How to choose a women's shell jacket: 5 things to look for

If you live in the Nordics, or anywhere the weather changes fast, a proper shell jacket is a necessity. To choose the right one, check five things: room for layers underneath, breathability, waterproofness, versatility, and pockets you can reach. For hiking and heavy rain, look for a high enough water column.

A good shell handles rain, rough terrain and strong wind, which matters most if you love spending time outdoors. Here are the five things we think are worth paying attention to.

What is a shell jacket?

A shell jacket is a waterproof, windproof outer layer with no insulation of its own. You wear it over your other layers to keep rain and wind out, and its breathable fabric lets heat and moisture escape. A fully waterproof shell with taped seams is often called a hardshell.

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 3L Shell Jacket has an oversized, adjustable fit for greater freedom of movement. It is available in sizes XXS-4XL.

2. Breathability

A breathable shell jacket lets heat and moisture from your body escape, so you stay dry from the inside as well as the outside. When you're moving a lot, a jacket that can't breathe leaves you feeling cold and damp. Look for breathable fabric plus ventilation features you can open.

The Emma 3L Shell Jacket has a 3-layer Sympatex fabric that breathes and transports moisture when you're active (Moisture Vapor Permeability (MVP) >20,000 g/m²/24h).

3. What water column rating do you need?

For a waterproof hiking jacket, look for a water column of at least 15,000 mm, or 20,000 mm if you'll be out in heavy or prolonged rain. The water column measures how much water pressure a fabric can withstand before water starts getting through it. The higher the number, the more waterproof the fabric.

Water column	Best for
10,000 mm	Moderate rain, everyday use
15,000 mm	Heavy rain, hiking
20,000 mm	Heavy or prolonged rain, serious outdoor use

Check that the seams are fully taped too. Stitching leaves tiny needle holes, and tape seals them so water can't get in through the seams.

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

4. Versatility: one jacket for hiking, skiing and the city

The best shell jacket is the one you actually want to wear all year and for years to come. Choose one that works across your everyday life as well as a single activity, and adapt it to each season by changing the layers underneath.

A women's ski shell jacket needs the same basics, plus room for a thicker mid layer and a place for your ski pass.

The Emma 3L Shell Jacket is designed for demanding activities like mountain hiking and alpine skiing, with a minimalist design that works just as well in the city.

5. Hood, pockets and practical details

Having enough space to keep your essentials close at hand makes a big difference. Look for roomy pockets you can reach easily, with space for your phone, wallet, gloves and snacks. In heavy rain, an adjustable hood that turns with your head keeps water off your face.

The Emma 3L Shell Jacket has seven spacious pockets, five of them with zippers, so your essentials stay organised and within reach. It also has a practical ski pass pocket, and a large hood that fits a ski or biking helmet.

Shell jacket checklist

• Fits over a fleece, with your arms raised
• Breathable fabric, ideally 3-layer
• Water column of 15,000 mm or more, or 20,000 mm for heavy rain
• Fully taped seams
• A roomy, adjustable hood
• Spacious, zipped pockets you can reach easily
• A versatile design you'll wear in the city too

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between a shell jacket and a rain jacket?

A shell jacket is a technical waterproof layer built for long days outdoors, usually with taped seams and breathable fabric. A rain jacket is made for everyday rain and is often lighter and simpler. For hiking or skiing, choose a shell jacket.

Is a 20,000 mm water column waterproof enough?

Yes. A 20,000 mm water column suits heavy and prolonged rain and serious outdoor use, such as mountain hiking. For everyday rain in the city, 10,000 mm is usually enough.

Can I wear a shell jacket for skiing and in winter?

Yes, as long as it has room for warm layers underneath. A shell has no insulation, so your base and mid layers keep you warm while the shell keeps snow and wind out. For skiing, a ski pass pocket and a helmet-friendly hood are useful extras

How do I care for a shell jacket?

Follow the care label. Dirt and body oils can reduce breathability and water repellency, so wash your shell regularly at 40ºC on a gentle cycle. Do not use fabric softeners in order to maintain water repellency, and tumble dry or iron on low heat after drying to reactivate the durable water repellency treatment.

Shop women's shell and rain jackets

Our women's shell and rain jackets are made for Nordic weather, on the mountain and in the city. The Emma 3L Shell Jacket has a 20,000 mm water column, a 3-layer Sympatex fabric and seven pockets, in a minimalist design you can wear on the mountain and in the city.