What

is

a

Hardshell

Jacket?

Hardshell explained

Every hardshell jacket  consists of at least two layers that are laminated together: The membrane serves as weather protection, being particularly resistant and completely waterproof and windproof. The outermost layer is usually made out of polyester or polyamide for added abrasion-resistance, and treated with a DWR (Durable Water Repellent) coating  to allow water to simply drip off. There are different types of hardshell technologies available, including GORE-TEX  as well as our highly functional Mammut DRY .

The real star of the jacket is hidden behind the tough outer shell: a waterproof and breathable membrane. While preventing water molecules from permeating the inner layers of the jacket, it still allows water vapour to escape – wicking away moisture and sweat from your body, and keeping you dry and protected in every type of weather, even when you’re tackling particularly challenging climbs.

In addition to the outer layer and membrane, many hardshell jackets consist of an additional third layer, or inner lining. Depending on the type of jacket, there are different types of composition:

• The three-layer hardshell is the most robust version, with the upper material and membrane being combined into one single laminated layer. The inner lining protects the textile against abrasion – making this type of hardshell especially durable, compact and sturdy.

• Another option are 2.5-layer jackets. Instead of adding an extra inner lining, the membrane is simply covered with a thin protective layer. This makes them sturdier than two-layer hardshells, but more lightweight than three-layer jackets. They can also be folded up easily, which drastically reduces their pack size, and makes them the ideal choice for when you’re out and about.

• Two-layer hardshell jackets also come with an inner lining. However, this is not actually sewn into the jacket itself, but a separate, loose piece that can be clipped into the shell – meaning the outer shell and membrane are laminated together. This makes two-layer hardshells a bit thicker, and less compact.

• By the way: Keep an eye on the so-called “hydrostatic head” to determine how waterproof a jacket really is. This measurement will tell you exactly how much water pressure the material can handle before moisture will get into the jacket. As a general rule: The higher, the better! If the hydrostatic head is above 800 mm, a jacket is considered waterproof – anything below is classed as water-repellent. Most hardshell jackets have a hydrostatic head of at least 10.000 or 20.000 mm, but can range up to 30.000 mm.

To find the right jacket, always try on a number of different models to see which one you feel most comfortable in, and which offers the best freedom of movement. Cost is also a factor: Higher-quality three-layer jackets generally tend to be slightly more expensive than two- or 2.5-layer models.

Are hardshell jackets made for use in winter?

Generally, your hardshell jacket can be worn all year round, making it not only suitable for wintery conditions, but also a great choice for summer sports – provided the outside temperature is lower than your body temperature. If it’s too hot outside, you’ll be sweating pretty quickly – in this case, a softshell jacket  would be the better choice.

Tip: Check out our dedicated guide to find out more about the differences between hardshell and softshell jackets ..

Hardshell vs. rain jacket

Common rain jackets are designed to only keep you dry. So even though they’re waterproof, their dense material often keeps in the heat, which is bound to make you sweat underneath the jacket when moving a lot. To counteract this, hardshell jackets are not only waterproof, but also windproof and breathable. For everyday use, light rain or short hikes, a rain jacket will be perfectly sufficient. However, if you’ve got a challenging and/or long tour planned, definitely take your hardshell!

What sport can I use a hardshell jacket for?

Hardshell jackets are a great choice for outdoor activities in unpredictable weather conditions, freezing temperatures or heavy rain, and offer great protection against the wind during the summer. So if you’re setting out on a long trekking or mountaineering tour, it’s best to opt for a sturdy, three-layer hardshell with an integrated membrane.

Our Mammut hardshell jackets have been specially developed for three areas of use:

• Mammut DRY Tour  jackets: As they are particularly versatile, they are perfect for hiking, trekking, and winter sports, including skiing or alpine tours.

• Mammut DRY Active  jackets: Lightweight and boasting a small pack size, they are ideal for trail running and quick tours

• Mammut DRY Expedition : Being abrasion-resistant even when frequently exposed to rock, they are the perfect choice for alpine tours.

Tip: Getting ready for a wintery alpine tour? Don’t forget your hardshell pants  so you’re protected against the cold all around.

Can you wash a hardshell jacket?

If you need to clean your jacket, you can simply machine-wash it at 30 °C on a gentle cycle. Just remember one thing: Less is more! It’s perfectly fine to only wash your jacket a couple of times during the year to protect the fabric. Because the more frequently you wash it, the higher the chance its waterproofness will wear off. Also make sure to regularly impregnate your jacket to maintain its performance.

Need some extra guidance on how to clean your jacket? Our Care & Repair section  is packed with helpful tips and videos to help you along the way.

How to pick the right jacket

• First things first: What kind of activity are you looking to use your jacket for, and what are the weather conditions? For winter sports, a jacket with chin protection, snow skirt and a helmet-compatible hood is ideal. If you’re looking to use your jacket with a climbing harness , opt for extra length to prevent the jacket from slipping through the straps. The jacket should also be fitted with a double zipper, with the pockets easy to reach even when strapped into the harness.

• Keep an eye on the quality of the membrane or coating, and choose the design that works best for your chosen outdoor activity.

• Are you more comfortable wearing a two-layer or three-layer hardshell jacket? What is the hydrostatic head? The latter should at least be 20.000 mm.

• Zippers: When trying on a jacket, check if the zippers can be opened and closed easily when wearing gloves. If you’re out and about in rainy conditions, make sure to opt for a model with waterproof zippers. If you’ve settled on a two-way front zipper, make sure you can properly lock it in place at the bottom.

• If you’re wearing a helmet, the hood of your jacket should be easily adjustable, and made to fit around it.

• Check the design, length and fit: Is the jacket comfortable to wear? Can you stretch and move the way you would when engaging in your usual sporting activity? Does it have enough pockets, and are these placed conveniently? Is your back still covered and protected all around when bending over?

• Also factor in weight and pack size when choosing your hardshell jacket – when folded up, your jacket shouldn’t be bigger than a small package.

What to wear underneath a hardshell jacket?

More layers, better protection: Always make sure that your hardshell jacket is wide enough to fit a couple of layers of clothes underneath – otherwise, you’ll quickly feel restricted or get too hot because the air can’t circulate properly anymore, which will ultimately affect the breathability of the material. Depending on the season and weather conditions, you can dress in layers  to suit your needs – as a general rule, though, you should be able to fit at least a base layer , mid-layer , and an additional insulating layer like a fleece jacket  or down jacket  under your hardshell.

By the way: Weather permitting, you can wear a softshell jacket not only in combination with your hardshell, but also as a stand-alone. Find out more about the benefits of softshell jackets in our article.