A jacket is an extremely important piece of trekking gear everyone must have on a Himalayan Trek. It forms an essential layer not only to keep you warm in the intense cold but also protects you from rain or snow.
Today we’re sharing with you some of the best jackets trekkers are using. We’ve put this post together because there is a certain confusion among trekkers on which jacket to use for a trek.
Last week, we conducted a survey asking trekkers about the jackets they have found particularly good on a trek. And we got quite a lot of responses.
We studied the jackets, the specifications, and the reviews. As expected, most of the trekkers’ picks turned out to be from Decathlon. Trekking jackets from Decathlon seem to be the most popular among trekkers, especially for their quality and relatively reasonable prices.
This is why this article focuses on trekking jackets to buy and not to buy from Decathlon.
We do have a bonus section in the end, which covers a couple of other jackets recommended by trekkers using other brands.
In fact, despite this list of trekking shoes to buy, we would still recommend renting gear. You’ll get high quality jackets at 1/20th of the cost.
Before we get into the models, please keep in 3 things in mind:
- These jackets have been recommended by trekkers who have used them. This is not a sponsored post.
- These are snow jackets that will be suitable for Himalayan winters as well. However, they are not rain jackets. While they may withstand rain for a few minutes, they will not last in heavy rain.
- These jackets are available for both men and women. We have included buying links to all the jackets.
Also, before seeing this article, check out this article and video by Swathi on the type of jacket to invest in – Padded Jacket or Down Jacket. It will help you make a more informed decision
Let’s get started.
Padded Jackets To Buy From Decathlon For Himalayan Treks
1. MT100 Padded Jacket
The MT 100 Padded jacket is one of the more popular down jackets among our trekkers. They are perfect for any trek at temperatures below even zero degrees.
The MT 100 padded jacket is at par with the MT 100 down jackets in terms of weight, warmth and compactness. At Rs 3000, it is also less expensive than the down jacket.
They also have multiple colour options.
“We recommend most of our trekkers to invest in a padded jacket rather than a down jacket. Not only is a padded jacket less expensive but also provides the same features a down jacket does”, says Swathi, Head of Digital Content.
Trekker Review: (1) It was very warm (2) Performance in snow and negative temperatures (3) Compact when folded (4) Good fit (5) Nice colour options – Ruchir
2. Trek 500 Padded Jacket
The Trek 500 is an upgrade to the MT 100 padded jacket. It gives more warmth and can withstand temperatures up to -10 degrees.
At Rs 5500, they are a little more expensive though. “A lot of our trek leaders wear this jacket. Once you get your hands on them, you won’t need any other winter jacket! “, says Aditya Bodke, Slope Manager at Indiahikes.
Padded Jackets Not To Buy From Decathlon For Himalayan Treks
1. MT 50 Padded Jacket
The MT 50 padded jacket is simply not suitable for Himalayan Treks. It can withstand temperatures up to zero degrees. Temperatures on treks usually fall below that at night.
| Protip: Check out this article on Tips to maintain your padded jacket
Down Jackets To Buy From Decathlon For Himalayan Treks
1. MT 100 Down jacket
The MT 100 down jacket is one of the more popular down jackets among our trekkers. They are perfect for any winter himalayan trek like Kedarkantha even when temperatures go below zero degrees.
Down jackets are usually in the range of around Rs. 5,000 to 6,000. You do get more expensive ones with higher fill power which will keep you extra warm. But this jacket has a considerably high fill power as well making it warm and at Rs 4500, gives you the bang for your buck. They also have multiple colour options.
Trekker Review: (1) It was very warm (2) Compact when folded (3) Good fit (4) Nice colour options – Vidhyadhara
2. MT500 Mountain Trekking Jacket
The MT 500 is an upgraded version of the MT100 jacket. By this we mean that it provides higher fill power and added warmth upto -10 degrees.
We see a lot of trekkers and trek leaders use this jacket. They are extremely effective on all winter treks. At Rs 6000, they might be on the higher end of the budget. But if you are going to use it extensively, they are a great investment to make.
Trekker Review: (1) It was very warm (2) Performance in snow and negative temperatures (3) Water resistance (4) Compact when folded (5) Good fit – Atharva
3. Simond Mountaineering Down Jacket
We see trekkers and trek leaders alike use the Simon Down Jacket. It is identical to the MT500 in specifications and cost as well. We specifically like the blue & orange colour of this Jacket.
If you are going to use this jacket extensively, they are a great option to consider.
Trekker Review: (1) It was very warm (2) Performance in snow and negative temperatures (3) Water resistance (4) Compact when folded (5) Good fit – Sourav
Down Jackets Not To Buy From Decathlon For Himalayan Treks
1. MT 900 Down Jacket
The MT900 Jacket is an upgrade to the MT500 down jacket. Don’t get us wrong, this jacket has all the right features – Warmth, compactness, fit and performance.
| Protip: Check out this article on Things you must not do to your Down Jacket
Trekking Jackets By Other Brands Recommended By Trekkers
1. Ultra Light Down Jacket (3D Cut)
This is a good jacket within a budget of Rs 5,000. It’s not a brand that’s very well-known, yet a few trekkers have vouched for the quality on high altitude treks.
2. Wildcraft – Men HYPAWARM™ Down Innovation Hiking And Trekking Jacket
Wildcraft is known for its clothing and accessories. This jacket is one of those that justifies its legacy. It comes with a unique HYPAWARM™ technology that will keep you toasty even at below-zero temperatures, of up to -10°C. The 500-fill-power Down Jacket is designed for trekking through winter and monsoon.
3. Columbia Whirlibird IV Interchange Jacket
Columbia is another brand known for good trekking jackets, although on the pricey side. This one here is recommended by a few trekkers. At Indiahikes, we have been a bit hesitant about 3 in 1 jackets of this kind, since they tend to be heavier. But this one has been used for trekkers who vouch for it.
In conclusion
That brings us to the end of this buying guide on which trekking jackets to buy in India.
As you saw, most of the trekking jackets were from Decathlon. But we would love to hear about more brands and models that you have used. If you have used any trekking jackets and loved using them, please share your experience in the form below.
