Winter mountain jacket - which one to choose?

Woman in the mountains in a white winter jacket

Remember – winter jacket is just one of the layers

Winter jacket, even the best one, won’t meet the demanding atmospheric conditions in the mountains if you don’t wear additional layers of clothes. We recommend dressing in layers, starting from thermoactive underwear, which ensures thermal comfort, wicks moisture away and doesn’t restrict freedom of movement. Dressing in layers in the mountains allows adjusting the clothes to the weather conditions and the intensity of your activity.

The heated air between the layers of clothes is responsible for keeping the right temperature. The outer layer, which is the jacket, protects from the outside conditions and also cooperates with other layers keeping your body warm. That’s why, when choosing a winter jacket for the mountains, consider if you have other layers such e.g. fleece sweatshirt.

Woman in pink mountain jacket by Dynafit

Types of winter jackets

What type of winter jacket will serve you best in the mountains? The answer won’t probably satisfy everyone because there isn’t one universal winter jacket for the mountains. You can choose from plenty types of jackets. Each type has different performance features, which will be suitable for slightly different purposes. Discover the types of winter jackets and choose the one that will serve you best during your trips.

Hardshell jackets

Jackets made from hardshell are impermeable to water and wind. They ensure protection in the most difficult weather conditions. Good hardshell will protect you from downpour or wet snow sticking to your clothes.

Hardshells are usually made from a few thin layers including a windproof membrane. Other features, which contribute to the effectiveness of hardshell are taped seams or additional waterproofing e.g. women’s hardshelluSalewa Puez Gore-Tex® 2L.

Modern hardshell jackets provide not only effective protection against water and wind but also the air circulation that is necessary for comfort. Thanks to special weaves, they are breathable but impermeable to rain and wind. For even greater comfort, many hardshells have ventilation holes.

Hardshell is a jacket that you should carry with you when you go out in the mountains in winter and when practising winter sports. When the weather deteriorates, simply wear it over your other layers as a last layer with special protective properties.

Woman in white and black jacket in the mountains

Softshell jackets

The role of a softshell is to provide maximum comfort with very good thermal protection and the jacket performs this task perfectly. However, it will not protect you from strong winds, rain or snow. It will not cope with very cold weather either.

If you're looking for a jacket that works for hiking in the mountains in less extreme weather conditions, want to go out jogging or cycling on a cold day or are looking for a comfortable jacket for activities around the house, a softshell will work perfectly. It is the most versatile type of winter jacket.

When choosing a softshell, pay attention to its features, since many models are designed for specific activities. Dynafit TLT Dynastretch® men's skydiving softshell jacket can serve as an example, it has been designed for intensive hiking in the mountains and skiing at the beginning and end of the season. Many elements of this jacket have been developed with active winter sports people in mind. For example, the hood with visor fits underneath a helmet, and the internal pockets are positioned so they are not pressed by braces or rucksack straps.

Man in turquoise and black mountain jacket

Down jackets

Down jackets ensure protection from cold thanks to the goose or duck down filling. The layer of warm air between soft and delicate feathers provides warmth even in the most severe frost. The low weight, which is incomparable to other materials and the ability to compress are other assets of winter jackets. A folded down jacket takes less place in a backpack.

Whether a down jacket is suitable for a mountain trip depends on the outer layer and waterproofing. Soaked down is heavy and unpleasant to wear, that’s why a regular down jacket, even though very warm, won’t be suitable for every winter day. If you want to wear a down jacket for a trip, make sure that it has the right parameters. Thin down jacket can be also worn immediately under a hardshell

Mammut Broad Peak IN is a down jacket, which can be worn both on a mountain or for skiing.
Beware! Some people are allergic to feathers, if you’re one of them, don’t worry, jackets filled with synthetic down are also available.

Woman in black quilted jacket in the mountains

Jackets with synthetic down

Jackets filled with synthetic down are in some aspects even better than their original version with the natural filling. Duck or goose down is replaced by synthetic fibers, which perfectly insulate warmth, they’re also lightweight, soft, non-absorbent and keep warmth even when exposed to moisture. All these features make the synthetic down a better option for the mountains where the weather changes rapidly.

Another jacket filled with synthetic down is LaMunt Tiziana 2L insulated ski jacket. Its insulation is made from cotton and synthetic down.

Woman in olive green jacket in the mountains

Jackets with membrane

Jackets with membranes are equipped with a special layer. It protects against wind, water, or both. Jackets with membranes have layered constructions. Depending on the solutions used, there are 3 types of membrane jackets:

two-layer (designation: 2L). In this type of jacket, the membrane is combined with the outer layer, and the lining is a separate layer. Example: Girls ski jacket Peak Performance Maroon.
two-and-a half-layer (designation: 2.5L). Membrane is bonded to the outer layer material and the inner side has a printed protective layer. Example: Men's waterproof jacket Salewa Pedroc.
three-layer (designation: 3L). The outside layer, membrane, and the lining are three separate parts of the construction.

What elements should you consider when choosing a jacket for the mountains?

When choosing a mountain jacket, pay attention to its parameters, waterproofing, windproofing, and breathability. Make sure that the jacket has a membrane, and what kind of protection it offers. On long and demanding trips, the volume of the jacket is very important.

At the buying stage, consider which other layers of the mountain clothes you already have. The jacket should then complement the “layered outfit” The best winter jackets ensure not only warmth but also comfort, which is related to the specific construction, well-matched fabrics, and details. Have a look at the selected items in terms of whether they have:

hood – protects the head and hat from wind and rain, it also ensures additional thermal insulation. Check if the hood fits tightly around the head, fit under a helmet if you intend to play sports, and what the fastening and drawstring system is like.
While we're on the subject of drawstrings - they are also very important in a winter jacket. Drawstrings provide extra protection against the wind getting underneath and keep the jacket in place. However, if clothes with drawstrings make you feel uncomfortable, you can easily find a model without them.
The high collar of the jacket will protect your chin, mouth and nose from the wind. Pay attention to the type of collar fastening and where it reaches. Remember that it is a good idea to wear a buff, scarf or shawl under the high collar of your jacket for full protection.
Pockets in a winter jacket allow you to keep your essentials close at hand, which is invaluable when hiking in the mountains. Make sure the pockets in the jacket you choose are waterproof and zipped, and that their positioning is convenient when you still have a rucksack on. Pockets should be easily accessible without having to remove the rucksack.

Do you need all these facilities in your jacket for the mountains? Not necessarily. It all depends on what your style of winter activity is. Last but not least: the jacket must simply please you and be comfortable. This will make even a walk around the house a pleasure.

Woman on expedition in red mountain jacket and goggles

Winter jackets for mountains - top 5 recommendations from us

We’ve selected 5 best winter jackets for the mountains for you:

Luxury, minimalist, waterproof, but breathable. Filled with 90%% duck down and 10% duck feathers. It’s difficult to find a better combination of functionality, style, and comfort. Women down ski jacket Descente Welded Down Off White.
The highly waterproof and breathable membrane hardshell will meet the needs of people who love all winter sports. This model is tailor-made for skiers, but will also work well for other activities, even very intense ones. See the men's ski touring hardshell jacket Salewa Sella Free 3L PTX.
Do you want to stand out from the crowd? Softshell Rossignol Brady PR Soft, which French artist Jean-Charles de Castelbajac was invited to create, will provide you with this, along with thermal comfort and convenience.
A hybrid model made according to body mapping principles could not be missing from the list. But the innovations don't stop there: the HEAT NAVI lining turns the sun's rays into additional warmth. All of this is encapsulated in a stylish form. It’s a women's hybryd ski jacket Descente Janie. This model is available in several colours - from electrifying yellow to muted powder pink.
A three-layer GORE-TEX® membrane with GORE-TEX® C-Knit technology, RECCO® Reflector for easy rescue, WaterTight™ waterproof zipper to repel moisture - these are just a few of the patents present in the Arcteryx Rush Jacket. It is a ski touring jacket combining a number of solutions that make it reliable in all conditions.

Winter mountain jackets for women

Most winter jackets are unisex models. They will be suitable for men and women with very different body shapes. However, if you are a woman and are looking for something more fitted that will accentuate your figure and give your winter outfit some lightness, you have that option. Here are our suggestions for women's jackets for a winter trip to the mountains:

Women's insulated jacket Dynafit Speed Insulation. The slightly slim-fitting cut helps to emphasise the feminine design of the mountain outfit, but the overall look is sporty and outdoor-inspired.
Women's hybrid jacket with a houndstooth print Newland Hera. This is a winter jacket that you can wear with jeans for a night out on the town or over a fleece hoodie on a hike in the mountains. The cut and design of this jacket in no way betray its sporty purpose and exceptional insulating properties.
Women’s midlayer jacket Picture Organic Clothing Posy. The pastel colour and botanical pattern on the pocket add femininity and visual lightness to this jacket.

Woman in green and black mountain jacket

Summary - what to look for when choosing a winter jacket for the mountains?

When choosing a winter jacket for the mountains, start by looking at how you want to spend your time. The outfit should be tailored to your activities. Also pay attention to what you already have and how a new winter jacket will complement your wardrobe and mountain ‘layered outfit’. There are many types of winter jackets suitable for the mountains, but each type has slightly different features. For your own satisfaction, familiarise yourself with them before you buy.

Look at the construction of the jacket, its purpose and its performance, especially wind and water resistance. The weight of the jacket is also important and whether it will be easy to pack and will not take up much space. See what additional features the products that you like have. They should be tailored to your style of winter activity. Have a great trip!