How to choose the right shell jacket

Living in the Nordics (or any other region with rapidly changing weather throughout the year) investing in a proper shell jacket is a necessity. One that can handle both heavy rain, rough terrain and strong winds. Especially if you love spending time outdoors. 

But, what should you actually look for when choosing the right shell jacket? 

Here are 5 things we think are worth paying attention to:

1. Room for layering

The shell jacket should be your outermost layer, and therefore, fit is important. It should give you enough room to wear several layers underneath, without restricting your movement.

The Emma Shell Jacket has an oversized, adjustable fit for greater freedom of movement.

2. Breathability

When you are outdoors and moving around a lot, you want to make sure the jacket can also release heat and moisture from your body, with ventilation features and good breathability. Otherwise, you will most likely end up feeling cold and damp.

The Emma Shell Jacket has a 3-layer Sympatex fabric that breathes and transports moisture when you're active.

3. Waterproofness

If you want to stay outdoors even in heavier rain without getting wet, a great start is to look for a jacket with a high water column rating. Water column is basically a measure of how much water pressure a jacket can withstand before water starts getting through the fabric. To give you a clue:

10,000 mm    Moderate rain; everyday use
15,000 mm    Heavy rain, hiking
20,000 mm    Heavy/prolonged rain + serious outdoor use

The Emma Shell Jacket has a 20,000 mm water column and fully taped seams, making it completely waterproof.

4. Versatility

In the end, the best shell jacket is not always the one with the most technical features, it’s the one you actually want to wear all year and for years to come. Choose a shell jacket that works across different parts of your everyday life, rather than just a single activity, and that you can adjust to different needs and seasons.

The Emma Shell Jacket is designed for demanding activities such as mountain hiking and alpine skiing, with a minimalist design that makes it just as well suited to wear in the city.

5. Pockets and practical details

Having enough space to keep your essentials close at hand can make a big difference. Look for roomy, easily accessible pockets that can fit the things you actually need when you’re out – from your phone and wallet to gloves, snacks or other essentials.

The Emma Shell Jacket has seven spacious pockets, five of which have zippers, giving you plenty of room to keep your essentials organised and within easy reach. It also includes a practical ski pass pocket.

Read more, and shop the Emma Shell Jacket here.