Schöffel: Why one winter jacket is rarely enough for everything

No two winter hikes are the same. Sometimes you walk briskly and generate plenty of heat yourself. At other times, you stand around in the cold for a while, at a hut or a viewpoint. Schöffel covers both situations with two different lines.

The Jacket Style Cascata is designed for movement: lightweight, wind- and water-repellent, with good breathability for ascents. On colder days, add the Hy Down Jacket Style Cascata underneath. The Longsleeve Style Energio and Pants Style Cascata complete the outfit. This line is made for walking, not standing – on an exposed, windy ridge it cannot replace a proper winter jacket.

If you often stand around for longer or head out in lower temperatures, the Winter Hiking line is the better choice. The 3in1 Jacket Style Refoca combines a weatherproof outer jacket with a removable insulated inner jacket. That gives you two jackets in one, to wear separately or together. The Fleece Jacket Style Refoca or Longsleeve Style Refoca work well as warm layers underneath, while the Pants Ascona Warm or Pants Folkstone Warm provide additional insulation.

The 3-in-1 principle makes the line versatile. If you mostly walk at a brisk pace, the Winter Hiking line will usually be too warm. In that case, Cascata and Energio are the better choice.

Skiing calls for different qualities than hiking: freedom of movement for turns and falls, reliable weather protection in wind and snow, plus warmth while standing still at the lift. The Jacket Style Lumineo is cut for exactly that. The Pants Style Skayra or Pants Style Mountet complete the outfit as ski trousers: both put freedom of movement first and keep you warm enough while you wait at the lift.

One point to consider when buying: ski cuts are made for moving on the slopes, not for long walks. For ski touring, you are better off with winter hiking or ski touring kit.

Everyday life comes with different priorities than the mountains. The jacket should keep you warm, look good and not feel like outdoor equipment. The Ins Parka Style Optimea is an insulated parka designed for exactly this purpose: long enough for cold days without feeling bulky. The Blouse Style Libereo and Pants Style Zourga complete the outfit.

The cut is practical for everyday use and easy to combine with your usual clothes, while staying warm enough for cold days in the city.

For walks and getting around town, this combination is usually all you need. It is not made for longer, more strenuous outings; for those, the Active Hiking line gives you more flexibility.