Himali Monsoon Hardshell Jacket Review: A Reliable Shield in Any Weather

When it comes to picking a hardshell jacket, there are a few things you should always look for:

• Waterproofing – A jacket should keep out sustained rain and snow, not just light drizzle. Look for a proven membrane rating (20K/20K is excellent).

• Breathability – Staying dry on the inside matters as much as staying dry on the outside. A good jacket should vent heat and sweat.

• Durability – A hardshell is a long-term investment, so the fabric, zippers, and seams need to hold up to repeated abuse.

• Weight & Packability – It should be light enough to carry everywhere, but not flimsy.

• Functional Design – Things like a helmet-compatible hood, harness-friendly pockets, and pit zips make a big difference in the backcountry.

Over the years, I’ve spent countless days outside in some of the harshest environments in the world. At Special Forces Assessment and Selection, we conducted the course in every type of weather imaginable—including major rainstorms that sometimes had us outside in the rain for 24 hours straight. One lesson has always stood out: a good hardshell jacket isn’t optional, it’s an investment.

Cheaper jackets might keep you dry for an hour or two, but when the skies really open up—or when snow and wind combine—you’ll quickly find out why premium hardshells exist. The Himali Monsoon Hardshell Jacket is one of those rare pieces of gear that earns its keep in your pack every single season.

Built for All-Season Protection

The Monsoon Jacket is a fully waterproof, breathable, four-season hardshell designed to handle whatever the mountains (or life) throw at you. It’s made with a Toray® 20K/20K waterproof breathable membrane, meaning it balances complete protection from the elements with the breathability you need to stay comfortable on the move.

At just ~15.4 oz, it’s lightweight enough to toss in your pack for summer hikes but tough enough to trust during backcountry snowstorms. The silky smooth liner makes it surprisingly comfortable against bare skin—a detail that matters when you’re hiking in a T-shirt and sudden weather rolls in.

Key Features That Stand Out

• 20K/20K breathable waterproof membrane – Keeps water out while letting sweat escape.

• Fully seam taped & waterproof YKK® zippers – Zero weak spots for leaks.

• Eco-friendly DWR coating – First line of defense against rain, made with sustainability in mind.

• Helmet-compatible hood with laminated bill – Works with climbing helmets or even a baseball cap to keep rain out of your eyes.

• Underarm zippers – Vent heat when you’re pushing hard uphill.

• Adjustable wrist straps, hem drawcords, and tapered back hem – Lock out wind and precipitation.

• Harness-compatible pockets & internal zip pocket – Keep essentials secure and accessible.

• Reflective details – Adds visibility for low-light conditions.

Why the Monsoon Jacket Works

The Monsoon feels like it was built by people who actually spend time in the elements. I’ve worn jackets that are either too heavy, too flimsy, or don’t vent well when you’re working hard. The Monsoon strikes the right balance: it’s light enough to carry, tough enough to trust, and versatile enough to wear year-round.

It’s also received recognition from industry leaders:

• Named “Best Hardshell 2024” by Switchback Travel

• Awarded “Best Hardshell 2025” by Gear Junkie

👉 Get the Himali Monsoon Hardshell Jacket here

USE CODE "OUTDOOR_DEVIN" for 10% off

MENS

WOMENS

TRAIL TAKEAWAYS

If you spend serious time outdoors—whether it’s hiking, mountaineering, backcountry skiing, or even just exploring your local trails in unpredictable weather—the Himali Monsoon Jacket is one of the best investments you can make.

When you’re wet and cold, your day (and sometimes your safety) can turn quickly. The Monsoon gives you peace of mind, knowing that when the weather shifts, you’re covered.