Best Mountain Equipment waterproof jackets
Among these four Mountain Equipment shells, consider Saltoro for its lower listed weight, Makalu for its current nylon GORE-TEX ePE construction, Lhotse for storage and a two-way front zip, or Tupilak for its climbing hood and chest pockets. There is no need to force a single winner.
Based on 200 included owner reviews.
The differences that matter
Makalu and Saltoro currently use GORE-TEX ePE; Lhotse and Tupilak use GORE-TEX PRO with 80-denier faces. All four list helmet-compatible hoods and pit zips. That makes fit, pocket access and the front opening more useful distinctions than simply checking whether vents are present.
This guide covers four men’s models with published evidence. Current Makalu and Saltoro specifications may differ from older stock, while the listed weights do not all use the same stated reference size. Check the model code and try the hood with your helmet before comparing small gram differences.
Technical comparison
Makalu
Three-layer GORE-TEX ePE with a 70-denier nylon face. A helmet-compatible Mountain hood, pit zips and adjustable cuffs and hem. The manufacturer lists a weight of 520 g. The manufacturer describes an alpine cut.
Saltoro
GORE-TEX ePE with a 75-denier polyester face. A helmet-compatible Mountain hood, pit zips and two large hand pockets. The manufacturer lists a weight of 460 g. The manufacturer describes an alpine cut.
Lhotse
Three-layer GORE-TEX PRO with an 80-denier face. A helmet-compatible Mountain HC hood, pit zips, a two-way front zip, three outer pockets and an internal pocket. The manufacturer lists a weight of 510 g. The manufacturer describes an alpine cut.
Tupilak
Three-layer GORE-TEX PRO with an 80-denier face. A helmet-compatible Super Alpine HC hood, pit zips, two chest pockets and an internal pocket. The manufacturer lists a weight of 500 g (size L). The manufacturer describes an alpine cut.
What do owners report?
Makalu
This product has 102 included owner reviews. Repeated strengths include staying dry in rain (45.1%; 46 reviews); a comfortable fit (26.5%; 27 reviews); and low weight (10.8%; 11 reviews).
Published drawbacks include body sizing that feels too small (6.9%; 7 reviews).
Read the Makalu owner reviews for the full published findings and revision scope.
Saltoro
This product has 30 included owner reviews. Repeated strengths include staying dry in rain (40.0%; 12 reviews); a comfortable fit (33.3%; 10 reviews); and low weight (20.0%; 6 reviews).
Read the Saltoro owner reviews for the full published findings and revision scope.
Lhotse
This product has 30 included owner reviews. Repeated strengths include staying dry in rain (23.3%; 7 reviews) and helpful fabric breathability during active use (16.7%; 5 reviews).
Read the Lhotse owner reviews for the full published findings and revision scope.
Tupilak
This product has 38 included owner reviews. Repeated strengths include staying dry in rain (26.3%; 10 reviews); a comfortable fit (23.7%; 9 reviews); and low weight (13.2%; 5 reviews).
Read the Tupilak owner reviews for the full published findings and revision scope.
These mention shares describe separate owner groups, rather than performance measured under the same conditions.
Choose around your needs
Start with Saltoro if lower listed weight matters, then compare Makalu if you prefer its construction and fit. Examine Lhotse for its pocket and front-zip layout or Tupilak for its Super Alpine HC hood and chest storage. Use the owner findings to narrow fit questions for each model.