Many novice mountaineers will encounter many problems when buying their first mountaineering jacket, such as how much waterproof coefficient is enough? What are the differences between the water-repellent materials Gortex, Gortex pro, and Gortex paclite on the market? Is it windproof enough?
I have also experienced the above problems. When I first started mountaineering, I started wearing the cheapest mountaineering jacket. However, as I accumulated experience in mountaineering, I found that the mountaineering jacket I bought originally:
It is not windproof enough to withstand certain high-altitude climates.
It is not very waterproof, and rainwater will still seep through after being exposed to heavy rain for several hours.
It has insufficient wear resistance and is prone to wear in climbing terrains with many rock walls.
In order to improve the above situation, I began to slowly study the differences between different brands of jackets, and later I was fortunate enough to purchase a higher-priced and more functional mountaineering jacket.
Today’s article will share my many years of experience wearing mountaineering jackets, and analyze the characteristics, advantages and disadvantages of each mountaineering jacket, and what kind of people it is suitable for.
Help everyone save the trouble of comparison and buy the most suitable mountaineering jacket for you!
1. Comparison table of mountaineering jackets
The following table is the final conclusion. If you want to quickly browse the characteristics of each mountaineering jacket, I present it here first. I hope you can take your time to read it. Complete a more detailed comparison of the pros and cons.
Mounting jacket
Arc’teryx alpha SV
Features
1. The thickest and most wear-resistant material
2. Windproof/ The most water-resistant
3. The pocket design will not be pressed by the belt
Disadvantages
1. Heavy weight
2. Price Scary height
Arc’teryx beta AR
Features
1. Suitable for a variety of climates
2. Parts prone to friction such as elbows and shoulders Use thicker fabrics for splicing
3. Suitable for all seasons
Disadvantages
1. The collar is too three-dimensional and will keep rubbing against the chin
2 . Storage is more laborious
Arc’teryx beta LT
Features
1. Light weight
2. Convenient storage and easy to carry
3. Suitable for daily commuting and suburban mountain wear
Beta LT is currently the most perfect mountaineering jacket in my mind.
The only drawback is that the price is still high, but I think it is worth it and you will not regret buying it!
Arc’teryx beta SL
Features
1. Lightest weight
2. High breathability
3. Storage volume Smallest
1. Thin material
2. No inner chest pocket
Mammut Nordwand HS
Features
1. Has Warm mid-layer
2. Highly waterproof
3. Many storage pockets
Disadvantages
1. Heavy weight
2. The warm middle layer cannot be removed
Mammut convey tour
Features
1. Extra large pockets
2. All zippers have waterproof strips
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3. The appearance design is neat and beautiful
Disadvantages
1. The material is not as stiff as Arc’teryx
2. The Velcro is easy to become unsticky after being used for a long time
Marmot Minimalist Jacket
Features
1. Good elasticity and good ductility
2. Unrestricted movement
3. Very breathable
Disadvantages
1. Low waterproof coefficient
2. The overall jacket material is soft
Fjallraven Arctic Fox Keb Eco-shell
Features
1. The fabric is wear-resistant and waterproof
2. Can be replenished with wax to maintain water repellency
3. Strong wind resistance
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Disadvantages
1. Heavy weight
2. The material feels thick to the touch
mont bell storm cruiser
Features
1. Completely waterproof
2. Light weight
Disadvantages
1. Very airtight
2. Sweat cannot be discharged
mont bell rain dancer
Features
1. Completely waterproof
2. Small storage volume
Disadvantages
1. Very airtight
2. Sweat cannot be discharged
(The above product pictures are reproduced from the official websites of each brand: Arc’teryx, Mammut, Marmot, Fjallraven, Mont bell)
2. How to choose a mountaineering jacket
1. Waterproofness
(1) Waterproof coefficient
The waterproof coefficient refers to the fabric The degree of water pressure resistance generated during the processing is calculated based on how many millimeters (mm) of water column each square millimeter (mm) can withstand in a single day. The higher the value, the better the waterproofness.
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Montbell rain dancer is one of the better quality raincoats on the market. Its waterproofness is really good. You can walk in heavy rain for several hours without any water leakage. However, because it is completely waterproof, its breathability is very poor and sweat cannot be discharged, so the clothes inside will still get wet.
4. Comparative selection of mountaineering jackets
In fact, the basic design of mountaineering jackets such as hood, cuff Velcro, and chest pockets mainly depends on the waterproofness and breathability of the material. Therefore, Let’s compare on several aspects!
Mount bell rain dancer
Mount bell storm cruiser
Marmot Minimalist Jacket
Mammut mammoth convey tour
Fjallraven Arctic fox Keb Eco-shell
Arc’teryx Archaeopteryx beta SL Hybrid
Mammut mammoth Like Nordwand HS
Arc’teryx beta LT
Arc’teryx beta AR
Arc’teryx alpha SV
Mountain climbing Jacket weight (from low to high)
Mont bell storm cruiser (254g)
Mont bell rain dancer (300g)
Arc’teryx beta SL Hybrid (Male 315g / Female 300g)
Mammut mammoth convey tour (Male 336g / Female 286g)
Arc’teryx Archeopteryx beta LT (Male 345g / Female 315g)
Marmot Minimalist Jacket (Male 425g/Female 408g)
Arc’teryx Arc’teryx beta AR (Male 460g/Female 410g)
Arc’teryx Alpha SV ( Male 510g/Female 440g)
Fjallraven Arctic Fox Keb Eco-shell (Male 520g/Female 470g)
Mammut Mammoth Nordwand HS (Male 575g/Female 525g)
Mounting jacket (comparison of comprehensive values, from high to low)
Arc’teryx beta LT (the most recommended model, can be worn for daily use and mountaineering)
Arc’teryx Arc’teryx beta AR (most versatile, suitable for all seasons)
Mammut convey tour (mammoth jacket at the right price)
Arc’teryx beta SL Hybrid (suitable for trail running, People who run marathons and ride bicycles)
Arc’teryx alpha SV (the most protective, functional and highest-grade mountaineering jacket)
Fjallraven Keb Eco-shell
Mont bell storm cruiser
Mammut Nordwand HS (windproof and warm two-in-one, suitable for people who are too lazy to carry two coats)
Marmot Marmot Minimalist Jacket
5. Summary
If you still can’t decide which hiking jacket to buy after reading this article, I guess it’s because the prices of the hiking jackets I introduced are too high. , then I will give you three suggestions:
If the budget is really not that abundant, you can buy Decathlon. It is cheap and useful, but the requirements for it should not be too high.
I decided to buy it for him at once, because I myself once wanted to buy a cheap hiking jacket to save money, but later I found that no matter what, I would always find fault with him, and I would keep thinking about it. The jacket I wanted to buy the most from the beginning.
If you like this article, you can click like to give me some encouragement, or share the article to let more people know~
