Shell Jacket Guide

Shell Jacket Guide

Find the right layer of protection for your needs.

Find the right layer of protection for your needs.

Choosing the right shell jacket

Choosing the right shell jacket

Klättermusen shell jackets are designed with a careful balance between breathability, durability, weight, technical details, and wind and waterproofness. It is the different combinations of these factors that create an optimal shell jacket for your needs. Our wide range of all-year-round shell jackets are built to last, season after season, and are made for movement using sustainable materials.

As with all types of outdoor equipment, your intensity and activity of choice is what sets the requirements of the gear. The first question to ask yourself is: Do I need the primary protection to be against water or wind? And secondly: What is the duration of the activity? The requirements of your jacket may differ depending on how long you plan to stay outside. Knowing your conditions and activity helps you decide what main characteristics you are looking for in a shell jacket. Use this guide to determine your needs and find the perfect shell jacket for non-winter months.

MFR

Generally, the more wind and waterproof a garment is, the less breathable it is. Meaning more warm air, heat and moisture will stay trapped inside. Mass Flow Resistance (MFR) is our unique system that provides our products with a simple rating from 1 (most breathable) to 10 (most weatherproof). This lets you easily choose in advance how resistant you want your jacket to be, depending on the conditions you are intending to adventure in.

We recommend a low MRF value for high intensity activities, and a higher MFR for damp, wet and colder activities.

What type of shell jacket do I need?

What type of shell jacket do I need?

Wind resistant vs. windproof


A wind-resistant jacket provides protection against the toughest wind, but also lets some air in. This provides high breathability so you can stay cool during fast paced movement. A fully windproof jacket keeps all the wind out but also has lower breathability.

If your intention is to use the jacket during fast paced activities where your pulse is high and you are producing a lot of body heat, then a wind resistant jacket with high breathability is what you want. Look for a MFR value of 4-6. Jackets with a higher MFR value are fully windproof and suitable for low intensity activities or everyday missions, since your body heat will stay inside the jacket.


Water resistant vs. waterproof


It’s common to think you need a waterproof jacket to be prepared for any weather. This is a great thought, but remember to keep the activity in mind.

A water-resistant or water-repellent jacket can withstand lighter rain for a short period of time. So you will be protected and have time to throw on a fully waterproof jacket, or find shelter if heavy rain starts to pour. Water-resistant shell jackets have higher breathability than fully waterproof ones due to different fabric characteristics and the lack of taped seams. All seams create tiny holes in the fabric where moisture and wind can penetrate through. Non-taped seams therefore add to the breathability of the jacket. Our waterproof jackets have fully taped seams, which prevent water from passing through the seams and will keep you dry and warm, even through the windiest and wettest weather.

For a water-resistant shell jacket, look for a value of MFR 6-8. If you need a fully waterproof shell jacket, then MFR 10 is the value you want.


Hooded vs. Non-Hooded


Many of our shell jackets are available both as a hooded and non-hooded version. The hooded versions are a great option for outer layering where you want full coverage and when the grams are not essential. The non-hooded are ideal for higher-intensity activities, when you need to bring an extra layer of wind protection, or as a midlayer. The lack of a hood keeps the overall weight down and makes it easier to pack.

Choose your activity

Fast Paced Activities

When protection against wind is equally important as breathability. These are the ultimate shells for fast paced activities. MFR 4.

Read More

Diverse High Pulse Activities

When you want breathability, light insulation and light water resistance. Made for versatile activities where a high pulse is expected. MFR 6.

Read More

Trekking & Intense Everyday Activities

Jackets made from a unique cotton fabric with great wind protection and water resistance. Great for trekking and intense everyday activities. MFR 8.

Read More

Activities in Uncertain Weather

Suitable for year-round low intensity activities where you need a fully wind- and waterproof shell jacket. MFR 10.

Read More

Fast Paced Activities - MFR 4

Fast Paced Activities - MFR 4

For fast paced activities during warmer weather, a functional windbreaker made in our BioMass® fabric is the go-to, and you can find this in the Nal and Bestla series.

Nal and Bestla have MFR value of 4, which means it has fair wind resistance. However, the high breathability will make sure your temperature is regulated when you pick up the pace.

Nal is designed to fit together with our backpack hip belts and climbing harnesses, which makes it the ultimate lightweight shell for a variety of activities all-year round. Bestla offers the same light wind protection as Nal, except its PrimaLoft® knitted liner also makes it ideal for colder conditions.

Shop Men's    Shop Women's

Diverse High Pulse Activities - MFR 6

A softshell jacket is a great choice for high pulse activities, such as fast trekking and hiking. It's also a great companion for everyday activities. The blend between light insulation, good wind protection and light water resistance makes softshell jackets a top choice for a wide range of activities. Only you set the limits.

Vanadis 2.0 and Mithril jackets are made from our Windstretch™ fabric. WindStretch™ is a softshell fabric with outstanding abrasion resistance and stretch to allow close to free movements. Vanadis 2.0 is well-suited for high pulse activities as the fabric is ventilating, moisture wicking and dries quickly.

Mithril is slightly thicker than Vanadis 2.0 and takes insulation up a notch. Both jackets have a relaxed cut and are made for maximum movement. Vanadis 2.0 has highly placed pockets to work seamlessly with a climbing harness whereas Mithril is a great all-purpose jacket.

Shop Men's    Shop Women's

Diverse High Pulse Activities - MFR 6

Trekking & intense Everyday Activities - MFR 8

Trekking & intense Everyday Activities - MFR 8

For trekking and intense everyday activities, a jacket with MFR value of 8 is a great choice. The excellent wind protection will keep you safe and the high-water resistance will keep you dry.

Ansur is your choice here and comes in a variety of styles. Its Katla Cotton® fabric is made from 100% organic cotton, which gives it great breathability. Ansur has synthetic-like characteristics thanks to the creation process of the fabric. The cotton is subjected to high pressure and heat, which results in a windproof, water-repellant and highly breathable fabric. Its added rip-stop enhances the strength of the fabric, and durability for you.

Ansur has highly placed pockets that work together with backpacks and harnesses. The seams are externally placed for an abrasion-free inside.

Shop Men's    Shop Women's

Uncertain Weather Activities - MFR 10

If you need a year-round fully waterproof jacket, we've got you covered. Fully wind and waterproof jackets with a MFR value of 10 won't let any rain through, if the jacket is cared for properly. Choose between something lightweight and packable for when the rain hits, or an all-round jacket that keeps you safe in all conditions.

Asynja is the lightweight, simplistic choice for a waterproof shell jacket. Its features are slimmed down as well as the amount of seams. Allgrön 2.0 has more features, which makes it suitable for more activities, and is heavier and more robust than Asynja. Both Asynja and Allgrön 2.0 are made from our waterproof 3-layer Cutan® fabric. Cutan® is a proprietary, fully waterproof Klättermusen fabric that is a soft, flexible and fluorocarbon-free. Both jackets have highly placed pockets, making them suitable to wear with a backpack.

Shop Men's    Shop Women's

Uncertain Weather Activities - MFR 10