Component Jackets
On This Page
Top Picks
How we choose: The best component jackets highlighted here were selected based on 104 reviews of 61 products. Our top picks are those that are readily-available in the United States and have received the highest overall ratings from reviewers.
How we test: Trailspace is powered entirely by our community of readers. The reviews posted here reflect the real-world experiences of outdoor enthusiasts just like you.
If you've used a component jacket that you think should be listed here, please share your experience.
Disclosure: Trailspace never accepts payment for gear reviews, product placement, or editorial coverage. When you buy through affiliate links on our site, Trailspace may earn a small commission, which helps cover the costs of running the site.
Columbia Horizons Pine Interchange Jacket
Nice coat for street and trail.
Reasons to Buy
- Very water repellent
- Warm
- Compressible liner
- Mobility
- Looks
- Quality build/feel
- Shell isn't "too big" when used as a rain coat or wind breaker
Reasons to Avoid
- Shows dirt
- No two-way zipper
- Hood doesn't fit right
- Liner feel
In all I give the Horizons Pine a 4 out of 5; at under 200$ CAD It was a great buy IMO. Just note, I am not the most active person; I hike and walk regularly and I hope to increase my activities, and intensity, as I get into shape. As of now my activity is medium duration at low intensity. With that said higher activity people, or lower, may have different results. Pros: I say very water repellent and not waterproof because I can see where the fabric is absorbing water on days when it is really raining (say 10-15mm in an eight-hour period).
Read more: Columbia Horizons Pine Interchange Jacket reviews (2)
Columbia Bugaboo Interchange Jacket
It really is great jacket. I have been wearing it for seven years and can still proudly wear it. It is quite warm and comfortable, worth buying. I'm using it for hiking, as well as for skiing.
Reasons to Buy
- Breathable
- Durable
- Looks good
Reasons to Avoid
- Pockets are hard to open
- Not warm enough sometimes
I recommend this jacket to you.
Read more: Columbia Bugaboo Interchange Jacket reviews (2)
Patagonia Baby All Seasons 3-in-1 Jacket
A 3-in-1 jacket that can keep up and meet the demands of an adventurous toddler, either as a windproof/waterproof jacket, a fleece snap-out jacket, or both. Besides showing some stains (light color options), the jacket is as tough as it comes for toddler clothes, especially compared to others which are notoriously cheaply made. There’s nothing cheap about this jacket.
Reasons to Buy
- Two great layers (individually or together)
- Easy to connect/disconnect layers
- Super soft fleece layer
- Full-coverage length
- Windproof/waterproof outer jacket
Reasons to Avoid
- Light color option (easily stained)
- Neck coverage when snapped together
Tester Specs and Fit/Sizing:At the time of testing, my daughter was 15-18 months old and wearing a size 2T jacket, which aligns with other apparel she is wearing, so I’d say the jacket is true to fit. Both layers are adequately long, but not parka length, and provide full coverage of my daughter’s torso. When bending over, her backside does not become exposed. Sleeves are long enough to cover all the way to the wrist and the hood covers over top of her head and winter hat. Both layers, side-by-side Conditions: My daughter has been wearing the Patagonia Baby All Seasons 3-in-1 Jacket for almost three months in the late autumn and early winter.
Read more: Patagonia Baby All Seasons 3-in-1 Jacket review (1)
Columbia Lhotse II Interchange Jacket
This is a quality jacket. The versatility of it is incredible and it is very comfortable and very warm. This jacket has many features to keep you comfortable and warm in some harsh elements.
Reasons to Buy
- Warm
- Comfortable
- Waterproof
- Removable liner
Reasons to Avoid
- Velcro is annoying
I really really enjoy this jacket. I just retired a Mountain Hardwear 3-in-1 jacket that I have had since 2006 because it is now too small for me. I hated to retire that jacket because I loved it so much, so I spent A LOT of time looking at and reading about new jackets. I landed on this Columbia and I am so glad that I did. It is a quality jacket that is very versatile and very comfortable. I have not gotten cold in it yet. Even the liner of the jacket looks really great by itself (which seems to not be the case with a lot of 3-in-1 jackets).
Read more: Columbia Lhotse II Interchange Jacket reviews (3)
Explore more top-rated component jackets from Columbia:
REI Triad Parka
I recently purchased this high quality 3/4 length coat at the REI store in Paramus. It has an amazing fit and is extremely warm in an outside temperature of 18 degrees. I highly recommend this excellent garment.
Reasons to Buy
- Lightweight
- Well made
- Warm
If you can find one, buy it.
Read more: REI Triad Parka reviews (3)
L.L.Bean Weather Challenger 3-in-1 Jacket
This is a versatile jacket that will keep you dry and warm and has the flexibility for those who need extra room for kayaking or fishing.
Reasons to Buy
- Waterproof
- 3-in-1 options
- Enough pocket options
- Very packable for travel
Reasons to Avoid
- Worn alone the rain jacket can get sticky to the skin.
- When zipped up the jacket edge can hit you in the face and chin.
- No back adjustments, only at the bottom of the jacket
I purchased this jacket to replace an older neoprene jacket. I wanted something that was fairly waterproof and had enough shoulder room for kayaking and fly fishing. I loved the options it had for my busy travel schedule and that it was packable. I hadn't really tested the waterproof options of this jacket until I was in Scotland this last week where I had two days of near downpour rain while hiking and fly fishing. This jacket kept me warm and dry through those days. I have worn a scarf in order to to control the irritable way it fits when it is zipped up, always hitting me in the face and chin.
Read more: L.L.Bean Weather Challenger 3-in-1 Jacket reviews (3)
Craghoppers 364 3-in-1 Jacket
Longer-length rain jacket with zipped-in synthetic insulating jacket. The outer jacket is not suitable for hiking, but the inner on its own is.
Reasons to Buy
- Long length—excellent for urban use
- Multiple pockets
- Suitable for a wide temperature range
- Good standard of manufacture
Reasons to Avoid
- Too heavy and bulky for hiking
- Hood has limited adjustability
- Stiff zips
I was surprised to find the Craghoppers 364 3-in-1 jacket listed on Trailspace because I would not consider it a hiking jacket. It is made of a stiff polycotton canvas, meaning that it is bulky and heavy even without the inner insulated jacket. Furthermore the hood is the urban variety, adjustable to some extent thanks to waxed cords on the front and a tab on the back, but lacking a peak or wired brim and offering limited protection against wind-blown rain from the front. I bought this jacket for urban use as an alternative to a macintosh, and for this purpose it is excellent.
Read more: Craghoppers 364 3-in-1 Jacket review (1)
Pacific Trekking Trek Jacket
I have worn this coat for over twenty years walking every day in the winter, fall and spring in, rain and snow and sleet with my dogs. The net lining has finally worn thin and the velcro on the wrists is beginning to fail but it has been my best friend in the worst of weather. The outer shell material (which was a proto type when I bought it) still looks like new although it is starting to let in a little moisture now. It has never stained, wrinkled, separated etc. If I wanted to I could wear it out to dinner and it would be presentable all these years later. I need a new one!! I would not, in a moment, hesitate to buy another one like it. I feel it deserves a funeral.
Read more: Pacific Trekking Trek Jacket reviews (2)
Mountain Hardwear Excursion Trifecta Jacket
I just purchased this jacket, so my review will be based on my initial impression. I'm 5'8", 190 lbs, and I purchased a size large. I chose the grill/black color. Overall...I love this jacket. I have owned several Mountain Hardwear shells, and this is by far my favorite. I've been wearing it all day today, and I have yet to feel overheated...therefore it seems to breath very well with the new Dry Q membrain. The outer fabric seems to be very durable, and the overall design looks great. Since it is a 3-in-1 jacket, it allows you to use it in various weather conditions. Both jackets have a single interior pocket, and they both have fleece lined pockets.
Read more: Mountain Hardwear Excursion Trifecta Jacket review (1)
Marmot Bastione Component Jacket
I love this jacket.
Reasons to Buy
- warm
- versatile
- durable
- adjustable
- breathable
- waterproof
- windproof
I've had this jacket for one winter now, and I'm very happy with it so far. It's very warm — even just the liner is almost unbearable if it isn't cold enough outside (a good thing, in my book), and with the shell it's also wind and water proof. The shell alone makes a good rain jacket, but it might be a little too heavy for summer. I'm a cold-blooded individual living in northern Minnesota, and it has kept me warm, which is saying something. I've used it day-to-day around town and also on several winter hiking/camping adventures.
Read more: Marmot Bastione Component Jacket reviews (2)
More Reviews of Component Jackets
Trailspace reviewers have shared 104 reviews of 61 different component jackets.
or add yours
Other Types of Jackets
Find more jackets reviewed in these related categories:
Waterproof Jackets
Soft Shell Jackets
Wind Shirts
+6 more types
Review Your Outdoor Gear
If you've found this site helpful — or if we've missed something important — please consider paying it forward by some of your favorite outdoor gear.
Why? From professional gearheads to outdoor novices, everyone has an important point of view to contribute. will support the outdoor community and help others find the best gear.
Trailspace reviewers are outdoor enthusiasts like you: hikers, climbers, paddlers, backcountry skiers, and trail runners who share our experiences with the gear and clothing we rely on to get outside. Learn more about Trailspace