10 Best Mountaineering Jackets – Reviews & Buyer’s Guide

A mountaineering jacket is one of the essential gear for a comfortable journey. As mountaineering is a demanding activity, a mere mindset is not enough and one needs a proper set of clothing to adapt to the harsh climate.

Unlike the clear skies and predictable weather in the cities, the fickle conditions in the mountains might surprise you with heavy rainfall and raucous winds. And it calls for a supportive mountaineering jacket to fight them all.

We have tested hundreds of jackets to narrow down the list of Best Mountaineering Jackets to the top 10.

This guide is designed to be a resource that can help you find the best mountaineering jackets available. We have spent hours researching and trying out the products. The wear-testing included waterproofing, breathability, vents, freedom of movement and weight test.

With that being said, every person’s choice and wearing habits are different. More importantly, every person’s built, size and shape are unalike. Considering that, we have provided a variety of best mountaineering jackets to choose from.

Our top picks for the best mountaineering jackets are:

1. MONTANE Minimus Jacket – Best Hardshell Ski Jacket
2. Helly Hansen Men’s Voss Windproof Waterproof Rain Coat Jacket with Stowable Hood – High Altitude Mountaineering Gear
3. Fjallraven – Men’s Sten Fleece – Mountaineering Fashion Wear
4. Canada Goose Men’s Expedition Parka Coat – Best Hardshell Jacket 2019
5. Mountain Warehouse Bracken Melange Men’s 3 in 1 Waterproof Jacket – Best Waterproof Jacket in 2019
6. First Lite – Men’s Catalyst Softshell Jacket – Cheap Softshell Jacket
7. XinDao Men’s Winter Fleece Hooded Mountain Fleece Ski Windproof Rain Jacket Snow Coat Mountain Jacket Outwear – Hard Shell Insulated Jacket
8. CAMEL CROWN Ski Jacket Men Waterproof Warm Cotton Winter Snow Coat Mountain Snowboard Windbreaker Hooded Raincoat – Best Rain Jacket of 2019
9. CRYSULLY Men’s Winter Casual Thicken Multi-Pocket Outwear Jacket Coat with Removable Hood – Best Jacket for Everyday use
10. Sawadikaa Women’s Outdoor Mountain Snow 3-in-1 Insulated Windbreaker Jacket – Best Jacket for Women 2019

1. MONTANE Minimus Jacket

MONTANE Minimus Jacket sets itself apart from other jackets by its tough fabric. Comparatively inexpensive than other products with similar performance, MONTANE Minimus is a durable, mesh ventilated, lightweight jacket that provides exceptionally high breathability.

Dimensions

1 x 1 x 1 inches

Weight

0.5 Pounds

Comfort

The shaped cuffs come with adjustable hook and loop tabs so that you won’t have to take off your gloves or mitts.

The arms are articulated that enables you to freely move them. Rear hood compressions drawcord uses internal elastic to roll down and cover yourself during the wind.

Also, you can secure your keys and important little items inside the chest pocket.

After the exploration, open the jacket, put it in a laundry bag and let the machine do its job. No hassle!

Roll it and pack it to the size of an apple! Can it get any more compact?

Breathability

The seams use the latest technology to micro-tape the borders to increase the breathable surface area.

Nylon coated with Pertex shield+ provides exceptionally high fabric breathability.

Layering ability

If warmth is what you expect from a jacket, you definitely need to try this one out!

100% imported Nylon with Pertex shield+ combined with YKK zippers offers thick outer covering against the cold weather.

The best part?

The adjustable hem prevents the heat loss and will keep you warm regardless of the temperature outside.

MONTANE Minimus Jacket fits your size well. In case you are traveling to an extremely cold region and need to do multiple layering, order two sizes larger and voila! You’re covered.

Water Resistance

The jacket ranks among the best water-resistant jackets with a high rating of 20,000 mm hydrostatic head.

If your primary purpose of purchasing MONTANE Minimus Jacket is wearing it as a rain jacket, order a size larger.

Pros and Cons

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2. Helly Hansen Men’s Voss Windproof Waterproof Rain Coat Jacket with Stowable Hood

With dependable water-proofing and reliable wind-breaking ability, Helly Hansen Men’s Voss Windproof Waterproof Rain Coat Jacket is professional-grade apparel. Helly Hansen Men’s Voss is an ideal jacket for both novice and advanced mountaineers.

Dimensions

1 x 1 x 1 inches

Weight

1 pound

Comfort

With 141 years of expertise in manufacturing, Helly Hansen has stepped up its game with Classic fisherman’s rainwear.

This iconic jacket pushes the boundary of comfort. Helox+ is the full-stretch, polyurethane (PU) fabric that ensures full weather protection and freedom of movement.

On top of that, the stowaway hood snaps into the collar and the adjustable snap cuffs and drawcord hem allow you to customize your fit with ease.

Breathability

This jacket is designed to protect you from heavy rain which naturally decreases its breathability. Let’s put it this way- It’ll get hot if you wear it on a warm day.

However, in cold climate high up in the mountains, the less breathable material will not let the heat escape from your body and keep you warm.

Layering Ability

The manufacturers have taken into account your need to layer in high altitudes. The size is perfect and it doesn’t fit so tight hence you can layer as much as you require.

Also, the stretching ability of Helly Hansen’s Jacket is unparalleled.

Water Resistance

If there is one thing that separates this jacket from the rest, it is its extraordinary water resistance.

The jacket features a polyurethane construction along with a laminated knit backing that’s odor and mildew resistant plus micro-welded seams to completely keep out moisture.

In terms of water-resistance, this jacket is top-notch, for real.

Pros and Cons

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3. Fjallraven – Men’s Sten Fleece

This ‘lightest in class’ fleece jacket is suitable for adventures across any mountainous terrain and ranks as one of the best mountaineering jackets.

Everything about Fjallraven – Men’s Sten Fleece has been gauged from a functional and weight-saving perspective, which makes it an excellent choice for avid mountaineers looking for something lightweight to increase mobility.

Fun fact: Fjallraven – Men’s Sten Fleece is made from 100% recycled polyester, meaning wearing it feels even better knowing it has been manufactured as sustainably as possible.

Dimensions

1 x 1 x 1 inches

Weight

1 Pounds

Comfort

From the durable and breathable synthetic upper to the G-1000 original reinforcements over the shoulders, all elements are technically solid and efficiently lightweight. It has a great weight to warmth ratio and a relatively slim-fitting cut, making it perfect for layering or wearing on its own.

Zippered pockets keep hands warm and your stuff secure, while the tall collar keeps the wind off your neck.

Machine wash compatibility aids you in preparing the fleece for the next trip with ease.

Breathability

The men’s Fjallraven Sten fleece is ideally made for keeping you warm under a waterproof shell jacket in hardcore adventures. This naturally decreases the breathability. However, this decreased breathability will compensate you with the warmth and extra layering abilities to tackle cold.

Layering Ability

The men’s Fjallraven Sten fleece provides exceptional layering ability. You can wear layers of clothes and top it off with Fjallraven’s fleece to protect yourself from cold. Also, you can wear it as a mid-layer under down-jackets or parka.

Bear in mind that you need to buy the one that fits your size to wear it as mid-layer. And if you’re planning to use it as an outer layer, order one size up and you’re all set!

Water Resistance

This incredibly durable material posses wind-breaking abilities. However, since the main purpose of this jacket would be to keep you off cold, men’s Fjallraven Sten fleece is not particularly water-resistant.

Pros and Cons

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4. Canada Goose Men’s Expedition Parka Coat

Should You Buy a Canada Goose Men’s Expedition Parka Coat?

The short answer is YES! Canada Goose Men’s Expedition Parka Coat is the perfect outfit whether you’re stopping for lunch on the hills or belaying during cold winter months.

Canada Goose Men’s Expedition Parka Coat is designed to suit the varying needs of hikers, climbers and alpine mountaineers alike as the insulation it offers ranks it among the best mountaineering jackets in 2019.

If you love polar bears, you’ll be glad to know that Canada Goose will donate USD 25 from each purchase to PBI (Polar Bears International) to support the conservation of polar bear habitats through research and education.

Dimensions

27 x 21 x 5 inches

Weight

1 Pounds

Comfort

Canada Goose men’s expedition parka has a very thoughtful design that offers you the best comfort and warmth, thanks to the real fur that insulates the coat.

Similarly, with exceptional insulation, you don’t have to worry about the harsh climate in the mountains. Descend down the slopes and undo your zipper a little to let some air in. The cuffs are recessed, tight and sewn into the arms so no wind gets in, hence making it perfect for mountaineering.

The removable fur adjusts three different ways to block wind and pull tight around the face for wind protection, letting nothing that winter throws at you get through this parka.

Cinch cords at the waist help to adjust you’re fit and also help to address zipper buggery.

Also, the pockets are big, plentiful and fleece-lined.

Breathability

Since Canada Goose men’s expedition parka is designed to tackle the harsh conditions in extremely cold environments, the breathability has been significantly reduced.

The reduced breathability suggests that this parka doesn’t let heat escape from your body preventing you from hypothermia and frostbite.

Layering Ability

Canada Goose Men’s expedition parka is a prime example of layering. The parka offers excellent layering capacity to ensure your warmth with maximum comfort.

Should you feel too hot or are not a fan of layering, wear the parka on its own. The quality fur offers perfect insulation regardless of the weather.

Water Resistance

This is not a raincoat. You need an extra fleece or a rain cover to protect yourself from the rain. Follow our guide further to check out the best raincoat that goes with the parka.

Pros and Cons

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5. Mountain Warehouse Bracken Melange Men’s 3 in 1 Waterproof Jacket

Mountain Warehouse Bracken Melange Men’s 3 in 1 Waterproof Jacket, as the name suggests, offers excellent protection against rain. The position of pockets, trendy design and detachable hood makes this jacket ideal wear for any occasion.

What Is a 3 in 1 Waterproof Jacket?

3 in 1 Waterproof Jacket is another name for versatility- it consists of a waterproof outer-shell with detachable inner fleece, softshell or padded jacket.

What does that mean to you?

Well, you can wear this jacket all year round and for all weather conditions!

Dimensions

1x1x1 inches

Weight

1 pound

Comfort

Mountain Warehouse Bracken Melange Men’s 3 in 1 Waterproof Jacket looks and fits good.

Adjustable Hem & Cuffs ensured a great fit preventing you from rainwater getting in under the hem or up the arms. Also, the adjustable waists aids in fitting the jacket according to your size.

The chick-zipper in opposite direction might need a while to get used to for an American customer. However, once you master it, no force of rain can stop you from conquering that peak you have been planning for a long.

Breathability

If breathability is what you’re looking for in your jacket, look no further!

We present to you one of the best mountaineering jackets in terms of breathability. Rated at 2,000g, the highly breathable membrane lets moisture out with no effort, leaving you with dry inside. The seams are fully taped, ensuring this garment’s inner fleece is watertight and breathable as well.

Layering Ability

Mountain Warehouse Bracken Melange Men’s 3 in 1 Waterproof Jacket has been designed to provide the utmost layering ability underneath it.

Wear sweaters, shirts, parkas or whatever else that tickle your fancy, and cover it up with the jacket. No cold can get in, we guarantee this!

Water Resistance

As the name speaks for itself, the jacket is 2,000 millimetres waterproof. The seams are fully taped to ensure not a single drop of rain bothers you.

If rain penetration through zippers is your concern, then worry no more. The jacket features a zip mechanism adjustable hem to prevent rain penetration. Similarly, two front zip pockets, one internal map pocket, and one internal mobile phone pocket are all fully protected against the water. That’s some heavy protection against heavy rain!

Pros and Cons

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6. First Lite – Men’s Catalyst Softshell Jacket

First Lite – Men’s Catalyst Softshell Jacket is the coolest jacket we have ever laid eyes on or put on. The manufacturers have paid close attention to detail and sustainability, durability and aesthetic levels. The result is a beautifully designed jacket that is worth every penny.

Dimensions

1x1x1 in

Weight

1.2 Pounds

Comfort

The jacket uses the revolutionary technique of ultra-quiet construction so that you wouldn’t be bothered by the irritating plastic-like noise as on the other fleeces.

The built-in stretch system offers good movement for the full range of motions.

First Lite – Men’s Catalyst Softshell Jacket features a one of its kind 3D turret hood which helps protect your head from weather.

Breathability

First Lite – Men’s Catalyst Softshell Jacket features a Revolutionary, 2-layer softshell design that offers excellent breathability. Unlike the other jackets of similar performance, you don’t have to compromise the warmth with high breathability.

Layering Ability

You can wear it on its own as this jacket is well insulated with interior 37.5 fleece lining works to optimize your body temperature.

Also, the design supports multiple layering underneath the jacket to provide you with the utmost warmth without having to compromise on comfort.

Interior 37.5 fleece lining works to optimize your body temperature while the brushed, durable exterior is ultra-silent while fending off moisture.

Water Resistance

The exterior is brushed, durable and uses advanced DWR technology. The result is an ultra-versatile jacket that performs in case of heavy rain.

The presence of 2-Layer SoftShell material repels snow/rain and the 3D turret hood blocks away all the moisture to keep you completely dry during rain.

Pros and Cons

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7. XinDao Men’s Winter Fleece Hooded Mountain Fleece Ski Windproof Rain Jacket Snow Coat Mountain Jacket Outwear

XinDao Men’s Winter Fleece Hooded Mountain Fleece Ski Windproof Rain Jacket Snow Coat Mountain Jacket Outwear, the name says it all!

XinDao’s goal was to build the best possible parka, and they came up with this pinnacle outdoor product. After passing the ‘All the tricks and complicated manoeuvres’ test from our team, we found this jacket super mobile, well constructed and comfortable.

Dimensions

45x19x28 inches

Weight

1.8 pounds

Comfort

This jacket is versatile, meaning you wouldn’t have to worry about warmth for any winter activities like skiing, hiking, travelling or mountaineering. Also, the inside lining helps to keep the wind out. offering excellent wind protection.

The hook & loop closure, elastic cuffs, and full front zipper closure with covered button ensure the utmost comfort while traveling in the mountains.

2 zippered hand side-seam pockets, 1 big interior pocket and 1 zippered pocket help store things with ease.

Breathability

Although XinDao Men’s Winter Fleece Jacket Outwear uses 100% polyester, the presence of soft and thick fleece lining offers average breathability.

Layering Ability

Xindao’s products are designed to be worn as an outer layer, meaning the jacket provides excellent layering ability.

You can wear hoodies, sweaters and basically anything else you prefer under the XinDao Men’s Winter Fleece Hooded jacket without having to compromise the comfort. The jacket itself provides enough warmth to let you move around with ease in cold weather.
Water Resistance

Among the best mountaineering jackets, XinDao Men’s Winter Fleece Hooded jacket has one of the best water-resistant abilities.

XinDao Men’s Winter fleece rates at over 10,000 mm pressure head which ensures you always stay dry and cozy, in the misty morning or rainy weather.

Also, the adjustable hem with drawstring and the water-resistant hood lets no water in even during the heaviest of rains.

Pros and Cons

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8. CAMEL CROWN Ski Jacket Men Waterproof Warm Cotton Winter Snow Coat Mountain Snowboard Windbreaker Hooded Raincoat

CAMEL CROWN’s tagline is ‘Just try it once and you’ll love it’, and that’s exactly what this expedition-class down jacket showcases

CAMEL CROWN Ski Jacket Men Hooded Raincoat is big, puffy, and most importantly- Warm!

It also gives the jacket a unique visual appeal — the large woven segments create a naturally sporty look.

Dimensions

48x21x29 inches

Weight

2 pounds

Comfort

The jacket features multiple pockets for better reach. The hidden zipper in the inner compartment ensures the safety of your personal belongings.

CAMEL CROWN Ski Jacket Snow Coat also has an earphone cable tie for your convenience.

Comfortable tailoring technology makes this jacket an ideal choice for most of the outdoor activities providing you with the freedom of movement and ultra protection against rain and wind.

Camel Crown snowboarding jacket is made of a polymer blend material and can help prevent scratching by rocks and branches and protect your body, whether you’re doing outdoor activities or intense workouts.

The use of hand slips for the sleeves, the extra pockets and a hole for your phone/iPod, and the soft fur-like material inner lining ranks this jacket high on comfort among the best mountaineering jackets.

Breathability

CAMEL CROWN Ski Jacket uses a soft and thick cotton fuzzy lining that naturally decreases the breathability, however, for all good reasons. The reduced breathability is compensated with warmth and great water resistance.

Layering Ability

Instead of stitching, CAMEL CROWN Ski Jacket uses woven baffles to create the maze of channels that hold its thick cotton fuzzy insulation in place. The advantages of this are twofold; baffle stitching is a recurring culprit for durability issues, and the new weaves do exactly what they’re supposed to do — they stretch.

What does this mean to you?

You have a huge space under your jacket to layer. The stretchable outerwear will take care of it!

Water Resistance

With a 10,000 mm H2O rating, this jacket offers absolute water resistance.

Made with a professional water-repellent durable material, this winter jacket is waterproof. Also, the zippers are waterproof as well. It can keep you dry and warm all day on a rainy, snowy or foggy day. The hood is well built that fits just right which also aids to keep water off of your body.

Pros and Cons

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9. CRYSULLY Men’s Winter Casual Thicken Multi-Pocket Outwear Jacket Coat with Removable Hood

Not everybody is into the look of technical winter gear. The materials that make jackets warm and waterproof are often shiny or brightly-coloured and covered in pockets and zippers. This makes wearers look like they’re headed to the mountains when they might just be commuting.

CRYSULLY launched its men’s winter casual jacket with keeping this issue in mind. With this jacket, technical fabrics might not look like technical fabrics, even though they’re still highly comfortable and warm.

Dimensions

43x19x28 Inches

Weight

3.31 pounds

Comfort

The construction is enough on its own to make CRYSULLY’s Men Wear one of the best mountaineering jackets, but it excels in other ways too.

The jacket has two large hand pockets that are situated so that they can be accessed while wearing a harness, but there are also two drop-in sleeve pockets on the inside for other small items.

The full-length zipper is covered by snap buttons that aids in extra protection.

Also, the jacket is machine-wash compatible, just turn the knob to the normal and you’re all set.

Breathability

CRYSULLY launched its men’s winter jacket as a versatile gear.

Thanks to its exceptional breathability, the jacket can be worn while scaling high mountains or as casual wear for office.

The built material lets the extra heat escape from the body preventing excessive sweating.

Layering Ability

One thing to note is that CRYSULLY, which is based in Europe, built the jacket with a slim

Euro profile that might not be suitable for those looking for lots of jacket coverage, but is ideal for use as a mid-layer.

Water Resistance

CRYSULLY Men’s Winter Casual Thicken Multi-Pocket Outwear is designed to keep you warm and cozy, and you need an additional outer to keep yourself dry against heavy rain.

Pros and Cons

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10. Sawadikaa Women’s Outdoor Mountain Snow 3-in-1 Insulated Windbreaker Jacket

Sawadikaa Men’s Outdoor Waterproof Mountain Fleece is well known for its classically clean mountaineering apparel that fits and performs well. You’ve likely seen the brand’s iconic bright yellow accents on products like socks, jackets, and base layers.

To cater to the new trend of manufacturing high tech mountain gears, Sawadikaa has developed a unique windproof water-repellent insulated combo that is built to be used during alpine climbing.

Dimensions

10.2 x 10.2 x 10.2 cm

Weight

2.2 Pounds

Comfort

The jacket features a relaxed fit — slightly different than the slim cut for which the brand is typically known. It features a removable hood and is built to be used with the brand’s Explore Down Sleeping Bag.

Adjustable velcro cuffs and stretched powder skirt help keep the wind out.

This practical snow jacket contains multiple pockets: 2 zipped pockets, ideal for mobile phone or cash; 1 zipped chest pocket, 1 zipped inner pocket, suitable for wallet, keys, passport, etc. and the zips are easy to open with snow gloves and mitts.

Breathability

Sawadikaa Women’s Outdoor Mountain Snow 3-in-1 Insulated Windbreaker Jacket has reduced breathability due to Professional water-repellent coating on the outer covering.

Layering Ability

The jacket provides a flexible setup as you can adjust your insulation to your requirements at the time. This jacket saves the hassle of buying parkas and other down jackets

Layering is easy with this jacket, thanks to better moisture management if you use a down inner and a synth out.

So wear anything that you wish, and cover it up with Sawadikaa Men’s Outdoor Waterproof Mountain Fleece. We bet you won’t feel cold!

Water Resistance

The jacket is built with 100% Nylon which naturally possesses water-resistant properties.

This water-resistant trench coat has professional-grade water repellent coating. The outer material is waterproof and quick-drying which makes it an excellent choice for mountaineering in snowy regions.

Also, all zips are securely stitched and coated with rain-resistant materials that make it effective against water or rain and keep your body dry and comfortable.

Pros and Cons

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Things to Consider Before Buying Mountaineering Jacket

Below is a list of the key features that are worth looking out for before buying a mountaineering jacket.

A Good Fit

A jacket needs to fit you well in order to keep you comfortable and protected. A smaller size would restrict your movement. You will also run the risk of tearing it, leaving you vulnerable to weather.

On the flip side, a baggy outfit will make you cold. A huge jacket will get in the way of you and your gear.

Ventilation Zips

Mountaineering is a demanding activity that requires a lot of energy. The heat and sweat built up inside the jackets need to escape, and here, the pit zips come to the rescue. Also, various other ventilation zips are necessary factors in deciding the mountaineering jackets.

Helmet-Compatible Hood

When you’re walking on steep slopes high up in the mountains, you will need a helmet to protect your head from any mishap. However, the helmet will not protect you against cold, so you need a hood that comfortably fits over your helmet.

A sturdy peak in your hood will be handy to keep your face off snow, rain, and sun.

Zip Pulls

This may seem self-explanatory, but zip that is easy to hold and pull comes in handy when you’re wearing gloves and mitts. Also, removing layers of gloves to pull pit zip or your main zip to retrieve something from your pocket would be the last thing you want to do.

Conclusion

A mountaineering jacket is a must during expeditions regardless of the season. A thin jacket may not protect you from the cold and leave you at risk of hypothermia. On the other hand, buy too thick one and you will risk being uncomfortable and overheated. Likewise, layering capacity, wind and water resistance, and breathability of jackets play a vital role in your successful campaign. Therefore, we have tried and tested varieties of brands to present to you the best mountaineering jackets available in 2019.

Whichever you decide to go for, make sure it is a good fit; try it on before leaving for the trip and always check the warranty, just in case.