Climbing Jackets for Every Adventure
No matter what weather rolls in on the mountain, there’s a jacket to protect you from it. Whether you need extreme protection from cold and rain or just a light layer to keep you warm before the sun comes out, our wide selection of climbing jackets has you covered.
The Right Climbing Jacket for the Weather
Everyone who has spent time outside knows that it’s never a good idea to trust the weather forecast – you need to be prepared for whatever the sky can throw at you. With that in mind, there are a variety of different types of jackets designed to suit different conditions:
- Rain jackets are designed with a waterproof and breathable material to keep water out and prevent sweat from building up inside the jacket. Rain jackets typically span a range of designs, but they almost always have a hood and go light on insulation.
- Softshell jackets are the most versatile type of climbing jacket. Many are water resistant and windproof to protect you in moderate conditions, and when the weather takes a turn for the worse they make a great layer underneath a rain jacket or climbing shell.
- Down jackets are insulated with goose down, one of the warmest and most lightweight materials in any jacket. While down jackets can keep you toasty in sub-freezing conditions, keep in mind that they lose a lot of their warmth if they get wet.
- Climbing shells have a lot in common with rain jackets, but they’re specifically adapted for alpine climbing and mountaineering. Climbing shells are typically more durable and more insulating to keep you protected in the most extreme conditions.
Choosing a Climbing Jacket
When it comes to choosing a climbing jacket for your next adventure, there are a couple important things to consider:
- Insulation – You’ll need a jacket with more insulation if you’re heading out in the shoulder seasons or into the alpine zone. Down provides the greatest level of warmth, but synthetic materials will keep you warmer in wet conditions. If you just need a rain jacket for the summer, on the other hand, you will want a shell with as little insulation as possible.
- Waterproofing and breathability – If there’s rain in the forecast, you’ll need your outermost jacket to be waterproof. But when opting for a waterproof jacket, don’t forget about breathability. Jackets made with Gore-Tex or eVent fabrics tend to be the best at venting heat and moisture.
- Cut – Some jackets are designed for a slim fit that hugs your body, while others are more spacious to give your room to layer up. You’ll need to decide what type of fit feels most comfortable and whether you plan to put more clothing under your jacket.
- Hood – While most rain jackets and climbing shells come with a hood, soft shells and down jackets may or may not have one. A hood can help keep your head warm and dry, but it also adds weight to the jacket.
Climbing Jackets at addnature.co.uk
You could go to a number of stores trying to find the perfect jacket in the right size – or you could browse our extensive collection of climbing jackets here at addnature.co.uk. Our selection is easy to search and filter and we offer a variety of flexible shipping options.
