products to refresh or recoat the DWR.

Hem Length

Make note of the hem length of your shell because some hem lengths are cut longer for better climbing harness compatibility. Many technical shells also feature a hem drawcord around the waist of a jacket which allows you to get a more customized fit to exactly the right size for you.

Pockets

One feature that is quite important to notice is if the exterior pockets are hip belt compatible. This helps keep the pockets out of the way of the backpack’s hip belts or climbing harnesses so you can reach your items in the hand pockets. Some shells have different configurations of hand and chest pockets, and some even have arm pockets — that skiers can use with their ski passes, for example — so keep that in mind.

Adjustable Cuffs

Some cheaper shells may have elastane cuffs, but adjustable cuffs made with Velcro make it easy to tighten or loosen the cuffs however you see fit. Velcro cuffs allow for more adjustment within the sleeves and for a better fit around a glove; if you are wearing gloves with your technical shell.

Seams

Nowadays, most manufacturers will tape jacket seams from the inside. Taped seams provide extra weather protection in the seams, to avoid moisture sneaking in where the microscopic needle holes, from the fabric being sewn together, are.

Zipper

Sometimes, special shells will use two-way zippers so you can unzip the bottom for more freedom of movement near the hip and legs. The way the zippers are waterproofed can also reflect on the quality of the gear.

• Waterproof Zippers: These have coatings on the outside of the teeth to keep them waterproof. It’s a more elegant solution that is featured on most shells nowadays.
• Zippers with Storm Flaps: The storm flap covers the front of the zipper with Velcro or snap attachments to keep it closed, or will cover the back to prevent water from getting past the zipper.

Final Thoughts

Here are a few final considerations when choosing the right technical shell for you:

• High-visibility gear can really help with search attempts since more neutral tones can blend in with nature!
• The packability of a shell depends on its fabric and the membrane used (a combination of outer fabric, membrane, and layer count). For example, a 2.5L shell with a light outer fabric and less waterproof membrane is more packable than a heavy-duty, 3L, GORE-TEX Pro shell that is meant to withstand all conditions.
• Many times, there isn’t a need to go completely overboard with the waterproofing of a shell (think full GORE-TEX Pro on a rain jacket you’ll only wear around town). You can save money by choosing something that best suits your needs (in the earlier example, a more packable and lighter shell will offer plenty of technical weatherproof durability to keep you dry).

In conclusion, a technical outer shell is an incredibly useful piece of gear that everyone should have in their closet. We all have different use cases for our shells and various budgets, and there is a ton of versatility when it comes to different technical shells. Make sure you are taking the factors and features above into consideration when looking for the perfect shell for you!

If you have any questions regarding shells and how to choose one or are already looking at a few and want help making a final decision, feel free to talk to a Camping and Hiking Expert at Curated!