FIELD TEST
SIX OF THE BEST
To cope with the toughest conditions, you need an equally tough waterproof shell. Here are six of the most rugged and robust WINTER MOUNTAINEERING JACKETS on the market.
It is true that, compared to the world’s great ranges, Britain’s mountains hardly measure up in terms of either size or stature. But when it comes to full winter conditions, they can be as challenging as any place on Earth. The legendary Sir Chris Bonington once said that being caught in a Cairngorms blizzard was as fearsome as anything he’d ever faced – and that’s coming from a man who led some of the most epic Himalayan expeditions. The data backs Sir Chris up. In fact, the strongest winds ever recorded in the UK were on Cairn Gorm itself, way back in March 1986. The weather station anemometer at the summit measured a wind speed of 150.3 knots (173mph) – presumably just before it broke.
Obviously no walker in their right mind would be out in such conditions. But biting winds, stinging rain and whirling spindrift are often an unavoidable element of winter mountain days. So whether the setting for your sub-zero adventures is Scotland’s eastern Highlands, the Lakeland fells or the mountains of north Wales, it’s wise to be prepared.
Your first line of defence in the battle against the elements should be a rugged and reliable waterproof shell. Usually, you won’t take it off all day, which means it should be able to take a fair bit of winter hammering. It should also offer good all-round coverage, including a secure hood, hem and cuffs that will stay put even in the wildest weather. Other useful features include easy-access pockets and pit zips to dump heat fast. And if you’re making the transition from winter hillwalking to graded scrambles or climbs, you’ll want a jacket that fits neatly under a climbing harness, plus a hood that will accommodate a helmet. These premium winter-ready features don’t come cheap, but get all those elements right and you’ll have a fortress of a jacket that will see you right through to spring.
Mountain Equipment Makalu £300
Mountain Equipment’s Lhotse (or women’s Manaslu) shell is a hillwalkers’ favourite and multiple Trail award winner.
One rung down is the more affordable Makalu. Reworked for 2023, it now uses Gore-Tex’s new and more sustainable ePE fabric, which is free from harmful PFCs.
Otherwise, it’s been designed to be just as durable, waterproof and breathable as standard Gore-Tex, while being lighter and more pliable, with no drop-off in performance on test. The
