Peak Performance Treeline Hipe 2.5L Shell Jacket review: Dependable rain protection with Scandinavian style

Outdoor gear that promises style and protection can end up a damp squib that fails to meet either standard, but leave it to the Swedes to craft a waterproof jacket that actually repels the worst of the weather and still looks good. In the Treeline Hipe 2.5L Shell, Peak Performance has hit the rain jacket jackpot.

Stockholm-based Peak Performance launched in the 1980s with professional skiers and has since turned its hand to hiking gear built on the pillars of true Scandi style: minimalist and functional.

Over the last few years, I’ve tested dozens of waterproofs, from the ultra-light Helly Hansen Odin Infinity Minimalist Jacket (great for emergencies) to the rugged Montane Alta Lite Waterproof Jacket for alpine summits, but I’ve been a little late to the game on Peak Performance gear.

That changed this past winter when I wore the Vislight Gore-Tex C-Knit 3L Shell on a ski touring trip in France and was blown away by its looks and performance.

This lightweight rain jacket can hold quite a heavy shower at bay using Peak Performance’s proprietary HIPE 2.5-layer construction, making it suitable for casual hikes, if not brutal mountaintops, which isn’t what it’s built for.

It's breathable enough to wear zipped up while I’m hiking, and the relaxed fit and clean design have made it my first choice for trotting across town.

Peak Performance Treeline Hipe 2.5L Shell Jacket review

Price and availability

The Treeline HIPE 2.5L Shell Jacket is available now with an MSRP of £220 / $250 / €250 (~AU$410) at Peak Performance UK, Peak Performance US and Peak Performance EU.

I tested it in the lovely Montana Grape (purple) colourway, but you’ll find it in several colourways in both men’s and women’s sizing.

It’s not a top-of-the-mountain shell like the Helly Hansen Foil or Mountain Equipment Makalu, and it’s cheaper for exactly that reason.

The price isn’t a drop in the bucket for a rain jacket, especially if you only want something for your morning commute, but given its high performance and suitability for hiking, it’s considerably cheaper than the Helly Hansen Odin Infinity Minimalist (£350).

Design and materials

Peak Performance uses its own Hipe 2.5-layer construction, which is windproof, has a moderate waterproof rating of 10,000 mm, and a solid breathability rating of 10,000g/m²/24h.

The face fabric is a soft-to-the-touch 50D nylon, and the jacket feels light and flexible between my fingers. It doesn't rustle when I walk, and the relaxed fit creates a flattering silhouette that makes it easy to wear over multiple layers and works well as temperatures drop.

The streamlined approach to design involves a waterproof, two-way front zip that’s not sticky, which can be a rare accomplishment in outdoor jackets, and two deep, zipped hand pockets.

The hem cinches easily with one hand, and the adjustable hood keeps rain off your face without feeling too stiff or cumbersome. The cuffs tighten with straightforward hook-and-loop fastenings that are easy enough to adjust when you’re wearing gloves.

At 352g, it’s light and packable, but not the lightest or most packable jacket out there (that distinction still belongs to the Odin Minimalist). That said, I was happy enough rolling it up in my backpack for a flight to Chamonix where I wasn’t checking a bag.

Performance and comfort

I’ve had this on more days than not over the past month, and that means it’s already taken on lots of heavy showers here in Scotland and in the French Alps and kept me dry.

This isn’t a good choice for hiking for hours above treeline (hence the name) in a sustained downpour – for that I’d still opt for my Arc’teryx Beta LT, but for casual walks and city use, I feel confident in its weatherproofing abilities.

For hiking, I’m probably most excited by its breathability. Historically, the more waterproof a jacket was, the less breathable it was, which made hiking in mild, wet weather a challenge over the years.

But I can keep this on and zipped up while I’m walking uphill, even in temperatures above 15°C, as long as I’m only wearing a T-shirt underneath. That’s nothing to scoff at, especially if you hate stopping to take your jacket off and put it back on multiple times a day.

The lining isn’t as sticky as some 2.5-layer jackets, so it’s not a struggle to pull on even if my hands and arms are already wet from the rain.

The deep hand pockets are great for urban use, as I can carry my keys, phone, and wallet without a backpack, but they’re less useful with one. When my hip belt is fastened, I’d like the option of a chest pocket so I can keep my phone handy but protected in the hills, but I also do appreciate the clean vibe of this jacket.

Living in Scotland, I can quickly sniff out a dodgy hood that blows down the minute the wind picks up, but this one cinches properly around my head. The laminated brim is big enough to protect me but isn’t stiff or obstructive, and the soft fabric means it doesn’t chafe my skin.

When I’m not wearing it, it squashes down to about the size of a water bottle, so it’s an easy choice to carry for emergencies.

Verdict

The Treeline Hype isn’t a modern marvel, but it’s an impressively versatile jacket to consider if you don’t need mountaineering-level protection and want something that looks good and isn't totally out of place on the high street.

This sleek layer offers good weather protection, and its breathability is competitive. If you’re seeking more protection, the Peak Performance Treeline GORE-TEX 3L Shell is built with a tougher face fabric, a Gore-Tex membrane and a built-in RECCO reflector for alpine adventures.