Ortovox 3L Ortler Jacket Review – Tested in the Atlas Mountains
Ortovox 3L Ortler Jacket Review – Tested in the Atlas Mountains
The Ortovox 3L Ortler Jacket was put through its paces on a recent ski touring and mountaineering trip to Morocco’s High Atlas Mountains, and it delivered outstanding performance in a wide range of conditions. From ski touring at lower altitudes to summiting Mount Toubkal (4,167m), North Africa’s highest peak, this hardshell jacket proved to be a lightweight, breathable, and weather-resistant companion for high-output alpine tours.
Lightweight & Packable – Ideal for Touring
During the initial three-hour ascent from Armed Village (1,900m) to the Refuge de Toubkal (3,207m), the Ortler’s compact, low-bulk design made it easy to pack and carry. When the temperature dropped or the wind picked up, it was quick to deploy and delivered instant protection from the elements.
Breathability for Climbing
In milder conditions at lower elevations, underarm ventilation zips were essential while skinning uphill, helping to regulate body temperature and manage moisture on the move. The jacket struck a strong balance between weather protection and breathability, which makes it an excellent choice for ski touring and fast-paced ascents.
Protection on Windy Summits
On the summit days for Ras (4,089m) and Toubkal, we faced relentless winds. The high collar and helmet-compatible hood sealed in warmth and blocked gusts effectively, making summit pushes more comfortable. Drawstrings at the neck and back of the hood kept a snug fit over firstly helmet, and then cap - perfect for touring. The fit over a midlayer was spot-on, allowing full freedom of movement both on skis and during scrambling sections.
Comfort & Functional Design
The merino-blend lining at the neck and chin is a great addition, preventing that all too familiar chafing when breathing heavily on steep terrain. Its minimalist design means no excess bulk - just well-placed features that count in the mountains. While it’s not built for deep snow days, it’s a reliable, go-anywhere outer shell for ski touring and alpine mountaineering.
Where the Ortler Excels
The Ortovox Ortler Jacket would be a fantastic choice across our ski touring destinations - from the Silvretta Traverse to the Dolomites Ski Tour where you’re often moving between sun-drenched climbs and wind-blasted cols. For multi-day hut-to-hut tours, its packability and versatility make it a winner.
If ski touring in Morocco’s Atlas Mountains sounds like your kind of adventure, stay tuned - we’ll be offering this trip soon!
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