Etaproof Jacket – Cotton, But Not the Way You’re Used To

“Cotton kills.” We’ve all heard it. And it’s true—for regular cotton. But Etaproof isn’t regular. This is a technical fabric with decades of field-proven performance. Built for protection, breathability and real use. Not marketing fluff.

The Etaproof jacket is our answer to the in-between: not full-on storm shell, not lifestyle fluff. It’s made from a densely woven cotton that reacts to weather, breathes like nothing else, and ages beautifully with wear.

Etaproof – Not All Cotton Is Created Equal

The old rule about cotton has its place. Most cotton holds water, dries slow, and gets cold fast. But Etaproof is the exception—because it’s engineered to perform.

Originally developed as Ventile for WWII pilots, Etaproof uses ultra-long cotton fibers, tightly woven into a fabric so dense it blocks wind and sheds water without synthetic coatings. When it gets damp, the fibers swell, sealing the weave and increasing weather resistance. It’s a natural response to moisture—without membranes, laminates or plastic layers.

So yes, it’s cotton. But it acts more like a softshell or windproof shell—with added breathability and next-level comfort.

Regular Cotton

• Soaks up water and stays wet
• Dries slowly and remains damp
• Offers no wind or rain resistance
• Feels soft but loses strength when wet
• Best for casual, non-technical clothing
• Poor breathability when exposed to moisture

Etaproof Cotton

• Fibers swell to block moisture and shed light rain
• Dries faster thanks to dense weave and natural breathability
• Wind-resistant and water-repellent without synthetic coatings
• Soft, durable, and improves with wear
• Ideal for mountain-ready, breathable technical outerwear
• Excellent breathability—no membrane to trap heat

Designed to Move

This is a technical jacket, built for action. Articulated sleeves for full range of motion. Relaxed fit that layers easily. Long front zip and side access for venting and versatility. A storm hood that actually protects when the wind howls.

• Weather-resistant, breathable cotton shell
• Technical construction with natural function
• Soft, silent feel that wears in, not out
• Built to perform in motion—not just look good

When to Opt for an Etaproof Jacket

We don’t pretend this is a jacket for all conditions. But it is the right one for a lot more days than you’d expect. It’s perfect for:

• Spring ski tours in dry snow
• Windy hikes and summit transitions
• Travel and camp life where comfort matters
• Cool, dry winter days with a midlayer underneath
• Everyday mountain living where you need one shell to do it all

Skip it in pouring rain or back-to-back storm days with wet snow. But for most of the year—when breathability trumps waterproofing—Etaproof wins.

Technical Where It Counts

This isn’t about chasing specs. It’s about building gear you’ll actually want to wear. Etaproof gives you function without compromise. A jacket that works with you, not against you. One that doesn’t trap sweat or flap in the wind. One that gets better the more you use it.

And yes—it's cotton. But not the kind you need to fear. The kind you’ll learn to trust.

If that sounds like your kind of layer, check out our jackets for women and men.