Reviews > Clothing > Jackets and Vests > Mammut Ultimate Hoody > Owner Review by Michael Williams

MAMMUT ULTIMATE HOODY - MEN'S
BY MIKE WILLIAMS
OWNER REVIEW

April 18, 2010

TESTER INFORMATION

I was introduced to backpacking as a teenager through scouts in Colorado Springs, Colorado and fell in love with it. I continued to actively backpack through college and took a break to start a career and family. A few years ago we decided as a family to become very active in hiking, backpacking and camping. Currently my wife, son (8 yrs) and I hike and backpack extensively in Colorado and South Dakota as a family. We continually look for the right balance of lightweight, durable, comfortable and safe gear for our family to enhance our outdoor experiences.

Product Information

Mammut Ultimate Hoody

Manufacturer: Mammut Sports Group
Year of Manufacture: 2009
Size: XXL
Color: Berny Blue
Manufacturer's Website: www.mammut.com
MSRP: US$ 259
Listed Weight: (Size unidentified) 1 lb 2 oz (500 g)
Measured Weight: 1 lb 4 oz (570 g)

Warranty: Mammut warranties all of their products from manufacturing defects; please refer to their website for more detailed information.

Product Details

The Men's Mammut Ultimate Hoody (henceforth referred to as the Hoody or Jacket) is a soft shell designed for backcountry hiking and/or climbing. The jacket is made from a soft shell synthetic material that is quite elastic and flexible. The soft shell material includes Windstopper, a Gore membrane, that effectively blocks wind permeability while maintaining an acceptable level of breathability. Mammut claims that the Windstopper membrane "makes this fabric completely windproof and highly breathable, combining the comfort of an insulating, stretchable mid layer with the weather protection of a fabric shell."

At the time of this review the 2010 models offer 8 different color options in sizes that range from small to XXL. For all intents and purposes the 2009 model (described in this review) and the 2010 model are identical in terms of price, fabric, design, fit and functionality and only differ in color options.

Field Conditions

I have owned the Mammut Ultimate Hoody for nine months and have used it extensively as my primary outer shell for hiking, backpacking, snowshoeing and wearing around town. I would estimate that I have worn this jacket for an average of five days per week since I received it and have logged over 30 field days of use. I have primarily used this jacket in the mountains of Northern Colorado at an elevation range between 5,000 ft (1,500 m) and 13,000 ft (4,000 m). I have used the hoody in weather that ranged from 5 F (- 15 C) to 60 F (15.5 C) without wind as well as in a full blizzard that had gusts up to 50 mph (80 km/h). The jacket has been exposed to both light rain storms and snow fall to full storms with heavy wet snow.

Product Discription

The jacket is a typical hoody design that includes a full zipper, hand pockets, internal chest pocket, thumb loops, pit zips and an adjustable hood. The jacket has the Mammut logo on the left shoulder and the Mammut brand on the right chest and back neck areas. In addition to the Mammut branding Windstopper branding can be found on the right sleeve as well as at the bottom left hem.

The jacket is a full zip jacket that incorporates a main zipper that runs from the chin of the hood to the zip, it is not an offset zipper as seen in other jacket styles and runs down the middle of the jacket. The main zipper, which is a left hand zipper (the opposite when compared to most US men's jackets) is a two-way zipper and can be opened / adjusted from either the hem or the chin. The hem (bottom) zipper has a small pull tab while the chin (upper) zipper has a larger pull tab.

The most distinguishing feature of this hoody is the full length pit zips that span elbow to hem. The pit zips are designed for core ventilation that consists of two one-way zippers, one at the elbow and one at the hem. These one-way zippers allow for the ventilation to be managed from either end and can meet somewhere in the middle or go all the way to the other zipper. Both zippers have a small pull tab that are quite easy to operate with or without gloves.

Pit-zip open from hem to elbow

Pit-zip open from elbow to hem

Field Performance

Using the Hoody in a good storm

The jacket fits well however it is a little large and I sized up to accommodate European sizing that runs smaller than US sizing. I feel that the sleeves are a little long and the jacket is a tad baggy, however I prefer the fit of the jacket as it allows me to add layers without feeling restricted. Due to the European sizing of the jacket the XXL size runs a little on the smaller side when compared to other jackets / brands I have used in the past but is definitely larger than the XL sizes I have experience with. The Hood is very adjustable and I have never found it to get in the way even when wearing a baseball or beanie style hat.

I have found that this is a thin un-insulated hoody that is quite warm as long as I am active while wearing the hoody. The Windstopper material breathes adequately, however the core venting of the pit zips is phenomenal in temperature regulation. The pit zips are easy to use and can be adjusted in conjunction with the hand-warmer pockets in multiple configurations to "dial in" the desired ventilation.

The material handles the elements very well, especially wind. The Windstopper membrane works well and stops the wind from penetrating the jacket. I believe that this membrane is the reason why such a light un-insulated jacket is so warm when used during activities. Due to the heat retention while active I am skeptical of the claimed "breathability", but the remarkable core venting more than compensates for that. Rain and snow shed off of the jacket and I have only had to switch to a hard shell jacket once while using this hoody.

The durability of the soft-shell material is the only thing that I question about the jacket. Strong hook-and-loop closures such as gloves have been getting snagged on the material and causing light piling / snags. Given the heavy use that I have put this jack through I am not surprised to see the wear of the material but it makes me wonder how long it will last as well as second-guess its use on bushwhacking trips.

Summary

The Mammut Ultimate Hoody is my go to outer shell, I love this jacket. It handles weather very well, especially wind which is the primary reason I purchased it. It is relatively light for a XXL sized soft-shell and it is packable enough to fit in most of my packs. I really see getting a lot of use out of this jacket from mid fall through late spring. The greatest benefit this jacket has is the core venting which allows it to be used in such a wide verity of conditions.

Things I Like...

• Core venting and pit-zips


• Wind and weather protection


• Versatility of the jacket (useful in a wide range of conditions)


• Adjustable hood


• Pocket Volume

Things I would Change...

• I hate the left handed main zipper (it is awkward for me)


• I'm worried about the durability of the fabric


• Shorter sleeves and cuffs (I don't use the thumb loops)

Reviews > Clothing > Jackets and Vests > Mammut Ultimate Hoody > Owner Review by Michael Williams