#7 on this list
Taiss HS
Mammut
The Mammut Taiss HS offers technical Swiss alpine engineering at a price point that undercuts much of its direct competition. Retailing around $389, it is designed for climbers, mountaineers, and hillwalkers who need serious alpine protection without breaking into the $600-plus tier. Testing outlets have singled it out as an outstanding value for money, delivering the clean articulation and harness-friendly layout typical of higher-end shells. The jacket utilizes Mammut's proprietary 3-layer DRY Expedition material, constructed from recycled polyamide. The fabric delivers dependable water and windproofing while maintaining a surprisingly light, low-bulk feel in a pack. Mammut gave the Taiss deep, two-way underarm zips for dumping heat, high-mounted cross-body chest pockets that sit well clear of backpack belts, and a three-way adjustable, helmet-compatible hood that locks down tightly around the face. The primary compromise involves heavy-duty durability. While the recycled face fabric easily handles standard alpine weather and snow sports, it is noticeably thinner than expedition-weight Gore-Tex Pro shells. Repeated friction against coarse granite chimneys or heavy external equipment will test the fabric over time, making it best suited for fast-moving climbers who prioritize low weight and breathability over heavy armor. **Highlights** - 3-layer Mammut DRY Expedition membrane with recycled polyamide - Excellent value for a fully featured technical alpine shell at roughly $389 - Cross-over chest pockets remain accessible under climbing harnesses - Generous two-way underarm pit zips for heat dumping - Precision three-point hood adjustment with reinforced visor **Watch-outs** - Face fabric is less burly than heavyweight mountaineering shells - Athletic European cut can feel narrow through the midsection when layering
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#8 on this list
Headwall Jacket
Outdoor Research
The Outdoor Research Headwall Jacket represents a modern push toward sustainability without abandoning heavy-weather capability. Designed for winter mountaineering, ice climbing, and wet-weather backcountry pursuits, this shell emphasizes dependable defense through an environmentally conscious, fully PFC-free build. Independent testing outlets have highlighted the Headwall as a standout option for climbers looking to move away from legacy fluorinated chemistries. Tipping the scales at 1 pound 1.6 ounces, the Headwall sits on the sturdier end of the spectrum, offering reassuring physical protection against blowing sleet and jagged ice tools. The tailoring prioritizes overhead mobility, allowing climbers to swing ice tools without pulling the jacket hem out from underneath a harness. Feature-wise, it includes deep underarm venting zips, a helmet-compatible halo hood that adjusts cleanly, and ample storage for bulky winter essentials like belay gloves. Because of its burly construction and slightly heavier weight, the Headwall is not the shell you pack away 'just in case' on warm summer hikes. It takes up noticeable space in a pack and feels warm during shoulder-season use, cementing its place as a dedicated cold-weather alpine and winter storm jacket rather than a four-season crossover. **Highlights** - Fully PFC-free waterproof construction tailored for winter use - Burly fabric construction resisting snagging on ice screws and rock - Dynamic Reach underarm patterning prevents hem ride-up - Generous internal and external pockets accommodate winter gloves - Fully adjustable, helmet-compatible halo hood **Watch-outs** - Heavy and bulky at 1 lb 1.6 oz for non-winter pack storage - Can run warm during high-output activity in moderate temperatures
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Specs side by side
| Spec | Taiss HS | Headwall Jacket |
|---|---|---|
| Retail Price | Around $389 | — |
| Membrane | 3-layer Mammut DRY Expedition | Fully PFC-free waterproof construction |
| Face Fabric | 100% recycled polyamide | — |
| Ventilation | Two-way underarm pit zippers | — |
| Pockets | Two climbing harness-compatible chest pockets | — |
| Hood Design | Three-point adjustable, helmet-compatible | — |
| Maker | — | Outdoor Research |
| Weight | — | 1 lb 1.6 oz (499 g) |
| Hood Style | — | Helmet-compatible adjustable halo hood |
| Venting | — | Extended dual-direction pit zips |
| Cut | — | Technical alpine fit with harness clearance |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
Taiss HS
- Substantially lower price than comparable technical alpine shells
- High-set cross-over chest pockets clear harnesses and hipbelts easily
- Supple, low-bulk fabric allows easy packing and unhindered movement
- Deep two-way underarm pit zips provide excellent ventilation control
- Lighter face fabric is less abrasion-resistant against rough rock
- Athletic European cut limits thick midlayer insulation underneath
- Lacks traditional handwarmer pockets for casual, off-mountain use
Headwall Jacket
- PFC-free waterproof build provides serious storm defense without toxic chemicals
- Tailored underarm patterning stops the hem from pulling out of a harness
- Heavy-duty exterior fabric withstands rough rock, ice screws, and heavy pack straps
- Spacious external and internal pockets easily fit bulky winter climbing mittens
- Weight of 1 lb 1.6 oz makes it too heavy and bulky for summer or general trail use
- Tends to run hot during aerobic climbs in moderate or mild temperatures
Prices change constantly — the figure shown is the last verified catalog price, and the buy buttons always go to the current listing.