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Shell Jacket Guide – Find the right layer of protection for your needs

shell jackets in use

Shell Jacket Guide

Gear Guides

Choosing the right shell jacket

Klättermusen shell jackets are designed with a careful balance between breathability, durability, weight, technical details, and wind and waterproofness. It is the different combinations of these factors that create an optimal shell jacket for your needs. Our wide range of all-year-round shell jackets are built to last, season after season, and are made for movement using sustainable materials.

As with all types of outdoor equipment, your intensity and activity of choice is what sets the requirements of the gear. The first question to ask yourself is: Do I need the primary protection to be against water or wind? And secondly: What is the duration of the activity? The requirements of your jacket may differ depending on how long you plan to stay outside. Knowing your conditions and activity helps you decide what main characteristics you are looking for in a shell jacket. Use this guide to determine your needs and find the perfect shell jacket for non-winter months.



MFR

Generally, the more wind and waterproof a garment is, the less breathable it is. Meaning more warm air, heat and moisture will stay trapped inside. Mass Flow Resistance (MFR) is our unique system that provides our products with a simple rating from 1 (most breathable) to 10 (most weatherproof). This lets you easily choose in advance how resistant you want your jacket to be, depending on the conditions you are intending to adventure in.

We recommend a low MRF value for high intensity activities, and a higher MFR for damp, wet and colder activities.

Shell Jackets in use

Wind resistant vs. windproof

A wind-resistant jacket provides protection against the toughest wind, but also lets some air in. This provides high breathability so you can stay cool during fast paced movement. A fully windproof jacket keeps all the wind out but also has lower breathability.

If your intention is to use the jacket during fast paced activities where your pulse is high and you are producing a lot of body heat, then a wind resistant jacket with high breathability is what you want. Look for a MFR value of 4-6. Jackets with a higher MFR value are fully windproof and suitable for low intensity activities or everyday missions, since your body heat will stay inside the jacket.

Water resistant vs. waterproof

It’s common to think you need a waterproof jacket to be prepared for any weather. This is a great thought, but remember to keep the activity in mind.

A water-resistant or water-repellent jacket can withstand lighter rain for a short period of time. So you will be protected and have time to throw on a fully waterproof jacket, or find shelter if heavy rain starts to pour. Water-resistant shell jackets have higher breathability than fully waterproof ones due to different fabric characteristics and the lack of taped seams. All seams create tiny holes in the fabric where moisture and wind can penetrate through. Non-taped seams therefore add to the breathability of the jacket. Our waterproof jackets have fully taped seams, which prevent water from passing through the seams and will keep you dry and warm, even through the windiest and wettest weather.

For a water-resistant shell jacket, look for a value of MFR 6-8. If you need a fully waterproof shell jacket, then MFR 10 is the value you want.

Hooded vs. Non-Hooded

Many of our shell jackets are available both as a hooded and non-hooded version. The hooded versions are a great option for outer layering where you want full coverage and when the grams are not essential. The non-hooded are ideal for higher-intensity activities, when you need to bring an extra layer of wind protection, or as a midlayer. The lack of a hood keeps the overall weight down and makes it easier to pack.

Sif
Allgrön 2.0

MFR 2 & 4

For fast paced activities and hiking during warmer weather, a lightweight and functional windbreaker is the go-to. MFR 2 and 4 means it has limited to fair wind resistance. However, the high breathability will make sure your temperature is regulated when you pick up the pace.

Jacket
MFR
Fit
Fabric
Weight (based on M's L)
Ideal for
Sif
Sif
2
Regular
Ultralight
160g
Fast Paced Activities
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Nal hooded
Nal Hooded
4
Regular
Lightweight
265g
Fast Paced Activities
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Nal jacket
Nal Jacket
4
Regular
Lightweight
209g
Fast Paced Activities
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Bestla Anorak
Bestla Anorak
4
Regular
PrimaLoft® knitted liner
550g
Hiking
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Bestla Zip
Bestla Zip
4
Relaxed
PrimaLoft® knitted liner
604g
Hiking
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MFR 6

A softshell jacket with MFR 6 is a great choice for high pulse activities, such as fast trekking and hiking. It's also a great companion for everyday activities. The blend between light insulation, good wind protection and light water resistance makes softshell jackets a top choice for a wide range of activities. Only you set the limits.

MFR 8

For trekking and everyday activities, a jacket with MFR value of 8 is ideal. The excellent wind protection will keep you safe and the high-water resistance will keep you dry in the event of light rain. Perfect when the weather slightly shifts during the day.

MFR 10

If you need a year-round fully waterproof jacket, we've got you covered. Fully wind and waterproof jackets with a MFR value of 10 won't let any rain through, if the jacket is cared for properly. Choose between something lightweight and packable for when the rain hits, or an all-round jacket that keeps you safe in all conditions.

Jacket
Fit
Layer
Ventilation Zips
RECCO®
Weight (based on M's L)
Available in
syr
Syr
Relaxed
3-layer
No
No
530g
Unisex
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allgrön 2.0
Allgrön 2.0
Regular
3-layer
Yes
Yes
620g
Men/Women
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asynja
Asynja
Regular
3-layer
No
No
347g
Men/Women
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