Outer Layer: Jackets & Over-trousers

Fleece Jackets

Polar fleece is durable, insulating, and quick drying. During summer a 200-300 weight polar fleece jacket is ideal for extra warmth. Choose a jacket with full-length front zip and zip pockets. Wear under your storm jacket in windy conditions

Cons: Fleece is relatively bulky and does not compress well. Offers little resistance to wind.

Down Insulated Jackets

A down jacket is a good choice for warmth. This will pack down to a more compact bundle.

  • For winter trips a mid-weight (600+ loft) down jacket is recommended
  • During summer a fill rating of 400 - 500 loft is sufficient
  • During January and February for hut-based trips a down jacket is optional

Cons: Down offers no thermal protection when wet. Choosing a jacket with a water-resistant outer shell is better for damp conditions.

Synthetic Insulated Jackets

Increasing popular are ‘synthetic down” insulated jackets. These use man-made fibres like Primaloft®.The advantage of synthetic jackets is insulation, without the "puff" feel. Synthetic fill is cheaper, and will also keep you warm even when damp environments.

Cons: may be bulkier and heavier than down

Read about Down vs Synthetic Jackets at SierraTradingpost.com ›

Shell Jackets and Pants | Waterproof-breathable

Waterproof/breathable fabrics are ideal for mountaineering. They work on a vapour pressure gradient through the fabric, aided by warm body temperatures and cold air temperatures.

Gore-tex® is the benchmark product, although there are many alternatives. You will usually wear your shell layer only in poor, or cold/windy conditions.

Shell, "hard-shell or “storm” jacket

Your jacket should fit comfortably over your base and mid-layer garments, with room to move freely.

Mountaineering jackets come to just below the waist, allowing easy access to your climbing harness.

Tramping/bush-walking jackets that come below the waist are acceptable. They can be tucked under your harness.

Choose a jacket with:

  • Full length front zip
  • A full sized hood - capable of wearing over a helmet
  • Zipper flaps
  • Storm cuffs

Over-trousers

These must be fully waterproof. Full-length zippers are ideal as they allow the over-trousers to be put on/removed over boots and crampons. Pants with half-length leg zippers will suffice, if you already own a pair.

Salopettes (bib-fronted trousers) add extra warmth for winter mountain missions. The standard trouser style is lighter, cooler, and better for summer mountaineering.

How "hard" will the course be?

Are you ready? How does Mt Cook compare to Mount Aspiring? Read about Trip Difficulty ›