A hiking jacket is one of the most critical pieces of kit for hitting the trails, summer or winter, providing vital weather protection. With many styles available, each tailored to specific demands, Cimalp helps you choose the right hiking jacket.
Key takeaways:
- A hiking jacket protects against wind, rain, and snow.
- Choosing a hiking jacket depends on the climate and the type of outing.
- A hardshell is ideal for severe weather and extreme environments.
- A softshell is perfect for dynamic activities in moderate conditions.
The role of a hiking jacket
The hiking jacket is an integral part of the three-layer system. Once you have sorted which t-shirt for hiking or which fleece to wear, it is time to focus on your outer protective shell.
Worn as a mid or outer layer, a hiking jacket must protect you from the elements and match your specific needs. It provides essential protection against wind, rain, and snow, as well as abrasion from rocks and brush. For fast-paced hiking, it needs to wick sweat effectively. For winter outings, it must also provide adequate warmth.
As you can see, this garment serves multiple functions. A hiking jacket must be waterproof, windproof, breathable, and insulating. To best match your needs, choose between two main categories: hardshell vs softshell.
The waterproof hardshell jacket
A hardshell jacket is the benchmark for waterproof protection. It keeps rain and snow out while allowing moisture vapour to escape. It is designed for long mountain hikes or areas with unpredictable weather, making it ideal in persistent rain or snow.
Waterproof jackets offer numerous advantages. Their primary function is waterproof protection delivered via a membrane like Gore-Tex, which keeps out rain and snow. They also serve as a lightweight, windproof jacket engineered to withstand harsh environments.
On the downside, hardshell jackets are not the most breathable due to their membrane, which becomes noticeable during intense efforts. They offer no built-in thermal insulation, so they do not provide warmth on their own. Finally, their stiffer fabric makes them somewhat less flexible and stretchy.
In heavy downpours, alternatives like rain ponchos can be used. They offer greater coverage, pack down small, and provide complete waterproofing, though they are significantly less breathable.
The softshell jacket
A softshell jacket is the ideal choice for dynamic, high-energy activities. It features water-repellent properties, causing rain to bead up and roll off the surface. Wear this jacket in moderate, stable conditions or on shorter outings.
Just like hardshells, softshell jackets offer significant advantages. First, they are highly breathable garments that wick away moisture efficiently, making them ideal for high-output activities. They deliver outstanding comfort and freedom of movement while remaining windproof and water-repellent. Finally, they provide effective thermal insulation thanks to their fleece lining or insulated backing.
Despite these advantages, choosing a softshell hiking jacket comes with a few trade-offs. Their main limitation is limited waterproofing, as they cannot withstand heavy downpours. They also offer less protection than hardshell against strong winds, making them less versatile in rapidly changing weather.
Hiking down jackets
Alongside hardshell and softshell jackets, hiking down jackets are a firm favourite on the trails. Typically worn as a mid-layer, they are ideal in cold, dry conditions and at high altitudes.
Down jackets are prized for their versatility. They are lightweight, compact, and insulating, adapting seamlessly to a wide range of outdoor pursuits. Above all, they deliver exceptional thermal insulation with natural or synthetic down, pairing perfectly with your hardshell.
On the downside, down jackets are relatively delicate, offering limited resistance to tears and abrasion. Natural down loses its insulating power in high humidity, whereas synthetic down jackets tend to be heavier and less packable.
It is essential to select your hiking jacket based on the specific conditions of your outings. Hardshell jackets excel in severe weather and on long treks, whereas softshell jackets are best suited for fast-paced outings in moderate conditions. Carrying both allows you to hike comfortably while staying protected if a sudden downpour hits.
