Choosing the right ski jacket is crucial for comfort and performance on the slopes. Patagonia offers a range of shell jackets designed for various skiing styles and weather conditions. This review covers three popular models: the Untracked Jacket, the Stormstride Jacket, and the Upstride Jacket, providing insights into their features, performance, and suitability for different skiing scenarios.
Patagonia Men’s Untracked Jacket
The Patagonia Men’s Untracked Jacket ($699) is a ski shell designed for freeride skiing and resort use. It balances warmth and durability, making it a versatile option for various conditions. The jacket features a 3L GORE-TEX ePE membrane, which is waterproof, windproof, and breathable. This membrane is made without PFCs of Environmental Concern (PFCEC), aligning with GORE-TEX's goal to reduce product-related carbon emissions by 35% by 2030.
The Untracked Jacket utilizes a durable 80-denier fabric made of 100% recycled nylon that’s PFC-free, along with a PFC-free durable water repellent (DWR) finish. The zippers are watertight, pull easily, and do not snag. The pull tabs are made from thin nylon paracord and are easy to grab and replace if needed. The entire jacket is Fair Trade Certified sewn.
Key Features and Performance:
- Material: 3L GORE-TEX ePE membrane with 100% recycled nylon face fabric.
- Waterproofing and Windproofing: Excellent, comparable to traditional GORE-TEX.
- Fit: Relaxed but true-to-size, with room for layering.
- Pockets: Two handwarmer pockets, one pass pocket on the arm, a chest pocket with an internally accessible pass-through media pocket, and an internal drop-in pocket.
- Hood: Helmet-compatible with stretch panels for easy on-off without unzipping the jacket.
- Sustainability: Eco-friendly ePE membrane with zero PFC chemicals and 100% recycled material.
The Untracked Jacket is suitable for big-mountain descents and resort skiing. It held up great in deep snow, and the adjustable powder skirt cinched around the waist to reliably keep snow out. The recycled, solution-dyed flannel backer bonded to the GORE-TEX ePE offered enough weight to keep warm on extra-chilly resort days.
Patagonia Untracked Jacket Review - Tactics.com
For backcountry touring, the Untracked Jacket may be overkill in warmer conditions due to the flannel backer and hefty ePE membrane. However, it is suitable for colder days with overcast skies and a breeze. The pit zips allow for heat dumping when needed.
Read also: Lightweight Bib for Backcountry Skiing
Pros and Cons:
- Pros:
- Excellent wind- and waterproofing.
- Durable construction.
- Useful and well-placed pockets.
- Helmet-compatible hood.
- Sustainably designed with eco-friendly materials.
- Cons:
- Length may be short for some users.
- May be too warm for backcountry touring in milder conditions.
Patagonia Stormstride Jacket
The Patagonia Stormstride Jacket is designed for versatility and performance in various winter conditions. It balances lightweight design with sufficient durability, making it suitable for both winter tours and foul-weather spring adventures. The jacket features ample vertical pockets for storage and a fit that lies between freeride baggy and svelte alpinism.
Key Features and Performance:
- Material: 4.8-oz 40-denier face fabric.
- Pockets: Two Napoleon-style chest pockets, one internal zip pocket for a phone, and a single drop pocket for gloves or skins.
- Durability: Robust fabric that can withstand tree runs and other abrasive conditions.
- DWR Finish: Effective in repelling moisture.
- Fit: Ideal fit that is not too baggy or too tight, allowing for comfortable layering.
The Stormstride excels in mid-winter riding and performs well in wet conditions, such as those encountered in Argentina storm-riding days. It is versatile enough to work in different types of mountain weather, making it a reliable choice for those seeking a do-it-all hard shell.
For warmer spring conditions, the Stormstride offers sufficient breathability with pit zips and the front zip opened. However, layering appropriately is essential to manage moisture effectively.
Pros and Cons:
- Pros:
- Excellent balance of weight and durability.
- Versatile for various weather conditions.
- Functional pocket layout.
- Good fit that allows for layering.
- Cons:
- Vertical zip pockets may be too small for larger skins.
- Lack of hand pockets may be a downside for some users.
Patagonia Upstride Jacket
The Patagonia Upstride Jacket is a thin and slim-fitting softshell designed for spring skiing or light touring. Its minimalist design prioritizes breathability and comfort, making it ideal for aerobic activities in fair weather.
Key Features and Performance:
- Material: Thin and stretchy softshell material.
- Warmth: Provides minimal warmth, suitable for spring skiing or light touring.
- Fit: Snug fit that is well-tailored, allowing for athletic movements.
- Breathability: Excellent breathability, making it comfortable for uphill travel.
- Water Resistance: DWR finish and critically-taped seams provide some water resistance, but not waterproof.
The Upstride jacket breathes exceptionally well, making it comfortable to wear during warm weather activities. Its snug fit and stretchy panels allow for a full range of motion, while the lack of insulation ensures that you won't overheat during intense exertion.
Read also: Finding the Perfect Ski Shell
While the Upstride is not warm or protective enough for most ski days, it excels in specific scenarios such as spring skiing, light touring, and aerobic uphill travel. Its stylish design also makes it suitable for casual wear around town.
Pros and Cons:
- Pros:
- Excellent breathability.
- Comfortable and stylish design.
- Lightweight and packable.
- Cons:
- Minimal warmth and protection.
- Snug fit limits layering options.
- Limited storage with only three pockets.
- Expensive for its limited scope of use.
Summary Table
Here’s a quick comparison of the three Patagonia shell jackets:
| Jacket Model | Key Features | Pros | Cons | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Untracked Jacket | 3L GORE-TEX ePE, recycled nylon, helmet-compatible hood | Excellent waterproofing, durable, eco-friendly | Can be too warm for some activities, shorter length | Resort skiing, freeride, cold weather touring |
| Stormstride Jacket | 40-denier face fabric, ample pockets, DWR finish | Versatile, balances weight and durability, functional pockets | Pockets may be small for some users, lack of hand pockets | Winter tours, foul weather, general mountain use |
| Upstride Jacket | Thin softshell, stretchy material, DWR finish | Excellent breathability, comfortable, stylish | Minimal warmth, snug fit, limited storage | Spring skiing, light touring, aerobic activities |
Read also: Dope Snow Jacket: A Comprehensive Review