Mountaineering, ice climbing, high-altitude peaks — these are the expressions that fire the imagination as the fine weather slowly returns. But to tackle mountain pursuits with confidence, you need the right gear. Especially on the clothing front, where the difference is clear between everyday wear and garments specifically designed for these disciplines. Here are a few criteria to help you choose your mountaineering clothing and set off in pursuit of the summits.
What criteria should you consider when choosing a high-mountain jacket?
The membrane is the very first selection criterion for your waterproof mountaineering jacket. An ultrashell membrane will be ideal for protecting you from the elements while offering outstanding durability and genuine ease of use. With a breathability of 80,000 MVP and a waterproofness of 20,000 mm of water, it's perfect for facing high altitude and its harsh conditions, while still allowing your skin to breathe.
Waterproof jackets for mountaineering very often feature a shorter cut at the front to avoid interfering with harness wear. At the back, the jacket is slightly longer to protect the top of your trousers in bad weather. Furthermore, the jacket length should prevent it from riding up due to friction from the backpack — a well-known issue.
Also check the jacket's pockets: they should be well positioned for easy access during full effort. In particular, you need at least one chest pocket, always accessible regardless of whatever accessories (harness, gear loops…) might get in the way.
You should also check that your mountaineering jacket features ventilation zips placed under the arms to air out the waterproof garment at any time. This is an essential feature on a 3-layer jacket. In mountaineering, you exert intense effort over short periods and inevitably sweat. What's more, you are on steep terrain, possibly clinging to a rock face — you can't take your clothes on and off as you please. The ventilation zips will therefore allow you to air out during a "heat spike".
The hood of a mountain jacket must always be attached to the jacket collar for safety reasons. In the event of an accident, strong wind, snowstorm or any other external assault, it is important to be able to cover your head quickly. Finally, the hood must have well-placed cinching and adjustment points to adapt quickly and easily to the shape of your head, whether you are wearing a helmet or not. In addition, the front of the hood must be stiffened with a kind of mouldable visor compatible with helmet use.
What criteria should you consider when choosing a waterproof trouser for mountaineering?
Just like your mountaineering jacket, your mountaineering trouser must be perfectly waterproof for committed terrain. The selection criteria are therefore more or less the same: waterproofness, cut and accessories.
The fabric must be fairly rigid for increased long-term resistance. On rocky faces, only this type of construction will withstand your ascents without tearing. Lower leg reinforcements in virtually indestructible Cordura material complete the durability of your 3-layer trouser.
Mountaineering trousers must be designed with pre-shaped knees to give you freedom and range of movement. Without a belt, you have velcro at the waist and shoulder straps — most often removable — to keep them perfectly in place.
A 3-layer Rip-stop fabric featuring the latest-generation ULTRASHELL® membrane is ideal for delivering perfect waterproofing and high breathability.
With a breathability of 80,000 MVP and a waterproofness of 20,000 mm of water — that's 20,000 Schmerber — you have the perfect trouser for tackling the summits. Furthermore, with a structure featuring even finer pores, they allow better airflow while being more resistant.
Finally, lower leg cinching and zips at the bottom of the legs beneath protective flaps are essential to ensure excellent waterproofness and good breathability at the ankles.
Also remember to bring a backpack specially designed for mountaineering.
