UKC

Mammut Teton Hard Shell Review

© Martin McKenna - UKC

The Mammut Teton is a versatile hard shell that's up for anything from hillwalking and scrambling to winter and alpine mountaineering. With its light three-layer Gore-Tex fabric and stripped-back design it weighs in at just 396g (size small, on my kitchen scales). For a full-spec waterproof mountain jacket that's a very respectable weight; there is some tradeoff in terms of durability though.

Fit

The Teton has an excellent cut, one of the best of any hardshell I have tried. The jacket sits snug around the chest and waist but with room to accommodate some extra layers such as a fleece or some mid layer insulation. The shoulders and arms are appropriately sized so there isn't excessive amounts of material that can catch the wind and blow around, which is something many jackets seem to struggle with. For added protection the jacket has a long back that will stop any snow, rain or whatever else blowing up inside and getting you wet. A drawcord around the bottom also allows you to fasten it tight against you, giving you total protection from the outside elements.

The general sizing of the jacket seems to be spot on, so your regular size will likely be what fits.

Fabric

Mammut have gone with 3-layer Gore-Tex on the Teton. While this standard Gore-Tex is a little less high-performing than the top-of-the range Gore-Tex Pro that Mammut use on their pricier Meron jacket (£400), it compares well for waterproof-ness. In use it feels easily breathable enough in most situations, and I think you only start to notice its limitations versus Pro when working up a sweat in warm, humid conditions. The fabric is noticeably light and flexible compared to many jackets I've worn and I suspect this is how Mammut have achieved such a low weight. Although the fabric is lightweight, and clearly not as hardwearing as Gore-Tex Pro, it can still take some degree of punishment. It is easily up to the demands of year-round hillwalking and general winter mountaineering, for instance; but mixed climbing, however, would be likely to trash it pretty quickly. This really isn't a jacket that you'll want to be thrutching up winter chimneys in. The Gore-Tex membrane uses C-Knit technology which gives a softer feel to the fabric when in direct skin contact. I've used this jacket while out doing Munros and it was noticeably comfortable to the point where all I wore while running in descent was a short sleeve base layer and the Teton on top.

Hood

Probably the hardest part for any jacket to get right is the hood. My other current hard shell is ridiculously restrictive when the hood is up and front zip is fully done up, to the point where I can hardly look left or right without a view of the inside of the hood. In contrast to this the Teton allows for a great degree of movement while maintaining the protection that your head and face need in a Scottish storm. The hood features a two way adjustable system - vertically and horizontally. These points are adjusted using either the two pull cords at the front or the pull cord at the back of the hood. The hood easily accommodates any climbing helmet without compromising on either the protection to your face or your freedom of movement. A stiffer peak helps it to keep its shape and stop water dripping lashing your eyes, too.

Features

There are two front zip pockets raised to be out the way of harness or rucksack straps. These accommodate anything bar the bulkiest pair of winter gloves. There is also an interior right hand zip pocket, perfect for storing car keys, phone or anything that needs to be kept safe and doesn't need to be immediately accessible.

For ventilation there are two-way underarm pit zips. I'm a big fan of pit zips when I'm either carrying a large pack or running. One thing that no jacket seems to have yet solved though, the Teton included, is the ability to zip/unzip them easily without general awkwardness or pulling the sleeves down.

This might seem daft, but my favorite feature on this jacket are the wrist fasteners. I hate jackets that have small thin straps that get wet or choked with snow and then cease to function, but the Teton sports a wide band of velcro and that resist well being pulled apart.

All the Teton’s zippers feature a plastic waterproof seal when closed.

Summary

While it's not a budget option, thanks to its simple design and lightweight fabric the Teton has an impressively low weight for a mountain shell. The cut and fit are second to none and the general build quality is excellent. The hood enables you to move almost unimpaired, yet still well protected with or without a helmet. Its low weight means it's perfect for chucking into a small bag just in case things get a bit wild while out climbing. The 3-layer Gore-Tex fabric is pretty tough too, considering, but it's clearly never going to be a winter climbing workhorse. All-season hillwalking and mountaineering, yes; thuggy Scottish mixed climbs, less so.

Mammut Teton product shot  © Mammut

What Mammut Say:

The Teton Jacket Men is a lightweight and yet robust 3-layer weather protection jacket for great alpine tours. The comfortable and high-quality GORE-TEX® material makes this jacket a constant companion.

  • Vertically and horizontally adjustable, helmet-compatible hood
  • Very light weather protection jacket offering reliable protection in high alpine terrain
  • Drawcord hem, adjustable by using one hand
  • GORE-TEX® 3-layer membrane with C-Knit™ technology, which is soft and particularly comfortable on the skin, but still very robust
  • Spray-proof 2-way front zip
  • 2 backpack- and climbing harness-compatible zipped pockets
  • Underarm ventilation with splashproof 2-way zipper
  • Pre-shaped sleeves with Velcro closures
  • Body mapping: Combination of different materials, optimized for individual needs

PRICE: £330

MORE INFORMATION: Mammut Website




3 Sep, 2016
It is deficient as far as I am concerned as it does not have an outside chest height pocket that will take a map and/or gloves or similar.The other two pockets are not as secure in this respect and are more of a faff in bad weather. With a chest pocket you can see better what you are doing in bad conditions.
4 Sep, 2016
think it would be better with a different model
That's it Tim. I'm off to find another winter partner. Just as well your injured! :P
5 Sep, 2016
where's the hot pics of me from fair head
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