REVIEW: Mammut Crater IV HS Hooded Jacket
When you’re trekking through the Himalayas or navigating the unpredictable mists of the Dolomites, your hardshell is the only thing standing between you and a very miserable day.
I recently put the Mammut Crater IV HS Hooded Jacket to the test during a 12-day trek of the Manaslu Circuit Trek in Nepal. This wasn't just a rainy stroll; I lived in this jacket through everything from heavy rain and driving snow to freezing winds above 3,500m. It even accompanied me to Larke La Pass (5,106m), protecting me during a grueling 3:00 AM start in high-altitude, freezing conditions. Here is a look at how it performed in the wild.
Disclosure: This jacket was gifted to me by Mammut for review purposes. As always, all opinions are my own and based on my actual experience in the field.
Specs at a Glance
Material: 3-layer GORE-TEX with PFC-free ePE membrane
Waterproof Rating: 28,000 mm
Weight: 444g (Size XS)
Best For: Trekking, Mountaineering, and Ski Touring
Price: Approx. £380 / €430
The Fit: Layering & Comfort
I wear an XS (usually a UK size 8), and the fit is spot on. For most hiking days, it feels perfectly roomy without being "stuffy."
The real test for me is always layering. At high altitudes, I managed to fit a base layer, a fleece, and a down jacket underneath the Mammut shell. While it felt a bit snug with three layers, it didn't restrict my movement.
The Sweet Spot: This jacket is at its best with two layers underneath. If you are a heavy layerer or between sizes, you might consider sizing up for total comfort.
One of my biggest fears with hardshells is that "stiff, crunchy" feel. While you can definitely hear the classic hardshell "swish," the Crater IV is surprisingly supple and doesn't feel like you're wearing a suit of armor.
Performance in Extreme Weather
Nepal threw everything at me, and the Crater IV didn't flinch.
Waterproofing: On day four of the Manaslu Circuit, we faced three consecutive hours of heavy rain and snow. There were zero signs of "wetting out." I stayed bone-dry.
Wind Protection: Even at higher altitude (we are talking above 4,000m, alpine conditions), the Mammut Crater IV held up well and acted as a sheild against the biting Himalayan winds.
The "Butt Coverage": This is a win. The jacket is long enough to cover my seat, without feeling bulky. It prevents my longer mid-layers from getting soaked from the bottom up - a common flaw in shorter technical jackets I've owned previously
My Favorite Features
The Pit Zips: These are long, which is a standout feature for me. The opening is large enough to provide genuine ventilation on steep ascents or warmer days, keeping you dry from the inside out.
The Stormproof Hood: As someone with a small head, I usually get lost in helmet-compatible hoods. However, the horizontal and vertical adjustments (and the reinforced shield) kept the hood secure and my field of vision clear, even without a helmet.
High Pockets: These are designed to be harness-compatible, but they are equally perfect for backpackers. You can access your snacks or phone even with your backpack hip straps tightly fastened.
Note: The pockets are very deep! If you have small items, they can be a bit of a "treasure hunt" to reach if your hip belt is on.
Sustainability & Value
The "timeless" philosophy - Mammut has a long-standing reputation for creating durable, high-performance equipment, and the Crater IV HS Hooded Jacket is no exception. The seam taping and overall construction quality are among the best of any jacket we have owned.
An (almost) perfect investment - At £380 / €430, the price feels fair given the fantastic quality of the jacket. While competition is fierce at this price point, the Crater IV stands out for its longevity and minimalist aesthetic. This isn't a "fast fashion" outdoor piece; it’s a jacket that will likely last for years of rugged use. However, it is a missed opportunity that Mammut does not offer a lifetime warranty, unlike some of their direct competitors. At this investment level, a lifetime guarantee would further justify the price tag and provide total peace of mind.
Sustainability - We appreciate that Mammut has created an eco-conscious product. PFC-free GORE-TEX ePE membrane and 100% recycled polyester.
The Verdict
Pros:
100% stormproof (designed for true alpine conditions, I stayed completely dry above 4,000m during sustained snow and heavy downpours).
The massive pit zips offer excellent temperature regulation on steep ascents.
The longer hem provides much better protection for mid-layers.
We like the timeless, fashionable, and minimalist look (especially in Black).
Cons:
It can feel "stuffy" if the vents aren't used, it is a common trade-off for high-tier, durable hardshells.
The pockets are so deep that small items can get "lost" or become difficult to reach under a backpack hip belt.
The lack of a lifetime warranty is the only thing holding this back from a perfect score.
Final Thoughts
“The Mammut Crater IV is a jacket that can truly withstand alpine conditions and grueling multi-day treks. After living in it through the worst of the Manaslu Circuit in the Himalayas, I can vouch for its performance: it does exactly what it says it does, and it does it very well.
It kept me bone-dry throughout my trek and feels durable enough to last a long time. The pit zips are massive enough to actually be useful for regulating sweat during steep climbs, and the whole piece feels like gear designed by people who actually spend their lives in the mountains.
The only thing missing is a lifetime warranty to match its “timeless” build quality. But if you want a rugged, high-performing shell that looks as good as it protects, this is an investment that won’t let you down.”
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