Best Jackets For Men In 2026
The outerwear that keeps me going year around, no matter the weather.
Let’s be honest, we all use weather at some point to justify our outdoor adventure decisions. If it’s too cold, we stay inside. If it’s too hot, we stay inside. If it’s just right, we may (should!) go outside. But in a lot of places, or maybe it’s just here in South Texas, the weather can be challenging to deem as “just right”. Whether it’s a steady flow of rain, bitterly dry and windy, or just flat out freezing, having the proper outerwear is key to not letting nature disrupt your routine.
I like clothing that can work in a multitude of situations. Apparel that is built to last a lifetime, not just a season. Here are my favorite jackets that keep me covered (pun intended) and moving throughout the year.
And just to clarify, if it’s a hurricane or a tornado, that’s a perfectly acceptable excuse to stay inside.
The Rain
A proper shell jacket is essential anywhere. It should be capable to throw over layers leaving the house and packable to do the same while traveling. A downpour is one thing, but an average rain shower shouldn’t keep you from going out to take care of business. This Waterproof Shell Jacket from Ten Thousand fits in with all the seasons and does what it’s supposed to do, which is to keep you and your personal items dry. I ran in this jacket on a trip to NYC recently and it kept me not only dry, but without any constriction of movement. The material is tough and the size is well fitted. This definitely isn’t your trash bag poncho you used to wear to the football game. This is the standard for rain jackets.
The Freeze
I’ll be honest, I live in South Texas. I pull out my winter coat from the back of my closet a few times a year. But when I need it, I really need it. I initially purchased the Parka Jacket by Everlane a few years back to wear to my father-in-law’s pilot retirement in Anchorage. It was winter in Alaska at that time, and I was advised there would be frequent moments outside and on the runway watching him land his “finny flight”. This was the jacket I wore, and it kept me warm and dry the entire time, even when an “unexpected” snow storm came through. Besides the random trips to the North Pole, this jacket probably won’t get much of a workout in my closet, but when it does, it certainly is worth having.
The Wind
I do a lot of rucking. In fact, I go for a ruck just about every day, regardless of the weather. The winter can be a little challenging with a rucksack, since layering up can cause some constriction with the straps and have me looking like Randy bundled up in A Christmas Story. I bought the Sherpa Tech Jacket last year and it solved the problem. Easy to slide a ruck over with plenty of mobility. Very warm, ideal for dry/windy days. Like most Ten Thousand gear, it has the perfect pocket configuration to keep your personal items in check. It pairs well with the Tactical Shirt, which was my go to ruck combo this past winter.