The ideal jacket for mountain climbers needs to be lightweight and packable while providing enough warmth to survive cold conditions. It must also be durable enough to endure demanding alpine ascents and tough hiking or thru-hiking on less-maintained trails.
Look for a waterproof shell jacket that keeps you reliably dry and features a helmet-compatible hood. The jacket should also be roomy enough to fit over a fleece layer.
Lightweight and packable
This insulated jacket is the ideal for mountain climbers looking for the best value for money. It features 800-fill ProDown(tm) that retains its loft even when wet and a waterproof Pertex Quantum shell for extra weather protection. It also comes with a range of useful features including a climbing helmet-compatible hood, zippered hand pockets and a draft collar.
The jacket’s hem and hood are fitted with elastication to allow you to modify the fit depending on your taste and the weather. It also passes the basic ’lift test’ with flying colours (i.e. when you raise your arms to climb, the hem and hood don’t lift).
The Ghost Whisperer packs up small enough that it can be stored inside its own zippered pocket or attached to your harness for those days when you need extra warmth but don’t have much room in your pack. It’s a great option for hiking on trails and warm-up hikes between alpine climbs, or for longer, well-maintained thru-hikes.
Insulated
The ideal jacket for mountain climbers should be warm enough to keep you insulated and protected from cold wind, snow, and rain. It should also be lightweight, packable and durable. If you plan on using your jacket for mountaineering expeditions, it should be designed with specialized features that help to make it more effective these include a hood, adjustable cuffs and pockets.
The RAB Men’s Electron Pro Down Jacket is designed with alpine climbers and mountaineers in mind, so you can be sure it will protect you from the elements. The Pertex Quantum Pro Ripstop outer material is both weather-resistant and extremely lightweight, while the 800-fill ProDown insulation with Nikwax hydrophobic finish keeps you warm and comfortable. The zoned baffling allows you to focus the insulation where you need it most.
The Mountain Equipment Lhotse is a perfect hardshell for ice and mixed climbing. It comes with a Gore-Tex Pro membrane that’s wrapped in 40-denier shell fabric a premium DropHood design that’s helmet compatible and glove-friendly zipper pulls.
Durable
If you’re looking for a light, protective shell for backpacking and alpine climbing missions, consider the Patagonia Storm10. It packs 3-layer waterproof, breathable protection into an 8.3-ounce design that stuffs into its own chest pocket. It’s not as durable or weather resistant as our Guide Picks, but it’s still a great choice for backpackers and alpinists.
Another option is a hardshell jacket with Gore-Tex Pro membrane and burly, 70-denier recycled-nylon shell, like the Rab Kangri GTX. This premium shell is also designed to withstand the rigors of alpine conditions, with helmet-compatible, adjustable hood and large, harness-compatible hand pockets.
Some manufacturers save weight by using stretchy fabric for the shells of their waterproof mountaineering jackets, but we don’t think it’s worth sacrificing durability for a few ounces of savings. Plus, we’ve found that stretchy materials tend to lose their DWR treatment more quickly than non-stretch models. The exception is the Norrona Falketind Gore-Tex jacket, which strikes a good balance between saving weight and protecting against harsh, alpine weather.
Comfortable
For mountaineers, comfort is key when shivering or battling frostbite those seeking warmth without bulk can find it in the Columbia Women’s Lake 22 Down Hooded Jacket. This jacket’s featherlight fill and waterproof, wind-resistant fabric make it a great option for hiking in the backcountry. It also features a sleek Velcro cuff and hem, and a helmet-compatible hood.
For alpine conditions like piercing wind, driving rain, sleet, and snow, the Arc’teryx Alpha SV is hard to beat. It boasts a Gore-Tex Pro membrane with a burly 70-denier shell and premium features like two-way center front zip, gloves-friendly zipper pulls, and harness-compatible hand pockets.
Norwegian brand Norrona isn’t as well known as other gear companies, but they make serious outerwear for mountain climbing and winter mountaineering. The Falketind Down750 fits the bill, with body-mapped insulation (down is centered around the core) and fabric reinforcements in critical areas to resist abrasion. It’s a great choice for summer alpine climbing trips and fair-weather winter climbs when thunderstorms or high-mountain snow flurries can’t be ruled out.
