Climbing equipment review: Mammut Stratus Flash Jacket

It’s probably been one of the coldest winters that most of us can remember, but nobody wants to let it get in the way of their climbing.  Having said that, you might be standing around belaying your climbing partner, so you’re going to need something to keep you warm because these icy cold temperatures don’t seem to be leaving any time soon. An insulated jacket is a sound investment for anyone who spends time on the hill or in the mountains during the winter months.
The Stratus Flash Jacket is one of Mammut’s most popular pieces of winter clothing.  It’s great for mountaineering, climbing, base-camp and expeditions. This jacket can be worn as a mid layer or as an outer layer, depending on the weather conditions.  The insulated liner in the Stratus Flash is what really makes this jacket stand out from the rest.
Ajungilak insulation has been around since 1855 and it is has been used in sleeping bags for a long time.  Know for its warmth and comfort, Ajungilak is a synthetic insulated fabric with hollow fibres. It’s lightweight and dries very quickly, which is what makes it a popular choice for those of us who live in the UK.

Insulation has always been a tricky one, until synthetic fabrics started being used. Down feather jackets have not been as popular in the UK as in the rest of Europe because of the wet weather here.  It’s safe to say that most people dread the though of washing the big fluffy down jacket, just in case it never goes back to the same shape.  Ajungilak is the complete opposite, as it stands up to heavy usage and it also washes much better than down and other synthetic fibre fillings.  Warm, comfy, lightweight and washable, you couldn’t ask for much more!
As soon as you put this jacket on you feel like you are getting into a cosy sleeping bag.  It is surprisingly light and does not feel bulky.  The hood is helmet compatible and adjustable both horizontally and vertically. There are two side pockets with zips and one front pocket with a zip.  There are also two large mesh pockets on the inside of this jacket, which will come in handy for stashing your goggles, gloves or balaclava. Sometimes you need to get things off fast and put them somewhere safe, you don’t always have time to sort out your backpack, so the mesh pockets are a great feature.  If you want to put a waterproof shell over the top, you don’t need to worry about your sleeves riding up in the process because there are lycra thumb holes.  The Stratus Flash has a slightly wide cut so that you can put it over a hard shell if the weather takes a turn for the worst and you need to get yourself warm quickly.  It’s a very versatile piece of mountaineering clothing, and it would be an excellent addition to your winter kit.  My boyfriend has got one and he loves it, I try and steal it when he’s not wearing it, but that’s not very often. In fact, the only time that he doesn’t wear it is when he’s wearing his Stratus Hybrid Jacket.