Gander Mountain Guide Series Jacket

★★★★★4.8/5· thousands of reviews

We designed the Gander Mountain Guide Series Jacket for hunters, hikers, and outdoor professionals who demand reliable protection in unpredictable conditions. This technical shell combines a waterproof three-layer laminate with articulated shoulders and a helmet-compatible hood, so you stay dry and mobile whether you’re glassing ridgelines at dawn or setting camp in freezing rain.

Our Guide Series platform prioritizes function over flash. You’ll find reinforced high-wear zones at the elbows and shoulders, YKK AquaGuard zippers on every pocket, and pit zips that dump heat fast when the terrain turns vertical. We built this jacket to perform season after season, mile after mile, without compromise.

  • Three-layer waterproof-breathable laminate with 10,000 mm rating
  • Articulated shoulders and elbows for unrestricted range of motion
  • Helmet-compatible adjustable hood with reinforced brim
  • Two chest pockets and two hand-warmer pockets with YKK AquaGuard zippers
  • Underarm pit zips for rapid ventilation control
Three-layer waterproof-breathable laminate with 10,000 mm ratingArticulated shoulders and elbows for unrestricted range of motionHelmet-compatible adjustable hood with reinforced brimTwo chest pockets and two hand-warmer pockets with YKK AquaGuard zippersUnderarm pit zips for rapid ventilation control
Build quality
Everyday use
Value
Durability
Style

Waterproof Construction & Breathability

Waterproof Construction & Breathability

The Gander Mountain Guide Series Jacket uses a three-layer waterproof-breathable laminate that seals out wind-driven rain while allowing perspiration vapor to escape. We rate the membrane at 10,000 mm hydrostatic head, meaning it withstands sustained downpours without wetting through. Every seam is fully taped, and the YKK AquaGuard zippers on the chest and hand pockets prevent water intrusion at critical entry points.

Underarm pit zips run eight inches and open wide to dump excess heat when you’re moving fast under a heavy pack. The breathable laminate works hardest during high-output activity, so you stay comfortable whether you’re scouting new terrain or hustling back to the trailhead before dark.


Articulated Fit & Mobility

Articulated Fit & Mobility

We cut the Guide Series Jacket with articulated sleeves and a gusseted back panel that moves with you instead of binding across the shoulders. The pattern allows full overhead reach when you’re hanging game, stowing gear, or scrambling over deadfall. Adjustable cuffs with hook-and-loop tabs let you cinch the sleeves over gloves or loosen them for ventilation, while internal storm cuffs create a second barrier against wind and snow.

The drop-tail hem extends coverage when you’re bent forward on a steep pitch, and the adjustable drawcord lets you seal out drafts without restricting your stride. This jacket pairs naturally with our Gander Mountain Guide Series pants for a weatherproof layering system that performs in the field.


Pocket Organization & Storage

Pocket Organization & Storage

Chest & Hand Pockets

Two chest pockets sit high enough to remain accessible under a pack’s sternum strap, giving you quick access to a GPS unit, rangefinder, or field notebook. The hand-warmer pockets are lined with brushed tricot for comfort and sized to hold gloves, a headlamp, or energy bars. All four pockets close with YKK AquaGuard zippers that glide smoothly even when wet.

Internal Organization

Inside, you’ll find a zippered security pocket for your wallet or phone and a mesh drop pocket for damp gloves. The internal storm flap behind the center-front zipper adds another layer of wind protection, and the chin guard at the collar prevents zipper chafe against your neck during long days on the move.


Complete Your Guide Series Kit

Gander Mountain Guide Series Pants
Gander Mountain Guide Series Pants
Waterproof soft-shell pants with reinforced knees and articulated fit for backcountry mobility.
View Pants →
Gander Mountain Guide Series Vest
Gander Mountain Guide Series Vest
Insulated vest with water-resistant shell and packable design for layering versatility.
View Vest →
Gander Mountain Base Layer Top
Gander Mountain Base Layer Top
Merino wool blend top with flatlock seams for next-to-skin comfort in cold conditions.
View Base Layers →
Gander Mountain Insulated Gloves
Gander Mountain Insulated Gloves
Waterproof gloves with Thinsulate insulation and touchscreen-compatible fingertips.
View Gloves →
Gander Mountain Wool Beanie
Gander Mountain Wool Beanie
Merino wool beanie with four-way stretch and odor-control properties for multi-day wear.
View Headwear →
Gander Mountain Trail Pack
Gander Mountain Trail Pack
Thirty-liter daypack with hydration sleeve and load-lifter straps for balanced carry.
View Packs →

What people are saying

4.8
★★★★★
Based on verified reviews
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T
Tom R.
Verified buyer
★★★★★
Stayed dry through three days of rain
I wore this jacket on a late-season elk hunt in Montana, and it handled everything from freezing drizzle to sideways sleet without leaking. The pit zips are a game changer when you’re hiking uphill with a heavy pack. I’m impressed by how well the hood fits over my baseball cap without blocking my vision.
J
Jessica L.
Verified buyer
★★★★★
Perfect fit and mobility for bow season
I needed a shell that wouldn’t bind when I draw my bow, and the Guide Series Jacket nails it. The articulated sleeves move with me, and the quiet fabric doesn’t spook deer. The chest pockets are sized perfectly for my rangefinder and grunt call.
M
Mike D.
Verified buyer
★★★★★
Holds up to pack strap wear
After two seasons of backcountry use, the shoulders still look brand new despite constant contact with my pack straps. The reinforced elbows have zero signs of wear, and the zippers glide as smoothly as the day I bought it. This jacket was built to last.
A
Angela P.
Verified buyer
★★★★★
Great layering piece for variable weather
I’ve worn this jacket over everything from a T-shirt to a heavy fleece, and it works for all conditions. The drop-tail hem keeps my lower back covered when I bend over, and the adjustable cuffs seal tight over my gloves in high wind. Solid all-around performance.
B
Brian K.
Verified buyer
★★★★★
Hood design is better than expected
The helmet-compatible hood adjusts down small enough to fit snugly over just a beanie, which I appreciate on mild days. The brim holds its shape in wind, and the three-point adjustment system lets me dial in coverage without fumbling with too many cords. Very well thought out.
S
Sarah M.
Verified buyer
★★★★★
Breathes well during high-output activity
I run hot when I hike, and most waterproof shells leave me soaked with sweat. The Guide Series Jacket breathes well enough that I stay comfortable even on steep climbs, and the pit zips give me instant ventilation control when I need it. This is now my go-to rain shell for fast-and-light trips.

Guide Series Jacket Questions Answered

The Guide Series Jacket is fully waterproof with a three-layer laminate rated to 10,000 mm hydrostatic head. All seams are taped, and the YKK AquaGuard zippers prevent water intrusion at the pockets. This jacket is designed to keep you dry in sustained rain, not just light drizzle.

Yes, the jacket is cut with enough room to layer a midweight fleece or thin insulated jacket underneath. If you plan to wear a bulky puffy layer, we recommend sizing up one increment for a more comfortable fit. The articulated sleeves and gusseted back panel provide extra mobility when layering.

Machine wash the jacket on a gentle cycle with technical garment wash, then tumble dry on low heat to reactivate the durable water repellent. Avoid fabric softener and bleach. Over time, you can reapply DWR spray treatment to restore water-shedding performance on the outer fabric.

Yes, we designed the hood to be helmet-compatible. The three-panel adjustment system lets you expand the hood volume to fit over most helmets, and the reinforced brim maintains visibility even when the hood is cinched down. The hood also adjusts small enough to fit snugly over just a beanie.

The jacket weighs approximately twenty-two ounces in size large. It packs down into its own hand-warmer pocket for storage in a pack, though it’s not as compressible as an ultralight shell due to the reinforced construction and three-layer laminate.

No, the pit zips are single-pull YKK zippers that open from the bottom hem of the armpit gusset. They run eight inches and provide rapid ventilation when fully opened. The hand and chest pockets use two-way YKK AquaGuard zippers for easier access.

The Guide Series Jacket works well as a winter shell when layered over insulation, but it is not insulated itself. The waterproof-breathable laminate handles snow and freezing rain, and the reinforced construction stands up to crampon wear and pack abrasion. Pair it with a warm midlayer for cold-weather use.

Explore the Full Guide Series Collection
Waterproof pants, insulated vests, base layers, and accessories built for backcountry performance.