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Outdoor Jackets

Keep the rain out or keep you warm? Decide that first, then how hard you'll move.

Guide

Outdoor Jackets

For rain you need a hardshell with at least 10,000 mm hydrostatic head, for cold a down or synthetic insulated jacket, for dry days on the move a softshell.

Key points

Rain: waterproof shell from 10,000 mm; prolonged mountain rain: 20,000 mm.
Softshell suits dry, active days; it does not replace a rain jacket.
Synthetic insulation for damp conditions; down also suits dry cold.

Which jacket for which plan?

Use	Choose	Reason
Rain, snow and wind in hills and mountains	ChooseWaterproof Hardshell Jackets	ReasonWaterproof, windproof, taped seams. No warmth of its own, less breathable than a softshell
Walking, scrambling and cycling in dry weather	ChooseSoftshell Jackets	ReasonStretchy, very breathable, sheds a shower. Wets through in steady rain
Summit stops, running, breezy days	ChooseWindbreakers	ReasonVery light, packs tiny. Not waterproof, hardly any warmth
Dry cold, rest stops, winter in town	ChooseDown Jackets	ReasonMost warmth per gram, packs small. Loses warmth when wet
Cold and damp, mid-layer under a hardshell	ChooseSynthetic Insulation Jackets	ReasonWarm when damp, quick to dry. Heavier and bulkier than down for the same warmth

Types compared

Waterproof Hardshell Jackets
For rain, snow and wind in hills and mountains.
- Advantage: Waterproof and windproof
- Drawback: No warmth of its own
Example: Bergans Vatne 3L W Jacket ›
Softshell Jackets
For walking, scrambling and cycling in dry weather.
- Advantage: Stretchy
- Drawback: Wets through in steady rain
Example: Bergans Cecilie Mtn Softshell Jacket ›

What to look for when buying

Question	In brief	Why
What hydrostatic head does an outdoor jacket need?	In brief10,000 mm and up	Why10,000 mm is enough for hillwalking, 20,000 mm for long mountain days and steady rain, 5,000 mm in town.
Hardshell or softshell?	In briefWet or dry	WhyA hardshell is waterproof, with taped seams. A softshell only sheds light rain, but it stretches and lets more sweat out.
What do 2, 2.5 and 3 layers mean?	In brief3 layers for mountains	Why3-layer: face fabric, membrane and lining are bonded, so the membrane is protected. 2.5-layer: a thin coating replaces the lining to save weight. 2-layer: the lining hangs loose.

Frequently asked questions

How do I wash and reproof a waterproof jacket?

At 40 °C with a little liquid detergent and no fabric softener, unless the label says otherwise. That is Gore's advice for Gore-Tex. Once dry, tumble dry it for 20 minutes: heat revives the water-repellent finish (DWR).

How do I wash a down jacket?

On a long, gentle, low-temperature cycle with a down wash. Tumble dry straight away on low to medium heat and shake the jacket out every 20 to 30 minutes. Two clean tennis balls help restore loft. Allow three to five hours.

How should an outdoor jacket fit?

Try it on over the layer you will wear underneath, then raise your arms: the hem should still cover your waistband and the cuffs your wrists. A hardshell can be a little roomier so an insulated jacket fits under it.

What does PFC-free mean on a jacket?

The water-repellent finish is made without fluorochemicals (PFCs, also called PFAS). Water still beads, but the finish needs refreshing more often.