Mammut Crater Light HS Hooded Jacket – Men’s Review

What Makes Mammut Crater Light HS Hooded Jacket – Men’s Stand Out?

The Mammut Crater Light HS Hooded Jacket – Men’s is designed as a lightweight, packable, and highly weather-resistant shell for technical trails and multi-day hikes. Mammut promises high-level waterproofing, wind protection, and breathability through its 3-layer GORE-TEX ePE membrane, coupled with a commitment to sustainability through recycled materials and a PFC-free membrane. Priced at $180.00, this jacket aims to offer premium performance without breaking the bank, making it an attractive option for outdoor enthusiasts seeking reliable protection in unpredictable conditions.

My search for the perfect hiking jacket has been ongoing for years. I needed a jacket that could handle sudden downpours in the backcountry without feeling like I was wearing a plastic bag.

Upon unboxing, the first thing I noticed about the Mammut Crater Light HS Hooded Jacket – Men’s was its remarkably light weight. The material felt supple yet durable, and the construction appeared solid with clean seams.

Compared to my older North Face Venture 2 and an Arc’teryx Beta AR (much more expensive), the Crater Light felt lighter than the Venture 2 and more packable than the Beta AR. The Crater Light appealed to me for its balance of features and eco-conscious design.

My initial impression was one of cautious optimism. The lightness was promising for backpacking, but I was eager to see how it performed under real-world conditions.

Real-World Testing: Putting Mammut Crater Light HS Hooded Jacket – Men’s to the Test

First Use Experience

I tested the Mammut Crater Light HS Hooded Jacket – Men’s during a weekend hiking trip in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. The weather was classic New England: sunny skies turned to a misty drizzle, then a full-blown downpour, all within a few hours.

The jacket excelled in the rain. The GORE-TEX ePE membrane kept me completely dry, and the water-resistant Aquaguard front zipper prevented any leakage. It was easy to move and maneuver over rocks and steep inclines.

The breathability was impressive, even during strenuous uphill sections.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, the Mammut Crater Light HS Hooded Jacket – Men’s has proven to be a reliable piece of gear. I’ve worn it on numerous day hikes, backpacking trips, and even as a general rain jacket around town.

So far, there are no significant signs of wear and tear. The fabric has held up well against abrasion from pack straps and rocky terrain.

Cleaning is simple; a quick wipe down with a damp cloth is usually sufficient. I’ve also machine washed it a few times following the care instructions, and it has maintained its waterproof performance. Compared to my previous experience with non-GORE-TEX jackets that quickly lost their waterproofness, the Crater Light has been a significant improvement.

Breaking Down the Features of Mammut Crater Light HS Hooded Jacket – Men’s

Specifications

• 3-layer GORE-TEX fabric with PFC-free ePE membrane: This provides excellent waterproofing, wind protection, and breathability while minimizing environmental impact. This is key for staying comfortable in varied weather conditions.
• Face fabric and backing made from 100% recycled polyester: This demonstrates Mammut’s commitment to sustainability. The use of recycled materials reduces the jacket’s overall carbon footprint.
• Solution dyed backer for more sustainable production: This significantly reduces water consumption during the dyeing process. This contributes to a more environmentally friendly manufacturing process.
• Pre-shaped sleeves with hook and loop fastener: These provide a comfortable and adjustable fit. This allows for unrestricted movement and customized wrist closures.
• Hem width can be adjusted with drawstring: This allows for a snug fit to keep out wind and rain. It also helps to trap warmth in colder conditions.
• 1-point adjustable hood: This provides quick and easy hood adjustments. One-handed adjustments are very convenient in challenging weather.
• 2 backpack-compatible side pockets with water-repellent zipper: These provide ample storage space that is easily accessible even when wearing a backpack. The water-repellent zippers keep contents dry.
• Water-resistant Aquaguard front zipper: This provides reliable protection against water ingress. It ensures that the jacket remains waterproof in wet conditions.
• Fabric/Material: Polyester
• Lining Material: Polyester
• Apparel Fit: Regular

Performance & Functionality

The Mammut Crater Light HS Hooded Jacket – Men’s excels at its primary function: providing reliable weather protection. Its waterproofness is outstanding, and the breathability is adequate for moderate activity levels.

The jacket’s strengths lie in its lightweight design, packability, and effective weather protection. The one area that could be improved is the breathability during high-exertion activities; however, for most hiking and backpacking scenarios, it performs admirably. It definitely meets expectations, offering a solid balance of performance and sustainability.

Design & Ergonomics

The Crater Light has a clean and functional design. The materials feel high-quality, and the construction is solid, inspiring confidence in its durability. The regular fit allows for comfortable layering without feeling bulky.

There’s no significant learning curve; it’s a simple and intuitive jacket to use. The adjustable hood and cuffs are easy to operate.

Durability & Maintenance

Based on my experience, the Mammut Crater Light HS Hooded Jacket – Men’s appears to be a durable piece of gear that should last for several seasons with proper care. Maintenance is straightforward, requiring only occasional washing and reproofing.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Mammut Crater Light HS Hooded Jacket – Men’s doesn’t come with any specific accessories beyond the integrated hood and adjustable cuffs and hem. There are no readily apparent customization options beyond layering with different base layers and mid-layers.

It is compatible with most standard backpacks and hiking gear.

Pros and Cons of Mammut Crater Light HS Hooded Jacket – Men’s

Who Should Buy Mammut Crater Light HS Hooded Jacket – Men’s?

The Mammut Crater Light HS Hooded Jacket – Men’s is perfect for hikers, backpackers, and outdoor enthusiasts who need a reliable, lightweight, and waterproof shell for varied weather conditions. This jacket is well-suited for individuals who prioritize sustainability and appreciate eco-conscious design.

Those engaging in extremely high-intensity activities or requiring a highly breathable jacket might want to consider alternatives with more advanced ventilation features. However, for most general outdoor use, the Crater Light is an excellent choice.

A good base layer and mid-layer are must-have accessories to maximize comfort and warmth in colder conditions.

Conclusion on Mammut Crater Light HS Hooded Jacket – Men’s

The Mammut Crater Light HS Hooded Jacket – Men’s is a well-designed and thoughtfully constructed piece of outdoor gear. It provides excellent weather protection in a lightweight and packable package, while also minimizing its environmental impact through sustainable materials and production processes.

At $180.00, the price is justified given the performance, durability, and eco-conscious features. I would definitely recommend this jacket to anyone looking for a reliable and versatile shell for hiking, backpacking, or general outdoor use.

If you’re in the market for a new rain jacket, consider the Mammut Crater Light HS Hooded Jacket – Men’s. It’s a purchase you won’t regret.