The Daily Telegraph - Action Packed: Shell jackets for women
December 7, 2015
Five of the best women's shell jackets for outdoor activities, tested by our gear expert.
A relatively recent invention, the shell jacket is a bit like the iPad - who knew we needed one? They strike a perfect balance between weather protection and comfort, but critics wonder whether they really can be windproof and waterproof as well as breathable and supple. With the development of high-tech fabrics, they are increasingly ticking these and several other boxes but more protective does mean less breathable, and vice versa.
For outdoor adventures in extreme weather it is best to choose a windpoof, waterproof, protective hardshell with an insulated layer underneath. If a heavy sustained downpour isn’t in the picture and breathability is a high priority, a lightweight softshell is the solution with its combination of mobility and comfort, as well as some weather protection. Softshells are useful for sweaty aerobic activities like ice and alpine climbing, ski touring and cross-country skiing, trail running and snowshoeing. Hybrid shells use both hardshell and softshell materials in tandem and offer waterproofing in key areas like the hood, shoulders and upper arms, and stretchy, breathable fabrics on the back and underside of the arms.
Choosing the right jacket depends on the activity, the weather, the other layers you are wearing and an individual’s own natural temperature regulation. Here are some of the best for your different needs.
Vaude Women’s Boe Jacket
This three-layer winter shell is best-suited for aerobic activity in cold climates, thanks to its breathable membrane, stretchy material and articulated sleeves. Opening the pit zips allows for extra ventilation under the arms. In heavy rainfall, this resilient jacket is waterproof and windproof with an adjustable peak hood (which fits over some helmets) and a removable snow-skirt designed to keep you dry even in the deepest snow conditions. There are clever double cuffs - the inner one is elasticated, while the outer is adjustable using a top hand cover secured with Velcro. There are multiple pockets with water resistant zips and the drawcord of the bottom hem can be adjusted from inside the pockets.
Verdict
Weatherproof: 5
Breathable: 4
Value: 4
Overall: 4
Developed in collaboration with mountain guides this unrestrictive breathable jacket is hard to beat in the snow.
Arc’teryx Zeta LT waterproof jacket
Price: £320
Details: arcteryx.com
Tough and versatile, this high performance jacket is made with a new three-layer Gore-Tex fabric, which is waterproof and windproof. It has an athletic cut, articulated elbows, a drop-back adjustable hem and gusseted underarms but no pit-zips. If the weather closes in, its low-profile hood provides very good rain coverage while allowing you a wide field of vision. The hood fits over certain helmets and is stowed in the collar. Two hand pockets can be accessed while wearing a pack or harness, but use the laminated internal pocket to store your smartphone or GPS device.
Verdict
Weatherproof: 4
Breathable: 4
Value: 4
Overall: 4
A reliable, versatile jacket for layering in all seasons. Great for trekking in rough weather.
North Face Women’s L5 shell jacket
Price: £470
Details: thenorthface.co.uk
This is the jacket for overnight trips in the mountains. Windproof, waterproof, and durable, this highly technical hardshell offers extreme protection, with seams and zippers designed to withstand even a continuous downpour. It comes with an adjustable, high performance, helmet-compatible hood. Made with a sturdy material, the jacket can feel rigid and even sound crunchy when you move around and its minimal seams ensure durability and less bulk. Overall it is a winning combination of light breathable fabrics, pit-zip venting and mesh pockets, and durable patches in high-wear zones.
Verdict
Weatherproof: 5
Breathable: 4
Value: 4
Overall: 4
This comfortable jacket with a highly articulate design offers eextreme weatherproofing on the outside without feeling clammy on the inside,. It is expensive but when travelling during a storm, you will not regret it.
Bergans Airojohka lady jacket
Price: £270
Details: cotswoldoutdoor.com
A light and stretchy technical jacket offering excellent breathability yet strong performance in the outdoors. For wet weather there is a one-hand elastic drawstring along the hem, Velcro tabs on the cuffs, extended back coverage and a helmet-compatible hood with a visor and high collar. In warmer conditions there are unusually long pit-zips and two mesh-lined hand pockets which can also be used for ventilation; these pockets sit a little higher, not to interfere with the hip belt of a pack or a harness.
Verdict
Weatherproof: 4
Breathable: 4
Value: 5
Overall: 4
Breathable and supple with good weather-proofing, this is a comfortable, easy-to-wear jacket offering plenty of freedom to move. It’s a good choice for ski touring and climbing in the mountains.
Sherpa Adventure Gear Lakpa Rita Jacket
Price: £300
Details: sherpaadventuregear.co.uk
Made of a tough three-layer fabric, the jacket features an athletic technical cut, and a sculpted, panelled arm construction designed for comfort and mobility. The shoulders, hips and forearms are reinforced where there is usually the greatest degree of wear and tear. It comes with twin harness-compatible hand pockets and two hand warmer pockets, all of which have water-resistant zips. Note its wired hood may not allow enough volume and height for some helmets, so you should definitely try it on before you buy. The pockets are not vented nor are there pit-zips but the breathability of the material is meant to keep you cool.
Verdict
Weatherproof: 4
Breathable: 4
Value: 4
Overall: 4
The good balance of weather-proofing and breathability make this a good choice for hiking in the mountains.
About Michelle Jana Chan
As the lucky child of an airline pilot, Michelle embarked on adventures overseas from a young age, including camping in the Australian outback, volcano-trekking in Hawaii and driving across Tsavo National Park in Kenya. Her wanderlust and spirit of adventure has never waned. She loves nothing more than feeling the grit and fear when pushing herself to the limit, whether that’s in climbing Mont Blanc, swimming with whale sharks in Mexico, or flying, diving, sailing or rally driving.
She is motivated by sport and extreme adventure to keep fit and feed her competitive spirit but not least because she believes there are too few women in the public eye who are willing to show themselves at rock- bottom. “I’ve always preferred mud and sweat to make-up,” she says. She swears by reliable equipment, which has made her toughest challenges more comfortable at the very least and at other times has saved her life. She is a self-confessed gear addict and would love to hear from readers about any equipment that they love or loathe. Follow her on Twitter: @michellejchan.