Mammut Wenaha Review

Name: Mammut Wenaha
Brand: Mammut

This rain shell will serve you well with minimal use and wear

Price: $199 List

Manufacturer: Mammut

By Holly Zynda ⋅ Review Editor ⋅ May 4, 2018

OVERALL
SCORE

Water Resistance - 30% 8.0
Breathability - 15% 8.0
Comfort - 20% 9.0
Weight - 15% 7.0
Durability - 15% 7.0
Packed Size - 5% 5.0

View at Mammut

Our Verdict

Mammut no longer makes the Wenaha jacket.

REASONS TO BUY

Stylish look

Sustainably manufactured

REASONS TO AVOID

Pricey

Not very durable

The sustainably manufactured Mammut Wenaha packs a big punch when it comes to rain jacket technologies, from GORE-Tex to Paclite. In fact, this is a Bluesign product, meaning the fabric is sustainably produced, both in regards to resources and the workers who manufacture them. All of this is definitely admirable, but the performance of this shell, while suitable for everyday use, did not quite live up to the hype.

Our Analysis and Test Results

Performance Comparison

Water Resistance

With GORE-TEX outer fabric, an additional GORE-TEX membrane, sealed seams, an inner storm flap on the zipper, a stiff hood, and a variety of elastic cinchers, the Mammut Wenaha seemed like it would be one of the most waterproof of those we tested. Unfortunately, when hit with high pressure, the fabric gave way in one spot, showing what could have been a manufacturing flaw. While we stayed dry through real rain and hose testing, the fabric did begin to take on water, which didn't bode well for the longevity of the waterproofing of this jacket.

mammut wenaha - sealed seams added not only water repellence, but also added... — Sealed seams added not only water repellence, but also added durability through reinforcement.
Credit: Holly Zynda

Breathability

This rain shell stood among the leaders in breathability, with its smooth, soft material preventing it from sticking to your skin. It also came with pit zips for ventilation, which help cool you down when things start heating up.

Comfort

The Wenaha shined in its comfort and style. Its smooth, coated fabric is soft to the touch and easy to slip on and off. Plus, the figure this jacket cuts looks both professional when in the city and like serious performance wear in the backcountry, and it has a low rounded back to help keep your bum dry and prevent plumber's crack while riding your bike or rock scrambling.

Weight

In spite of its Paclite technology, this jacket was one of the heavier ones we tested, at 13.66 ounces. This makes it less than ideal for the ultralight adventurer, but fine for everyday use.

Durability

After only a month or two of use, the Mammut Wenaha showed signs of use, and its waterproofing had already begun to fail, causing us to rank this shell fairly low in terms of durability. However, it does come with a manufacturer's warranty, so if it does fail, you have a backup plan.

Packed Size

While this jacket was not the bulkiest we tested, it did rank among the larger shells when packed, at 5x6.75x4.25 inches.

mammut wenaha - each rain jacket utilized its own combination of waterproofing... — Each rain jacket utilized its own combination of waterproofing technology to help keep you dry and on the move.
Credit: Holly Zynda

Best Application

The Mammut Wenaha will serve you well in a downpour on your commute, around town, or for a brief downpour, but if wearing it out in the wilderness, we cannot promise you will stay dry with long-term use.

Value

If you invest in this jacket, you may have to replace it after a year or two, and the $199 price point does not make this a very affordable jacket.

Conclusion

If you are an ultralight traveler or on a tight budget, this may not be the jacket for you. But, if you dig the style and you don't plan on using it in very extreme weather, it could be a functional piece of your wardrobe.

— Holly Zynda