Cimalp evokes the peaks of the Alps, a nod to the Mont-Blanc massif. Founded in 1964 by a passionate and visionary alpinist, the brand designs technical clothing dedicated to the demanding practice of mountain sports.

Our textile technologies

Cimalp evokes the peaks of the Alps, a reference to the Mont-Blanc massif. Founded in 1964 by a passionate and visionary alpinist, the brand designs technical garments dedicated to the demanding practice of mountain sports.

Cimalp, French outdoor brand since 1964

For over 60 years, Cimalp has been designing technical mountain equipment for hiking, trail, trekking and mountaineering, with an unwavering commitment to field reliability. True to its mountain heritage, Cimalp champions a focused and demanding vision of the outdoors: purposeful technical performance, proven reliability, genuine durability and fair pricing. More than a gear manufacturer, Cimalp is a trusted partner dedicated to supporting the long-term progression of passionate, demanding adventurers.

People at the heart of Cimalp's standards

At Cimalp, the mountains are more than just a playground: they're a school of discipline, humility and shared progress. Our teams draw inspiration from this every day — moving forward with a team spirit and ingenuity. They design technical, durable and accessible products, and build honest, direct relationships with the people who trust us. This field-first culture runs through every product: purposeful technical performance, built to protect, last and support your practice with precision.

Mountaineering jackets

Designed for experienced athletes seeking technical and durable mountaineering apparel to take on altitude in the mountains. Cimalp mountaineering jackets are built for the extreme conditions of high-altitude terrain: waterproof, breathable, insulating and uncompromisingly tough.

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The waterproof mountaineering jacket: essential protection

Waterproof mountaineering jackets are an essential part of your kit for extreme mountain conditions. Thanks to their Ultrashell membrane, Cimalp men’s and women’s mountaineering jackets combine waterproofing and breathability, keeping you dry while letting sweat escape. Both are crucial to your comfort and safety on ascents.

Our mountaineering jackets are designed with a stretch, ergonomic fit that allows freedom of movement, essential for moving confidently on rock faces and steep trails. They also feature chest pockets accessible when wearing a harness and rucksack, keeping your essentials within easy reach without compromising your safety. Underarm ventilation zips let you regulate your body temperature, while the hood’s three adjustment points help it fit over a helmet.

We also place great importance on the durability of our products. Our jackets are made from rip-stop fabric that withstands repeated abrasion against rock, helping them last even in the toughest conditions. Consider taking a mountaineering rucksack, so you can store and reach your kit easily.

Mountaineering fleece: warmth and freedom of movement

For maximum comfort on ascents, a fleece for mountaineering is essential beneath your hardshell jacket. Cimalp offers breathable fleeces for men and women, designed specifically for mountaineering and offering excellent thermal insulation thanks to CIMAGRID fabric. This material is not only stretchy for plenty of freedom of movement, but also highly breathable thanks to its open-knit fabric, which efficiently wicks away sweat.

Our fleeces are designed with a close fit to limit cold air getting in and improve thermal efficiency. They also have high-set pockets that remain accessible when you’re wearing a harness. A high collar adds protection against cold and wind.

What should you look for in a jacket?

Choosing the right mountaineering jacket is crucial for comfort and safety in the mountains. Here are the key criteria to consider:

The membrane : This is the first thing to check. A good mountaineering membrane must offer both waterproofing and breathability. Cimalp’s Ultrashell® membrane, for example, is waterproof up to a 20'000mm water column and has a breathability rating of 80'000MVP, providing maximum protection against rain and wind while allowing moisture to escape.
The ventilation zips : Positioned under the arms, they let you air out the jacket without compromising its waterproofing. Essential on a three-layer jacket, these zips help regulate temperature during periods of intense exertion and rest, which are common in mountaineering.
The hood : A good hood should be easy to adjust and fit over a helmet. It should also have a semi-rigid peak to maintain visibility in the rain.
The fit : Mountaineering jackets are often shorter at the front to avoid interfering with a harness and longer at the back to cover the top of your trousers in bad weather. This also stops the jacket riding up when it rubs against your rucksack. The fit should allow full freedom of movement too.
The pockets : Pockets should sit high on the chest so you can reach them even when wearing a rucksack and harness. This lets you stow and retrieve accessories without taking off your kit.

What other activities can you use your mountaineering jacket for?

Cimalp men’s and women’s mountaineering jackets are versatile enough for a range of other outdoor activities. They are particularly well suited to ski touring, an activity that alternates between intense exertion and rest, where features such as ventilation zips are particularly useful.

A high-end mountaineering jacket is also ideal for long-distance hiking, especially in winter conditions and for activities such as snowshoeing. Its robust construction and ability to protect you from the elements make it ideal for any activity that calls for reliable weather protection.

How do you wash a mountaineering jacket?

To help your mountaineering clothing for men and women, proper care is essential. Here are some tips for washing and looking after your waterproof jacket:

Washing : Machine-wash your waterproof jacket at 30°, using a detergent designed for waterproof clothing. 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 needs heat to reactivate its waterproofing after washing.
Reproofing : If needed, reproof your jacket with a waterproofing spray or specialist treatment. This helps maintain the membrane’s protection against rain and extends the life of your jacket.

Follow these tips to keep your lightweight mountaineering jacket performing at its best and providing effective protection on your mountain adventures. The insulated jackets for mountaineering and mountaineering trousers for mountaineering from Cimalp are designed to meet the demands of the most extreme conditions while offering comfort and durability at the best price. Face the summits with confidence in our range of technical clothing and our mountaineering and high-altitude boots. Explore our women’s mountaineering insulated jackets. Buy your mountaineering clothing in our shop or online. Enjoy fast, free delivery on orders from £100 and free returns within 30 days.

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