Eddie Bauer BC Freshline Jacket Review
The Eddie Bauer BC Freshline jacket stands out with its material. This waterproof jacket features 3-layer WeatherEdge and StormRepel Super DWR technologies for superior moisture-shedding ability, resulting in a silky-smooth, matte finish with a bit of stretch and no annoying crinkles. It is also breathable and made from recycled materials.
The BC Freshline includes useful features while maintaining a clean and stylish design. There is plenty of pocket space, and the Aquaguard water-resistant zippers do a great job at keeping belongings dry. For additional breathability, the BC Freshline has pit zips, perfect for hike-to or backcountry terrain.
The smooth, breathable, yet waterproof material is a key selling point. The awesome fit and thoughtful features are another perk. This Eddie Bauer Jacket makes for a great winter jacket at the resorts but also an awesome jacket for days in the backcountry.
Fit and Features
The jacket comes with a powder skirt which can be removed for other occasions. The adjustable hood could fit over a helmet no problem.
Key Features of the BC Freshline Jacket:
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- 3-layer WeatherEdge waterproof technology
- StormRepel Super DWR finish
- Breathable and made from recycled materials
- Removable powder skirt
- Adjustable, helmet-compatible hood
- Plenty of pocket space
- Aquaguard water-resistant zippers
- Pit zips for ventilation
Eddie Bauer BC Fineline Kit Review
The Eddie Bauer BC Fineline kit was tested in Mt. Baker, where conditions can range from deep powder to torrential rain. Mt. Baker has long been the proving grounds for outerwear. Temperatures often hover between 29 and 32 degrees Fahrenheit, and locals have even learned to appreciate the rare-but-infamous 35-degree pow day. It’s a place where all-time, neck-deep conditions can turn to torrential rain within the hour, and the term “waterproof” is pushed to its extreme limits. As far as outerwear goes, there is no faking it at Mt. Baker. Alternatively, the gear that proves worthy is held in the highest regard.
The Fineline uses eVent DValpine-a material reputed to be equally waterproof and even more breathable. The crux moment for my new Fineline kit came on day four of a huge storm cycle that blasted the Pacific Northwest in mid-January, a classic Northwest rollercoaster of foot-plus dumps punctuated by short bursts of torrential rain.
Fit and Design
One of the most basic-and, for women, often the most frustrating-aspects of ski gear is fit. The Fineline kit is designed to provide a flattering yet spacious fit, allowing for plenty of agility. The bibs also boast abrasion-resistant reinforcements on the knees and backside, as well as a full-height upper. Made from a stretchy, water-resistant material, it reaches completely over the chest and has a small chest pocket that’s perfect for a phone, trail map, Chapstick tube or credit cards and ID.
The jacket features a cinchable, extra-long “bomber fit” waistband, in addition to a removable powder skirt, providing extra protection on wet chairlifts or when not wearing the bibs.
Waterproof and Breathable Performance
The January monster dump was the test of it’s wet-weather tenacity, and after only a day it’d proven its mettle. It kept me dry during the temperature swings, and warm and shielded when the chairlifts shut down due to high winds. It remained breathable enough that I rarely had to bother with pit zips or leg vents, but the extensive vent system gave me plenty of options whenever I did. And on mid-day lunch breaks in the lodge, it dried out after only a beer or two, significantly faster than many of my friends’ setups.
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Key Features of the BC Fineline Kit:
- eVent DValpine waterproof and breathable material
- Flattering yet spacious fit
- Abrasion-resistant reinforcements on knees and backside of bibs
- Full-height upper on bibs with chest pocket
- Cinchable, extra-long “bomber fit” waistband on jacket
- Removable powder skirt
- Extensive vent system
In the two months I’ve been riding with the Fineline kit, I’ve not only gotten countless compliments on its fit and features, but I’ve found it to be dependable whether it’s an epic pow day, sunny touring weather, or pissing rain. And since you never know what you’re going to get when Baker is in the midst of a low-pressure system, that reliability and versatility makes for fewer breaks to dry out-which means more time for powder turns, and there’s nothing more valuable than that.
| Feature | BC Freshline Jacket | BC Fineline Kit |
|---|---|---|
| Waterproof Technology | 3-layer WeatherEdge, StormRepel Super DWR | eVent DValpine |
| Breathability | Yes | Yes |
| Fit | Slim, roomy enough for layers | Flattering, spacious |
| Powder Skirt | Removable | Removable (jacket) |
| Ventilation | Pit zips | Extensive vent system |
Eddie Bauer/First Ascent BC Freshline Jacket
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