Gear Review: Monsoon Hardshell Jacket By HIMALI
The HIMALI Monsoon Hardshell Jacket is lightweight, stormproof, and built for high-alpine adventures. Here’s why it’s one of our favorite shells for backpacking and mountain missions.
The Monsoon Hardshell Jacket by HIMALI is built for hikers, mountaineers, and outdoor adventurers who don’t want to be held back by rain, sleet, or high alpine storms. Lightweight yet incredibly tough, this fully waterproof shell has quickly become one of our favorite layers for serious mountain weather!
With a no-nonsense design, reliable protection, and a great range of movement, the Monsoon is a storm-ready jacket that can keep up with big ambitions. Whether you're deep in the backcountry or just trying to stay dry on a trail run, this is a well made jacket that we think you'll like a lot.
Tested in the Field
We tested the HIMALI Monsoon Jacket during summer monsoon storms in the San Juan Mountains, and again on a high elevation stretch of the CDT when the clouds rolled in and didn't let up for hours. The jacket has handled hours of rain and wind without soaking through or feeling swampy inside. The 3-layer waterproof breathable fabric really shines, offering protection from the elements while still allowing sweat to escape.
Even with a pack on, the fabric resisted abrasion from shoulder straps, hip belt and granite scrambles. The fit never bunched or rode up, and we appreciated the extra length in the back while hiking uphill in the rain, and while trying to pitch a tent in the rain. The hood stayed in place without flopping around, even in high winds. This thing was made for movement. It's really obvious that the design put function first.
Standout Features
- 3-layer waterproof breathable protection with a 20K/20K rating
- Durable fabric for alpine abrasion resistance
- Fully taped seams, waterproof zippers, and a storm-ready hood
- Minimal bulk and weight (14.2 oz for women’s / 15.4 oz for men’s)
- Excellent articulation and fit—no restriction when hiking or scrambling
- Packs down small enough to disappear into your daypack or summit bag
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Ultralight but still tough | HIMALI sizing can run slightly slim |
| Trim athletic fit with room for a light puffy | Pricey, but competitive for hardshells |
| Storm hood fits over most helmets | |
| Great range of motion |
Packing It Out
The HIMALI Monsoon Hardshell Jacket is the kind of rain shell you want when things get gnarly at 12,000 feet, or just unexpectedly soggy during a trail day. It doesn’t try to be flashy with a lot of features. It just works. The waterproofing is bomber, the fabric is surprisingly durable for how light it is, and the fit is athletic without being restrictive.
We put it through real mountain weather and came away seriously impressed. If you’re looking for a reliable, lightweight hardshell that can thrive in alpine environments, the Monsoon is an outstanding pick.
My review is independent of the supplier and reflects my own opinions. Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission if purchases are made through those links at no additional cost to you.
