Waterproof Jackets

CimAlp Storm 2 Pro H Waterproof Jacket | Review

A lightweight and highly breathable waterproof jacket that comes in at impressive value

Why We Chose the CimAlp Storm 2: Lightweight, incredible breathability, great value.

You’ll be forgiven if you’ve not yet heard of CimAlp. Although they’ve been developing clothing for outdoors sports for over 50 years, the French company have not yet made too much of a dent in the British market.

This is a brand that are all about performance at high tempos and high intensity, with low weight technical fabrics used across their range, athletic cuts, and designs that are generally very modern in their looks.

“As you’d expect from a jacket that’s been born in a close proximity to the Alps, the Storm 2 Pro has been designed with fast and light activities in mind.”

With roots deeply entrenched within the Drôme region of the Alps, you’ll see this kit worn throughout the alpine regions of both France and Italy, from mountain guides to first-time walkers and climbers. Focusing on an online only, direct-to-consumer business model, CimAlp have been able to offer some decent technologies for up to 20% cheaper than average.

As you’d expect from a jacket that’s been born in a close proximity to the Alps, the Storm 2 Pro has been designed with fast and light activities in mind. It uses a three-layer Ultrashell membrane that CimAlp claim offers 20,000g/m2 waterproofing along with 80,000g/m2 breathability – if that’s true, it’s crazy stuff.

To put these figures into perspective, The North Face’s all-new, ultra porous FutureLight material that has had a big fuss made about it so far is said to hold the same breathability rating of 80,000g/m2. We thought the CimAlp was breathable, until we tried out Futurelight (albeit briefly) and found that to be even more breathable – so we’re admittedly a little sceptical of the rating CimAlp have listed.

The CimAlp Storm 2 Pro uses a three-layer Ultrashell membrane, that claims 20,000g/m2 waterproofing, along with 80,000g/m2 breathability. Photo: Chris Johnson

Thumb loops give full coverage whilst running or climbing. Photo: Chris Johnson

Another feature that shows the running focus here . Photo: Chris Johnson

The CimAlp Storm 2 Pro is able to roll up into its own chest pocket. Photo: Chris Johnson

You can’t argue with this jacket’s low weight wet weather protection though. 320g for a three-layer membrane is very decent, and especially for the reasonable price of £170.

As is standard with designs made with fast and light activities in mind, the Storm 2 Pro has an athletic fit in order to minimise waste fabric and give the wearer a more aerodynamic feel. Complimenting this, there’s also a stretch built into the fabric which gives complete freedom of movement at high tempos.

A slim-fitting hood adds to the athletic design as well. CimAlp have made use of a magnet that holds this hood down to avoid it flapping about whilst running and thumb loops have been used to keep the cuffs around the wrists. There’s also a single chest pocket which will take a power gel and mobile phone.

A magnet on the back of the jacket holds down the hood when it’s not in use. Photo: Chris Johnson

Tester’s Verdict

Rob McCreath, gear tester & writer

“For a jacket this lightweight it’s deceptively tough. I took it with me on a two-day canoeing and camping trip in typically “Scottish” conditions where it held up amazingly well. After several hours of paddling into driving rain and wind, hacking my way through dense scrubland to collect firewood, and spilling half a bottle of Buckfast on myself it continued to keep the elements out.

“Clearly, with an 80,000MVP breathability rating, it’s tailored for fast and light activities, which I’m confident it would excel in. However, for the days when the forecast, itinerary and space in the backpack are all looking a little uncertain, it’s a pretty solid all-rounder.

“One downside was that the internal hood magnet showed signs of wear after only a few uses, and actually tore off after only a month’s use. The elastic cuffs have also started to show a few signs of fraying at the seams.”

Trade Secrets

Liam O’Dowd – CimAlp Marketing Staff

“In the Storm 2 Pro, we wanted to create a jacket that really pushed the boundaries of what outdoor clothing can do. Working with our French outdoor team, we set about to create a jacket that was highly breathable, waterproof in heavy storms yet flexible enough to be an essential piece of kit for everyone from hikers to professional trail runners.”