A technical mountain shell, whether for mountaineering or trekking, is a good investment. Here’s how to make the right choice according to your needs and budget.
It’s happened to everyone, especially when they take their first steps in the mountains, to ask themselves how they can best dress up for a hike at high altitude. Staying dry at all times is necessary for those who practice outdoor activities. For this reason, it is impossible to do without a mountain shell, a protective barrier against rain, snow and wind. But buying a technical shell is still an investment. Here are a few tips. Ready to choose?
Technical shell: which one to choose?
The first thing to take into account for a hike in the mountains, is that the weather changes very quickly. Dress up in layers, then, trying to get the best possible comfort. The first outer layer of the outfit will be the technical shell. These are jackets made of breathable and waterproof fabrics, but also lightweight, comfortable, durable and practical to wear and store in the backpack, to clutter as little as possible. But what types to choose?
The choice is bound not only by the technical performance of the shell jacket, but also by the outdoor activity that you intend to undertake: the clothing for snowboarding is different from that for sports climbing. You have to be careful and careful when purchasing, which certainly implies a great economic investment, but you think that it is very important for your safety in the mountains. Features of a technical shell are: hood, side protections, zippers and zips, ventilation openings, pockets, watertight closures, ergonomic cuffs and sleeves. And remember, even those that seem special make the difference.
Technical shell for trekking
Lightness and compactness are fundamental characteristics for a jacket suitable for trekking – winter or summer – trail and hiking. The shell jacket must be made of breathable fabric, water and wind resistant, water-repellent and durable. A more economical solution, even if slightly inferior from a technical point of view, is the coating, or induction: a kind of paste applied to the inside of the fabric that makes it waterproof but also breathable. Considering that there are some models of trekking shell jackets on the market that are quite cheap and of high quality.
Mountaineering shell jacket
Lightness and compressibility are two other features common to both the shell for hiking and for mountaineering or ski touring. In the latter case we recommend a waterproof jacket suitable for intensive use. Toughness and resistance of the fabrics are essential for activities on rock or ice, where abrasion and rubbing are frequent. The jacket must be equipped with ventilation openings, a very wide and adjustable hood to accommodate the helmet, and better with Napoleonic pockets so as not to create a hindrance with the harness.
If you need a shell suitable for extreme mountaineering, we recommend a type of hard-shell jacket, made of recyclable polyester membrane and with a recycled polyester face fabric, compressible, three-layer, which combines waterproofing and breathability with optimal comfort on the skin. A windproof mountain shell designed to withstand prolonged exposure in extreme environments.
If you are planning a nice hike, as you will have understood, the outfit is essential, depending on the climate, the location chosen and the type of activity. The strong and light mountain shell will be with you to protect you from the elements, even if you will feel the lightness more in your backpack than in your wallet! And yet, if you look hard enough, you will find quality and cheaper models on the market. Enjoy your hike!
