Gear Review: Mammut Fitz Roy Jacket

Mammut Fitz Roy Jacket 8.5/10
My oh my have Mammut come up trumps this time! What a superb jacket.  For a start it's Schoeller Fabric is (as you'd expect) highly technical and superior to much else on the market.  This, according to Mammut's schpiel is an "intelligent membrane that adjusts its breathability to the ambient temperature. Pores open during high temperatures allowing more moisture to escape to the outside, while waterproofness remains at the same level. Lower temperatures cause the pores to close again and increase the insulation".  I've no idea how it works, it just does.  Basically it's a 3-layer hard shell that responds to changes in outer temperature.  The material has a warm flannel backing and an abrasion-resistant outer which feels and looks great, as well as performing excellently under harness, backpack etc. 

It has a stripped-down feel to this jacket which is good because it's not a light alpine jacket (1010g) but then it's a soft shell and a hard shell combined- so you'd expect it to be.  The MAP hood is simple to adjust and works well over a helmet, and ideal for boarding/ skiing as well as alpine use.  It also has two hand-pockets that have a nice lining to keep them warm and the usual single adjustment hem to keep the weather out.  It has an arm pocket for your ski pass/ gps and pit zips incase you're over-working the jacket (which is unlikely, it's very breathable).  It's also DRYtech waterproof which is durable (but not as durable, in my book as the Proshell outer).  It's also a stunning looking jacket (as usual) and stands up to abuse.  It's got good adjustable velcro cuffs and doesn't ride about when highly active.  An excellent jacket, well designed, it comes in at £400/£370, so it ain't cheap but I've seen it for a lot less than that online so snap them up before they go! (Webtogs, packyourbags)

SPEC:

Fabric: Schoeller® C-Change™ 3-layer

DRYtech waterproof / windproof technology

BreathableMAP hood for quick adjustment and excellent visibility

2 zippered hand warmer pockets1 arm zippered arm pocket
2-way pit zipsOne-hand adjustable drawcord waist hem
Recommended for: backcountry, climbing, hiking, skiing, snowboarding
Weight: 1010g