Mammut Ultimate Alpine SO Hooded Jacket

Protection Any softshell can take a little rain or wet snow, but the Mammut Ultimate Alpine SO Hooded Jacket can handle a direct hit from a surprise storm. Made of Gore’s new Windstopper with Light Rain Resistance three-layer fabric, it has a more water-resistant membrane, a new DWR treatment, and taped seams. (The membrane isn’t waterproof to preserve breathability.) One tester reported that the shell held up in 30 minutes of heavy rain without leaking—that’s about twice the weather resistance of typical softies.

Fit The trim cut accommodates up to two thin layers underneath, and two-way stretch let us reach for climbing holds without restriction.

Features A cinchable hem and hood blocked gusts, but testers griped that the tiny hood toggle was “fumbly with gloves” and that the hood only fits over low-profile helmets.

Packability “Very good protection-to-bulk ratio,” says a tester of the lightweight shell, which packs down to the size of a large grapefruit. m’s S-XXL, w’s XS-XL