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Shell Jacket Guide – Find the right layer

Close-up of Allgrön 2.0

Shell Jacket Guide

Gear Guides

Which shell jacket should I choose?

Klättermusen shell jackets are designed with a careful balance of breathability, durability, weight, technical features, and wind- and waterproofness. The right combination of these factors creates the optimal shell jacket for your needs — whether you’re looking for lightweight protection or maximum coverage.


Choosing the right jacket can feel like a challenge, so we’ve created this guide to help you find the right wind- or waterproof jacket.To begin, ask yourself two key questions:


– What activity will you primarily use it for?

– What intensity will you use it for?


Heading for skiing or an expedition? See our Ski Shells Guide.

Vingtor
Vanadis 2.0

Do I need a breathable or waterproof jacket?

Your intended activity, its intensity, and duration set the requirements for your shell. The higher the activity intensity, the more breathability you want. But higher breathability means less waterproofness. Fully waterproof jackets have greater fabric resistance, which keeps you warm and dry, but reduces moisture-wicking efficiency.


– For high-output activities like trail running or fast trekking, light wind protection and breathability is the key factor.

– For lower-intensity activities such as hiking, wind- and waterproofness becomes more important.

How do I know how wind- or waterproof a jacket is?

All our shell jackets use the MFR System (Mass Flow Resistance System) — a scale that measures the balance between air permeability and fabric resistance. MFR ranges from 2-10, with 2 having limited wind resistance, and 10 being fully wind- and waterproof.


Watercolumn
The water column rating shows how long you can stay outside in heavy rain without getting wet. Our waterproof jackets all have a water column of >20,000 mm, ensuring reliable protection in any weather.


Layers
Our waterproof jackets, with MFR10, are made from polyamide or recycled polyester, using 2.5-layer to 3-layer constructions with our proprietary waterproof and ventilating Cutan® technology. Each jacket consists of an inner fabric, a fluorocarbon-free waterproof membrane, and an outer fabric. These layers are laminated into a single material that is soft, flexible, and have light stretch.

Man pouring water in a womans hair

Levels of Protection

Light Protection, MFR 2-4

Lightweight and breathable windbreakers with low fabric resistance, and limited to fair wind resistance.

Perfect for: high-intensity activities, trail running, fast trekking, climbing.

Medium Protection, MFR 6-8

A balance of light insulation, good wind protection, and light water resistance.

Perfect for: medium-intensity activities, hiking, trekking, climbing, everyday.

High Protection, MFR 10

Year-round, fully wind- and waterproof jackets. If cared for properly, they won’t let any rain through. Choose between lightweight, packable designs for sudden downpours, or all-round jackets that keep you safe in any condition.

Perfect for: hiking, trekking, everyday, trail Running

Man laying on a rock

Light Protection | MFR 2–4

Explore our collection of thin, lightweight wind-resistant jackets. Designed for fast-paced activities, they add a layer of protection when the wind picks up without weighing you down.

Medium Protection | MFR 6–8

When the wind picks up on the trail, reach for a more protective layer. Explore wind-resistant jackets made for hiking, trekking and long days on the move.

High Protection | MFR 10

For days when the weather puts your outer layer to the test. Explore waterproof and windproof jackets, made for long days outdoors in demanding conditions.

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