Snow season is here! This season's must-have hard shell jackets [2017-2018]
Written by Yasushi Hisatomi
table of contents
NORRONA lofoten Gore-Tex Pro Jacket
Weather resistance ★★★ Breathability ★★☆ Mobility ★★☆ Snow mountain climbing ★★☆ Backcountry skiing ★★★
NORRONA's top-of-the-line shell jacket has been gaining attention, thanks to its popularity among big mountain skiers like Daisuke Sasaki, who skied down Denali this year. Featuring the high durability of GORE-TEX Pro, a three-dimensional cut for superior mobility, and hand gaiters at the cuffs, it's a reliable companion for even the most demanding climbs and descents. Above all, the beautiful silhouette and design, unique to Scandinavian brands, are indescribably appealing. Functionality is also a priority, with goggle cloths inside the pockets, and this season's model change also includes a new chest ventilation zip.
THE NORTH FACE RTG Flight Jacket
Weather resistance ★★☆ Breathability ★★★ Mobility ★★☆ Snow mountain climbing ★☆☆ Backcountry skiing ★★★
From what I've introduced so far, I think it's starting to sink in that hard shells for backcountry skiing are hot this season. This is also a model for backcountry skiing, but TNF, in particular, has released several collaboration models with various contracted skiers, creating a very interesting situation. One of these that particularly caught my eye was the RTG Flight Jacket. While the GORE-TEX® C-KNIT BACKER fabric used isn't as durable as the Pro Shell, it's durable enough if you don't consider friction from ropes or harnesses. Its light, supple feel, and high breathability make it a material better suited to backcountry skiing. This model makes full use of C-KNIT and also boasts many features specifically tailored for backcountry skiing. Not only does it feature patterning optimized for downhill skiing, but it also features a collar that stands up easier and feels less restrictive around the neck than other models, and a vented opening for easy exhalation, all of which are significantly more tailored for backcountry skiing than standard hardshells. Its relatively reasonable price for a hardshell is also an attractive feature.
Teton Bros. TB3 Jacket
Weather resistance ★☆☆ Breathability ★★★ Mobility ★★★ Snow mountain climbing ★☆☆ Backcountry skiing ★★★
Teton Bros., a leading Japanese mountaineering and ski brand known for its pioneering use of the breathable Neoshell and its unique comfort, has quietly released the TB3 Jacket . The proprietary fabric, developed in collaboration with Polartec, combines the traditional Neoshell with a knit lining for a more flexible and lightweight feel. When worn, it feels so light and easy to move in, almost like a hard shell. The slimmer silhouette than the TB Jacket provides a snug fit. Neoshell, already renowned for its breathability and comfort, has been further improved for even greater comfort. While durability remains an unknown, the TB3 Jacket offers a quality that suggests a promising future, both as a rival to GORE-TEX® and as a unique, waterproof and breathable material.
summary
As I mentioned earlier, this season has seen a lull in innovations in the classic activity of snow mountain climbing, and it's becoming clear that a number of interesting models for backcountry skiing have arrived. Will backcountry skiing finally become popular in Japan? Personally, I'm planning to get into backcountry skiing this season, so I'd like to continue posting reviews of backcountry skiing gear other than hardshells, so please look forward to them!
We also recommend this article about hard shells
- Essential for the harsh winter outdoors! How to choose a hard shell jacket
- 5+5 Recommended Hard Shell Pants for Snow Mountain Climbing and Backcountry Skiing!
Related reading
10 Recommended Hard Shell Jackets I Impulsively Picked Up This Year [2016-2017]
Hard Shell Jackets You'll Want This Year 2021-2022
Comparison Review: From Powder to Touring, We Compare the Best Hard Shells for Backcountry
Ultra-lightweight rainwear you can't miss this season 2017