Mountaineering jacket / Ski touring

How to choose your mountaineering or ski touring jacket?

Essential protection in high mountain

At high altitude, the weather can change within minutes. To face the elements, a mountaineering jacket or ski touring jacket becomes an indispensable ally. Designed to protect you from wind, snow, cold, and sometimes rain, it perfectly completes your technical outfit. The most efficient models use waterproof and breathable membranes like GORE-TEX, ensuring comfort and performance even in extreme conditions.

Specialized brands such as Millet and Norrona offer robust, lightweight jackets designed to withstand the harshest conditions. Their technical design makes them essential references in the world of mountaineering and ski touring.

Softshell or Hardshell: which jacket for which activity?

Are you hesitating between a Softshell and a Hardshell jacket? Here are the key differences to help you make the right choice:

• Softshell: windproof, breathable, and warm, but not very waterproof. Ideal for outings in good weather.
• Hardshell: fully waterproof, less breathable and often lighter. Perfect for unstable conditions or long outings.

The Hardshell jacket is the most versatile. It resists abrasion, packs easily into a backpack, and offers maximum protection against bad weather. It is therefore recommended for winter mountaineering, technical ascents, or prolonged outings.

Essential criteria to choose your mountaineering jacket well

Weight

A lightweight jacket (under 500 g) is ideal to avoid weighing down your pack. However, beware: lighter often means less resistant to wear.

Helmet-compatible hood

A model with adjustable hood and stiff visor effectively protects the head and face, while providing good visibility. This is an essential criterion for mountaineers wearing a helmet.

Accessible and secure pockets

Prefer pockets positioned high, accessible with a harness or backpack. They allow you to keep maps, energy bars, or smartphone within easy reach.

Ventilation

Underarm zippers promote airflow without opening the jacket. A welcome plus during intense uphill efforts.

Waterproof zippers

Easy to handle with gloves, they prevent moisture infiltration and ensure good protection even in heavy snow.

High and protective collar

A high collar effectively protects the neck and lower face from icy wind. Ideal for demanding high-altitude climbs.

Ergonomics and comfort in movement

Technical jackets like the Millet Trilogy or Norrona models are designed to fit perfectly to the body shape. They offer a fitted cut, allowing great freedom of movement, essential during climbing maneuvers or steep ski descents.

Additional layers to the mountaineering jacket

To reinforce thermal insulation and cope with very low temperatures, it is recommended to add other technical layers:

• A compressible and warm mountaineering down jacket, to wear during breaks or intense cold.
• A technical base layer that wicks moisture while retaining body heat.
• Softshell pants or waterproof overpants to complete lower body protection.

Additional equipment for mountaineering

The ideal kit for your mountain outings also includes:

• Insulating and breathable technical gloves
• A warm beanie or a neck gaiter
• A lightweight and ventilated mountaineering helmet
• Merino wool socks for thermal comfort

Depending on your destination and season, adapt your equipment accordingly. For ski touring enthusiasts, a breathable hardshell jacket remains the best choice to tackle elevation changes, weather shifts, and demanding descents.

Choosing a Millet or Norrona jacket: a safe bet

The French brand Millet is renowned for its high-performance mountain equipment. Its jackets are designed to offer an excellent weight/protection ratio, with premium finishes aimed at experienced mountaineers.

On the Scandinavian side, Norrona offers jackets with clean lines, highly technical, abrasion- and water-resistant, perfect for demanding activities. Whether you are a ski touring or seasoned mountaineer, you will find a jacket adapted to your level and ambitions from these brands.

Find a wide selection of equipment on our online store Snow Concept, specialist in ski, snowboard and accessories equipment.

For personalized advice, contact us info line: 09.63.00.76.65 or via our contact form, our technical advisors will guide you in your ski purchase.