Mountaineering Clothing Buying Guide

A good fit

A good-fitting waterproof will perform better at keeping you comfortable and protected. If your waterproof is too small it will restrict your movement, particularly if you need to reach anywhere or if you need to add extra layers. If your jacket is too big it will be cold and draughty. Excess fabric may also get in the way of finding gear quickly when you need it and can also get snagged.

Ventilation zips

Mountaineering is hard work and ventilation comes in useful even in the winter. The armpit area is a popular place for ventilation zips, also known as pit zips.

Helmet-compatible hood

Wearing a helmet can be important when winter mountaineering. So it is important that you can comfortably fit your hood over your helmet for total protection. A sturdy peak on the hood is handy as it will help to keep sun, rain, and snow off your face. Adjustability of the hood will allow you to cinch it down for a perfect fit on your head for those days when a helmet isn't needed.

Harness/hip belt compatible pockets

Although you won't want to stash a huge amount in your pockets when mountaineering, it is good to be able to access your pockets. Many pockets of non-technical jackets are positioned around the hip area this is right where harness and hip belts sit. As a result, jackets that have been designed with mountaineering in mind tend to position their pockets higher up on the torso.

Zip pulls

Easy-to-grab zip pulls are a must, particularly when wearing gloves. When you need to retrieve something from your pocket or adjust a ventilation zip the last thing you want to worry about is having to take your gloves off.

Reinforcement points

Reinforcement points in high-wear areas such as the seat, knees, and instep will ensure you get more effective protection for longer. The instep should offer excellent resistance to crampon and ski edges, while the seat and knees should be able to withstand abrasive wintry surfaces such as ice and rock without an issue. In the summer reinforced high wear areas are still important. But instep durability is less so due to the absence of crampons and ski edges.

Waistband

A low-profile waistband will offer more comfort on long days out in winter, particularly if you are wearing a harness or a rucksack with a hip belt. Many winter mountaineering trousers come with a bib-style waistband. Other trousers might have the option to be attached to your waterproof jacket with small tabs, but it is important to make sure you buy compatible garments. In the summer a low profile, bib-style waistband may become too warm. You can get trousers with detachable braces that have a regular level waistband, these offer less coverage but are still comfortable and can be worn with or without the braces depending on what you require.

Internal gaiter

Mountaineering trousers with an internal gaiter will help to keep snow out. They'll also contribute to heat retention and stop any draughts creeping into the leg of your trousers. This is ideal when approaching in deep powder or when caught out by blizzard conditions. An internal gaiter on summer mountaineering trousers will help to keep water, scree and general debris from the path out of your boots. But they will retain more heat and add a little weight.

Side zips

Having side zips on mountaineering trousers allows a great deal of versatility. They become easier to get on and off but they also allow extra ventilation when you need it. Whether the zip runs from hip to heel or knee to heel, chances are it'll be 2-way. This will allow you to open the zip for a little extra ventilation without sacrificing protection. If there isn't a long side zip, chances are there will be other ventilation options such as a specific ventilation zip or even simple zipped mesh-lined pockets that can be left open.

Powder skirt

Having a powder skirt on the inside of the jacket will go a long way to keeping blustery conditions or snow at bay. More technical jackets might have the option to attach said powder skirt to your trousers for extra protection, while others will have an elasticated hem and silicone grip to keep it in place. Adjustable cuffs and hem will allow you to seal out the weather. Some powder skirts are detachable so you can shed a few grams of weight during the summer months if you love getting out all year round.

Zip pulls

Easy-to-grab zip pulls are a must, particularly when wearing gloves. When you need to retrieve something from your pocket or adjust a ventilation zip the last thing you want to worry about is having to take your gloves off.

Liner gloves

These should be warm and able to wick sweat away while boasting a low profile for dexterity and fit. Fleece and Merino wool liner gloves are popular thanks to their excellent performance and minimal weight, some come with touchscreen compatibility on the fingertips.

Shell gloves

A quality shell glove will be made with a waterproof and breathable fabric that offers excellent durability. Those with articulated fingers can often be more comfortable and allow your hands to sit in a more natural position when handling tools such as a walking or climbing axe. Thicker insulation on the back of the hand and thinner insulation on the palm will ensure a better combination of dexterity and insulation. A wrist leash will allow you to take off the gloves without worrying about them blowing away. It's worth looking for a nose wipe on your shell gloves. In winter, taking a spare pair when out on the hill is always recommended incase one set becomes saturated. It's also worth considering mitten-style gloves when looking for your outer gloves as these can often be slightly warmer. You might find that your liner gloves are what you use most in the summer months. It's worth considering a slightly more technical pair, something with a grippy palm will offer you warmth as well as grip when you need it.