Waterproof hardshell jackets

At Cimalp, the French brand for all your hiking clothing, find our waterproof jackets for men and women that fit perfectly into our wide range of hiking jackets.

The waterproof jacket — how does it work?

A waterproof jacket is a jacket made using a waterproof fabric. That may sound simple, but it's the starting point — let's take a look at how this fabric is constructed.

To ensure this waterproofing, a hardshell membrane is used, with the aim of:

1. Preventing water from the outside from getting in (and this also cuts out the wind entirely)
2. Allowing the water generated by the body — i.e. perspiration — to be expelled

There are different types of membranes which will not deliver the same performance — waterproofness is measured in mm of water and breathability in g/m²/24h (the amount of water evacuated per 1m² of fabric over 24h). The more high-performance the membrane, the better the waterproofness and the faster the moisture evacuation. Of course, temperature and external humidity conditions will influence the jacket's performance.

The construction of the fabric also matters — to manufacture it, there are several options:

• The 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
• The 2.5-layer fabric : same principle as the previous one, except that 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 clothing
• The 3-layer fabric : this is top-of-the-range and the most high-performance option — the membrane is sandwiched between 2 layers of fabric, and these 3 layers are laminated together to create an effective rain jacket that offers protection in the toughest conditions

The elements added to the jacket are as follows:

• The zips used are waterproof zips (essential to prevent water ingress through the zip)
• All seams are taped: stitching involves piercing the membrane, so this waterproof tape covers the seam and prevents water infiltration through the stitching — this is generally what sets hardshell apart from softshell
• To improve breathability, ventilation zips are used to 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. 

Check out our Ultrashell membrane for those seeking a high-performance rain jacket (comparable to the Gore-Tex® membrane from Meindl) — these products are ideal for your most demanding activities: mountaineering, high altitude, trekking, committed hiking, etc. Combined with our eco-responsible DWR 100% PFC-Free water-repellent treatment, our waterproof zips, a hood and pockets suited to your activities, you'll be ready to face the toughest weather conditions.

Check out, for leisure hiking, our hardshell membrane used on a men's jacket but also available as a women's waterproof jacket for your walks and hikes up to mid-mountain, offering perfect protection against rain and wind.

For optimal comfort during activity, consider choosing a jacket with ventilation zips — ideal for improving the breathability of your jacket. 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 specially formulated for waterproof garments, and avoid fabric softeners. Preferably air dry your jacket away from direct sunlight and heat sources for greater durability. If necessary, re-waterproof your jacket using a waterproofing spray to maintain its properties.