The Haglöfs Spitz GTX Pro Jacket stands among the elite in alpine-grade hard shells—built for climbers, mountaineers, and serious hillwalkers who need uncompromising protection in brutal weather. With a refined anatomical cut, hybrid-material construction, and proven GORE-TEX Pro durability, this is not a jacket for fair-weather outings. It’s engineered for exposed ridgelines, rock faces, and fast alpine movement through wind, sleet, and snow.
Originally introduced as a premium option within Haglöfs’ technical range, the Spitz GTX Pro now uses 40D and 70D GORE-TEX Pro fabrics, balancing durability with weight savings across high-wear zones. We assess its waterproofing, breathability, fit, and field performance.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Fabric | GORE-TEX Pro 3-layer (40D + 70D hybrid) |
| Waterproof Rating | 28,000 mm hydrostatic head |
| Breathability | RET < 6 (Very High) |
| Weight | ~440g (Men’s Medium) |
| Fit | Athletic (Articulated Mountaineering Cut) |
| Pockets | 2 high chest + 1 sleeve pocket |
| Hood | 3-way adjustable, helmet-compatible |
| Cuffs & Hem | Laminated cuffs + single-hand drawcord hem |
| Zippers | Water-resistant YKK Vislon front + pit zips |
| Price | £480 RRP (often ~£399 online) |
Materials and Construction
The Spitz GTX Pro uses a hybrid construction of:
- 40D GORE-TEX Pro across the torso and lower sleeves for flexibility and weight savings
- 70D GORE-TEX Pro in high-abrasion areas like shoulders, arms, and hood for added robustness
GORE-TEX Pro remains the benchmark in waterproof breathables for technical alpine use. It’s quieter than older Pro shells and resists abrasion from harnesses, packs, and exposed granite without sacrifice. The 3-layer laminate holds structure in windy conditions, helping maintain loft in midlayers below.
All seams are fully sealed, and fabric edges are laminated or taped—no stitched hems to fray or absorb moisture. The jacket is bluesign® approved, aligning with Haglöfs’ environmental standards.
Fit and Mobility
Haglöfs excels at anatomical design, and the Spitz GTX Pro reflects that in every panel:
- Articulated elbows and shoulders allow climbing, scrambling, and pole work without fabric lift
- Drop tail hem covers your harness or lower back when reaching or seated
- Slim alpine silhouette reduces flapping in high wind, but doesn’t squeeze
- Hem and hood toggles are glove-compatible and easy to adjust during transitions
Unlike boxier shells, this jacket fits as intended—trim but technical. Even with a fleece and insulated midlayer, our testers experienced no bulk or tension across the chest, arms or neck.
Hood Design
The hood is fully adjustable, built around helmet compatibility without creating void space when worn solo:
- Three-point adjustment system cinches the crown, sides, and neck opening
- Laminated brim holds structure in driving rain
- High collar protects lower face and throat area during belays or exposed movement
During windy summit attempts and rainy hillwalks, the hood sealed snugly around both bare heads and climbing helmets, without interfering with vision or layering.
Weather Protection
GORE-TEX Pro remains one of the most reliable membranes for extended exposure:
- Rain stays out even under pack straps and in horizontal conditions
- Wind resistance is excellent — fabric retains structure and doesn’t flap or collapse
- Snow sheds rapidly without saturation or weight gain
- Pit zips provide controlled venting during sustained exertion
We exposed the jacket to 5+ hours of driving rain, 50mph gusts, and wet snow, including scrambling terrain and technical navigation. No leakage was detected through seams, zips or adjustment zones.
Breathability
Rated at RET < 6, GORE-TEX Pro allows high-output use without excessive sweat build-up:
- Pit zips are large and easy to operate for real-time venting
- Fabric moisture handling is superior to PU-coated alternatives or heavier hardshells
- Liner fabric glides easily over base or midlayers, reducing cling and dampness
That said, GORE-TEX Pro is still a hard shell — not ideal for humid summer hikes or ultra-running. It’s built for cold, wet movement and excels at keeping inner layers dry when temperature differentials spike.
Storage and Features
With no hip pockets to interfere with harnesses or waist belts, the storage layout is purpose-built:
- Two high-volume chest pockets with laminated zippers — fits gloves, food, compass, and small maps
- Single sleeve pocket fits ski pass or GPS tag
- No inner pocket — intentional to save weight and reduce bulk
- Waist hem adjustment sits flush and doesn’t snag
- Hood toggle is integrated into the rear panel for quick shaping
All zippers are glove-friendly, water-resistant, and operate smoothly even during snowy sessions.
Use Cases: Field Testing Highlights
We used the Spitz GTX Pro across:
- Winter hiking in Cairngorms: facing 60mph gusts and sleet, stayed dry and shielded
- Scrambling on Tryfan and Bristly Ridge: anatomical cut preserved movement across Grade 1 routes
- Pack carry missions in Snowdonia: hip-free pocket placement avoided friction under rucksack belts
- Storm days in Glen Coe: pit zips and snug hood maintained comfort through rain and wind
It excels in highland conditions, shoulder-season climbs, and winter trekking — better suited to movement and mountaineering than static belay use or heavy alpine bivies.
Durability and Longevity
After 3 months of regular use:
- Fabric showed no delamination, pilling or seam failure
- Zippers remained functional and sealed without water ingress
- No abrasion marks from granite, ice axe straps, or pack shoulder harnesses
- Elastic toggles and drawcords maintained strength and didn’t fray
GORE-TEX Pro jackets typically last 5–7 years with moderate care. Reproofing the DWR and avoiding over-washing will extend performance in long-term alpine conditions.
Comparison Table
| Jacket | Fabric | Weight | Use Case | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Haglöfs Spitz GTX Pro | GORE-TEX Pro | ~440g | Alpine climbing, UK storms | £480 |
| Rab Ladakh GTX | GORE-TEX Pro | ~550g | Mountaineering, trekking | £320 |
| Mountain Equipment Lhotse | GORE-TEX Pro | ~570g | All-weather mountain shell | £400 |
| Arc’teryx Beta AR | GORE-TEX Pro | ~450g | All-round alpine and urban | £450 |
The Spitz is among the lightest full alpine shells with genuine multi-sport capability. While pricier than Rab or ME options, it edges ahead in weight, anatomical precision, and ventilation.
Pros
- Lightweight but fully alpine-rated construction
- Exceptional waterproofing and wind protection
- Articulated cut offers true freedom of movement
- Durable hybrid fabrics with mapped reinforcement zones
- Helmet-compatible hood performs in mountain conditions
- Efficient pit zips and slim silhouette reduce bulk and heat retention
- Minimalist layout ideal for climbers and fast movers
Cons
- No hip pockets — may bother casual walkers
- Higher price point than similar GORE-TEX Pro shells
- Not suitable for high heat or tropical environments
- Less ideal for static warmth — no insulation or fleece lining
- Requires maintenance to sustain DWR performance
Final Verdict
The Haglöfs Spitz GTX Pro Jacket is one of the finest alpine hard shells available for serious UK mountain use. With smart anatomical tailoring, hybrid GORE-TEX Pro materials, and excellent storm protection in a lightweight package, it’s a top choice for climbers, scramblers, and fast winter hillwalkers who demand performance without compromise.
It’s not designed for comfort-first walking or urban use — this jacket wants altitude, exposure, and motion. And in that environment, it excels.
Rating: 9.3/10
Best For: Alpine climbers, UK mountaineering, winter scrambling
Avoid If: You want budget insulation or general-purpose hillwalking gear
