Vermaine from United States, VT Public Profile

incredible softshell pants. I wanted a burlier softshell for climbing and skiing. this is the pant. fit is great. the gaiter system in the leg is the best I have seen - can go from ski boots to climbing boots and back with no superfluous material and minimum faff. vents on the outside thighs keep it cool on the ascent. they breath, block wind and precip, and stretch very well. they are actually pretty darn warm - could see not using base layer bottoms on days above 25F if nice out. only issue is price. but with mammut I am starting to believe that you pay for what you get.

this jacket hits all the technical specs you want out of a 60g synthetic insulation piece. it is perfect year round. summer through fall it can function as a belay jacket. winter its perfect layering piece in the arsenal. the pertex blocks wind and precip, and the jacket dries out very quickly. packs down small to nalgene or smaller type size, weighing only a couple ounces more than the 300 dollar new patagonia micropuff, and burlier material as well.

only limitation is that this jacket does not breathe very well - which is the point - it blocks wind and rain, and holds in heat. if it is cold enough for me to be wearing this jacket while moving, i'm most likely moving pretty slow, or it is really cold, or both most likely. example would be approaching an alpine ice climb - approaching in base layer and wind shirt. base of climb, strip wet layer, throw on fresh layers and this coat. if really cold and or seconding a climb ie not working super hard, i'll keep this on. if leading, or hard climbing,take it off and pack it down and clip to harness or in pack..

the patagonia lightweight capilene is my go to baselayer for all my winter activities. I think it breaths and wicks moisture just as good as wool, and more importantly, dries faster than wool. not really designed to provide insulation - more as an against the skin layer that you can dry quickly or strip and throw in the pack for the way down or climb up. and it is ethically made and will last longer, and be less stinky than cheaper base layers.