The Mammut Ultimate Advanced jacket is a good example of what’s possible with Gore Windstopper fabric, which has a microporous membrane sandwiched between the outer and inner layers to make the fabric windproof and breathable while also allowing it to shed light rain. It doesn’t feel quite as warm as other fabrics, but this could be an advantage as you can always wear an extra base layer or microfleece underneath.
There are pit zips to provide venting if you overheat, which makes this a good jacket for a wide range of walking conditions.
There is no hood, so if you get caught in a gale you’ll need to grab a hat from somewhere to keep your head warm and dry. For me, not having a hood lets this jacket down a great deal.
That aside, the chest pockets are superb as they’re mesh-lined and can be used for extra venting. Also, I like the addition of external abrasion-resistant panels on the shoulders to prevent wear under a rucksack.
I still think the Mammut Ultimate Advanced’s price tag is pretty high compared with other jackets, but for general hill use this soft shell jacket is a good option.
Material Gore-Tex Windstopper
Weight 522g (size men’s L)
External pockets 2
Internal pockets 0
Hood no
Pit zips yes
Men’s sizes S-XXL
Women’s sizes none
Website www.mammut.ch