Hardshell jackets
Product 2018
Man

Norrona Lofoten Gore Tex Pro

What could we criticize about a product that was created with the utmost attention to detail for freeride skiing? What flaws could there possibly be in this jacket conceived from experience out on the terrain? The Lofoten is a well-seasoned product, and difficult to criticize, which after all these years is even more improved by this Norwegian brand. Much like the mythical mountaineering jacket by The North Face that was a best seller in the 90’s and employed the same progressive improvements.

 

We all know the Lofoten well after having used its previous models year after year, and here is its latest evolution. We tested it over several months on the snow.

 

Let’s start with the hood, where there is a small adjustment elastic at the back of the head – very practical and easy to use when wearing gloves – but, the volume around the head can no longer be adjusted: air enters and the hood inflates when you ski. It’s almost incomprehensible: the adjustable elastic that was on either side of the head on the 2016 model has disappeared. Do the Norrona designers believe that if you are going to be using your hood it would only be when wearing a helmet? Which no-one does…

 

It has been superbly made, but with very intensive use the Velcro’s stitching at the wrist does start to come undone. But this only happened to our mountain guides who reached this level of wear and tear.

The Gore Tex Pro® used for this jacket is much thinner than the Lofoten trousers. The jacket’s fabric marks more easily, notably the ski pass pocket: the cards that you slide in leave their mark the fabric, which isn’t the end of the world.

 

Pay close attention to the washing instructions, the waterproofing strips can unglue if washed to hot. The Lofoten can be machine washed at 40°C.

 

We tested the Birch Green color. This color green resists well against UV rays. The Jester red however slowly fades, like many textiles in this color on the outdoor market.

 

In use, this jacket is very comfortable to wear, lightweight, practical (deep and well positioned pockets) and tough. The fit is very elaborate, it is well suited to skiers who have long arms. The collar is just the right height and provides maximum protection. The cuffs have been particularly well-designed with a rounded cut, complex deisgn, that terminates on the upper side of your hand with a thin piping that gives it just enough stiffness. A very soft inner hand gaiter envelops the hand underneath the Gore Tex®. A lesson for other manufacturers: the stitching in this zone is very sensitive, so here it is lined. No risk of ripping. This is one of the details we particularly liked on this jacket, its minimalist (deceptive) aspect, when in fact the accent is placed upon the durability with solutions that don’t increase its weight. At each zone where the fabric is at risk of being torn, there is a solution; collage, double stitching, for example where the snow skirt attaches: double stitching of which one is diagonal, for increased resistance.

 

And then there is that little detail that makes life easier: the small press stud that prevents the zip on the snow skirt from opening when it feels like it and hangs there aimlessly without keeping you dry… All the zips have little cords with plastic ends so you can grab them easily when wearing gloves. A handy piece of chamois fabric to clean your goggles carefully positioned in your pocket. Double Velcro for adjusting the cuffs. Soft chin protection against the zip…

 

You can tighten the waistline using two adjustments on the left and right sides of the hips. Easy and quick to do, and the best is to balance the lengths on both sides so you don’t find yourself with one long elastic dangling on one side, (and you should slide it inside the jacket so it doesn’t catch on a branch) …

 

Ventilation is achieved on the left side of the chest via a large zip with mesh behind. Very practical as this opening allows you to lower the temperature during effort. There are also two large zipped openings under the arms too. All the zips are waterproof and slide easily with just one hand.

 

The Lofoten uses GoreTexPro® waterproof fabric, which is waterproof up to a certain point, and breathable…to a certain point. When will we really have a membrane that is completely waterproof and breathable?

 

This is without a doubt an exceptional jacket, really well-designed, with the only hiccup being the hood on this 2018 version. It remains one of the best and a definite must have. Marry it with the trousers in the same range: Lofoten.

"This is without a doubt an exceptional jacket, really well-designed, with the only hiccup being the hood on this 2018 version. It remains one of the best and a definite must have."

Rating

  • 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
  • ZIP QUALITY
    9
  • WATERPROOFNESS
    8
  • BREATHABILITY
    8
  • HOOD QUALITY
    7
  • ACCESSORIES
    9
  • FIT DESIGN
    9
  • DURABILITY
    9

Price : 699

Overall Rating

8.43

LONG TERM TEST

We used this equipment over a long period of time
These are our thoughts after intensive use:

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