It's A Soft Shell, It's A Hard Shell, Erm...

In the flesh, the Gipfelgrat is robust-feeling, tough guy of a jacket which is reflected in its 800g weight.

We've just reviewed the new Stretch Neo jacket from Rab, in the new award-winning Polartec Neoshell fabric, but interestingly, it's also available in waterproof soft shell form in the shape of the new Gipfelgrat Jacket from Mammut.

We saw the Gipfelgrat when we popped down to Mammut UK HQ in Macclesfield earlier this year and it's a serious bit of kit with a really tough, robust feel to it - you wouldn't want to bump into it in a damp, alpine alley after a few pints too many - and a weight to match at a whisker under 800 grammes. 

Like Rab's jacket, it uses a stretch version of the new fabric – the air-permeable PU membrane used by Polartec has natural stretch to it – but it's has more of a soft shell vibe going on.

So it feels softer, has less rustling to it, a bit more warmth and that stretch too. And it's right at the top of the breathability tree too, if our experience with the Rab jacket is anything to go by.

Is It A Soft Shell?

And it's both windproof and fully waterproof. Which begs the question of whether it's a soft shell at all. Or just a stretchy, soft waterproof hard shell? Our fabric geek head is currently revolving in confusion.

In the real world it probably doesn't matter. The bottom line is that if you're after a stretchy, waterproof jacket with all the alpine trimmings and a bomb-proof polyamide face fabric for abrasion resistance, then the Gipflegrat is that garment.

It also – take deep breath – features 'three point hood adjustment system with horizontal and vertical drawstring; reinforced hood shield to withstand strong gusts of wind; front-reach sleeves; extended sleeve hem adjustment; front access pit zip for optimised thermal reulation; front pockets positioned to allow easy access even when wearing a backback or climbing harness.'

You'll also need to be quite committed in the financial department as the jacket retails for – sit down now if you're easily alarmed – £395  and is availlable soon.

More info from www.mammut.ch.