Mammut Jacket Works Like A Pinecone

wiss brand Mammut is launching another top-end alpine shell jacket featuring the innovative Schoeller fabric which adjusts its breathability levels according to the ambient temperature.
Due out in September 2010, the Chalten Jacket uses Schoeller c_change fabric which the brand says 'opens and closes like a pinecone' according to the temperature. The idea is that the fully waterproof fabric opens up in warmer conditions or at times of sweaty high activity to increase breathability and comfort, while in cooler situations, the membrane closes down and allows a comforting warm fug to build up inside for increased warmth.
It's not the first time Mammut has used the Schoeller material in a shell jacket. We tried the £370 Cho Oyu Jacket last year and found that while it was a neat, close-fitting alpine shell with a tough feel to it. What we did find hard to detect, was any major benefit from the c_change fabric. It did feel as breathable as other top fabrics like eVent, but in UK conditions, we couldn't detect any real warmth increases when things cooled down.
We suspect that the difference between the 'open' and 'closed' state of the fabric would  be more pronounced in very cold and dry alpine conditions however, so it might be more of a boon in those circumstances, which after all, is what the jacket was designed for.
Schoeller says, c_change gives MVT - Moisture Vapour Transfer - rates of around rates of 20,000 g/m2/24h, which is approximately the same as eVent, a fabric that's very breathable, but some users find cold at a standstill because of the level of permeability. Mammut says that between 10C and 20C, moisture vapour transfer rates increase by around 50 per-cent, which is a fair slice.
Other features of the Chalten include a redesigned tailored hood which is helmet compatible, fully adjustable, has a reinforced peak and can be rolled down into a collar. Pit-zips and pockets with 'spray proof' – water resistant – zips, pre-shaped sleeves and YKK zips, yes, spray-proof ones.
What it doesn't have are the Cho Oyu's chin-guard perforations, but there's some pretty neat looking detailing if you zoom in on the product pics below. Price will be £350, that's £20 less than the Cho Oyu.