HALTI GUIDE
A shell jacket is the ultimate outer layer, designed to protect you from wind and rain all year round. The right choice depends on where your adventures take you.
Whether you're commuting in the city, trekking through the wilderness, or hitting the slopes, a quality shell keeps the elements out. Halti's shell jackets are powered by our waterproof, windproof, and breathable DrymaxX® technology.
Read our guide to understand the different constructions and find the perfect balance of weather protection, comfort, and durability for your specific outdoor needs.
THE FOUNDATION
Halti shell jackets rely on two tiers of weather protection to keep you moving comfortably, no matter what the sky throws at you. Want to learn more about the technology behind our weather protection? Read more about DrymaxX® on our DrymaxX® Technology Page.
Provides highly reliable protection for daily outdoor pursuits, active adventures, and general winter sports.
These shells are designed to strike the perfect balance for most users, delivering solid waterproof and breathable performance ranging from 5,000mm up to 15,000mm.
Engineered for the most demanding environments and high-intensity activities where compromise is not an option.
Shell jackets featuring DrymaxX® Nano boast a minimum of 20,000mm waterproofness and exceptional breathability, typically found in our top-tier alpine and trekking gear.
FINDING YOUR LEVEL
Waterproofness (mm) keeps the rain out, while breathability (g/m²/24h) lets your sweat escape. If you are doing high-pulse activities like ski touring, or facing heavy downpours, you will need a shell with higher ratings.
Light & Casual
5,000 mm / 5,000 g/m²/24h
Great for dog walks, daily errands, and light drizzles in the city.
Active Outdoor
10,000 mm / 10,000 g/m²/24h
Perfect for weekend hikes, changing weather, and an active everyday lifestyle.
Performance
15,000 mm / 15,000 g/m²/24h
Ideal for long treks, resort skiing, and prolonged exposure to heavy rain.
Extreme
20,000 mm and above
Built for mountaineering, freeriding, and severe storms where maximum performance is critical.
JACKET CONSTRUCTIONS
Shell jackets are built using different layering techniques. A 3-layer jacket isn't universally "better"—it is simply built for different environments than a 2-layer jacket. Choose the structure that aligns with how you plan to use it.
The waterproof membrane is bonded to the outer fabric, with a separate, loose lining (mesh or fabric) on the inside for comfort.
The membrane is bonded to the outer fabric, but instead of a full lining, a lightweight printed pattern protects the membrane from the inside.
The outer fabric, the waterproof membrane, and the inner backer are fused together into one single, robust, and technical layer.
CARE INSTRUCTIONS
A clean shell jacket is a functioning shell jacket. Dirt and sweat can clog the membrane and drastically reduce breathability.
Proper care not only keeps you dry but significantly extends the lifespan of your gear. For detailed instructions, read our official Halti x Miele Wash & Care Guide for Shell Clothing.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Yes! Shell jackets are non-insulated—they act purely as a shield against wind and rain. You should utilize the layering system: start with a moisture-wicking base layer, and add a warming midlayer (like fleece or lightweight down) depending on the temperature outside.
Absolutely. Because they completely block wind and snow, shell jackets are excellent for winter use when paired with adequate insulating midlayers. Many skiers and mountaineers prefer uninsulated shells for better temperature regulation.
If water is no longer beading off the outside of the jacket, the outer fabric might be "wetting out." This blocks the membrane from breathing, causing your own sweat and condensation to build up inside. It simply means it's time to wash and re-proof your jacket with a DWR treatment.
HALTI SHELL JACKETS
P99 Black
