Product Ratings
Waterproof
WaterproofReally Waterproof
Breathability
BreathableUltrabreathable
Features
Low Feature SetHigh Feature Set
We find this suitable for
What is the Tupilak Jacket?
Perfectly suited for alpine and expedition climbing on the steepest lines and biggest faces, the Tupilak is a technical hard-shell jacket built from ultra-durable 80 Denier Gore-Tex Pro Fabric. This waterproof, breathable, fortress of solitude is cut around M.E.’s Alpine Fit block with great manoeuvrability and enough room for your low-bulk warm layering.
What is it made of?
The Tupilak features an ultra-tough 80D nylon shell with a fully waterproof, windproof and breathable Gore-Tex Pro membrane underneath. The variant of Gore-Tex Pro used is the most breathable available, ensuring you stay dry from the inside as well as out. The bombproof 80D nylon outer fabric also features a durable water repellent coating for added protection.
What are the features?
The laminated cuffs now include velcro that doesn't allow water to freeze, meaning they'll stay tight in the coldest conditions. The inner pocket is laminated and laser cut to further reduce stitching and weight. The face panel is seamless for added comfort. The fully adjustable hood, velcro cuffs and drawcord hem work together to seal out the wind and rain. The hood has been designed and cut to fit nicely over your helmet with Cohaesive cordlocks (little buttons within the fabric) to eliminate rouge whips to the face in higher winds — they're also far easier to use with big bulky gloves or mitts in freezing conditions. Dual-tether drawcords on the hem prevent tools getting caught in a loop and give you greater adjustability. Storage is taken care of by two centre-mounted zips which sit a fair distance away from the harness line. The main zip is two-way, allowing you to fit a harness underneath or ventilate if you're cooking up a sweat. All in all, M.E. have succeeded in making a robust, well-fitting jacket that is ideal for gnarly climbing routes, with nothing stopping you from using it for the tamer outdoor activities as well.
How does the Tupilak fit?
It is built around Mountain Equipment’s “Alpine Fit” block so it has a closer fit but with enough room to allow for other layers. The sleeves are pre-shaped and articulated and the shoulders have been slightly widened from last season to allow for more natural unrestricted movement.
- 3-layer Gore-Tex Pro 80D fabric throughout
- Super Alpine HC Hood with Cohaesive cordlocks
- Seamless face panel for maximum comfort
- Alpine fit with articulated and pre-shaped sleeves
- Storm Construction techniques used throughout
- 2-way YKK moulded Aquaguard centre front zip
- 2 large Napoleon chest pockets with YKK moulded Aquaguard zips
- Adjustable laminated cuffs and dual tether hem drawcords
- Laminated and laser cut inner pocket with YKK zip
Care and maintenance
To keep your outdoor clothing and equipment in tip top condition and performing to its maximum we recommend the use of Nikwax products. We have been using Nikwax products since day one (26th March 1986) and have found them to be totally reliable, dependable and effective. Today’s Nikwax treatments contain environmentally friendly elastic water-repellent polymers that bond to fabric fibres, leaving the spaces between open and breathable. These stretchy polymers are able to stretch and move with the fabric so they stay put for longer and work better.
Nikwax treatments will not change the look or feel of the fabric and they are all water based, environmentally safe, non-flammable and contain no nasty Fluorocarbons. Nikwax products can be used to clean, re-proof and revitalise all your outdoor technical clothing and equipment.
Waterproof breathable clothing has a durable water-repellent (DWR) finish applied to the face fabric during the manufacturing process. The DWR forces water to bead up and roll off the surface therefore preventing the fabric from absorbing moisture. If the outside of your jacket is soaked in a layer of cold water, the warm damp air within can’t escape and will condense on the inside. This makes the jacket feel cold clammy and can make you think that it’s leaking. The DWR finish is not permanent and needs to be maintained and revitalised to optimise performance.
This three layer waterproof jacket should be cleaned regularly with Nikwax Tech Wash; I wash my jacket about once a month, or more often if it gets really filthy. Regular washing with Tech Wash will maintain the DWR for longer and remove salts and oils that can contaminate the fabric, and it will keep your lovely jacket clean and smelling fresh. Washing can be done in a machine according to the manufacturers care guidelines (on the internal label). First clean out any detergent and conditioner residue from the machine dispenser and then add the required amount of Tech Wash and away you go. Hand washing is also suitable but be sure to rinse the garment well.
When you notice that rain/water is no longer beading up and rolling off it’s time to re-proof. Nikwax TX Direct will re-instate a long lasting DWR to completely rejuvenate your jacket. Re-proofing can also be done in the machine once a garment has been washed. Just add the TX-Direct and use the same programme you used for washing. You can also use the spray-on product on a damp garment that has just been washed.
You wouldn’t buy a Ferrari and never have it serviced, so make sure you regularly wash and re-proof your quality kit.