Review of Patagonia Storm Shift Ski Jacket
In the realm of all-mountain ski jackets, Patagonia's Storm Shift Jacket stands out as a favourite among resort riders, thanks to its proven Gore-Tex waterproofing, cosy interior lining, and robust feature set. This 2-layer design offers reliable weather protection against wet, heavy snow and frigid winds, making it an ideal choice for those who seek performance and comfort on the slopes.
The Storm Shift Jacket boasts a powder skirt that seals out snow at the waist, perfect for deep powder days or in the event of a fall. For added protection, compatible Storm Shift Pants are available, which can be attached to the jacket's powder skirt. These pants, available in both men's and women's styles, retail for $399 and come in both regular and short inseam lengths.
Weighing 1 pound 13.9 ounces for a men's size large, the Storm Shift is an unapologetically resort-focused design. It features a large hood with a brim to deflect moisture, Velcro cuff adjustments, a powder skirt to prevent snow from entering at the waist, and dual hem drawcords to minimize drafts. The jacket's build quality is noticeably robust, with a 150 denier outer shell, and it has held up well after months of wear.
While the Storm Shift's hood aperture is fairly large and gapes open at the jaw, it makes up for this with watertight zippers on all pockets to keep valuables dry. The jacket offers six pockets in total, including a zippered forearm pocket, a small exterior chest pocket, two hand pockets, a large dump pocket, and a small interior chest pocket.
The Storm Shift Jacket is one of the most sustainably built ski jackets on the market. It is made with sustainable materials, and its Gore-Tex construction is completely PFC-free. Additionally, it is certified to the Fair Trade standard, ensuring that workers are compensated fairly and have access to programs like healthcare, childcare services, and more.
When it comes to competitors in the all-mountain ski jacket market, several brands stand out for their high-quality and performance-driven offerings. These include the Arc'teryx Beta AR Jacket, The North Face Summit Series L3 Ventrix Jacket, Rab Latok Jacket, and Mountain Equipment Lhotse Jacket. While specific comparisons to the Patagonia Storm Shift Jacket would require more detailed analysis of features and performance metrics, these brands are recognised for their quality and performance, making them strong competitors in the ski jacket market.
The women's version of the Storm Shift Jacket is lighter at 1 pound 9.5 ounces and sold in different colourways, but retains an otherwise identical feature set and overall construction. The kids' version of the Storm Shift Jacket uses the same 2-layer Gore-Tex construction and boasts many of the same features as the model tested here. The jacket's fit and sizing are pleasing, with ample room for layering underneath without restriction to movement. Despite its robust build, the jacket isn't too big, avoiding an awkwardly baggy or oversized shape. The jacket is comfortable to wear on its own thanks to the soft tricot knit lining, but the lining doesn't cover the inside of the arms.
In conclusion, the Patagonia Storm Shift Jacket is a reliable and sustainable choice for all-mountain skiers seeking a balance of performance, comfort, and environmental consciousness. Its robust build, reliable weather protection, and versatile feature set make it a top contender in the ski jacket market.
The Patagonia Storm Shift Jacket isn't limited to skiing on the slopes; its versatile features make it suitable for other outdoor sports too. For instance, on a travel day, you can pair it with Storm Shift Pants for climbing steep terrain or even adventuring off the beaten path. This jacket, with its sustainably built design, can easily transition from sports to casual wear, making it an excellent addition to your travel gear. Additionally, its high-quality construction ensures that it can withstand various weather conditions, whether you're engrossed in a mountain climbing expedition or enjoying a leisurely travel experience.
