I have pretty high standards when it comes to down jackets, which is why I was ultimately blown away by this synthetic coat from Mammut. Made almost entirely of recycled materials, the Albula is among the most sustainable down jackets I have tested in my day.
For the past 7 years, I’ve lived on the western slope of Colorado, enduring long and brutal winters that certainly don’t lack in their fair share of blizzards and biting temps. Donning the Albula IN Hooded Jacket this past winter made this season much less intense than the last, thanks to its moisture-resistant and warming abilities.
With a slightly tapered silhouette and elastic waist, this jacket is super easy to throw over a couple of layers. Furthermore, the Albula has some seriously durable materials when it comes to construction and design. It is hard to beat this jacket’s performance abilities — the synthetic insulation kept me warm during some extremely brutal days on the ski resort and around town.
In short: The Mammut Albula IN Hooded Jacket is made for ladies seeking an eco-friendly synthetic jacket option that has plenty of insulating power. Made from recycled plastic bottles and other sustainable materials, this jacket has a streamlined fit with room for proper layering underneath.
Furthermore, the DWR coating on the outer is moisture-wicking and performs well in snowier conditions. At $229, the Albula is an affordable jacket option that is durably made and performance-based. And while we wish there was more size inclusivity and a chest pocket, you really can’t beat this super-warm synthetic down jacket.
Read our full roundup: The Best Down Jackets for Women.
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Weight
403 g/14 oz. -
Fill
153.00g Thermore Ecodown synthetic fiber filling -
Waterproof
No. Water-resistant with PFC-free DWR coating -
Main fabric
100% polyester with 20Dx20D denier -
Lining
100% polyamide -
Sizes
XS to XL -
Fit
Regular with room for layers -
Hood
2-point adjustable hood -
Pockets
Two zippered side pockets -
Best use
Winter activities like skiing, snowshoeing, snowboarding, nordic skiing, camping, everyday wear, cold to wetter winter climates
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Streamlined fit still leaves room for layers -
Made of mostly recycled materials -
High collar protects lower face from the elements
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Lacks a chest pocket -
Limited color options -
Synthetic insulation less packable than down
Mammut Albula IN Hooded Jacket Women Review
Throughout the winter and spring season, I tested this jacket in a variety of conditions, temps, and activities. To put it shortly, I was impressed every single time. From long days of skiing the local resort to walking my dog past sundown, the Albula continued to impress me for its warmth, mobile silhouette, and water resistance.
Because of its warming abilities, I often forgot that this jacket had a synthetic fill, rather than a feather down. It kept me comfortable during colder temps around 15 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit while scraping the snow off my truck and 40-degree walks with my pup around town.
For being a synthetic down jacket that can boast some serious warmth, the Mammut Albula is quite sleek looking. It is only available in two colorways, a classic black and dark blue. However, it is highly versatile in style, and can easily be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.
I found that despite wearing this jacket in a variety of situations and climates, I was always comfortable. Despite being so insulating, it is decently breathable and adequate for cold-weather outings whether you’re skiing, having a snowball fight, or walking to class.
At just 14 ounces, the Albula is lightweight and easy to throw in a backpack without weighing you down too much. It is less packable than the natural down jackets I’ve tested alongside this one, but it is just as functional and toasty. It doesn’t feel cumbersome at all once on and has an effortless aesthetic to it.
Eco-Friendliness
Probably the most standout feature of this jacket is its environmentally forward material use. From upcycled bottles to Bluesign certification, the Albula puts no pause on sustainability.
The Albula’s Thermore synthetic fill is made from Ecodown fibers, which are post-consumer plastic bottles given a new life as an effective insulation option, rather than wasting away in landfills. This insulation is not only vegan, but also highly durable and ready for countless wears and washes.
The silky soft lining of the Albula is made from a recycled 100% polyamide, and the exterior fabric is made from recycled polyester. Both of these sustainably made textiles have proven to be not only durable, but totally comfortable on this jacket. Furthermore, the Albula is treated with a PFC-free DWR for water repellency, but more on that later.
Finding a synthetic jacket made from so many upcycled and eco-friendly materials definitely excited me about the Albula. Oftentimes, synthetic options can have negative environmental implications due to their petroleum-based natures and microplastic sheddings that can build up over time. However, this jacket’s purpose of using discarded materials and upcycled bottles truly makes it stand out from the rest.
Construction & Design
There are some construction and design elements on this jacket that I absolutely love. Starting off, the silhouette of this coat is streamlined without lacking room for layers. I found that I could comfortably wear one thick sweater or two thin midlayers under this jacket without feeling constricted. Despite this amount of room, the waist is still tapered and flattering.
When the snow started to fall, I found that the Albula did well in wicking away moisture and keeping me dry. This jacket dries quickly, even after walking in heavy blizzards. This is all thanks to the PFC-free DWR (durable water repellent). This coating on the exterior fabric does well to keep the moisture out and the wearer dry while keeping them warm.
Fit and Silhouette
I found the fit of this jacket to be true-to-size and roomy enough for a traditional amount of layers. The silhouette is slightly looser in fit, but still tapers slightly near the waist. I was able to wear a long-sleeve shirt and a thick sweater underneath without any constriction. As someone who loves to nestle up in lots of warmth during wintertime excursions, this generous fit was a notable benefit.
The Albula is available in sizes XS to XL. It would be awesome to see this product offered in more extended sizes and plus-size blocks in the future. For how solid this puffer is, I think everyone should have the chance to rock one, regardless of size.
In terms of length, the Mammut Albula comes to just below my hips. This length is ideal, as it covers my lower torso without restricting movement for days when I am skiing, hiking, or snowshoeing.
Favorite Details
I reckon my favorite aspect of this jacket was its super-high collar. When completely zipped up, the collar protects the lower portion of the wearer’s face and neck. This element was fantastic for when the snow began to fall and the wind picked up this winter. I have pretty sensitive facial skin, so being able to walk worry-free without my chin or lips chapping was such an advantage.
And because the lining is so soft, I didn’t have to worry about any chafing from the fabric rubbing against my skin. Furthermore, the hood has a two-way adjustable point, making it easy to fully insulate the rest of the head as well.
Critiques
There are really only a couple of things I found myself critical about.
My wish for the Albula is to have one more pocket, either located at the interior or exterior chest area. The hip pockets are great for when you want to warm up your hands, but it’s tough to do that when you have to throw your phone and wallet in them, too. One to two more pockets would certainly solve this issue.
I’d also love to see soft wrist gaiters incorporated in an updated version.
Conclusion
The Mammut Albula IN Hooded Jacket is certainly one of the best alternative down jackets I’ve ever tested. From its lofty yet streamlined nature, to its recycled material makeup, this coat checked off almost all the boxes for me. With maybe one or two more pockets and maybe some soft wrist gaiters, I actually think this jacket would be perfect.
Despite being synthetic, the recycled insulation on the Albula is stellar and feels like a constant hug due to its toastiness. This jacket kept me comfortable skiing all of my favorite lines at Crested Butte Mountain Resort, even on bone-chilling days. I also stayed cozy while strolling to the grocery store in intense blizzards.
Once wet, it dried quickly, and I never felt any moisture encroach past the outer fabric. The flexible but tapered fit is great for layer accommodation, and the adjustable hood helps lock in even more of that coveted warmth.
Overall, I would recommend this jacket to women in moisture-prevalent mountain towns that see no shortage of powder and cold temps. Additionally, if you’re seeking a vegan down jacket that has eco-conscious elements and certifications, then the Albula is right for you.
Currently, the Women’s Albula IN Hooded Jacket can be purchased directly from Mammut for $229.
