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gear of the week

Gear of the Week | Haglöfs Vassi GTX Pro II

Haglöfs' Top Model from the Vassi Series Put to the Test

10/18/2026
Till Mangesius

The three-color version of the Vassi GTX Pro II is made for the mountains.

Alexandra Zolotykh
Stubai Glacier
Till Mangesius

The three-color version of the Vassi GTX Pro II is made for the mountains.

Alexandra Zolotykh
Stubai Glacier
Till Mangesius
The Vassi Hardshell Jacket Pro differs from the standard version in more ways than just its GORE-TEX Pro membrane. It’s also lighter, with a different pocket layout and configuration. But are these upgrades enough to justify the extra €250?

A quick note: Steffen already reviewed the Vassi GTX Pro set back in 2023 (read the review here). This time, we’re taking a closer look at the jacket itself, which has seen more changes than just a visual refresh.

First Impressions

Just like its predecessor, the new Vassi Hardshell Jacket is unmistakably Haglöfs. The contrasting hood is a little less bright this time around, which I personally prefer. The material feels premium, and so far, I haven’t noticed any obvious downsides to the new PFAS-free GORE-TEX membrane. What really stands out, though, is the weight: compared to my previous hardshell jackets, the Vassi feels impressively light.

In terms of color, this year's version doesn't feature any stark contrasts.

Alexandra Zolotykh
Stubai Glacier
Till Mangesius

In terms of color, this year's version doesn't feature any stark contrasts.

Alexandra Zolotykh
Stubai Glacier
Till Mangesius

Functional Features

When it comes to hardshells, my main priorities are fit, pocket and ventilation placement, and, of course, color — although the latter is purely a matter of personal taste.

Fit is particularly important to me. At 190 cm and 85 kg, I fall squarely into the tall, lanky category, and finding a jacket that fits properly isn’t always easy. The Vassi GTX series, however, seems tailor-made for my build, with its long sleeves and relatively slim cut around the hips. I tested the jacket in size L, which fits perfectly over a base layer without feeling restrictive. Layering a down jacket underneath makes it a little tight across the shoulders, though. Since I don’t wear an additional down jacket on the descent, this isn’t an issue for me. If you tend to feel the cold or regularly ride in particularly cold conditions, sizing up might be the better option.

One practical detail I appreciate is the two-way main zipper, which can also be opened from the bottom. This comes in particularly handy on high-alpine tours, where a little extra freedom of movement can make a real difference.

The ventilation slots can be easily opened with one hand in a smooth motion.

Alexandra Zolotykh
Stubai Glacier
Till Mangesius

The ventilation slots can be easily opened with one hand in a smooth motion.

Alexandra Zolotykh
Stubai Glacier
Till Mangesius

One of my favorite features of the Vassi GTX series is the placement of the ventilation openings. They sit in front of the backpack shoulder straps, making them easy to open with just one hand, even when wearing a pack. With jackets that have underarm vents, I’ve often found opening them awkward and fiddly, which meant I rarely bothered using them. The Vassi makes ventilation much more accessible, so adjusting airflow on the go is a breeze. The opening also provides quick access to your avalanche transceiver when it’s worn on a chest harness.

Wearing a backpack does not interfere with ventilation.

Alexandra Zolotykh
Stubai Glacier
Till Mangesius

Wearing a backpack does not interfere with ventilation.

Alexandra Zolotykh
Stubai Glacier
Till Mangesius

For me, the pocket layout on the Vassi GTX Pro II is spot-on — unlike that of the standard version. The hip pockets are designed as patch pockets, making them easy to access even with a backpack hip belt fastened. The two chest pockets are also cleverly positioned: the left pocket is designed to be accessed with your right hand. So far, I’ve mainly come across this practical detail in women’s jackets, and it’s something I’ve often missed in other hardshells. It’s a small design choice that makes a real difference in everyday use on the mountain.

The pockets are positioned so that you can reach their contents without having to contort yourself.

Alexandra Zolotykh
Stubai Glacier
Till Mangesius

The pockets are positioned so that you can reach their contents without having to contort yourself.

Alexandra Zolotykh
Stubai Glacier
Till Mangesius

Conclusion

So, to answer the question I started with: if you’re already prepared to spend €500 on a hardshell, I’d definitely consider going straight for the Pro version. The upgrades make it a compelling option, especially if weight and well-thought-out details matter to you.

As for the long-term durability of the PFAS-free GORE-TEX membrane, around 10 days on snow isn’t enough to draw any firm conclusions. So far, though, I haven’t noticed any difference in performance compared to older GORE-TEX models.

I also think Haglöfs has nailed the color selection for the Vassi GTX Pro series. With two understated, solid-color options and a third featuring contrasting accents, there’s something to suit different tastes.

If I had one thing to change, it would be the snow skirt. Making it removable would add a little extra versatility and make an already well-designed jacket even better.

The jacket pairs very well with other pieces of gear in terms of color.

Alexandra Zolotykh
Stubai Glacier
Till Mangesius

The jacket pairs very well with other pieces of gear in terms of color.

Alexandra Zolotykh
Stubai Glacier
Till Mangesius

Key Facts

  • Price: 800€

  • Colors: Black, Blue, Green

  • Weight: 665 g

  • Membrane: 3L Gore-Tex Pro ePE

  • Where: Here

The jacket was provided to PowderGuide free of charge by the manufacturer. Find out how we test it in our test statement.

A small but nice touch: the hood and zippers are the same color.

Alexandra Zolotykh
Stubai Glacier
Till Mangesius

A small but nice touch: the hood and zippers are the same color.

Alexandra Zolotykh
Stubai Glacier
Till Mangesius

Photo gallery

The people behind the article

  • Written by

    Till Mangesius

    I learnt to snowboard in 2008 in Todtnauberg in the Black Forest. Many winters on the Feldberg and a trip to the flatlands in the north of Baden-Württemberg for several years without winter sports later, I discovered splitboarding in the Innsbruck area with Corona. I'm much less interested in collecting peaks than the many technical details and DIY projects that are still relevant in splitboarding. I'm always on the lookout for new innovations, whether it's boards, bindings or boots.

  • Translated by

    Johanna Korte

    Johanna (Jojo)’s love for the mountains took her to Innsbruck in 2020, where she spent around four years exploring the surrounding alpine landscape whenever she had a free moment. After a season in Japan, she unfortunately found herself a little further away from the mountains in Freiburg in 2025. But that hasn’t kept her from pursuing her passion: summer or winter, she still spends every free moment she can in the mountains. In winter, you’ll most likely find her in a mountain hut or on her way to the next powder run. Her bilingual education brought her to PG, where she is responsible for translating the website and occasionally contributes articles of her own.

Note

PowderGuide.com is non-profit-oriented, and we are grateful for any support. This article was automatically translated using DeepL and our own glossary, and subsequently edited by the translators listed below. If you nevertheless notice any errors or something remains unclear, please feel free to write an email to the editorial team.

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