Test person
I'm about 1.85 metres tall, with a fairly long and strong upper body and short legs, and my weight fluctuates around 90 kg. So I fall a little outside the classic alpine endurance sports figure. My activities with the jacket were wide-ranging, from ski touring and deep snow skiing to cycling or, after 2 weeks in the foehn, hiking. In size XL, the jacket fits me very well and has a much looser cut than the Mammut Taiss HS Hooded, which I was allowed to test last year. On cold days, 2-3 layers fit under the jacket.
Test conditions
I wore the jacket most of the time for ski touring in December and January, when the temperatures were in the sub-zero range most of the time. I usually had to wear a base layer in the form of a thermal shirt, a merino mid-layer and an insulating jacket underneath when I was out in deep snow with the jacket on. Thanks to its light weight and high breathability, the jacket provides good protection against precipitation and is very breathable, but it doesn't keep anyone warm. I should also mention that I'm not really sensitive to the cold. When climbing, it was really easy to regulate the temperature just by wearing the jacket. The base layer or the combination with a mid-layer was often enough. The jacket was also tested a few times on the mountain bike and when hiking.
All impressions at a glance
The functions of the Haldigrat Air HS Hooded make it a faithful companion on the mountain.
The first thing to say is that I find the new colour palette of the Mammut jacket much more modern and fresh than last year. I particularly liked the colour of my test jacket, neo-mint-black. It's a very modern colour but still classic and easy to combine.
At second glance, you notice the large zips on the chest, which almost reach the belly button on one side. At first I thought they were a new form of ventilation slits, but they are actually pockets. Thanks to the sewn-in pocket pleat, they not only look particularly sleek, but offer a huge packing volume and are extremely robust. The pockets are also cleverly positioned on the upper body so that they are compatible with backpacks and the hip and chest straps do not interfere with the use of the pockets.
Both pockets can be used with one hand, even when wearing gloves, as the openings are sewn in so that you can simply reach into the left pocket with your right hand, for example. This is quite useful and, depending on the need, sunglasses, a scarf, gloves or similar items can be easily stowed away.
There is also another pocket on the inside of the jacket, which I really learnt to appreciate on tours where I had to take the skins off and on several times. The skins can be stowed away perfectly here. This prevents frost on the adhesive strip of the skin, which, as you know, can really ruin your day.
For me personally, another big plus point is the lightness of the jacket combined with the breathability and excellent ventilation options. Unfortunately, I tend to sweat often and quickly, even when ski touring. With the Haldigrat, I have had the very pleasant experience of not arriving at the summit soaking wet. Then you can enjoy the well-earned break and the sun in a completely different way.
However, you certainly have to make a few small compromises, namely in terms of the water column and windproofness when skiing downhill. The jacket promises 15,000 mm, but for me there have been jackets that have protected me better from snow and wind. However, the hood, which can be pulled over the helmet and thus protects the face and neck from the wind, is a positive feature.
I was pleasantly surprised by the fit this time. Admittedly, I like ski clothing to be a little looser, not baggy, but loose, so that I can still move if I need two or three layers under the jacket. I usually find Mammut clothing to be rather tight-fitting, but this time the regular fit of this jacket is loose and relaxed, so it completely fulfils my requirements described above.
Conclusion
All in all, the Haldigrat Air HS Hooded Jacket offers a perfect combination of functionality, comfort and technical performance to accompany you on all your outdoor adventures.
