If you're going for a day hike and there's a chance of rain, wear or pack a hard shell. If you're going for a multi-day backpacking or camping trip, always pack a hard shell. A hard shell provides the waterproof protection and durability you need for backpacking trips and rainy weather.

Do you need a hard shell?

One can wear a hard-shell in many cases; they are just particularly good ABOVE freezing where more water is present. Most soft shells have some insulation and are windproof. They are water resistant in a lot of cases, but not something you want to wear usually ABOVE freezing.

What is the point of a shell jacket?

A shell (or “hardshell”) jacket is your first layer of protection against wind, rain, and snow. Shell jackets forgo insulation in favor of versatility, simplicity, and weight savings.