ActiveHiking & WalkingMammut Taiss HS waterproof jacket: a well-rounded mountain shellA great do-it-all, mountain-ready waterproof jacket with a full complement of technical features and a price tag that undercuts many premium rivalsWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.(Image credit: Matthew Jones)T3 VerdictThe Mammut Taiss Hard Shell is a high-spec jacket that works well for technical mountain use throughout the year, thanks to a range of climber-focused features and the use of the Swiss brand’s own comfortable, stretchy DRY Tech Pro waterproof-breathable fabric. It’s fairly lightweight and packable for a three-layer shell yet feels very protective. Only on the coldest winter ascents might you want a slightly tougher and more durable outer layer.Reasons to buy+Balances low weight, protection and breathability+Comfortable fit and fabric+Great hoodReasons to avoid-Not the toughest fabric for hard winter use-No hand pockets or inner dump pocketsWhy you can trust T3Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about how we test.
ActiveHiking & WalkingMammut Taiss HS waterproof jacket: a well-rounded mountain shellA great do-it-all, mountain-ready waterproof jacket with a full complement of technical features and a price tag that undercuts many premium rivalsWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.(Image credit: Matthew Jones)T3 VerdictThe Mammut Taiss Hard Shell is a high-spec jacket that works well for technical mountain use throughout the year, thanks to a range of climber-focused features and the use of the Swiss brand’s own comfortable, stretchy DRY Tech Pro waterproof-breathable fabric. It’s fairly lightweight and packable for a three-layer shell yet feels very protective. Only on the coldest winter ascents might you want a slightly tougher and more durable outer layer.Reasons to buy+Balances low weight, protection and breathability+Comfortable fit and fabric+Great hoodReasons to avoid-Not the toughest fabric for hard winter use-No hand pockets or inner dump pocketsWhy you can trust T3Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about how we test.
A great do-it-all, mountain-ready waterproof jacket with a full complement of technical features and a price tag that undercuts many premium rivals
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Matthew Jones)T3 VerdictThe Mammut Taiss Hard Shell is a high-spec jacket that works well for technical mountain use throughout the year, thanks to a range of climber-focused features and the use of the Swiss brand’s own comfortable, stretchy DRY Tech Pro waterproof-breathable fabric. It’s fairly lightweight and packable for a three-layer shell yet feels very protective. Only on the coldest winter ascents might you want a slightly tougher and more durable outer layer.Reasons to buy+Balances low weight, protection and breathability+Comfortable fit and fabric+Great hoodReasons to avoid-Not the toughest fabric for hard winter use-No hand pockets or inner dump pockets
(Image credit: Matthew Jones)
(Image credit: Matthew Jones)
T3 VerdictThe Mammut Taiss Hard Shell is a high-spec jacket that works well for technical mountain use throughout the year, thanks to a range of climber-focused features and the use of the Swiss brand’s own comfortable, stretchy DRY Tech Pro waterproof-breathable fabric. It’s fairly lightweight and packable for a three-layer shell yet feels very protective. Only on the coldest winter ascents might you want a slightly tougher and more durable outer layer.Reasons to buy+Balances low weight, protection and breathability+Comfortable fit and fabric+Great hoodReasons to avoid-Not the toughest fabric for hard winter use-No hand pockets or inner dump pockets
T3 VerdictThe Mammut Taiss Hard Shell is a high-spec jacket that works well for technical mountain use throughout the year, thanks to a range of climber-focused features and the use of the Swiss brand’s own comfortable, stretchy DRY Tech Pro waterproof-breathable fabric. It’s fairly lightweight and packable for a three-layer shell yet feels very protective. Only on the coldest winter ascents might you want a slightly tougher and more durable outer layer.
T3 Verdict
The Mammut Taiss Hard Shell is a high-spec jacket that works well for technical mountain use throughout the year, thanks to a range of climber-focused features and the use of the Swiss brand’s own comfortable, stretchy DRY Tech Pro waterproof-breathable fabric. It’s fairly lightweight and packable for a three-layer shell yet feels very protective. Only on the coldest winter ascents might you want a slightly tougher and more durable outer layer.
Reasons to buy+Balances low weight, protection and breathability+Comfortable fit and fabric+Great hoodReasons to avoid-Not the toughest fabric for hard winter use-No hand pockets or inner dump pockets
Reasons to buy+Balances low weight, protection and breathability+Comfortable fit and fabric+Great hood
Balances low weight, protection and breathability
Comfortable fit and fabric
Great hood
Reasons to avoid-Not the toughest fabric for hard winter use-No hand pockets or inner dump pockets
Not the toughest fabric for hard winter use
No hand pockets or inner dump pockets
Why you can trust T3Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about how we test.
Why you can trust T3Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you.Find out more about how we test.
‘Taiss’ is a word that means ‘steep’ in Friulian, the traditional mountain language of the Swiss-Italian Alps. It’s the name that Mammut has given to its all-round mountaineering range, which sits just below the Swiss brand’s pinnacleEiger Extreme collection. However, Taiss products are all still focused on providing lightweight technical performance in classic rocky, glaciated Alpine terrain. As such, the Taiss HS (hard shell) is a technical waterproof jacket, suitable for all-weather hiking, hillwalking, scrambling, climbing, mountaineering and alpinism.This is a well-designed jacket that balances the key qualities the typical outdoor user wants in a waterproof shell: reliable protection, decent durability, high breathability and a comfortable fit. It’s also reasonably lightweight and packable, and kitted out with a full range of technical features. For the Taiss HS, Mammut has used its in-house DRYtechnology Pro fabric (which has a Hydrostatic Head of 27,000mm) rather than an alternative waterproof-breathable membrane such as Gore-Tex. It’s a slightly stretchy fabric, and on paper stacks up well against more expensive Gore-Tex rivals.So, is the Mammut Taiss good enough to join the ranks of thebest waterproof jacketscurrently on the market? I took it into the mountains to put it to the test.Today’s best Mammut Taiss HS waterproof jacket deals$385ViewNo price informationCheck AmazonWe check over 250 million products every day for the best pricesThe Mammut Taiss Hard Shell Jacket: SpecificationsRRP:€375 (EUR)/ £325 (UK)Weight:420g/23.3ozHydrostatic Head:27,000mmMaterials used:3L Mammut DRYtechnology Pro (100% 30D nylon face), PFC-free DWR finishSizes:Men’s S-XXL, Women’s XS-XL(Image credit: Mammut)The Mammut Taiss Hard Shell Jacket: Design and featuresLike a lot of Mammut kit, this shell has a fairly trim, streamlined cut that is typical of climbing-focused apparel. It sits just below the hips but has plenty of length in the arms to provide full coverage even when reaching up for holds. Pre-shaped sleeves ensure good articulation, while a slight drop trail adds a bit of rear protection. There is also dual hem adjustment with embedded low-profile Cohaesive stoppers and split drawcords, to ensure there are no loops to snag whilst climbing or scrambling.Contoured cuffs extend across the back of the hands and chunky Velcro tabs ensure a secure, weatherproof seal. Extensive laminated underarm pit zips with two-way zippers give versatile ventilation. The hood is an unusual and innovative single-pull design: cinching in the drawcord at the back of the head simultaneously brings in the volume and tightens the fit around the face, which is a neat and clever bit of design. It will fit over a climbing helmet, but works well with a bare head or beanie too. A high collar zips right up to the nose, and a stiffened brim offers good resistance to wind whilst also deflecting rain and spindrift.The main zip is a chunky YKK Aquaguard component with two-way zippers, a soft chin guard and a small internal storm flap. Inside the jacket there’s a side-entry zipped security pocket, though sadly no dump pockets for stashing gloves or a flask. You do get two deep external Napoleon-style chest pockets though, also fitted with water-resistant laminated zippers.(Image credit: Matthew Jones)The Mammut Taiss Hard Shell Jacket: Performance and comfortIn terms of construction, the jacket uses Mammut’s own DRY Technology Pro fabric. It’s a three-layer waterproof-breathable fabric that sandwiches a PU-based membrane between a tricot backer and a 30-denier nylon face. It strikes a good balance between weight, comfort, breathability and durability – we’d say it’s ideal for three-season use, though there are heavier shells that feel a bit tougher for full-on winter conditions. When it comes to weight, the Taiss HS tips the scales at 420g in a men’s medium. That’s a competitive weight for a technical mountain shell with this many features.The fabric has some stretch, which ensures good levels of comfort and mobility. Although it’s a bit swishy, it’s also nowhere near as loud or crinkly as stiffer Gore-Tex Pro shells. If that’s a bugbear of yours, you’ll appreciate this jacket’s softer and more pliable feel. It’s worth noting that it’s also finished with a PFC-free Durable Water Repellent (DWR) treatment, which is a slight plus in eco terms.When it comes to performance, this jacket proved to be a reliable barrier from wind, rain and even sleet. Like almost all hard shells, it does start to feel a bit fuggy inside when really working hard, but those extended pit zips do a good job of helping to cool you down fast. It’s a versatile shell that can be used throughout spring, summer, autumn and even into winter – though personally, for very cold and challenging mountain days, we’d pick something a bit tougher. That’s because the 30D fabric lacks some stiffness to deflect wind and precipitation, so you do feel like you’re getting a bit battered in the really rough stuff. On the other hand, for milder days, or even times when you’re carrying your shell in a pack rather than wearing it, you’ll appreciate thid jacket’s relatively low weight and good packability – a shortcoming with heavier and bulkier rivals.The Mammut Taiss Hard Shell Jacket: overall verdictBoasting solid performance and first-class comfort, there’s lots to like about the Mammut Taiss HS. It’s a well-designed technical shell that stands up well against other rivals, many of which cost considerably more without offering significant gains in performance, fit or features. In fact, this shell’s excellent hood, trim fit and pleasantly stretchy fabric make it much nicer to wear for extended periods than many stiff, unforgiving Gore-Tex Pro alternatives. Hillwalkers might bemoan the lack of hand pockets, but the use of crossover chest pockets makes a lot of sense given the Taiss’s alpine focus, keeping storage well clear or a climbing harness or rucksack hip belt. Streamlining such extras also keeps the weight down, so the Taiss beats a lot of rivals in this regard too. Its only real shortcomings are revealed in full winter conditions, when you might want a slightly thicker, tougher shell for added protection and durability.
‘Taiss’ is a word that means ‘steep’ in Friulian, the traditional mountain language of the Swiss-Italian Alps. It’s the name that Mammut has given to its all-round mountaineering range, which sits just below the Swiss brand’s pinnacleEiger Extreme collection. However, Taiss products are all still focused on providing lightweight technical performance in classic rocky, glaciated Alpine terrain. As such, the Taiss HS (hard shell) is a technical waterproof jacket, suitable for all-weather hiking, hillwalking, scrambling, climbing, mountaineering and alpinism.This is a well-designed jacket that balances the key qualities the typical outdoor user wants in a waterproof shell: reliable protection, decent durability, high breathability and a comfortable fit. It’s also reasonably lightweight and packable, and kitted out with a full range of technical features. For the Taiss HS, Mammut has used its in-house DRYtechnology Pro fabric (which has a Hydrostatic Head of 27,000mm) rather than an alternative waterproof-breathable membrane such as Gore-Tex. It’s a slightly stretchy fabric, and on paper stacks up well against more expensive Gore-Tex rivals.So, is the Mammut Taiss good enough to join the ranks of thebest waterproof jacketscurrently on the market? I took it into the mountains to put it to the test.Today’s best Mammut Taiss HS waterproof jacket deals$385ViewNo price informationCheck AmazonWe check over 250 million products every day for the best pricesThe Mammut Taiss Hard Shell Jacket: SpecificationsRRP:€375 (EUR)/ £325 (UK)Weight:420g/23.3ozHydrostatic Head:27,000mmMaterials used:3L Mammut DRYtechnology Pro (100% 30D nylon face), PFC-free DWR finishSizes:Men’s S-XXL, Women’s XS-XL(Image credit: Mammut)The Mammut Taiss Hard Shell Jacket: Design and featuresLike a lot of Mammut kit, this shell has a fairly trim, streamlined cut that is typical of climbing-focused apparel. It sits just below the hips but has plenty of length in the arms to provide full coverage even when reaching up for holds. Pre-shaped sleeves ensure good articulation, while a slight drop trail adds a bit of rear protection. There is also dual hem adjustment with embedded low-profile Cohaesive stoppers and split drawcords, to ensure there are no loops to snag whilst climbing or scrambling.Contoured cuffs extend across the back of the hands and chunky Velcro tabs ensure a secure, weatherproof seal. Extensive laminated underarm pit zips with two-way zippers give versatile ventilation. The hood is an unusual and innovative single-pull design: cinching in the drawcord at the back of the head simultaneously brings in the volume and tightens the fit around the face, which is a neat and clever bit of design. It will fit over a climbing helmet, but works well with a bare head or beanie too. A high collar zips right up to the nose, and a stiffened brim offers good resistance to wind whilst also deflecting rain and spindrift.The main zip is a chunky YKK Aquaguard component with two-way zippers, a soft chin guard and a small internal storm flap. Inside the jacket there’s a side-entry zipped security pocket, though sadly no dump pockets for stashing gloves or a flask. You do get two deep external Napoleon-style chest pockets though, also fitted with water-resistant laminated zippers.(Image credit: Matthew Jones)The Mammut Taiss Hard Shell Jacket: Performance and comfortIn terms of construction, the jacket uses Mammut’s own DRY Technology Pro fabric. It’s a three-layer waterproof-breathable fabric that sandwiches a PU-based membrane between a tricot backer and a 30-denier nylon face. It strikes a good balance between weight, comfort, breathability and durability – we’d say it’s ideal for three-season use, though there are heavier shells that feel a bit tougher for full-on winter conditions. When it comes to weight, the Taiss HS tips the scales at 420g in a men’s medium. That’s a competitive weight for a technical mountain shell with this many features.The fabric has some stretch, which ensures good levels of comfort and mobility. Although it’s a bit swishy, it’s also nowhere near as loud or crinkly as stiffer Gore-Tex Pro shells. If that’s a bugbear of yours, you’ll appreciate this jacket’s softer and more pliable feel. It’s worth noting that it’s also finished with a PFC-free Durable Water Repellent (DWR) treatment, which is a slight plus in eco terms.When it comes to performance, this jacket proved to be a reliable barrier from wind, rain and even sleet. Like almost all hard shells, it does start to feel a bit fuggy inside when really working hard, but those extended pit zips do a good job of helping to cool you down fast. It’s a versatile shell that can be used throughout spring, summer, autumn and even into winter – though personally, for very cold and challenging mountain days, we’d pick something a bit tougher. That’s because the 30D fabric lacks some stiffness to deflect wind and precipitation, so you do feel like you’re getting a bit battered in the really rough stuff. On the other hand, for milder days, or even times when you’re carrying your shell in a pack rather than wearing it, you’ll appreciate thid jacket’s relatively low weight and good packability – a shortcoming with heavier and bulkier rivals.The Mammut Taiss Hard Shell Jacket: overall verdictBoasting solid performance and first-class comfort, there’s lots to like about the Mammut Taiss HS. It’s a well-designed technical shell that stands up well against other rivals, many of which cost considerably more without offering significant gains in performance, fit or features. In fact, this shell’s excellent hood, trim fit and pleasantly stretchy fabric make it much nicer to wear for extended periods than many stiff, unforgiving Gore-Tex Pro alternatives. Hillwalkers might bemoan the lack of hand pockets, but the use of crossover chest pockets makes a lot of sense given the Taiss’s alpine focus, keeping storage well clear or a climbing harness or rucksack hip belt. Streamlining such extras also keeps the weight down, so the Taiss beats a lot of rivals in this regard too. Its only real shortcomings are revealed in full winter conditions, when you might want a slightly thicker, tougher shell for added protection and durability.
‘Taiss’ is a word that means ‘steep’ in Friulian, the traditional mountain language of the Swiss-Italian Alps. It’s the name that Mammut has given to its all-round mountaineering range, which sits just below the Swiss brand’s pinnacleEiger Extreme collection. However, Taiss products are all still focused on providing lightweight technical performance in classic rocky, glaciated Alpine terrain. As such, the Taiss HS (hard shell) is a technical waterproof jacket, suitable for all-weather hiking, hillwalking, scrambling, climbing, mountaineering and alpinism.This is a well-designed jacket that balances the key qualities the typical outdoor user wants in a waterproof shell: reliable protection, decent durability, high breathability and a comfortable fit. It’s also reasonably lightweight and packable, and kitted out with a full range of technical features. For the Taiss HS, Mammut has used its in-house DRYtechnology Pro fabric (which has a Hydrostatic Head of 27,000mm) rather than an alternative waterproof-breathable membrane such as Gore-Tex. It’s a slightly stretchy fabric, and on paper stacks up well against more expensive Gore-Tex rivals.So, is the Mammut Taiss good enough to join the ranks of thebest waterproof jacketscurrently on the market? I took it into the mountains to put it to the test.Today’s best Mammut Taiss HS waterproof jacket deals$385ViewNo price informationCheck AmazonWe check over 250 million products every day for the best pricesThe Mammut Taiss Hard Shell Jacket: SpecificationsRRP:€375 (EUR)/ £325 (UK)Weight:420g/23.3ozHydrostatic Head:27,000mmMaterials used:3L Mammut DRYtechnology Pro (100% 30D nylon face), PFC-free DWR finishSizes:Men’s S-XXL, Women’s XS-XL(Image credit: Mammut)The Mammut Taiss Hard Shell Jacket: Design and featuresLike a lot of Mammut kit, this shell has a fairly trim, streamlined cut that is typical of climbing-focused apparel. It sits just below the hips but has plenty of length in the arms to provide full coverage even when reaching up for holds. Pre-shaped sleeves ensure good articulation, while a slight drop trail adds a bit of rear protection. There is also dual hem adjustment with embedded low-profile Cohaesive stoppers and split drawcords, to ensure there are no loops to snag whilst climbing or scrambling.Contoured cuffs extend across the back of the hands and chunky Velcro tabs ensure a secure, weatherproof seal. Extensive laminated underarm pit zips with two-way zippers give versatile ventilation. The hood is an unusual and innovative single-pull design: cinching in the drawcord at the back of the head simultaneously brings in the volume and tightens the fit around the face, which is a neat and clever bit of design. It will fit over a climbing helmet, but works well with a bare head or beanie too. A high collar zips right up to the nose, and a stiffened brim offers good resistance to wind whilst also deflecting rain and spindrift.The main zip is a chunky YKK Aquaguard component with two-way zippers, a soft chin guard and a small internal storm flap. Inside the jacket there’s a side-entry zipped security pocket, though sadly no dump pockets for stashing gloves or a flask. You do get two deep external Napoleon-style chest pockets though, also fitted with water-resistant laminated zippers.(Image credit: Matthew Jones)The Mammut Taiss Hard Shell Jacket: Performance and comfortIn terms of construction, the jacket uses Mammut’s own DRY Technology Pro fabric. It’s a three-layer waterproof-breathable fabric that sandwiches a PU-based membrane between a tricot backer and a 30-denier nylon face. It strikes a good balance between weight, comfort, breathability and durability – we’d say it’s ideal for three-season use, though there are heavier shells that feel a bit tougher for full-on winter conditions. When it comes to weight, the Taiss HS tips the scales at 420g in a men’s medium. That’s a competitive weight for a technical mountain shell with this many features.The fabric has some stretch, which ensures good levels of comfort and mobility. Although it’s a bit swishy, it’s also nowhere near as loud or crinkly as stiffer Gore-Tex Pro shells. If that’s a bugbear of yours, you’ll appreciate this jacket’s softer and more pliable feel. It’s worth noting that it’s also finished with a PFC-free Durable Water Repellent (DWR) treatment, which is a slight plus in eco terms.When it comes to performance, this jacket proved to be a reliable barrier from wind, rain and even sleet. Like almost all hard shells, it does start to feel a bit fuggy inside when really working hard, but those extended pit zips do a good job of helping to cool you down fast. It’s a versatile shell that can be used throughout spring, summer, autumn and even into winter – though personally, for very cold and challenging mountain days, we’d pick something a bit tougher. That’s because the 30D fabric lacks some stiffness to deflect wind and precipitation, so you do feel like you’re getting a bit battered in the really rough stuff. On the other hand, for milder days, or even times when you’re carrying your shell in a pack rather than wearing it, you’ll appreciate thid jacket’s relatively low weight and good packability – a shortcoming with heavier and bulkier rivals.The Mammut Taiss Hard Shell Jacket: overall verdictBoasting solid performance and first-class comfort, there’s lots to like about the Mammut Taiss HS. It’s a well-designed technical shell that stands up well against other rivals, many of which cost considerably more without offering significant gains in performance, fit or features. In fact, this shell’s excellent hood, trim fit and pleasantly stretchy fabric make it much nicer to wear for extended periods than many stiff, unforgiving Gore-Tex Pro alternatives. Hillwalkers might bemoan the lack of hand pockets, but the use of crossover chest pockets makes a lot of sense given the Taiss’s alpine focus, keeping storage well clear or a climbing harness or rucksack hip belt. Streamlining such extras also keeps the weight down, so the Taiss beats a lot of rivals in this regard too. Its only real shortcomings are revealed in full winter conditions, when you might want a slightly thicker, tougher shell for added protection and durability.
‘Taiss’ is a word that means ‘steep’ in Friulian, the traditional mountain language of the Swiss-Italian Alps. It’s the name that Mammut has given to its all-round mountaineering range, which sits just below the Swiss brand’s pinnacleEiger Extreme collection. However, Taiss products are all still focused on providing lightweight technical performance in classic rocky, glaciated Alpine terrain. As such, the Taiss HS (hard shell) is a technical waterproof jacket, suitable for all-weather hiking, hillwalking, scrambling, climbing, mountaineering and alpinism.
This is a well-designed jacket that balances the key qualities the typical outdoor user wants in a waterproof shell: reliable protection, decent durability, high breathability and a comfortable fit. It’s also reasonably lightweight and packable, and kitted out with a full range of technical features. For the Taiss HS, Mammut has used its in-house DRYtechnology Pro fabric (which has a Hydrostatic Head of 27,000mm) rather than an alternative waterproof-breathable membrane such as Gore-Tex. It’s a slightly stretchy fabric, and on paper stacks up well against more expensive Gore-Tex rivals.
So, is the Mammut Taiss good enough to join the ranks of thebest waterproof jacketscurrently on the market? I took it into the mountains to put it to the test.
Today’s best Mammut Taiss HS waterproof jacket deals$385ViewNo price informationCheck AmazonWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best Mammut Taiss HS waterproof jacket deals$385ViewNo price informationCheck AmazonWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best Mammut Taiss HS waterproof jacket deals
$385ViewNo price informationCheck Amazon
$385View
$385View
$385View
$385
$385
No price informationCheck Amazon
No price informationCheck Amazon
No price informationCheck Amazon
No price information
No price information
We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
The Mammut Taiss Hard Shell Jacket: Specifications
(Image credit: Mammut)
(Image credit: Mammut)
The Mammut Taiss Hard Shell Jacket: Design and features
Like a lot of Mammut kit, this shell has a fairly trim, streamlined cut that is typical of climbing-focused apparel. It sits just below the hips but has plenty of length in the arms to provide full coverage even when reaching up for holds. Pre-shaped sleeves ensure good articulation, while a slight drop trail adds a bit of rear protection. There is also dual hem adjustment with embedded low-profile Cohaesive stoppers and split drawcords, to ensure there are no loops to snag whilst climbing or scrambling.
Contoured cuffs extend across the back of the hands and chunky Velcro tabs ensure a secure, weatherproof seal. Extensive laminated underarm pit zips with two-way zippers give versatile ventilation. The hood is an unusual and innovative single-pull design: cinching in the drawcord at the back of the head simultaneously brings in the volume and tightens the fit around the face, which is a neat and clever bit of design. It will fit over a climbing helmet, but works well with a bare head or beanie too. A high collar zips right up to the nose, and a stiffened brim offers good resistance to wind whilst also deflecting rain and spindrift.
The main zip is a chunky YKK Aquaguard component with two-way zippers, a soft chin guard and a small internal storm flap. Inside the jacket there’s a side-entry zipped security pocket, though sadly no dump pockets for stashing gloves or a flask. You do get two deep external Napoleon-style chest pockets though, also fitted with water-resistant laminated zippers.
(Image credit: Matthew Jones)
(Image credit: Matthew Jones)
The Mammut Taiss Hard Shell Jacket: Performance and comfort
In terms of construction, the jacket uses Mammut’s own DRY Technology Pro fabric. It’s a three-layer waterproof-breathable fabric that sandwiches a PU-based membrane between a tricot backer and a 30-denier nylon face. It strikes a good balance between weight, comfort, breathability and durability – we’d say it’s ideal for three-season use, though there are heavier shells that feel a bit tougher for full-on winter conditions. When it comes to weight, the Taiss HS tips the scales at 420g in a men’s medium. That’s a competitive weight for a technical mountain shell with this many features.
The fabric has some stretch, which ensures good levels of comfort and mobility. Although it’s a bit swishy, it’s also nowhere near as loud or crinkly as stiffer Gore-Tex Pro shells. If that’s a bugbear of yours, you’ll appreciate this jacket’s softer and more pliable feel. It’s worth noting that it’s also finished with a PFC-free Durable Water Repellent (DWR) treatment, which is a slight plus in eco terms.
When it comes to performance, this jacket proved to be a reliable barrier from wind, rain and even sleet. Like almost all hard shells, it does start to feel a bit fuggy inside when really working hard, but those extended pit zips do a good job of helping to cool you down fast. It’s a versatile shell that can be used throughout spring, summer, autumn and even into winter – though personally, for very cold and challenging mountain days, we’d pick something a bit tougher. That’s because the 30D fabric lacks some stiffness to deflect wind and precipitation, so you do feel like you’re getting a bit battered in the really rough stuff. On the other hand, for milder days, or even times when you’re carrying your shell in a pack rather than wearing it, you’ll appreciate thid jacket’s relatively low weight and good packability – a shortcoming with heavier and bulkier rivals.
The Mammut Taiss Hard Shell Jacket: overall verdict
Boasting solid performance and first-class comfort, there’s lots to like about the Mammut Taiss HS. It’s a well-designed technical shell that stands up well against other rivals, many of which cost considerably more without offering significant gains in performance, fit or features. In fact, this shell’s excellent hood, trim fit and pleasantly stretchy fabric make it much nicer to wear for extended periods than many stiff, unforgiving Gore-Tex Pro alternatives. Hillwalkers might bemoan the lack of hand pockets, but the use of crossover chest pockets makes a lot of sense given the Taiss’s alpine focus, keeping storage well clear or a climbing harness or rucksack hip belt. Streamlining such extras also keeps the weight down, so the Taiss beats a lot of rivals in this regard too. Its only real shortcomings are revealed in full winter conditions, when you might want a slightly thicker, tougher shell for added protection and durability.
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