The waterproof mountaineering jacket: your essential protection
Waterproof mountaineering jackets are an essential part of your kit for facing extreme mountain conditions. Thanks to their Ultrashell membrane, Cimalp men's and women's mountaineering jackets perfectly combine waterproofing and breathability, keeping you dry while effectively wicking away perspiration. This dual performance is crucial for maintaining your comfort and safety during ascents.
The design of our mountaineering jackets includes a stretch and ergonomic cut which offers great freedom of movement, essential for moving confidently on steep faces and trails. They also feature chest pockets compatible with wearing a harness and a backpack, giving you easy access to your essentials without compromising your safety. The underarm ventilation zips allow effective regulation of body temperature, and the three-point adjustable hood is designed to fit perfectly over a helmet.
We also make it a point of honour to focus on the durability of our products. Our jackets are made from rip-stop fabric, which withstands repeated abrasion against rocks, ensuring exceptional longevity even in the toughest conditions. Don't forget to also kit yourself out with a mountaineering backpack, so you can easily store and access your gear.
The mountaineering fleece: warmth and freedom of movement
To maximise your comfort during ascents, a mountaineering fleece is essential under your hardshell jacket. Cimalp offers breathable fleeces men's and women's designed specifically for mountaineering, offering excellent thermal insulation thanks to the CIMAGRID fabric. This material is not only stretch for great freedom of movement, but also highly breathable thanks to its breathable open-knit construction, allowing optimal moisture wicking.
Our fleeces are designed with a close-fitting cut to minimise cold air ingress and increase thermal efficiency. They also feature high-placed pockets, ideal for staying accessible even when wearing a harness. A high collar adds extra protection against cold and wind.
What criteria should you use to choose your jacket?
Choosing the right mountaineering jacket is crucial for ensuring your comfort and safety in the mountains. Here are the key criteria to consider:
- The membrane : This is the first criterion to check. A good membrane for mountaineering must offer both waterproofing and breathability. The Cimalp Ultrashell® membrane, for example, is waterproof up to 20,000mm and has a breathability rating of 80,000MVP, guaranteeing maximum protection against rain and wind while allowing moisture to escape.
- The ventilation zips : Positioned under the arms, they allow the jacket to breathe without compromising its waterproofing. Essential on a three-layer jacket, these zips facilitate thermal regulation during the intense effort and rest phases that are frequent in mountaineering.
- The hood : A good hood must be easily adjustable and compatible with a helmet. It should also be fitted with a semi-rigid peak to maintain good visibility in the rain.
- The cut : Mountaineering jackets often have a shorter cut at the front to avoid interfering with harness wear, and a longer cut at the back to protect the top of the trousers in bad weather. This also prevents the jacket from riding up due to backpack friction. Freedom of movement must also be optimised.
- The pockets : Pockets must be positioned high, at chest level, to remain accessible even with a backpack and harness. This makes it easy to store and retrieve your accessories without having to remove your gear.
What other activities can you use your mountaineering jacket for?
Cimalp men's and women's mountaineering jackets are versatile and can be used for a variety of other outdoor activities. They are particularly well suited to ski touring, an activity that alternates between phases of intense effort and rest, where features such as underarm ventilation zips are greatly appreciated.
A premium mountaineering jacket is also perfect for long-distance hiking, especially in winter conditions, and for activities such as snowshoe. Its built-to-last construction and ability to protect you from the elements make it an ideal choice for any activity requiring reliable protection against the weather.
How to wash your mountaineering jacket?
To ensure the longevity of your mountaineering clothing men's and women's, proper care is essential. Here are some tips for washing and maintaining your waterproof jacket:
- Washing : Wash your waterproof jacket at 30°C in the machine, using a detergent specially designed for waterproof garments. Avoid fabric softeners, which can damage technical materials.
- Drying : Air-dry your jacket away from direct sunlight and any heat source. Avoid tumble drying, unless your jacket requires waterproofing reactivation after washing.
- Re-waterproofing : If necessary, re-waterproof your jacket with a waterproofing spray or specific solution. This will help maintain the performance of the membrane against rain and extend the life of your jacket.
By following these tips, you will ensure the optimal performance of your lightweight mountaineering jacket, guaranteeing effective protection during your mountain adventures. The mountaineering down jackets and mountaineering trousers mountaineering Cimalp are designed to meet the demands of the most extreme conditions, while offering comfort and durability at the best price. Get ready to take on the summits with complete confidence with our range of technical clothing and our mountaineering and high-altitude shoes. Check out our women's mountaineering down jackets. Shop our mountaineering clothing in our store or online. Enjoy fast, free delivery from £65 and free returns within 30 days.