Mid-May in South Africa and you’ve already felt it, that chill creeping in early in the mornings, the way your breath fogs up on the way to the car, the evenings that suddenly have some bite to them. Winter’s not officially here yet, but it’s doing its warm-up act, and if you’re in Johannesburg, the Cape, the Free State, or anywhere in the mountains, you know it doesn’t mess around once it arrives properly.
Here’s the thing with winter clothing though, everyone waits too long. They wait until they’re freezing before they even start thinking about it, and by then the popular sizes are gone and the good stuff has sold out. We’ve seen it happen every single year. So this is your heads-up, your nudge, your friendly reminder to sort yourself out now before June turns up and your size is nowhere to be found.
We’ve just landed some seriously impressive pieces from First Ascent, a brand that South African outdoor enthusiasts have trusted for decades, and this ladies’ winter collection is genuinely one of the better ranges we’ve stocked. We’re talking packable puffer jackets in two colourways, a versatile softshell for active days outdoors, a properly waterproof parka for when things get serious, and a pair of touchscreen-compatible gloves that your cold fingers will thank you for. Let’s break each one down properly.
There’s something refreshing about a jacket that makes you actually look forward to putting it on in winter, and the First Ascent Ladies Touch Base Puffer Jacket in Pewter Blue does exactly that. That dusty blue-grey colourway sits somewhere between sophisticated and outdoorsy, the kind of colour that works with a pair of dark jeans and boots for a Saturday morning market just as comfortably as it does layered over a thermal base on a winter hiking trail in the Cederberg.
At its heart, the Touch Base Puffer is a lightweight insulated jacket designed specifically for women who need warmth without bulk. It’s filled with 100% recycled loose-fibre synthetic insulation, and the key word there is synthetic. Unlike traditional down, this fill doesn’t lose its ability to keep you warm when it gets damp. On a misty Highveld winter morning or a drizzly Cape afternoon, your jacket keeps doing its job. The insulation is also made from recycled materials, so you’re getting performance with a slightly cleaner conscience than a conventional jacket would give you.
The outer shell is constructed from Microtex fabric with stitch-through baffles, which ensures the insulation stays evenly distributed across the jacket rather than shifting and leaving cold spots. The centre front zip includes a built-in wind-stop flap that blocks chilly gusts from sneaking through, and the elasticated cuffs and hem seal up the gaps that usually let heat escape at the wrists and waist. Two invisible hand zip pockets keep your essentials secure without interrupting the jacket’s clean, minimal look.
One of the features you’ll genuinely appreciate, especially if you travel or hike, is that this jacket packs down into its own separate stuff bag. It goes from “on your back” to “stuffed in your daypack” in about 30 seconds, with barely a fistful of space taken up. For anyone driving up to a winter weekend in the Drakensberg, heading through airports between cities, or just not wanting a bulky jacket taking up space in your bag, this makes a huge difference.
Use this jacket as your go-to mid-layer for cool to cold conditions. It’s brilliant on its own for mild winter days and early autumn mornings in SA’s transition period. For serious cold, layer it over a merino wool or thermal long-sleeve base layer and under a waterproof shell if rain is on the cards. It also works as a standalone weekend jacket, pair it with dark-wash jeans, ankle boots, and a cosy scarf for a polished casual look that still keeps you genuinely warm. Trail runners can use it as a warm-up layer before heading out; hikers can pack it as their rest-stop layer.
The Microtex shell is durable, abrasion-resistant, and holds its shape over time. The recycled loose-fibre fill does the thermal work without adding unnecessary weight. The packable nature of the design means materials are also selected to compress and recover well, there’s no wadding or rigid structure that would prevent the jacket from packing down small. It’s a thoughtful build from a brand that genuinely understands South African outdoor conditions.
At R1499,99, the First Ascent Ladies Touch Base Puffer Jacket in Pewter Blue is excellent value for what it delivers. Performance-grade insulation, packability, recycled fill, a versatile colourway, and First Ascent quality at an Awerbuchs price, it’s genuinely one of the smarter buys in this collection. This price won’t last forever and neither will the stock, especially in the medium and large sizes that tend to go first.
If Pewter Blue is speaking to you, don’t overthink it. Popular colourways in a jacket this good tend to disappear quickly once winter properly arrives. Get in now while we still have your size.
Shop the First Ascent Ladies Touch Base Puffer Jacket – Pewter Blue at Awerbuchs
If you’re a “one jacket that works with everything” kind of person, and honestly, most of us are, this is the one. The First Ascent Ladies Touch Base Puffer Jacket in Black is the same brilliant, packable, performance-grade jacket we’ve just covered above, but in the colourway that never lets you down. Black goes with every outfit, every occasion, every layer combination. It’s the decision you never have to think about twice.
Same jacket, same features, same outstanding quality, the 100% recycled loose-fibre synthetic insulation that keeps working even when conditions are damp, the Microtex shell fabric with stitch-through baffles for even heat distribution, the centre-front zip with wind-stop flap, elasticated cuffs and hem, invisible hand zip pockets, and that brilliant packability into its own stuff bag. If you read the Pewter Blue section above and thought “that sounds amazing but in black”, that’s exactly what this is.
Where black specifically earns its place is in how effortlessly it transitions between contexts. Wear it over your work outfit for the morning drive on a cold Highveld winter’s day when the temperature is sitting at 6°C at 7am. Layer it under a waterproof shell if the Cape’s front systems bring persistent rain through the week. Pair it with earthy tones, khaki hiking pants, a warm rust-coloured beanie, olive trail shoes, for a coordinated outdoor look. Or go full monochrome with black-on-black for something sleek and put together with virtually zero effort. It works for the school run, the trail, the office, the Saturday market, the outdoor braai where someone decided 8pm in May was a perfectly reasonable time to eat outside.
The benefits here are identical to the Pewter Blue: synthetic insulation that works in damp conditions, packable design for travel and outdoor adventures, stitch-through baffles for consistent warmth, and wind-stop protection at the zip. The size range runs from S to 3XL, making it accessible for a wide range of builds.
Here’s something worth knowing about a black jacket in this style: it tends to be the first colourway to sell out. It’s the default choice for a lot of shoppers and it shows in the stock levels. If you’re thinking about it, the time to act is before mid-June, not after. Once the cold properly sets in across South Africa and everyone suddenly decides they need a puffer jacket, the black in your size is likely to be the first thing that disappears from the shelves.
At R1499,99, you’re getting exceptional value for a genuinely versatile, performance-grade winter layer. Buy it once, wear it for multiple winters. This is the kind of practical investment that your future self thanks you for every single cold morning.
Shop the First Ascent Ladies Touch Base Puffer Jacket – Black at Awerbuchs
Puffers are fantastic for sitting still and staying warm, but sometimes you need a jacket that moves with you, something that stretches when you reach, breathes when you work hard, and still keeps the wind and light rain out when conditions turn. That’s the sweet spot the First Ascent Ladies Phantom XT-2 Softshell Jacket lives in, and for active women who spend their winter weekends outdoors, this is probably the most important jacket in this whole collection.
A softshell jacket is that versatile middle ground between a waterproof hard shell and a fleece mid-layer. The Phantom XT-2 gives you wind resistance and water-repellent protection without the stiffness or restriction of a full-on waterproof jacket. The outer fabric sheds light rain and drizzle efficiently, perfect for the kind of unpredictable conditions that South African winters deliver, where it can start misty and clear to sunshine by mid-morning. For serious sustained rain, you’d pair this with the Downpour Parka (covered below), but for the vast majority of SA winter days, the Phantom XT-2 handles conditions on its own without issue.
What makes this jacket genuinely special for active use is the attention to movement. The articulated elbows are pre-shaped to allow a full, natural range of arm movement, whether you’re swinging trekking poles up a steep trail, reaching back for a hydration pack, or just loading luggage overhead without the jacket riding up your back. The high fleece-lined collar adds targeted warmth around your neck and lower face, that exposed area that gets absolutely hammered when you’re walking into a cold wind, without needing a separate buff or neck gaiter. Semi-elasticated cuffs keep the cold out at your wrists even when you’re moving your arms constantly.
There’s also a clever layering feature that First Ascent fans will know: the Phantom XT-2 is fully interconnect compatible with First Ascent’s 3-in-1 jacket system. That means you can zip it directly into a compatible First Ascent outer jacket as the inner mid-layer, creating a full-on winter system for extreme cold or heavy weather. Use it as a standalone on moderate days, zip it in for the really serious stuff. Two large storage pockets keep essentials accessible, and a hem drawcord lets you customise the fit and seal in warmth when the temperature drops.
Think about the kind of days this jacket is made for: a winter morning hike up the Magaliesberg, birding in the Kruger bushveld where the mornings are cold but warm up fast, a trail run where you heat up and cool down repeatedly over the course of an hour, mountain biking when you need full arm range and breathable warmth simultaneously. It also works brilliantly for outdoor activities that aren’t quite “sport”, a winter walk on the beach in Hermanus, exploring the winelands when it’s cool and overcast, or even just the morning school run where you’re going to be standing in the cold for 20 minutes and then walking back.
For pairing, a merino wool base layer or thermal long-sleeve underneath the Phantom XT-2 covers most South African winter conditions. Add the Tech Touch Gloves for your hands and you’ve got a highly capable active winter kit without any of the bulk. On more casual days, it works over a simple jersey with jeans and boots, the black colourway keeps it versatile and works with virtually any outfit.
The outer fabric is water-repellent, treated to shed light rain without a full waterproof membrane, giving you breathability and movement that a fully-taped waterproof jacket can’t match. The fleece inner lining at the collar and the overall softshell construction offer warmth through trapped body heat and insulation, while the stretch properties of the fabric make it genuinely comfortable during active movement. It’s a technically considered build that performs exactly as advertised in real South African conditions.
At R1399,99, the First Ascent Ladies Phantom XT-2 Softshell is a brilliant investment for any woman who spends meaningful time outdoors in winter. The build quality, feature set, and First Ascent heritage make this a multi-season jacket that’ll serve you for years. It’s priced competitively for what it delivers, and in black it’s as versatile a winter outer layer as you’ll find at this price point at Awerbuchs.
If you’re an active woman who hikes, runs, or spends time outdoors in winter, this jacket belongs in your kit. Don’t wait until the June cold makes the decision for you.
Shop the First Ascent Ladies Phantom XT-2 Softshell Jacket – Black at Awerbuchs
When Cape Town does what Cape Town does between June and August, those cold front systems that bring persistent, driving rain and wind that cuts straight through anything that isn’t built for it, you don’t want a jacket that’s “water-resistant” or “shower-proof.” You want waterproof. Properly, technically waterproof. That’s exactly what the First Ascent Ladies Downpour Waterproof Parka is, and it’s the most capable piece of outdoor clothing in this entire collection.
Let’s start with the numbers because they matter here. The Downpour Parka is built with Vapourtex ripstop shell fabric carrying a 10,000mm waterproof rating and an 8,000 g/m²/24hr breathability rating. In plain terms: 10,000mm means it will withstand sustained, heavy rain without allowing water through the fabric, that’s a technical specification, not a marketing claim. The breathability rating means moisture from your body (sweat, heat) can still escape outward through the fabric, so you don’t end up soaked from the inside when you’re moving at pace. The balance between waterproofing and breathability is the fundamental challenge in technical outerwear, and these ratings put the Downpour Parka firmly in legitimate performance-jacket territory.
The waterproofing doesn’t stop at the fabric. Fully taped seams mean every single stitch point on this jacket is sealed, water can’t sneak through the stitching, which is a common failure point in cheaper “waterproof” jackets. A PFC-free DWR (Durable Water Repellent) coating on the outer fabric means water beads up and rolls off the surface before it can even test the waterproof membrane. PFC-free is worth highlighting: conventional DWR coatings often use PFAS chemicals flagged as persistent environmental pollutants. First Ascent has moved to a cleaner formulation without sacrificing performance, you stay dry with a better environmental footprint.
The design details make this a parka rather than just a waterproof jacket. The longer-length silhouette provides extra coverage over your hips and thighs, practically significant when you’re standing in rain at a sports match, camping, or walking through wet fynbos where the brush is at waist height. The fully adjustable lined hood with a laminated brim keeps rain off your face and eyes without needing your hands free to hold it down. The two-way centre-front zip is protected by a rain placket, so wind and water can’t enter through the zip itself. Elasticated cuffs seal off the wrists. An internal adjustable waist cinch lets you pull in the silhouette for a more tailored look when you want it, or leave it looser for easier layering. Mesh-lined underarm vents add airflow when you’re working hard enough to heat up despite the cold outside. Welt-covered zippered hand pockets keep your hands and phone properly protected from rain.
The inner soft mesh and taffeta lining makes layering comfortable, this jacket is designed to go over a fleece, a puffer liner, or both when temperatures really demand it. In terms of use cases, the Downpour Parka is your jacket for camping in any SA winter location, commuting in Cape Town from June onwards, standing on the sidelines at outdoor winter sports, festival or market days where you might be outside for hours in cold and rain, hiking in areas that get proper winter rain (Garden Route, Overberg, Cederberg), and generally any situation where you might be exposed to sustained cold wet weather.
Pair this parka with the Touch Base Puffer as a mid-layer underneath for serious cold and wet conditions, that’s a fully capable system for even the harshest South African winter. Add the Tech Touch Glove III for your hands and a warm beanie and you’ve got a complete winter wet-weather kit. On milder winter days in the Cape where it’s raining but not bitterly cold, the Downpour Parka on its own over a light jersey is more than enough.
The Vapourtex ripstop shell is a fabric designed to resist tearing, the ripstop weave means if the fabric gets nicked, the damage stops at the weave rather than spreading into a tear. Combined with the taped seams, PFC-free DWR, and laminated brim on the hood, every component of this jacket is doing specific, considered work. The taffeta lining reduces friction when putting the jacket on over layers and adds a comfortable soft feel against whatever you’re wearing underneath.
At R1799,99, the First Ascent Ladies Downpour Waterproof Parka is the most premium piece in this collection, and it earns that position. A jacket with this technical specification from comparable international outdoor brands typically costs significantly more. The fact that you can get properly-rated, technically waterproof performance from a trusted South African brand, at Awerbuchs prices, is genuinely exceptional value. This is a jacket you buy once and it carries you through winters for years.
If you live in the Cape, in the Midlands, near the Drakensberg, or anywhere that gets sustained winter rain, this parka is not a luxury. It’s a necessity, and it’s a very good one. Don’t wait for the first serious cold front of June to decide you need it.
Shop the First Ascent Ladies Downpour Waterproof Parka – Black at Awerbuchs
Let’s talk about the part of winter that most people sort out too late: their hands. You’ve got the jacket sorted, the layers, the boots, and then you step outside on a cold June morning and immediately lose all feeling in your fingers. Sound familiar? Cold hands aren’t just uncomfortable, they make everything harder: gripping handlebars on a morning ride, using hiking poles on a trail, operating your phone for navigation, doing literally anything that requires fine motor control. The First Ascent Tech Touch Glove III in Black is here to fix that, and at R379,99 it’s the kind of easy, high-impact addition to your winter kit that pays for itself every cold morning.
What makes the Tech Touch Glove III stand out is how well it manages the balance between warmth and function. This is not a thick, bulky ski glove that turns your hands into padded clubs. It’s engineered for active outdoor use, running, hiking, cycling, riding, where you need genuine warmth but can’t sacrifice the dexterity to operate equipment, open zips, or handle your phone. The outer fabric is breathable and quick-drying, which means during high-output activity, think a winter trail run where you’re working hard, these gloves regulate temperature and don’t trap moisture inside. They warm you up without overheating you, and they dry out fast if they get wet.
The targeted warmth comes from Therma Pro fleece on the back of the hand and cuff. That’s the area that takes the most punishment from cold wind when you’re moving, Therma Pro is a performance fleece fabric that traps heat effectively in a lightweight format. The palm and finger panels use a lighter, more functional material that allows better dexterity and tactile feedback without compromising on warmth at the critical area. Silicone grip detailing on the palm and fingers gives you secure handling even in wet or cold conditions, useful for gripping poles, handlebars, a dog lead, or a coffee cup without it sliding.
Then there’s the feature that modern life in SA winter absolutely demands: the touchscreen-compatible index fingers and thumbs. You can use your phone, GPS watch, or any touch device without removing your gloves. On a trail run where you’re checking your route, on a morning hike where you want to photograph the mountain, on a winter commute where you’re paying for parking, this is not a nice-to-have. It’s essential. Anyone who’s struggled to use a phone with thick gloves on knows exactly how much of a difference this makes.
The reflective detailing on the gloves is a thoughtful safety addition. Early morning runs and evening walks in winter, when the light is low and visibility matters, become safer when your hands are doing the work of making you visible to drivers and other trail users. It’s a small detail with real-world significance for anyone who exercises outdoors in the shorter days of a SA winter.
These gloves are sized from XS through to XL, which is important, a well-fitted glove is significantly warmer than one that’s too loose. Cold air gets in through gaps at the wrist and between fingers, so fit matters as much as the materials. Use these as your standalone gloves for most South African winter conditions: a crisp Highveld morning where it’s sitting at 4°C before sunrise, a cold Cape walk along the promenade in July, a winter trail in the Magaliesberg where the wind picks up on the ridge. In more extreme conditions, heavy snow on the Berg, severe cold snaps, they work brilliantly as a warm liner inside a heavier outer glove.
Pairing-wise, these gloves work with every jacket in this collection and most other winter outerwear you already own. They’re particularly well-matched with the Phantom XT-2 Softshell and the Downpour Parka for active outdoor use, both are built for movement, and so are the gloves. They also pair easily with a good beanie and a thermal base layer for a complete hands-to-head cold-weather kit. And honestly, they work just as well with a regular everyday jacket for the school run, the dog walk, or the morning commute.
The materials, breathable outer fabrics, Therma Pro fleece panels, silicone grip detailing, reflective elements, are all performing specific, well-considered functions. Nothing wasted, nothing superfluous. First Ascent’s approach to technical gear is about making purposeful design decisions, and the Tech Touch Glove III is a good example of that philosophy applied to an everyday accessory.
At R379,99, these are genuinely excellent value. Performance winter gloves at this spec level from international brands frequently cost twice or more. As a First Ascent product at Awerbuchs prices, you’re getting quality that delivers real results on cold South African winter days without paying an imported premium. This is the kind of purchase that makes your whole winter more comfortable, small investment, big return, every single morning.
Don’t wait until your hands are already suffering. Gloves are always the afterthought that people regret not buying sooner. Get a pair now while all sizes are available.
Shop the First Ascent Tech Touch Glove III – Black at Awerbuchs
Mid-May in South Africa is the window. It’s the moment between “it’s been getting a bit chilly” and “I’m standing in a June cold front wishing I’d sorted my wardrobe two weeks ago.” The First Ascent ladies winter collection at Awerbuchs gives you everything you need to be properly prepared, packable puffer jackets in two brilliant colourways, a performance softshell for active days, a technically waterproof parka for serious conditions, and a pair of gloves that actually let you use your phone. Every piece is from a brand South African outdoor enthusiasts trust, and every piece is priced to deliver real value.
The stock is here now. The sizes are available now. The prices are current. None of those things are guaranteed once June arrives and everyone simultaneously decides they need a winter jacket. Sort yourself out ahead of the curve, your warmer, more comfortable winter self will be very glad you did.
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