The Tupilak Jacket has its roots in the savage conditions of Scottish Winter, a simple and exceptionally protective design that’s become a benchmark for those climbing hard ice and mixed routes in the worst weather. Just as relevant on big faces all over the world, these attributes have seen the Tupilak used everywhere from cutting-edge Himalayan first ascents to Alaskan test pieces and Alpine classics. At just 500g in a size large, even the most weight-obsessed of our climbing team often prefer it over the very lightest shells for the extra reassurance and durability it provides when committed on remote peaks.
GORE-TEX Pro is combined with 80 denier face fabric throughout the jacket. This gives the abrasion resistance needed for mixed climbing and the flexibility and comfort for hard moves and multi-day routes.
Our tailored Alpine fit gives complete freedom of movement without excess fabric, but it’s perhaps our Super Alpine Hood which has made the Tupilak the only choice for so many climbers and Alpinists. Larger than the Mountain HC Hood found on jackets like our Lhotse or Makalu, it provides exceptional protection and visibility when worn over a helmet. The seamless face panel is cut to shield you from freezing winds and spin drift whilst remaining comfortable and unrestrictive.
Two large chest pockets sit above a harness to give easy access to the essentials and crucially, the cuffs will over a glove to seal out snow and rain when required.
Features:
Materials
- Waterproof, Windproof & Breathable: GORE-TEX Pro 80D fabric is guaranteed to keep you dry
- Main Fabric: 3-layer GORE-TEX Pro 80D fabric with ePE membrane and a PFAS-free DWR.
- 13mm taped seams throughout to prevent water entry
- GORE-TEX Storm Test certified
Patterning & Design
- Weight: 500g/1 lbs 1.6ozs (size large)
- Ideal for Ice & Mixed Climbing, Alpine Climbing and Mountaineering
- Minimalist and rugged design built for efficient movement and protection
- Using our classic ‘Alpine Fit’ for complete freedom of movement without excess fabric. Sized to be worn as part of a layering system.
- The Tupilak has a slightly narrower hem and marginally shorter length when compared with, for example, the Lhotse Jacket, making it a little closer fitting and better suited to steep climbing
- Storm Construction - our highest specification construction for weather resistance and durability
- Technical tailoring around the arms enables arm lift, preventing the lower hem from rising whilst reaching high during climbs
- Laminated and bonded hanging loop below the rear hood
- 2-way YKK® WR underarm pit zips with laminated and bonded entry
Hood Configuration
- Super Alpine Helmet Compatible (HC) Hood is fully adjustable with rear/lateral volume adjustment, two frontal adjusters and internal helmet-gripping silicone strips
- Laminated and wired hood visor maintains field of vision even in high winds or when wearing glasses/goggles
- Seamless face panel is cut to shield from freezing winds and spin drift whilst remaining comfortable and unrestrictive
- Internal rear hood adjuster cord channels with rollaway clip
- Internal Cohaesive® cord locks and cord tunnel
Pocket Configuration
- Two large volume outer chest pockets with YKK® AquaGuard® zips, positioned to be accessible when carrying a pack or wearing a climbing harness and large enough to store gloves, etc
- YKK® #5 AquaGuard® pocket zips with internal storm flap, drainage channel and zip garages
- Ergonomic zip pullers make use easier when wearing gloves or mitts
- Fully laminated pocket construction with waterproof pocket bags
- Single inner zipped security pocket for storage of small items
Centre Front Zip
- Full-length 2-way YKK® AquaGuard® #5 centre front zip with laser cut internal storm flap
- Press stud fastener system at the hem allows venting through an open front zip whilst ensuring the jacket is secured to the body
- Ergonomic zip pullers make use easier when wearing gloves or mitts
- Roll over chinguard lined with brushed fine microfleece for comfort next to the mouth and chin
Cuffs & Sleeves Configuration
- Articulated and pre-shaped sleeves for ease of high arm movement during climbing
- Velcro adjustable and bonded cuffs for a comfortable and reliable close fit around wrists or over gloves/mitts with ease.
Waist & Hem Construction
- Internal dual tether hem drawcords to fit the body and minimise heat loss.
- Bar tack reinforcement on the pull tab
- Bonded hem
Buyers Guide To Waterproofs
Functional waterproof clothing is not fashion clothing; its price is dictated by the massive amount of science involved in keeping you dry in the pouring rain. It really is clothing as equipment and, as with all specialist equipment, you need to know how it works to get the best out of it.
Firstly, a waterproof garment will have taped seams and a coating or lining that will not allow water to penetrate under pressure. If you are planning on being active in driving rain, using a pack or sitting or kneeling on wet ground, then this is the garment for you. Anything else is water-resistant and will allow water to penetrate under certain conditions.
A jacket that is described as breathable is designed to allow sweat, or water vapour to pass through. Some fabrics are more effective at this than others. To work at their best they rely on a good layering system designed to transfer moisture from your skin to the jacket. Atmospheric conditions will also dictate how well they work; for example: textiles will work more efficiently when there is a large temperature difference between the inside and the outside of your clothing.
There are times when wearing a waterproof is the best choice, but on changeable days when rain is very light, a water-resistant garment may work better as generally speaking, they can transfer moisture more efficiently, they are more breathable. If it is a blustery day you may be better to choose a lightweight windproof garment for maximum comfort, popping your waterproof on only when the rain hits.
Don’t worry if you see your waterproof change to a darker colour and feel a little clammy inside – if you have brought it from us it’s not likely to be leaking! It’s just wetting-out. A simple tumble dry and/or re-proofing will restore your garment to its previous performance.
The best garment for you is the one that fits. It can have a gazillion pockets, the most articulated knee design or the very latest in technical features but if you are out on the hill and it is so big it flaps in the wind and drives you to distraction then it was not a good purchase. These days garments are tailored to fit. We are all different shapes and sizes and garment manufacturers go to a LOT of effort to allow for this. Try your garment on with layers, try the zips while wearing gloves, try it on with a pack but above all chat to us about what you should wear underneath.
Outdoor Gear Chat Podcast
Take a listen to our Outdoor Gear Chat podcast Episodes 47-50, where Cathy and Wayne discuss everything there is to know about waterproof fabrics in 2025....
