Softshell or waterproof jacket for hiking?

A waterproof jacket, or hardshell, has a membrane and sealed seams to withstand prolonged rain. The ENERGY softshell is warm and blocks strong wind, but its seams are not taped: if rain lasts more than 30 minutes, switch to a waterproof jacket.

Which women's hiking jacket should you choose for winter?

Choose a 3-in-1 jacket, such as the CLIMATA or SCIA, combining a 10,000 Schmerber waterproof shell with a removable warm layer, or the long NATURE parka with CIMALOFT insulation. You can also wear an insulated jacket under a waterproof jacket.

Outdoor jacket or women's hiking jacket: which should you choose?

At Cimalp, they're the same jackets. Choose based on waterproofing, breathability, wind resistance and weight. For hiking, consider the CASCADE or COSMIQUES; for high mountains, the ADVANCED or GUIDE PRO.

Women's hiking jackets

Q: Which women's hiking jacket should you choose?

Choose a jacket for the weather you face most often. For rain, choose a waterproof jacket: the CASCADE in 10,000 Schmerber CIMASHELL, or the COSMIQUES in 20,000 Schmerber Ultrashell, weighing 340 g in size S. For dry cold, choose a fleece such as the NORVEGE or the CHANI thermal jacket; for breaks, take a CIMALOFT insulated jacket.

Q: What size should you choose for a women's hiking jacket?

Choose your usual size for most styles, including the CASCADE, COSMIQUES and ADVANCED jackets, and the NORVEGE, WARMIT and ORBA fleeces. The ENERGY and MORZINE run slightly small: if you're between sizes, size up. The GUIDE PRO runs slightly large: if you're between sizes, size down.

Cimalp women's hiking jackets for the mountains and outdoors: waterproof jackets, softshell jackets, fleeces and insulated jackets, from woodland walks to Alpine summits.

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The best Women's hiking jackets for enjoying the mountains

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Windbreaker

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Fleeces

Which women’s hiking jacket should you choose for the weather?

The sky is clear when you set off. By the time you stop at the mountain pass, the wind has picked up and a shower is moving in from the west. Choose a women’s hiking jacket based on what it needs to protect you from: rain, wind or cold. Compare these key features:

Waterproof rating: 10,000 Schmerber for the CASCADE, the 3-in-1 jackets and the NATURE parka; 20,000 for the Ultrashell jackets.
Breathability: 10,000–80,000 g/m²/24 h.
Wind: from a moderate breeze of 20 to 40 km/h for most fleeces to strong winds of 60 to 90 km/h for the waterproof jackets.
Weight in size S: from 215 g for the ARVES gilet to 1,078 g for the NATURE parka.

If you want just one hiking jacket, choose a waterproof jacket lightweight: add a fleece underneath when it’s cold.

Women’s waterproof hiking jacket: CASCADE, COSMIQUES or ADVANCED

When rain sets in, only a jacket with a membrane and sealed seams will keep you dry. The CASCADE, in 10,000 Schmerber CIMASHELL, weighs 430 g in size S and has underarm ventilation zips, an adjustable hem and stretch wrist cuffs that keep out cold air. The COSMIQUES uses 20,000 Schmerber Ultrashell and weighs 340 g in size S, with a three-point adjustable hood and visor.

For mountaineering and ski touring, the ADVANCED (370 g in size S) and the GUIDE PRO, with reinforced shoulders, have high pockets that remain accessible when wearing a harness. Both have a RECCO® reflector, which does not replace the avalanche transceiver you carry. For hiking, choose the CASCADE or COSMIQUES; for high mountains, the ADVANCED or GUIDE PRO. You’ll find them together in our women’s waterproof jackets.

Softshell, fleece or insulated jacket: the warm layer for hiking

The ENERGY softshell combines fleece, a 10,000 Schmerber membrane and a stretch outer fabric in one jacket. Warm and windproof, it blocks strong winds. Its seams are not sealed: if the rain lasts more than 30 minutes, switch to a waterproof jacket.

The fleece can be worn under a jacket or on its own in dry weather. The NORVEGE, in THERMOPOLAR 300, is very warm; the CHANI thermal jacket concentrates insulation around the torso while allowing the back to breathe; and the JORASSE has a cold-weather face mask sewn inside. Find the full range in our women’s fleeces.

For breaks, the insulated jacket takes over. The MORZINE, CLUSAZ and ARVES use synthetic CIMALOFT insulation, which retains warmth in damp conditions; the TOURNETTE, in PrimaLoft® Gold Active+, is designed for mountaineering and ski touring. See our women’s insulated jackets.

3-in-1 jacket and parka: winter hiking and travel

For winter, the CLIMATA and SCIA combine a 10,000 Schmerber waterproof jacket with a removable warm layer: a CIMALOFT insulated jacket for the CLIMATA and a fleece for the SCIA. Each part can also be worn on its own: the shell in the rain and the warm layer in milder weather.

The long NATURE parka also protects your legs from cold winds. Its CIMALOFT insulation is made from 37% corn fibres and 63% recycled polyester, while its reflective lining sends body heat back towards you. It works on the trail and in town.

Women’s hiking jacket fit and sizing

The jackets have a women’s fit; the CASCADE is designed to accommodate layers underneath. Most fit true to size, including the CASCADE, COSMIQUES, ADVANCED and the NORVEGE, WARMIT and ORBA fleeces. The ENERGY and MORZINE run slightly small: if you’re between sizes, choose the larger one. The GUIDE PRO runs slightly large.

Complete your kit with a women’s hiking trousers and a technical t-shirt. Like all Cimalp clothing, these jackets benefit from the free repairs for life.

Explore also our men's hiking jackets.

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