In the mountains, conditions can change rapidly, and carrying a jacket is essential even in fine weather to protect yourself from a potential shower or the wind. That said, it isn't always easy to navigate waterproofing and breathability ratings, or 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 for you!
Our top 6 waterproof hiking and mountaineering jackets:
- the GUIDE PRO, for demanding high-mountain athletes and mountaineers
- the ADVANCED, lightweight and built to withstand the harshest conditions on your mountain adventures
- the COSMIQUES, the breathability choice at an unbeatable value for money for regular hikers
- the CASCADE, the ultimate 3-layer hardshell jacket, waterproof to 10,000 mm
- the STORM, the ultra-lightweight jacket for intense efforts
- the STORM PRO, for demanding active outdoor enthusiasts
Cimalp GUIDE PRO: high-performance alpine protection for reaching the summits
Head into the mountains with confidence wearing the GUIDE PRO jacket — the ideal companion for high-mountain enthusiasts and demanding mountaineers. Engineered to meet every challenge at altitude, it combines comfort, waterproofing and durability.
Developed in collaboration with the athletes of the Cimalp mountaineering team, the GUIDE PRO jacket is a true shield against the elements, ready to take on your mountaineering, 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 specs to match your ambitions!
- Large chest pockets compatible with a harness and backpack.
- Shoulder reinforcements for added durability.
- Protective hood with 3-point adjustment and a mouldable visor, compatible with helmet use.
- Premium finish with waterproof YKK VISLON® double-slider zip.
- Ventilation zips under the arms.
- 3-layer Rip-stop fabric featuring the waterproof and breathable Ultrashell® membrane (80,000 GMVP
- RECCO® avalanche safety system to facilitate search and rescue operations.
- Relaxed fit allowing room for a down jacket without feeling restricted.
- Weight: 720 g
For more information, check out our dedicated article on the GUIDE PRO!
Cimalp ADVANCED: conquer the mountain with lightweight performance
The ADVANCED is the ultimate waterproof mountain jacket for experienced athletes in pursuit of performance. Ultra-lightweight and packable, it lets you move freely on all your mountain outings, ready at the bottom of your pack or when conditions turn harsh. Mountaineering, long-distance hiking in all seasons, ski touring or snowshoeing — it adapts to your most demanding pursuits.
With its clean design, this technical jacket will go anywhere with you. Built for mountaineering and high-altitude use, it features an ergonomic front zip that allows the hood to pull up over the nose without restriction. Laser-cut collar panels also allow you to breathe with ease.
- Cimalp's high-performance Ultrashell® membrane (waterproofing: 20,000 Schmerber | breathability: 80,000 MVP).
- Magnetic collar fastening at the top for a secure hold when the jacket isn't fully zipped up.
- High chest pockets compatible with a backpack or harness, ensuring easy access to your belongings, plus 2 internal pockets.
- Slim and stretchy.
- Packed volume: 1.5 L.
- RECCO® beacon.
- Ventilation zips under the arms.
- Weight: 380 g
Cimalp COSMIQUES: maximum breathability for your mountain outings
The COSMIQUES is the ideal companion for all hikers looking for versatility at an excellent value for money. With its Ultrashell® membrane, this windproof jacket is breathable, waterproof and durable for hiking in the rain. Lightweight and compact, it slips easily into your pack.
Its technical credentials are further enhanced by Cimalp's patented innovation: the exclusive AERODRY® system, which guarantees continuous regulation of your body temperature while protecting you from the elements. The COSMIQUES is the promise of 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 inside to outside
- 2 large ventilation zips on the sides for enhanced breathability
- Waterproof-breathable Ultrashell® membrane (80,000 MVP | 20,000 Schmerber)
- Welded waterproof seams
- 3-layer stretch Nano Rip-stop fabric
- Stretch jacket for maximum freedom of movement
- Wrist adjustment tabs
- 4 large external pockets, 1 internal pocket
- All seasons
- Weight: 405 g
Cimalp CASCADE: the waterproof hiking jacket with a 10,000 mm water column rating
The CASCADE 3-layer hardshell is the perfect balance between technical performance and comfort. This jacket is durable, windproof, waterproof and breathable, yet lightweight with a clean design that works beyond the mountains too.
Its latest-generation laminated fabric — reduced in weight and volume — is waterproof to over 10,000 mm of water. It is lightweight and compressible.
- CIMASHELL technology: waterproof to 10,000 Schmerber and breathable to 10,000 MVP, ideal for tackling weather conditions in mid-mountain terrain or on a multi-day trekking trip
- Exceptionally durable
- 2 hand-warmer pockets + 1 internal pocket
- Adjustable hood and cuffs
- Adjustable hem
- Waterproof zips, laser-cut laminated panels, welded waterproof seams in 1.5-layer construction for added durability.
- Underarm ventilation zips
- Weight: 512 g
Cimalp STORM: ultra-lightweight and built for intense effort
Originally designed for trail runners seeking performance and comfort, the STORM is a waterproof jacket that also adapts perfectly to light hiking, fast-hiking and Nordic walking. Engineered to move with you during exertion, this jacket can be packed away in under 30 seconds into its integrated chest pocket.
Ultra-lightweight, it features just one chest pocket for a significant weight saving.
- Protection to 10,000 mm of water
- Breathability: 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 windproofing
- Chest-level retaining tab when the central zip is fully open during ventilation
- 1 chest pocket and thumb loops
- Approved for Ultra-trail
- Weight: 215 g
Cimalp STORM PRO: the lightweight jacket for demanding athletes
With the STORM PRO, Cimalp offers demanding trail runners and outdoor enthusiasts a more technical version of the Storm. Approved for ultra-trail, it features thermally bonded waterproof seams and is ultra-breathable!
Bearing the BLUESIGN® eco-label — which guarantees the preservation of natural resources and a reduced environmental impact — this wind jacket has undergone an organic and eco-friendly dyeing process. Also PFC-free (no harmful substances), the STORM PRO jacket fabric strikes the perfect balance between durable and flexible.
- Heat-sealed waterproof seams
- Waterproof-breathable ULTRASHELL membrane (20,000 mm / 80,000 MVP)
- DWR TEFLON ECOELITE treatment, PFC-free: an eco-responsible technology for durable waterproofing, while respecting our natural environment.
- Durable and stretch fabric
- ECO BLUESIGN® fabric: minimises environmental impact while delivering high-level performance.
- Central zip: can be opened from the bottom, with a chest-level retaining tab when fully open
- Ergonomic hood that follows the movement of 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 waterproofness of a fabric is measured in Schmerber. To determine the value, a test is carried out: the garment is placed under a column of water and the height of water required for droplets to pass through is measured. One Schmerber equals 1 mm of water. A hiking jacket is considered to have excellent waterproofing from 10,000 mm.
As a guide:
2,000 mm: The fabric withstands light rain. This offers sufficient protection for day trips where you don't expect heavy downpours.
10,000 mm: The fabric is waterproof. Perfect for dealing with bad weather in mid-mountain terrain.
20,000 mm: The garment is fully waterproof. It will take you all the way into the high mountains to face icy rain and snow.
30,000 mm: A fabric engineered for the most extreme conditions. Rarely found on the market.
Key criteria for choosing your waterproof hiking and mountaineering jacket
While a jacket's waterproof rating is the primary criterion, it would be a mistake to stop there: other characteristics are important to consider when making the right choice.
Choosing a sufficiently breathable jacket
The breathability rating is an essential factor when choosing a waterproof hiking jacket. The more intense the effort, the greater the need to release water vapour. During sustained activity, the body can lose more than 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 to be highly breathable from 20,000 MVP. Ventilation zips can also be a bonus to help manage perspiration.
Choosing a jacket suited to your activity
To choose the right waterproof jacket, it's important to consider the jacket's construction, which can be 2-layer, 2.5-layer or 3-layer. Each of these jackets has different characteristics to weigh up against 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 constructions. A 2-layer jacket is well suited to multi-day hiking.
2.5-layer constructions have no inner lining — the membrane is protected by a thin film on the inside (the half-layer). This 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 durable 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 hikes, mountaineering, trekking and trail running.
Useful features not to overlook
Various features added to the jacket can sometimes prove extremely useful:
- Pockets: essential for storing your personal items — make sure they are easily accessible and large enough. For mountaineering, pockets are raised so they remain accessible when wearing a harness.
- The hood: a 3-point adjustment system limits wind exposure without restricting your field of vision.
- Draw cords: useful for adjusting the jacket to prevent wind or snow from getting in.
- Weight: It can be worth opting for a lightweight jacket, particularly to stow at the bottom of your pack when conditions allow.
How do you care for your waterproof jacket?
To preserve the durability of your waterproof jacket and maintain 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 uses magnets like the Advanced or Storm Pro, use a laundry bag to prevent the magnets from sticking to the drum.
Use a small amount of liquid detergent, ideally formulated for technical garments, and wash at 30°C without fabric softener, stain remover or bleach. Select a gentle spin cycle and air-dry your jacket away from direct sunlight.
To revive the water repellency of your waterproof hiking jacket, apply a DWR product, then tumble dry on a low heat for 20 minutes, or iron the jacket when dry with a cloth between the iron and the garment.
