Hiking and mountaineering down jackets

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

A down jacket for your comfort

Cimalp's down jackets are perfect for hiking and mountain activities to stay warm and enjoy the feeling of wearing a lightweight garment. 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 them perfect products for all your Sportswear activities: in mountaineering down jacket or in hiking down jacket, you will always stay warm.

A hiking down jacket with technical details

Designed as ultra-light and windproof, these warm jackets are so compact that they pack away in 1 minute into the pocket located inside the garment — the Cimaloft® fill being far more compactable and far warmer with less material than down, the down jackets once compressed will be no bigger than a bumbag.

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

Fitted with zip hand warmer pockets, zip chest pockets with a hidden 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 in technical use as a second layer, with a base layer underneath, and optionally with a waterproof jacket as a final layer in wet weather. Ultra-light and insulating, you won't feel its weight in your pack.

Cimaloft® insulation is highly effective at combating the cold, even in extreme conditions during hiking or mountaineering — paired with a base layer and a waterproof jacket, you will always stay warm.

We have created a wide range of men's and women's down jackets — find at CIMALP a complete range including:

• Men's and women's sleeveless gilets
• Men's and women's long-sleeve down jackets
• Men's and women's hooded synthetic down jackets.

Why and when should you wear a down jacket?

A down jacket is a warm and insulating garment, usually padded with down or synthetic fibres. It is ideal for outdoor activities in cold weather, particularly for 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 are cooler. However, a down jacket can be too warm for activities in mild weather or for hiking at lower altitudes.

For a complete outfit, choose a winter hiking trousers 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 repel light moisture, 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, check out our wide range 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 down jacket has stains, it is recommended to clean them with a damp cloth and mild soap. Avoid using harsh chemicals or scrubbing too hard so as not to damage the fabric. If the down jacket can be machine washed, it is 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 bath or sink with cold water and a mild detergent. For drying, avoid drying the down jacket in the sun 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 in the down jacket. 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-filled down jacket and a synthetic down jacket?

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