Hiking and mountaineering down jackets

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

A down jacket for your comfort

Cimalp's down jackets are perfect for hiking and mountain activities — keeping you warm while feeling like you're wearing next to nothing. The synthetic down ultra-light allows for a complete range of lightweight and compressible insulated 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-lightweight and windproof, these warm jackets are so packable that they can be stowed away in 1 minute into the inner pocket of the garment. With Cimaloft® filling being far more compressible and far warmer with less material than down feathers, once packed down these jackets will be no bigger than a bum bag.

The quilted jacket-effect padding gives a truly natural down feel — lofty and elegant — making it a technical, lightweight and warm padded jacket. The polyester lining ensures perfect insulation.

Fitted with zipped hand-warmer pockets, zipped chest pockets with a concealed zip, and inner pockets for your personal belongings. The YKK zip fastening ensures a technical and durable garment.

A stylish, technical and practical down jacket

The Cimalp down jacket can be worn as a casual jacket 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 case of rain. Ultra-lightweight and insulating, you won't notice its weight in your pack.

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

We have created a wide range of men's and women's insulated jackets — discover the full Cimalp collection, including:

• Sleeveless gilets for men and women
• Long-sleeve insulated jackets for him and for her
• Hooded synthetic down jackets 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 is ideal for outdoor activities in cold weather, particularly for winter hiking, skiing, mountaineering, or any other activity that requires 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 may be too warm for activities in mild weather or for 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 DWR outer layer to repel light moisture, but this does not guarantee full protection against rain or snow. If you are planning to head out in wet weather conditions, it is best to wear a waterproof jacket over your down jacket.

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

How to clean and care for your down jacket?

Down jackets often have specific washing and care instructions, so it is important to follow them. First, if the jacket has any stains, it is recommended to spot-clean them with a damp cloth and mild soap. Avoid using harsh chemicals or scrubbing too hard, as this may damage the fabric. If the jacket can be machine-washed, it is best to wash it with a gentle detergent and cold water. Use a delicate cycle to avoid damaging the fabric. If the jacket cannot be machine-washed, you can hand-wash it in a bathtub or sink with cold water and a mild detergent. For drying, avoid drying the 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 filling. For storage, avoid compressing it in a small bag or leaving it folded for too long. It is best to hang it on a coat hanger.

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

Down insulated jackets have exceptional thermal performance for their weight, making them lighter and more compressible than synthetic insulated 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 insulated jackets are heavier and less compressible than down jackets, but they offer better water resistance and better thermal performance when wet. They are also easier to care for and clean than down jackets. However, their thermal performance is generally lower than that of down jackets for an equivalent weight.