Evaluation of Outdoor Research Skyward II Coat
The Outdoor Research Skyward II is a hybrid hard/softshell jacket designed for both backcountry and resort use. This versatile ski jacket offers a unique blend of weather protection and comfort, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a reliable outer layer for their winter adventures.
The Skyward II is available in both men's and women's versions, each slightly different in weight, size, and colour options. The women's version is lighter and shorter, catering to the specific needs of female skiers. Both versions are priced at $350. In Germany, the women's Skyward II ski pants are approximately priced between 250 to 300 euros.
The jacket's shell, made of a 50-denier material, has held up well despite multiple tree snags, rubbing from pack straps, and being repeatedly stuffed away with sharp ski equipment. This durability is complemented by the jacket's waterproofing membrane, AscentShell, which offers comparable weather protection and better breathability than Gore-Tex.
The Skyward II features seven pockets in total, including two internal shove-it pockets, two outer chest pockets, one internal media pocket with a headphone cord slot, and two harness-compatible, zippered hand pockets. The interior dump pockets are large enough to stash gloves, camera, or skins for quick descents, while the two outer chest pockets are easy to access even while wearing a pack, making them useful for storing essentials like a buff, compass, lift pass, or sunglasses.
One notable feature of the Skyward II is the TorsoFlo side vents, which open from the hem to the bicep for quick heat dumping. This feature, along with the jacket's stretchy fabric, offers excellent range of motion, making it a mobile ski jacket.
However, the jacket does have some drawbacks. The hood's wire brim does not extend far enough to shield the user's goggles and face from the elements when paired with a helmet. Additionally, the jacket lacks a powder skirt and has a center back length of 31.5 inches, which may allow snow to creep in from below. It's recommended to store valuables that you don't want getting wet in a ski pack or put them in a waterproof Loksak bag.
The Outdoor Research Skyward II has been tested in various harsh conditions, including sub-zero temperatures, spring sleet, snow, and hail. Despite these challenging conditions, the DWR coating of the Skyward II is still going strong and repelling moisture after over 120 hours of skiing.
The Skyward II is relatively heavy for a backcountry design at 1 pound 9.5 ounces, but its weight is offset by its stretchy build and full feature set. It's important to note that there are other versions and competitors available, such as the Patagonia SnowDrifter, Flylow Gear Malone, Mammut Stoney, Dynafit Beast Hybrid, and OR's premium Hemispheres Jacket.
In conclusion, the Outdoor Research Skyward II is a durable, versatile, and comfortable ski jacket suitable for both backcountry and resort skiing. While it has some drawbacks, such as the lack of a powder skirt and the hood's limited coverage, its overall performance and features make it a strong contender in the ski jacket market.
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