Find Cimalp's waterproof jackets for men and women at Cimalp, the French brand for all your hiking clothing — perfectly integrated into our wide range of hiking jackets.
The waterproof jacket — how does it work?
A waterproof jacket is a jacket made from waterproof fabric. That may sound simple, but it's the starting point — let's look at how this fabric is constructed.
To ensure this waterproofness, a hardshell membrane is used, with the objective of:
- Keeping external water out (and this also completely blocks the wind)
- Allowing moisture generated by the body — i.e. perspiration — to escape
There are different types of membranes, each with varying performance levels. Waterproofness is measured in mm of water and breathability in g/m²/24h (the amount of moisture evacuated through 1m² of fabric in 24 hours). The more high-performance the membrane, the better the waterproofness and the faster moisture is expelled. Of course, external temperature and humidity conditions will also affect jacket performance.
The fabric construction also matters — several solutions exist to produce it:
- 2-layer fabric : the membrane and the outer fabric of the jacket are laminated together; the membrane can optionally be protected with a mesh lining on the inside of the jacket. Breathability and waterproofness performance are generally lower.
- 2.5-layer fabric : same principle as the previous, except a film is printed on the inside of the membrane to protect it — this has the advantage of producing very lightweight jackets. It is generally used for running and trail garments.
- 3-layer fabric : this is the top-of-the-range and most high-performance option — the membrane is sandwiched between 2 layers of fabric, and all 3 layers are laminated together to create an effective rain jacket that offers protection in the most demanding conditions.
The features added to the jacket are as follows:
- The zips used are waterproof zips (essential for preventing water ingress through the zip).
- All seams are fully taped: stitching pierces the membrane, so this waterproof tape seals the seam and prevents water ingress through the stitching — this is generally what sets hardshell jackets apart from softshell.
- To improve breathability, ventilation zips are used, which help limit the build-up of condensation inside the jacket caused by perspiration.
How to choose your men's or women's hardshell hiking jacket?
At Cimalp, we offer high-quality hardshell waterproof jackets to protect you from the rain, whatever your needs.
Explore our Ultrashell membrane for those seeking a high-performance rain jacket (comparable to the Gore-Tex® membrane from Meindl). These products are ideal for demanding activities: mountaineering, high-altitude, trekking, committed hiking, etc. Paired with our eco-friendly DWR 100% PFC-Free water-repellent treatment, waterproof zips, a hood and pockets suited to your activities, you'll be ready to face the toughest weather conditions.
Explore our hardshell membrane for leisure hiking, used on a men's jacket but also available as a women's waterproof jacket for your walks and hikes up to mid-mountain terrain, offering perfect protection against rain and wind.
For optimal comfort during activity, consider a jacket with ventilation zips — ideal for improving breathability. Check out our top best waterproof hiking and mountaineering jackets to help you make your choice!
How to care for your rain jacket?
To care for your men's or women's waterproof hiking jacket, it is recommended to follow the instructions on the product label. Machine wash your jacket at 30°C using a detergent specifically designed for waterproof garments and avoid fabric softeners. Preferably air-dry your jacket away from direct sunlight and any direct heat sources for greater longevity. If needed, re-waterproof your jacket using a waterproofing spray to maintain its properties.