Gear of the Week | Mammut Ultimate V SO Hooded Jacket

Firstly, I have to admit that I'm not really the softshell type. I usually wear a hardshell jacket for optimum weather protection and a fleece or merino wool midlayer underneath to maximise breathability. I quickly get warm on the ascent during ski tours and even in cool temperatures and windy conditions, I usually climb with a normal mid-layer without freezing, if I'm not already wearing a base layer. Of course, if it's really cold and windy, that's not possible, but then I just put on the hardshell...

A proper softshell is therefore particularly relevant for me if it replaces both the midlayer and the hardshell, which means that it has to be very windproof to keep me warm even when I'm skiing in cooler temperatures. This is where the Ultimate V is interesting, of course, as it is absolutely windproof thanks to the Gore Windstopper membrane.

I like to use the jacket on ski tours, especially in spring or when the weather is rather good, and thanks to the Gore Windstopper membrane, it can really be a mid-layer and outer layer in one for me. Thanks to the membrane and waterproofing, it can also withstand snow or rain showers. You do get wet quickly in constant rain, but that's not what the Ultimate V is made for. It's also not sufficient on its own for low temperatures, but I can wear a down vest or jacket over it or an additional layer underneath.

All in all, the fifth version of the Ultimate has definitely earned its status as a versatile classic!

Here is the link to the Mammut website with further information.