In the mountains, conditions can change quickly, and carrying a jacket is essential even in fine weather to protect yourself from a potential downpour or strong winds. That said, it's not always easy to navigate waterproofing measurements, breathability ratings and the various features on offer.
Whether you're a casual walker who loves the mountains or a committed mountaineer, rest assured we have the waterproof hiking jacket you need!
Our top 6 waterproof hiking and mountaineering jackets:
- the GUIDE PRO, for high-mountain athletes and demanding mountaineers
- the ADVANCED, lightweight and resistant to the harshest conditions on your mountain adventures
- the COSMIQUES, the breathability-first choice at an unbeatable value for regular hikers
- the CASCADE, the hardshell 3-layer jacket par excellence, waterproof to 10,000 mm
- the STORM, the ultra-light jacket for intense effort
- the STORM PRO, for active and demanding athletes
Cimalp GUIDE PRO: high-performance alpine protection for reaching the summit
Head into the mountains with confidence in the GUIDE PRO jacket — the ideal companion for high-mountain athletes and demanding alpinists. Built to take on every challenge at altitude, it combines comfort, waterproofing and durability.
Developed in collaboration with the Cimalp Mountaineering Team athletes, the GUIDE PRO jacket is a true shield against the elements, ready to accompany you on mountaineering days out, ski touring and all your most technical outdoor pursuits. Its robust 3-layer Rip-stop fabric features the Ultrashell® membrane, a Cimalp innovation setting new standards in the outdoor market: waterproof to 20,000 mm or Schmerber, breathable to 80,000 MVP.
The GUIDE PRO combines waterproofing, durability and resilience with technical specifications that rise to your every challenge!
- Large chest pockets compatible with wearing a harness and a backpack.
- Shoulder reinforcements for added durability.
- Protective hood with 3-point tightening and a mouldable peak, helmet-compatible.
- Premium finish with waterproof YKK VISLON® double-slider zip.
- Underarm ventilation zips.
- 3-layer Rip-stop fabric with the waterproof membrane and breathable Ultrashell® (80'000GMVP | 20'000 Schmerber).
- RECCO® avalanche safety system to assist search and rescue operations.
- Relaxed fit allowing you to layer a down jacket without feeling compressed.
- Weight: 720 g
For more information, check out our dedicated article on the GUIDE PRO!
Cimalp ADVANCED: conquer the mountains with effortless lightness and performance
The ADVANCED is the ultimate waterproof mountain jacket for experienced athletes chasing performance. Ultra-light and compactable, it lets you move freely on every mountain outing — ideal at the bottom of your pack or when conditions get tough. Mountaineering, long-distance hiking in all seasons, ski touring or snowshoeing — it adapts to your most demanding pursuits.
With its clean-cut look, this technical jacket will go wherever you do. Designed for mountaineering and high-altitude terrain, it features an ergonomic front zip that lets the hood pull up under your chin without any obstruction. Laser-cut details at the collar also allow you to breathe freely.
- High-performance Ultrashell® membrane by Cimalp (waterproofing 20,000 Schmerber | breathability 80,000 MVP).
- Magnetic collar clip for optimal hold when the jacket isn't fully zipped up.
- High chest pockets compatible with wearing a backpack or harness for easy access to your belongings, plus 2 inner pockets.
- Slim and stretchy.
- Packed volume of 1.5L.
- RECCO® beacon.
- Underarm ventilation zips.
- Weight: 380 g
Cimalp COSMIQUES: the ultimate breathability choice for your mountain outings
The COSMIQUES is the ideal partner for all hikers looking for versatility at an outstanding value for money. With its Ultrashell® membrane, this windproof jacket is both breathable, waterproof and resistant for hiking in the rain. Lightweight and compact, it slips easily into your pack.
Its technical prowess is enhanced by Cimalp's patented innovation: the exclusive AERODRY® system, which guarantees permanent regulation of your body temperature while protecting you from the elements. The COSMIQUES promises maximum breathability whatever the weather and however hard you push!
- AERODRY® system in the form of a flexible 3D pad for additional heat and moisture transfer from the inside to the outside
- 2 large side ventilation zips for enhanced breathability
- Waterproof-breathable membrane Ultrashell® (80,000 MVP | 20,000 Schmerber)
- Welded waterproof seams
- 3-layer Nano Rip-stop stretchy fabric
- Stretch jacket for maximum freedom of movement
- Wrist tightening pads
- 4 large outer pockets, 1 inner pocket
- All seasons
- Weight: 405 g
Cimalp CASCADE: the waterproof hiking jacket, rated to 10,000 mm water column
The CASCADE hardshell 3-layer is the ideal balance between technical performance and comfort. This jacket is resistant, windproof, waterproof and breathable, while also being lightweight with a clean design you can wear every day.
Its latest-generation laminated fabric, reduced in weight and volume, is waterproof to over 10,000 mm. It is lightweight and compactable.
- CIMASHELL® technology waterproof to 10,000 Schmerber and breathable to 10,000 MVP — ideal for tackling mountain weather at mid-altitude or on a multi-day trekking trip
- Highly resistant
- 2 hand pockets + 1 inner pocket
- Adjustable hood and cuffs
- Adjustable hem
- Waterproof closures, laser-cut bonded panels, welded seams in 1.5-layer construction for added durability.
- Underarm ventilation zips
- Weight: 512 g
Cimalp STORM: ultra-light and built for intense effort
Originally designed for trail runners chasing performance and comfort, the STORM is a waterproof jacket that adapts just as well to lightweight hiking, fast-hiking and nordic walking. Engineered to move with you during effort, this jacket packs away in under 30 seconds into its integrated chest pocket.
Ultra-light, it features just one chest pocket for a significant weight saving.
- 10,000 mm water protection
- Breathability of 12,500 MVP
- Ultrashell® Slim 2.5-layer membrane
- Reflective markings for improved visibility and safety
- Ergonomic hood for a perfect fit
- 3D-FLEX® weave: 100% stretch
- Excellent windproof performance
- Chest retaining clip to keep the jacket open after fully unzipping the central zip during ventilation
- 1 chest pocket and thumb loops
- Certified for Ultra-trail
- Weight: 215 g
Cimalp STORM PRO: the lightweight jacket for demanding athletes
With the STORM PRO, Cimalp offers trail runners and demanding outdoor athletes a more technical version of the Storm. Certified for ultra-trail, it features thermally bonded waterproof seams and is ultra-breathable!
Carrying the BLUESIGN® eco-label — guaranteeing the preservation of natural resources and reduced environmental impact — this windproof jacket has been treated with an organic and ecological dye. Also PFC-free (harmful substances), the STORM PRO jacket fabric is the perfect balance between durability and flexibility.
- Heat-welded waterproof seams
- Waterproof-breathable membrane Ultrashell (20,000 mm/80,000 MVP)
- DWR TEFLON ECOELITE treatment, PFC-free: an eco-responsible technology for durable waterproofing, respecting our natural environment.
- Resistant and stretch fabric
- ECO BLUESIGN® fabric: Minimises environmental impact while delivering high-level performance.
- Central zip: can be opened from the bottom, with chest retaining clip when fully open
- Ergonomic hood that moves with your head
- Thumb loops and 1 chest pocket
- Reflective prints
- Weight: 290 g
What level of waterproofing do you need in a hiking jacket?
The waterproofing of a fabric is measured in Schmerber. To determine the rating, a test is performed: the garment is placed under a column of water and the height at which droplets begin to penetrate is recorded. One Schmerber equals a water height of 1 mm. A hiking jacket is considered to have excellent waterproofing from 10,000 mm upwards.
To guide you:
2,000 mm: The fabric resists light rain. This is sufficient protection for a day out if you're not expecting heavy rainfall.
10,000 mm: The fabric is waterproof. It will perform perfectly against bad weather at mid-altitude.
20,000 mm: The garment is fully waterproof. It will take you all the way into the high mountains to face icy downpours and snow.
30,000 mm: A fabric engineered for the most extreme conditions. Rare to find.
Key criteria for choosing your waterproof hiking and mountaineering jacket
While the waterproofing level of a jacket is the primary criterion, it would be a mistake to stop there: other characteristics are equally important to consider when making the right choice.
Choosing a sufficiently breathable jacket
The breathability rating is essential to consider when choosing a waterproof hiking jacket. The more intense the effort, the greater the need to expel moisture. During sustained activity, the body can lose over a litre of water per hour. A breathable membrane will help you stay dry and avoid the sauna effect inside your jacket.
A jacket is considered to have good breathability at 10,000 MVP (the index measuring water vapour), and highly breathable from 20,000 MVP. Ventilation zips can also be a bonus for improving moisture management.
Choosing a jacket suited to your activity
To choose the right waterproof jacket, it's important to consider the jacket construction, which can be 2-layer, 2.5-layer or 3-layer. Each of these jackets has different characteristics that should be matched to your intended activity and its intensity.
The 2-layer waterproof jacket has a membrane bonded to the outer fabric and protected by a floating inner lining. It's a relatively fluid and functional jacket with plenty of pockets. However, it is less ergonomic and heavier than the other two options. A 2-layer jacket is well suited to multi-day hiking.
2.5-layer models have no inner lining — the membrane is protected by a thin film on the inside (the half layer). This construction makes them very lightweight and compact. The 2.5-layer waterproof jacket is highly breathable and perfect for trail, nordic walking and active hiking.
Finally, the 3-layer waterproof jacket is the most resistant and technical option. The membrane is fully protected between the outer fabric and the inner membrane. The jacket has a closer-cut fit and is suited to demanding hiking, mountaineering, trekking and trail running.
Useful features not to overlook
Various features added to the jacket can sometimes prove very useful:
- Pockets: essential for storing your personal items — make sure they are accessible enough and large enough. For mountaineering, pockets are raised to remain usable when wearing a harness.
- The hood: a 3-point tightening system limits wind exposure without restricting your field of vision.
- Drawcords: useful for adjusting the jacket to keep out wind and snow.
- Weight: opting for a lightweight jacket can be a smart move — especially when you want to stash it at the bottom of your pack when conditions allow.
How to care for your waterproof jacket?
To maintain the durability of your waterproof jacket and preserve its performance, wash it as infrequently as possible (2 to 3 times a year).
When washing, make sure to close all fastenings (front zip, underarm vents and pockets). If your jacket closes with magnets, like the Advanced or Storm Pro, use a laundry bag to prevent the magnet from sticking to the drum.
Use a small amount of liquid detergent, ideally one designed for technical garments, and wash at 30 degrees without fabric softener, stain remover or bleach. Select a gentle spin cycle and air-dry your jacket away from direct sunlight.
To revive the DWR water repellency of your waterproof hiking jacket, use a DWR product, then tumble-dry for 20 minutes on a moderate heat, or iron the jacket when dry with a cloth between the iron and the fabric.
