I received a very nice present: the Mammut Pulse softshell jacket and will share with you my opinion on it.

Overview

Windproof softshell jacket designed for intense activities.

Fabrics:

• Main in SOFtech® (wear-resistant materials that have excellent stretch and good breathing properties)
• Back and under-arms in Ventex Dryzone® (Antimicrobial feature, UV-resistant material. Has hydrophobe/ hydrophile properties ; 93% Nylon, 7% Elasthan)

Manufacturer’s data:

• Reinforced, laser-cut ventilation holes on the back for optimal ventilation
• Reflective print for visible safety
• Comfortable, elastic Soft Shell fabric
• Reduced to the essential details for less weight and small packing volume
• Close cut for an ideal freedom of movement and functionality
• 2 hand pockets with zip
• Drawcord hem, adjustable using one hand
• Good ventilation thanks to air permeable material under the arms and on the back
• Weight: 585 g

Advantages/Drawbacks

The ergonomic design combined with stretch fabrics offers a great comfort
Good wind protection
Excellent breathability
Materials are not water repellent and the jacket provides no protection against rain or snow
Stretch fabric is not very robust and and get damaged in the back due to backpack friction
Cuffs are not adjustable

Opinion

On Mammut web site, this jacket is presented as a jacket best suited for skitouring/backcountry skiing, nordic skiing and trail running. Back and under arm breathable fabrics, ventilation holes on the back as well as the close and ergonomic cut confirm that it has been design for intense activities.

On Mammut web site it is also written that SOFtech® fabric “provides perfect protection in 90% of all weather conditions”. Well I don’t know if it is sunny 90% of the time in Switzerland, but I have serious doubt about this assumption as the jacket materials are not even water repellent. The usage confirm that the Pulse Jacket offers no protection against any type of rainfall. It is out of question to get rid of your gore-tex or other waterproof hardshell and try to do a 2-in-1 by replacing your fleece and hardshell by this softshell like you could do with a softshell like the Haglöfs Jaw Jacket. This sofshell will postpone the usage of your hardshell while providing you a better breathability, but the hardshell will be necessary when the weather will turn bad.

Conclusion: This jacket is an excellent softshell as long as you respect its limitations. With an excellent breathability, it is ideal for intense activities like backcountry skiing or trail running as long as the weather is not too bad.