Mountain Equipment Makalu GORE-TEX Women's Jacket

A waterproof, protective GORE-TEX jacket crafted for hiking and mountaineering pursuits.

The Makalu Jacket strikes a fine balance between comfort and durability, offering both the pliability needed for all-day wear and packability, alongside the strength to endure relentless downpours. It has earned its place as one of the most favoured waterproof options for those who explore the mountains throughout the year—be they climbers, hillwalkers or alpine trekkers. Whether quickly pulled on as storm clouds gather or worn continuously through a sodden winter hike, it delivers dependable protection on high-mileage mountain days and during severe weather events.

Constructed from 75-denier GORE-TEX ePE fabric, it sits firmly in the midweight category—durable enough to stand up to abrasion from rock and the weight of a loaded pack, while remaining soft enough to compress easily and comfortable enough for day-long wear.

The helmet-compatible hood, shaped with a peak and fully adjustable, ensures a secure and stable fit even in blustery conditions. Its Alpine Fit reduces excess fabric, avoiding flapping or bunching while preserving freedom of movement. Meanwhile, pre-shaped, articulated sleeves enhance mobility during technical manoeuvres like rope handling, pack carrying or ice axe use. Adjustable drawcords at the hem and laminated cuffs help optimise layering options and block out persistent rain, ensuring full wet-weather protection. Generous pit zips allow for ventilation and temperature regulation during taxing ascents or in muggy weather.

Features

Materials

• The GORE-TEX fabric offers waterproof, windproof and breathable protection, with a guarantee to keep the wearer dry.
• The main fabric comprises 75D GORE-TEX ePE (139gsm), featuring a 3-layer waterproof and breathable construction and a PFAS-free DWR finish. It delivers a hydrostatic head of 28,000mm and a RET rating below 20.
• All seams are taped to ensure no water ingress.

Patterning & Design

• The Alpine Fit includes articulated, pre-shaped sleeves, which provide excellent freedom of movement.
• YKK® water-resistant underarm pit zips enable airflow and ventilation when needed.

Hood Configuration

• The Mountain Helmet Compatible Hood fits comfortably over a helmet when necessary.
• The hood offers full adjustability, with a rear volume adjuster and two front adjusters for a secure fit.
• A laminated and wired visor ensures visibility remains uncompromised, even in strong wind or when wearing glasses or goggles.
• Tethered external cordlocks allow for easy hood adjustment.
• Internal hood cord channels with a rollaway clip provide clean storage and added convenience.
• A tricot-lined chin guard enhances comfort against the face.

Pocket Configuration

• Two external hand pockets, fitted with YKK® water-resistant zips and zip garages, are placed for easy access while wearing a backpack or climbing harness. These are generously sized to fit gloves or other essentials.
• A single external chest pocket with YKK® water-resistant zip and zip garage is large enough for a map, GPS unit, or additional accessories.
• One internal zipped security pocket provides safe storage for smaller valuables.
• Waterproof pocket linings ensure contents stay dry.
  Stratum pocket construction enhances internal pocket volume.

Centre Front Zip

• A full-length, two-way YKK® AquaGuard® front zip is backed by an internal storm flap to guard against water penetration.
• A press stud at the hem helps prevent the zip from riding up during movement.

Cuffs & Sleeves Configuration

• Cuffs are adjustable and stitched for durability.
• Cuff pull tabs are bar tack reinforced to withstand repeated use.

Waist & Hem Construction

• The hem is securely stitched for durability.
• Dual tethered hem drawcords offer precise adjustment and better weather sealing.

Further Features

• Designed for longevity and covered by the Product Lifetime Guarantee.
• Conceptualised and developed in the UK, with manufacturing carried out in China.
• The main fabric is produced by W. L. Gore & Associates in China.
  

Specifications

Technology

	Fair Wear As a member of Fair Wear, Mountain Equipment is committed to implementing the highest standards of working conditions.
	GORE-TEX ePE GORE-TEX ePE laminates provide durably waterproof, windproof, and breathable protection and comfort with a long product life; they are FC-free with a reduced carbon footprint.