Knitted Jackets & Cardigans

Outdoorjacken at eXXpozed

What characterizes a good outdoor jacket?

First and foremost, a good outdoor jacket should fit well and be neither too big nor too small. While jackets that are too large insulate worse, jackets that are too tightly cut restrict freedom of movement - neither of which is ideal when you're out and about. Depending on the weather, a good outdoor jacket should protect you from cold, rain or wind. Especially with waterproof outdoor jackets, it is important that the jacket is breathable. A special membrane ensures that perspiration is wicked away to the outside and the jacket is comfortable to wear even during sweaty activities. Anyone who has ever been out and about in non-breathable outdoor clothing knows how important such a function is. Although such rain jackets and pants reliably keep out the wet, after a short time you sweat so much under these materials that you arrive at your destination soaked despite the rain protection. An outdoor jacket should also offer the wearer enough freedom of movement so that he or she is not hindered by the clothing during sports. Softshell jackets offer a lot of freedom of movement because they are slightly stretchy. Last but not least, outdoor jackets should be robustly made to withstand contact with sharp-edged rock, for example, without damage. And always relevant for being on the road: A low weight and a small pack size.

Which outdoor jacket is the right one?

When buying an outdoor jacket, you should first consider which type of jacket is right for you. Depending on the area of use, climate and expected weather conditions, there are many different ones:

• Down jacket: A down jacket differs from all other outdoor jackets by its special insulation layer. It is made of either goose down or synthetic fiber down, which in quilted chambers provides excellent insulation for the wearer against the cold. Both types of down offer outstanding thermal performance with minimal weight and pack size. Natural down performs best here. They have by far the best ratio between thermal performance, weight and pack size. But artificial down also has its advantages: it is easier to care for and less sensitive to moisture than the natural fiber. Down jackets are all-rounders of winter clothing: On the slopes, in everyday life or on the mountain - down keeps you cozy and warm everywhere.


• 3-in-1 jacket: Also known as "double jacket", it is a real all-rounder of outdoor jackets. Due to the three different wearing options, you actually get three jackets with a 3-in-1 jacket: both the inner jacket and the outer jacket can be worn independently of each other: namely as an unlined hardshell jacket or as a transitional jacket. Together, they then make a lined winter jacket for cold and wet weather.


• Fleece jacket: A real basic of outdoor clothing. Light, warm, uncomplicated - a fleece jacket belongs in every luggage. In summer for cold evenings, in the transitional period in dry weather and in winter as an additional insulation layer under the winter jacket: A fleece jacket is a real all-rounder - and comparatively cheap and easy to care for.


• Leisure jacket: Ideal for a stroll through town, a picnic in the park or an easy hike on the local mountain. Leisure jackets are versatile and should not be missing in any closet. They score points with functional properties, while the fashion aspect is by no means neglected. The most important selection criterion is the season. In summer, leisure jackets made of thin and breathable materials are used more often, while in winter you should opt for warm jackets. Also in spring and autumn, the transition jackets protect us from changeable weather and sudden temperature drops.


• Insulation jacket: As a middle layer, the insulation jacket is perfect for the well-known onion principle. Filling materials form air pockets that reliably keep the cold out and the warmth on the body. Insulation performance depends on the particular filling materials and their quality. A distinction is made between insulation jackets made of down, synthetic fiber and wool. These specialize in different areas and you have to weigh up individually which purpose the thermal jacket should serve. Down jackets are lightweight, durable and characterized by a small pack size, but require intensive care. Synthetic fiber jackets are often made of Primaloft filling, which does not absorb moisture and does not lose its insulating ability even during sweaty outdoor activities on the mountain. In the thermal jackets with wool filling are processed temperature-regulating substances such as merino wool, which counteract unpleasant odor. An advantage of the insulation jacket is the warming function despite moisture penetration, which is why it is especially suitable for sports activities.


• Winter jacket: The primary task of a winter jacket is protection from the cold. A distinction is made between waterproof, extremely light winter jackets such as down jackets or particularly robust jacket models. Winter jackets should have the following features in any case: a lined hood, so that the head can be kept warm and the heat can be stored. Large pockets to keep your hands warm are also a must. A high collar provides additional protection from cold temperatures. Waterproof and windproof properties are especially beneficial in winter. Due to snow and rain, a certain basic moisture is constantly present. To keep this away from the body, waterproof membranes are indispensable. Especially at higher altitudes, windproof winter jackets are an advantage, as there is a strong wind up there anyway and in the worst scenario could cool down the body. Last but not least, a winter jacket must be one thing above all: breathable. During ski tours, winter hikes or snowshoe tours, you easily start to sweat. This unpleasant moisture must be quickly transported away by the jacket to the outside to prevent shivering and cooling of the body. Therefore, a winter jacket must support permanent air circulation during outdoor sports activities. This effect can be additionally promoted by wearing functional underwear.


• Snowsport jacket: A winter sports jacket is usually a hardshell jacket with an integrated insulation layer. The winter sports jacket is waterproof and reliably protects against moisture, and the insulation layer keeps it nice and warm. As the name suggests, winter sports jackets are optimized for use on the slopes, but for winter hiking, snowshoeing and all other outdoor activities in the winter they are also ideally suited.


• Softshell jacket: The softshell jacket is another useful all-rounder for being outdoors. It is thin and therefore very light and has a small pack size, but provides good protection against wind and is water repellent. Thus, an ideal companion when it gets drafty. Softshells are also very comfortable to wear. They are usually cut close to the body and slightly stretchy and thus follow every movement - and due to the supple softshell material without rustling. The softshell jacket is the ideal companion for cool transitional weather.


• Hardshell jacket: Hardshells are classic rain jackets, so they offer the most reliable protection against moisture. They have waterproof welded seams and thus give the rain no chance. It is important here that the hardshell jacket is breathable, so that it is comfortable to wear even during sweaty actions.


• Windbreaker jacket: With windbreaker jackets nothing stands in the way of the next outdoor excursion. Outdoor lovers are not easily deterred from being outdoors anyway. How good that the resistant properties of windbreakers protect you from wind and weather. Originally designed for running, windbreakers impress with their extreme lightness and breathability. Especially for runners it is important to be able to concentrate on running itself and not be distracted by too heavy equipment. The windbreaker has long since proven itself in motion-intensive sports such as biking, hiking or ski touring. By reaching for a windbreaker, one is optimally protected from external environmental influences by its functionality and is in no way inferior to leisure jackets in terms of design. A companion for all those who value reduced weight during sporting activities and are looking for an eye-catcher.

How are outdoor jackets washed?

In order for your outdoor jacket to serve its purpose in the long term, a few things must be taken into account when caring for it. Many people shy away from washing these favorite items of clothing and the question arises: how do I get my jacket clean again without impairing its functional performance? Don't panic. With the following step-by-step instructions, you'll quickly become an expert at washing outdoor jackets.

• Don't rush and start throwing your jacket in the washing machine. Rather, take a little time for this, after all, outdoor jackets are garments in the higher price segment. So before you start, always study the washing instructions of the product. For some functional jackets, there are additional small things to consider besides our How-To guide.


• Empty the pockets and close all velcro and zippers. Then turn the jacket inside out..


• Use liquid mild detergent or special detergent for outdoor products instead of detergent powder. Under no circumstances should you use fabric softener, detergent or bleach. Those can damage the functional fabric of outdoor jackets and clog the pores of the functional fibers. In addition, pay attention to the correct dosage of detergent. It may vary depending on the manufacturer's instructions.


• Select a gentle wash program with a temperature between 30°- 40° and a low number of spins. Do not pack the washing machine too full, so that the jacket has enough space to be rinsed.


• After the wash process, the jacket must be properly dried. Either in the fresh air or at a warm temperature in the dryer. If you choose the second option, you should select a gentle cycle for the dryer.


• Especially GORE-TEX jackets have a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) impregnation of the outer material. It ensures that water simply rolls off outdoor jackets and you are kept dry in the rain. To reactivate this function, it is recommended to put the jacket in the dryer for about 20 minutes at low temperature (functional clothing program). Thus, the DWR impregnation is redistributed on the outdoor jacket and the coating is restored. This process cannot be repeated infinitely. The number of repetitions is limited. If this occurs, an impregnation spray or wash-in impregnation must be applied to the membrane. In this way, the DWR impregnation can be reactivated.

What brands offer outdoor jackets?

Our outdoor brands cover the entire spectrum of outdoor jackets - from leisure jackets and robust hiking jackets to premium ski jackets for the most demanding requirements. The Swedish manufacturer Fjällräven, for example, specializes in developing extremely robust outdoor jackets in timeless cuts. Companies such as Vaude, Jack Wolfskin, Patagonia oder The North Face rely on high-quality functional materials, robust fabrics and modern cuts for their outdoor jackets. In the premium segment, Kjus convinces with ski jackets made of uncompromising materials with innovative design and great wearing comfort.

Where can I buy cheap outdoor jackets online?

Reason to be happy! You can find a large selection of outdoor jackets for every occasion also in our outlet. From fleece jackets to down jackets and 3-in-1 jackets - browse through our great offers!

Our favorite topics: Waterproof jackets | Patagonia jackets | Kids jackets | Maloja jackets | Running jackets | Ski jackets