Aptly named for Switzerland’s Albula Alps, the Mammut Albula IN Hooded Jacket is great for mountain living and all its gnarly weather.

Having worn down jackets for most of my life, I was interested in trying a synthetic fill jacket. Would a synthetic fill jacket keep me as warm as a traditional down in Colorado’s high country? I wondered.

 

Being familiar with Mammut’s mountaineering heritage gave me confidence that the technology put into it would differentiate it from other synthetic jackets and make it appropriate for mountain living. I mean, there’s a reason that the staff at nearby Copper Mountain ski resort wear Mammut; it is designed with alpine function and performance in mind.

Look and Fit

Mammut’s quality is evident even before you take it off the clothes hanger. The regular fit Albula IN Hooded Jacket looks virtually indistinguishable from its down counterpart in design and appearance. I would not be able to tell one from another at a distance.

I was immediately pleased with how well it fit. The hip-length Albula IN Hooded Jacket was not too short, too boxy, or too fitted. The diagonal baffling was flattering (no Michelin man here) and elongated my torso, even with layers underneath. And, dare I say it provided a slimming effect?

 

The shoulders and underarms fit well and did not restrict movement. Meanwhile, the length provided enough coverage to keep the elements out and the warmth in.

I like the minimalist branding as well (“Mammut” is written in modest lettering along the right front of the chest and center back, and the iconic mammoth logo is displayed on the arm), because it doesn’t make it look overly trendy.

 

Key Features

The Albula IN Hooded Jacket is constructed entirely from recycled materials so you can feel good about what you’re wearing.

 

First and foremost, the Thermore® Ecodown® synthetic fiber filling is made from recycled bottles, while both the lining and outer fabric are also made of recycled materials.

Other features include:

• PFC-free Durable Water Repellent (DWR) treatment

• 2-point adjustable hood

• Two zippered side pockets

• Elasticated cuffs and hem for a clean fit

• Inner pocket

• Mammut Easy Combine compatibility

• Meets Bluesign® criteria

 

I liked the placement of the inner and outer pockets. They were all pleasantly deep (I love useful pockets that can keep my hands warm, or can easily accommodate keys, chapstick, phone and wallet) and practical.

 

As pockets go, however, it would have been nice if the inner pocket had a zipper so I can make sure things stay secure.

 

My initial concern of warmth was unfounded. The Albula IN Hooded Jacket’s ecodown mimics the insulating properties of down by providing optimal heat and weight ratios. It kept me toasty warm on single digit days when it was nuking snow and blowing Arctic-like wind straight at me.

Mountain weather can be fickle and conditions can change rapidly. Thankfully, the Albula IN Hooded Jacket was built to withstand adverse weather.

Most days I wore the jacket, a midlayer underneath was fine. And on the coldest days and evenings the Albula IN Hooded Jacket kept the warmth in (I especially appreciated the way the cuffs fit around my fairly narrow wrists) and effectively kept the bitter wind out. Also, it can comfortably accommodate other layers underneath.

A Solid Choice

When you live in the mountains, the most essential wardrobe piece you can have is a down jacket. The synthetic Albula IN Hooded Jacket functions just as nicely.

The Albula IN Hooded Jacket provides amazing warmth for a lightweight, insulated jacket. Designed for mountain living (e.g. hikes on crisp fall days, grabbing a pint at the local brewery, or for an extra layer when camping) and outdoor recreation in mind, the Albula IN Hooded Jacket is great to wear everywhere and anywhere in the mountains.

The Albula IN Hooded Jacket is hypoallergenic, light, and compressible, making it ideal for packing and taking on trips.

 

Also, you don’t have to worry about avoiding dirt or muddy dog paws because of its easy wash and wear care.

 

Finally, with an MSRP of $229, the Albula IN Hooded Jacket is a great value. It offers the warmth, packability, and lightness of its down counterpart at a more affordable price point.

Kate Agathon

Dr. Of Stoke

Freelance writer, bicyclist, outdoor recreation enthusiast, social justice advocate, and mom to her furbaby, Sansa.

A Colorado native, Kate considers the outdoors her mother ship. She brings her passion for bicycling, the environment, and issues of diversity to her writing. Her primary outdoor recreation activities are mountain biking, road biking, nordic skiing, alpine skiing, hiking, snowshoeing, and peak bagging Colorado’s 14ers.

 

Kate earned a bachelor’s degree in History from Colorado State University and later an MSEd and Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from Purdue University. In addition to her education, Kate’s background serving on the Mayor’s Bicycle Advisory Committee and experience working for non-profits and bicycle sales well position her to bring depth and understanding to the complex changes currently taking place in the outdoor recreation industry.