I wanted a very technical softshell without insulating layer to cover a wider range of use (insulation being handled by the fleece) and a better heat control and with a great comfort while moving. I went for the Mammut Extreme Ultimate WS Jacket that I tested during my last mountaineering outings in April.

Overview

Ultra-modern and technical softshell jacket made of several protection layers for a perfect windproofness and a good protection in extreme conditions while still offering breathability and durability. It is best suited for winter and alpine activities.

Fabrics:

• Winstopper® Softshell (water-repellent)

Manufacturer’s data:

• Chin protection
• 2 front pockets
• High Reach sleeve guarantees good fit during dynamic movement
• Waffle backing retains heat
• Partially integrated moisture transporting backing
• Zipped ventilation system on rear of arm
• Chin guard out of soft micro fleece
• M.A.P. hood compatible with helmet
• Bonded hood shield
• Weight: 660 g

Advantages/Drawbacks

Excellent wind protection
Water repellent treatment
Breathability
Really comfortable cut for freedom of movement. You forgot you are wearing a jacket
Overall quality
Pit zip ventilation system that opens down to the hips
High collar which gives a great protection for the neck and the bottom of the face
The hood is a wonder with an incredible fit whether you wear a helmet or not
Colours. I really like the yellow/green cadmium
Also accessible and usable, Napoleon pockets would still have been even more practical than side pockets for a mountaineering jacket
The price
Cuffs without thumb holes. Although it might not be a problem for everyone, I would have liked thumb holes. For me who is taking a lot of pictures, frequent putting and removing of the over glove cause the cuff to slip away from the inner gloves. Cuffs never stay in between the inner and outer gloves and you end-up with an undesired ventilation at your wrist
It was very hard to get the colour I wanted ! I can’t understand why shops often only sell cloth in black, brown, dark blue… boring colours while manufacturers have so nice and colourful products available

Opinion

This jacket is just perfect ; excellent protection, breathability and what a comfort! With this sofshell Mammut has designed a very nice cloth faithful to its technical, high-tech and reliable product line.

Becarful though. If this jacket traps your body heat by protecting you from thee wind chill effect by blocking the wind, it doesn’t have an insulating layer and doesn’t add warmth. It needs to be used as part of a 3 layers system: base layer + fleece + softshell or hardshell. It is the ideal companion of Haglöfs’ Treble Hood jacket as both of them have a great freedom of movement. The absence of fleece layer is, to my opinion, an advantage. Dedicated to mountaineering and extreme conditions, you anyway have a fleece in your backpack. This design allows you to better control your temperature and makes the jacket more versatile.

Pockets are accessible even when wearing a harness also as I said Napleon pockets would have been even better (like on Haglöfs Spitz Jacket). The hood is adjustable with a single drawcord and has an incredible fit whether you wear a helmet or not (and this is rare).

All it’s qualities make this jacket one of the best softshell of my collection and I recommend it to everyone who is into mountaineering.