Men's outdoor jackets: waterproof, softshell and down

When it comes to men's outdoor jackets, there’s a solution for every weather: Aigle in Gore-Tex or MTD membrane for the rain, a three-layer softshell for wind, lightweight T-Kit down jacket, Polartec sherpa jacket, corduroy collar jacket, Elliker Ayre, Parel Studios Vento and Senja, and hexagonal quilted Penfield.

A jacket for every type of weather

Driving rain, cold wind, dry and icy air, spring showers: no single jacket does it all. The range therefore offers specialized models to choose from according to the climate you face most often.

Here’s how to find your way around.

Against the rain

Aigle in Gore-Tex and MTD

The waterproof jacket from Aigle is available in Gore-Tex and with the MTD membrane developed by the brand. Both stop the rain while allowing sweat vapour to escape. The Warm90 versions add a hood, and the MTD quilted one made with Repreve, recycled polyester, keeps you warm.

Elliker Ayre

Designed in Yorkshire, the Ayre from Elliker comes in short and long cuts. The long version also protects your thighs, making it really comfortable in the city.

Against the wind: the softshell

The softshell jacket in three layers from Aigle combines a water-repellent outer fabric, a windproof membrane, and a soft lining. More flexible and breathable than a rain jacket, it is suitable for active hiking in dry and windy weather.

It’s often the most worn jacket in the mountains, except on rainy days.

Against the cold

The lightweight T-Kit down jacket

Filled with lightweight down and water-repellent, the T-Kit from Aigle provides a lot of warmth for a very light weight. It compresses into a bag and can be worn alone or under a rain jacket.

The Polartec sherpa

The sherpa jacket from Aigle uses Polartec fabric, a curly fleece that mimics sheep wool. Warm and soft, it can be worn as a mid-layer or on its own in dry weather.

The quilted Penfield

Founded in 1975 in Hudson, Massachusetts, Penfield is known for its warm jackets. Its zipped Hudson Script jacket, quilted in a hexagonal pattern, carries this American outdoor heritage.

Urban jackets

The water-repellent jacket from Aigle with a corduroy collar is reminiscent of English country jackets. The Vento and Senja from Parel Studios, a brand from Copenhagen, focus on clean lines. The Coppa from Elliker completes this style, perfect for everyday wear.

Choosing according to use

Hiking in the rain: Gore-Tex or MTD jacket.
Hiking in dry wind: three-layer softshell.
Dry cold: T-Kit down jacket or quilted Penfield.
Mid-layer: Polartec sherpa.
City: corduroy-collared jacket, Parel Studios or Coppa.

The layering system

In the mountains, it’s common to combine two jackets: a lightweight down or fleece for warmth, and a waterproof jacket for the rain. The outfit is adapted to the effort: you take off the warm layer when going up and put it back on at the top.

Down or synthetic?

Down offers the best warmth-to-weight ratio and compresses very well, but it loses its insulating power if it gets wet. Synthetic filling retains warmth better when damp. For a rainy climate, a water-repellent down jacket or synthetic quilted jacket is a safer choice.

The right size

A rain jacket should be chosen roomy enough to fit a fleece underneath. A softshell or down jacket should fit closer to the body. Raise your arms while trying it on: the bottom of the jacket shouldn't expose your back.

The outdoor jacket in the city

A simple technical jacket goes well with chinos, jeans, or cargo pants for biking or walking to work. Choose a neutral colour and a cut without too many sporty details for everyday wear.

Taking care of your jacket

Wash membrane jackets without fabric softeners, then reactivate their water-repellent properties with a suitable treatment. A down jacket should be washed at low temperatures and dried with dryer balls to restore the loft of the down.