Are you in search of the perfect men’s light jacket for your travels, hikes, or daily life?
Weather can be unpredictable, especially when you’re on the go, so you need something you can rely upon. Of course, it’s essential that the men’s lightweight jacket looks good and doesn’t break the bank too. The best light jackets for men should keep the sun off your shoulders during the day, warm in the evening, and dry during those unexpected downpours. Oh yeah, and be light and packable enough that you barely notice it in your carry-on!
It may seem like a lot to ask for from one jacket, but we’re here to tell you it’s not. There may not be one “perfect jacket” for every man, but there is one for everyone. Below, I share a variety of my favorite men’s lightweight jackets.
Best Men’s Light Jackets
Arc’teryx Beta LT Gore-Tex Jacket
Product Details
- MSRP: $450
- Weight: 13.9 oz.
- Material: 3-layer GORE-TEX
- Style: Hiking/Mountaineering
Pros
- Exceptional Protection
- Durable Performance
- Style
The Arc’teryx Beta LT is our favorite outdoor adventure jacket as it provides awesome protection from the elements. Arc’teryx is a brand beloved by the mountaineering and climbing community as they know how to make a robust shell jacket. The Beta LT uses 3L GORE-TEX® fabric and a bombproof build that will keep you dry and comfortable no matter the weather. It comes with a lot of great features for protection against the elements. The downside of the jacket is that it’s very expensive. If you’re occasionally active outdoors, you likely don’t need the exceptional protection of the jacket. We recommend it as a solid investment for active men who are fanatics of sports like mountain biking, climbing, skiing, camping, or hiking.
Filson Tin Cloth Work Jacket
Product Details
- MSRP: $345
- Weight: 2 lbs. 8 oz.
- Material: Canvas
- Style: Western/Workwear
Pros
- Stylish
- Wonderful Quality
This is the jacket if you want a no-frills shell jacket designed to be used and abused. Filson’s workwear has faithfully served men for decades due to its exceptional quality. A staple of their line is the Filson Tin Cloth Work Jacket which has been in circulation since the 1930s. The rugged jacket displays a classic style that feels appropriate on city streets or a ranch. Oil-finished canvas provides reliable protection and ages gracefully as a jacket that remains in your wardrobe for years. Most importantly, the coat can easily fight a chill and break the wind thanks to the heavy material. Its roots are tied with loggers, ranchers, and outdoorsmen, so it features a casual cut for work and layers. The cut can be negative or positive, depending on your needs. It’s a great jacket for any wild adventure you may find.
Patagonia Better Sweater® Fleece Jacket
Product Details
- MSRP: $149
- Weight: 1 lb. 6.5 oz.
- Material: Polyester Fleece
- Style: Atheltic/Casual Fleece
Pros
- Super Comfortable
- Reliable Performance
The Patagonia Better Sweater is a perfect fleece sweater and excels as a cozy mid-layer. It’s thick, soft, and slim while still being one of the warmest fleece jackets on the market. Patagonia’s fleece products have always stood out from the market in our years of testing athletic gear. The jacket’s cost is high compared to a standard fleece jacket. However, the quality and durable material provide some excellent longevity. I’ve had my Better Sweater for seven years and it has seen plenty of use. The Better Sweater comes in either a 1/4 zip pullover or a full zip-up jacket.
