Hiking and mountaineering down jackets

Cimalp, specialist in hiking apparel for over 60 years, offers a wide selection of jackets for winter in its range.

A down jacket for your comfort

Cimalp down jackets are perfect for hiking and mountain activities — stay warm while barely feeling the weight. The synthetic down ultra-light allows for a complete range of lightweight and compactable down jackets.

The technical materials used with micro-ripstop fabrics make these perfect products for all your Sportswear activities: in mountaineering down jacket or in hiking down jacket, you'll always stay warm.

A hiking down jacket with technical details

Designed as ultra-light and windproof, these warm jackets so compact they pack away in under a minute into the garment's internal pocket. With Cimaloft® fill that's more compactable and warmer with less material than down, once compressed these down jackets won't be bigger than a bum bag.

The "quilted jacket"-effect fill delivers an authentic natural down jacket feel — voluminous and elegant — making it a technical, lightweight and warm padded jacket. The polyester lining ensures perfect insulation.

Fitted with zip hand-warmer pockets, chest zip pockets with a concealed zip and interior pockets for your personal items. The YKK zip closure guarantees a technical and durable garment.

An elegant, technical and practical down jacket

The Cimalp down jacket can be worn as a casual blouson in mid-season or as a technical mid-layer, with a base layer underneath and optionally with a waterproof jacket as an outer layer in wet conditions. Ultra-light and insulating, you won't notice its weight in your pack.

Cimaloft® insulation is highly effective against the cold, even in extreme conditions on hiking trails or mountaineering routes. Paired with a base layer and a waterproof jacket, you'll always stay warm.

We've built an extensive range of down jackets for men and women — explore the full CIMALP collection including:

• Sleeveless gilets for men and women
• Long-sleeve down jackets for him and for her
• Hooded down jackets with synthetic down fill for men and women.

Why and when should you wear a down jacket?

A down jacket is a warm and insulating garment, typically filled with down or synthetic fibres. It's ideal for outdoor activities in cold conditions, particularly winter hiking, skiing, mountaineering or any other activity requiring effective thermal protection. A down jacket is also practical for travel to cold regions or for outdoor activities in the evening or at night when temperatures drop. However, a down jacket can be too warm for activities in mild weather or hiking at lower altitudes.

For a complete outfit, choose a hiking trousers for winter warm and comfortable.

Is a down jacket waterproof?

No, down jackets are generally not waterproof, as they are designed to provide warmth and thermal insulation. However, some brands offer down jackets with a water-repellent outer layer to shed lightweight rain, but this does not guarantee full protection against rain or snow. If you plan to venture out in wet weather conditions, it is best to wear a waterproof jacket over your down jacket.

For more choice, browse our wide range of hiking coats.

How to clean and care for your down jacket?

Down jackets often have specific care and washing instructions, so it's important to follow them. Before washing, if the down jacket has stains, it's recommended to clean them with a damp cloth and mild soap. Avoid using harsh chemicals or scrubbing too hard to prevent damaging the fabric. If the down jacket can be machine washed, it's best to wash it with a mild detergent and cold water. Use a gentle cycle to avoid damaging the fabric. If the down jacket cannot be machine washed, you can hand wash it in a bathtub or sink with cold water and mild detergent. For drying, avoid drying the down jacket in direct sunlight or on a radiator as this can damage the fibres. It is recommended to dry it flat or in a tumble dryer with tennis balls to help redistribute the down fill. For storage, avoid compressing it in a small bag or leaving it folded for too long. It is best to hang it on a hanger.

What is the difference between a down jacket filled with down and a synthetic down jacket?

Down jackets filled with down have exceptional thermal capacity for their weight, making them more lightweight and compactable than synthetic down jackets. They are also more breathable, making them more comfortable in moderately humid conditions. However, down jackets are not waterproof and lose their thermal capacity when wet. Synthetic down jackets are heavier and less compactable than down-filled jackets, but they offer better water resistance and better thermal performance when wet. They are also easier to care for and clean than down-filled jackets. However, their thermal capacity is generally lower than that of down-filled jackets for an equivalent weight.