The waterproof mountaineering jacket: your essential protection
Waterproof mountaineering jackets are an essential part of your kit for tackling extreme mountain conditions. Thanks to their Ultrashell membrane, Cimalp men's and women's mountaineering jackets perfectly combine waterproofing and breathability, keeping you dry while wicking away perspiration. This dual performance is crucial for maintaining your comfort and safety during ascents.
The design of our mountaineering jackets includes stretch and ergonomic cut which offers great freedom of movement, essential for moving confidently on walls and steep trails. They also feature chest pockets compatible with wearing a harness and a rucksack, making it easy to access your essentials without compromising your safety. The ventilation zips under the arms effectively regulate body temperature, and the three-point adjustment hood is designed to fit perfectly when wearing a helmet.
We also take great pride in durability of our products. Our jackets are made from rip-stop fabric, which withstands repeated abrasion against rocks, ensuring excellent longevity even in the most demanding conditions. Also consider equipping yourself with mountaineering backpack, so you can store and easily access your gear.
The mountaineering fleece: warmth and freedom of movement
To maximise your comfort during ascents, a mountaineering fleece is essential under your hardshell jacket. Cimalp offers breathable fleeces men's and women's, specifically designed for mountaineering, offering excellent thermal insulation thanks to the CIMAGRID fabric. This material is not only stretch for great freedom of movement, yet highly breathable thanks to its open-mesh construction, allowing optimal moisture wicking.
Our fleeces are designed with close-fitting cut to limit cold air entry and increase thermal efficiency. They also feature high-placed pockets, ideal for staying accessible even when wearing a harness. A high collar adds extra protection against cold and wind.
What criteria should you use to choose your jacket?
Choosing the right mountaineering jacket is crucial for ensuring your comfort and safety in the mountains. Here are the essential criteria to consider:
- The membrane: This is the first criterion to check. A good membrane for mountaineering must offer both waterproofing and breathability. Cimalp's Ultrashell® membrane, for example, is waterproof up to 20,000mm and has a breathability of 80,000MVP, guaranteeing maximum protection against rain and wind while allowing moisture to escape.
- The ventilation zips: Positioned under the arms, they ventilate the garment without compromising its waterproofing. Essential on a three-layer jacket, these zips make it easier to regulate body temperature during the intense effort and rest phases that are common in mountaineering.
- The hood: A good hood must be easy to adjust and compatible with a helmet. It should also be fitted with a semi-rigid visor to maintain good visibility in rain.
- The cut: Mountaineering jackets often feature a shorter cut at the front to avoid interfering with harness wear, and a longer cut at the back to protect the top of the trousers in bad weather. This also prevents the jacket from riding up due to rucksack friction. Freedom of movement must also be fully optimised.
- The pockets: Pockets must be positioned high, at chest level, to remain accessible even with a rucksack and harness. This allows you to stow and retrieve your accessories easily without having to remove your gear.
For what other activities can you use your mountaineering jacket?
Cimalp men's and women's mountaineering jackets are versatile and can be used for a wide range of other outdoor activities. They are particularly well suited to ski touring, an activity that alternates between intense effort and rest, where features such as ventilation zips are greatly appreciated.
A premium mountaineering jacket is also perfect for long-distance hiking, especially in winter conditions, and for activities such as snowshoe. Its robustness and ability to protect you from the elements make it an ideal choice for any activity requiring reliable protection against bad weather.
How to wash your mountaineering jacket?
To ensure the longevity of your mountaineering clothing men's and women's, proper care is essential. Here are some tips for washing and maintaining your waterproof jacket:
- Washing: Machine wash your waterproof jacket at 30°C using a detergent specifically designed for waterproof garments. Avoid fabric softeners, which can damage technical materials.
- Drying: Air-dry your jacket away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Avoid tumble drying, unless your jacket requires waterproofing reactivation after washing.
- Re-waterproofing: If necessary, re-waterproof your jacket with a waterproofing spray or a specific solution. This will help maintain the membrane's performance against rain and extend the life of your jacket.
By following these tips, you will ensure the optimal performance of your lightweight mountaineering jacket, guaranteeing effective protection on your mountain adventures. The mountaineering down jackets and mountaineering trousers of Cimalp mountaineering are designed to meet the demands of the most extreme conditions, while offering comfort and durability at the best price. Get ready to take on the summits with confidence with our range of technical clothing and our mountaineering and high-altitude footwear. Check out our women's mountaineering down jackets. Shop your mountaineering clothing in our store or online. Enjoy fast, free delivery from £100, plus free returns within 30 days.