What are the differences between our Hardshell jackets?Updated 2 months ago
Our Hardshell Jackets
All Cortazu hardshell jackets are built on the same foundation: 3-layer Barrier CT™ fabric, 100% recycled polyester, fully DWR-treated and free from PFAs/PFOs. What differs is the fit, the weight, the insulation, and the conditions each jacket is built for. Find yours below.
AR Active Hardshell
The lightest jacket in the range — built for the days when you're generating your own heat. At 510g with high breathability, the AR Active is designed around movement: hiking, trail running, biking, and fast-paced outdoor days where ventilation matters as much as protection. It's not a ski jacket. It's the jacket for when you need to move freely and stay dry while doing it.
Who it's for: Active outdoor users and everyday commuters who want a capable, packable shell without unnecessary bulk.
Best for:
Hiking and trail running
Cycling and outdoor commuting
High-output activities in changeable weather
Travel and city use in spring, summer, and autumn
Note: The AR Hardshell's hood is not intended for use with helmets. If you're skiing or snowboarding, the Mountain Hardshell, AW Hardshell, or the Nunatak Ski Jacket will suit you.
AW Hardshell
Some jackets are built for one season. This one isn't. The AW Hardshell is the jacket you pack for every trip — light enough not to think about it, capable enough to handle year-round conditions from trail to city. It's the shell that earns its place in your bag, whether you're catching a flight to the Alps in November or hiking a ridge in May.
Who it's for: People who move between cities, travel, and go outdoors without changing jackets. A jacket for all seasons, all activities, all conditions.
Best for:
All-season hiking and trail use
Ski days where weight matters
City-to-mountain transitions
Travel — one jacket for any destination
Mountain Hardshell
The Mountain Hardshell is built for the days when conditions don't negotiate. Oversized fit, seven pockets, Recco® rescue system — this is the jacket you reach for when the forecast is bad and staying dry isn't optional. It's designed around serious layering: base, mid, and insulation all fit underneath without restricting movement. If you ski, tour, or hike in winter and you want one jacket that handles everything the mountain throws at you, this is it.
Who it's for: Those who spend real days in real harsh weather — skiing, winter hiking, multi-day mountain trips.
Best for:
Alpine and backcountry skiing
Winter and autumn hiking
Multi-day mountain trips in extreme conditions
Any situation where weather protection is non-negotiable
Nunatak Ski Jacket
This is our ski jacket. Designed from the ground up for days on the mountain — insulated for warmth, snow skirt to seal out the cold, helmet-compatible hood, Recco® rescue system built in. The Nunatak handles everything from resort runs to backcountry days in winter. It's not a jacket trying to double as something else. It's purpose-built for the sport.
Who it's for: Skiers who want everything in one jacket — warmth, protection, fit, and function.
Best for:
Resort and off-piste skiing
Ski touring in winter conditions
Cold-weather mountain hiking
Any mountain day where both warmth and full weather protection are required
Delta INS Hardshell
When it's cold, and you want a single jacket to handle it, the Delta INS is the answer. Sorona® insulation keeps you warm during slower-paced activities — ski resort days, winter hikes, commutes in January — while the Barrier CT™ shell ensures full weather protection above. The insulation does the work your mid-layer would otherwise do, so you can travel lighter without compromising on warmth.
Who it's for: Anyone who wants warmth and weather protection in one jacket, without building a full layering system.
Best for:
Resort skiing and après
Winter hiking and day walks
Cold-weather city use
Travel to cold destinations where packing light matters
Cortazu × Labfresh Parka
The jacket for those who want comfort, style, and weather protection without a fully technical outdoor shell. Fully waterproof and insulated for cold European winters, with Labfresh stain- and odour-repellent technology built into the fabric — so it stays fresh between trips without constant washing. This is not a hiking jacket trying to look urban. It's a city jacket that can genuinely handle the outdoors. Amsterdam on Monday, Tirol on Friday.
Who it's for: City-based explorers who want one jacket that looks right in the city and performs when the weather turns serious.
Best for:
Urban everyday use in autumn and winter
City-to-mountain travel
Wet, cold European winters
Anyone who wants a clean, premium look without sacrificing real weather protection
For a more detailed comparison, please visit our Comparison Page.