What Makes Mammut GRANITE SO Hooded Jacket – Men’s Stand Out?
The Mammut GRANITE SO Hooded Jacket – Men’s is a lightweight softshell designed by Mammut for summer hiking, offering breathability, packability, and sun protection. Priced at $82.50, it presents itself as an affordable option for outdoor enthusiasts looking for a versatile layer. Key features such as its recycled polyester fabric with 4-way stretch, UPF 50+ rating, and PFC-free DWR treatment are designed to enhance comfort and performance on the trails.
My quest for the perfect summer hiking jacket led me to the Mammut GRANITE SO Hooded Jacket – Men’s. I needed something that could block the wind on exposed ridges, protect me from the sun during long ascents, and pack down small when the weather warmed up.
Upon unboxing the Mammut GRANITE SO Hooded Jacket – Men’s, I was immediately struck by its sleek design and lightweight feel. The material felt soft and stretchy, suggesting a comfortable fit and unrestricted movement.
Compared to other softshell jackets I’ve used, like the Patagonia R1 TechFace and the Arc’teryx Squamish Hoody, the Mammut GRANITE SO Hooded Jacket – Men’s seemed less focused on outright weather resistance and more on breathability and packability. I chose it because it seemed ideal for the specific conditions I typically encounter on summer hikes in the mountains.
My first impression was positive; the jacket felt well-made and seemed to offer a good balance of features for the price. I was excited to put it to the test on the trail.
Real-World Testing: Putting Mammut GRANITE SO Hooded Jacket – Men’s to the Test
First Use Experience
I took the Mammut GRANITE SO Hooded Jacket – Men’s on a day hike in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. The hike involved a steep climb above treeline, where I expected to encounter strong winds and intense sun.
The jacket performed admirably in the exposed areas, effectively blocking the wind and preventing me from getting chilled. The UPF 50+ rating provided welcome sun protection during a long, exposed traverse. The jacket was comfortable to wear during the uphill climb despite the high-output activity.
Initially, I was pleased with how the jacket regulated my temperature and provided ample protection without causing me to overheat.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of use, the Mammut GRANITE SO Hooded Jacket – Men’s has proven to be a reliable and versatile piece of gear. I’ve worn it on numerous hikes, trail runs, and even around town on cool evenings.
The jacket has shown minimal signs of wear and tear, even after being stuffed into my pack repeatedly. The fabric still looks new and the zippers are functioning smoothly. The jacket is easy to clean; I simply throw it in the washing machine on a gentle cycle and hang it to dry.
Compared to previous lightweight jackets I’ve owned, the Mammut GRANITE SO Hooded Jacket – Men’s has impressed me with its combination of comfort, breathability, and durability. It’s outperformed my expectations for a jacket in this price range.
Breaking Down the Features of Mammut GRANITE SO Hooded Jacket – Men’s
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Mammut
- Apparel Fit: Regular
- Gender: Male
- Age Group: Adults
- Application: Outdoor
- Fabric/Material: Polyester
- Pleasant stretch material with Primeflex: This allows for a full range of unrestricted movement, crucial for dynamic activities like hiking or climbing.
- With PFC-free Durable Water Repellent (DWR) treatment: The DWR finish provides light water resistance, shedding light rain and preventing the fabric from becoming saturated.
- YKK Vislon 2-way zipper for smooth operation: The YKK zipper ensures smooth and reliable operation, allowing for easy ventilation and temperature control.
- 2-point adjustable hood: The adjustable hood provides customizable protection from the wind and sun, ensuring a comfortable fit.
- Two zippered side pockets: The zippered pockets offer secure storage for essentials like a phone, keys, or snacks.
- Elasticated cuffs: The elasticated cuffs provide a snug fit, preventing wind from entering the sleeves.
- Hem width can be adjusted with drawstring: The adjustable hem allows for a customizable fit, sealing out drafts and retaining warmth.
These specifications are important because they contribute to the jacket’s overall performance and versatility. The combination of stretch fabric, DWR treatment, and adjustable features makes it well-suited for a variety of outdoor activities.
Performance & Functionality
The Mammut GRANITE SO Hooded Jacket – Men’s performs its job exceptionally well, providing a comfortable and protective layer for hiking and other outdoor activities. It’s breathable enough for high-output activities, yet still provides adequate wind resistance.
The jacket’s strengths lie in its lightweight design, comfortable fit, and excellent breathability. A potential weakness is that it is not a fully waterproof jacket; it will only repel light rain.
The jacket meets my expectations and I will be using it regularly during the warm season.
Design & Ergonomics
The Mammut GRANITE SO Hooded Jacket – Men’s has a sleek and minimalist design. The materials feel high-quality and the construction seems solid. The regular fit allows for comfortable layering, and the jacket moves well with the body.
The jacket is user-friendly and requires no learning curve. The adjustable hood and hem provide a customized fit.
Durability & Maintenance
The jacket appears to be durable and well-constructed. With proper care, it should last for many seasons of use.
The jacket is easy to maintain and clean. It can be machine washed and dried on a low setting.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Mammut GRANITE SO Hooded Jacket – Men’s does not come with any additional accessories. The jacket’s simple design doesn’t lend itself to extensive customization.
The jacket is compatible with layering systems from Mammut and other brands, allowing users to adjust their insulation based on the weather conditions.
Pros and Cons of Mammut GRANITE SO Hooded Jacket – Men’s
Pros
- Lightweight and packable design makes it easy to carry on any hike.
- Excellent breathability keeps you comfortable during high-output activities.
- The Primeflex stretch material allows for unrestricted movement.
- The UPF 50+ rating offers great sun protection.
- Great value for the price compared to higher-end softshell options.
Cons
- Not fully waterproof, only water-resistant.
- Minimal insulation, best suited for mild weather or layering.
Who Should Buy Mammut GRANITE SO Hooded Jacket – Men’s?
The Mammut GRANITE SO Hooded Jacket – Men’s is perfect for hikers, trail runners, and anyone who enjoys spending time outdoors in mild weather. It’s also a good option for travelers who need a lightweight and packable jacket for variable conditions.
This jacket might not be ideal for those who need a fully waterproof or heavily insulated layer. Someone looking for a jacket for colder or wetter conditions should look at other options.
There are no must-have accessories.
Conclusion on Mammut GRANITE SO Hooded Jacket – Men’s
The Mammut GRANITE SO Hooded Jacket – Men’s is a fantastic lightweight softshell jacket that offers excellent breathability, comfort, and sun protection at an affordable price. It’s a versatile piece of gear that’s well-suited for a variety of outdoor activities.
The price is definitely justified given the quality and features of the jacket. I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone looking for a reliable and packable layer for summer hiking and other outdoor adventures.
If you’re looking for a versatile and affordable softshell jacket for your next outdoor adventure, the Mammut GRANITE SO Hooded Jacket – Men’s is definitely worth considering. Don’t let unpredictable weather ruin your hike; grab one of these jackets and enjoy the trails!