Hardshell Jackets
Product 2020
Woman, Man
We fell head-over-heels for this jacket, which accumulated so many good points we awarded it the Test4outside FIRST Award for an indisputably fabulous product.
It is a ski touring/freeride product that we entrusted to both mountain guides and instructors who practiced frequent and intense off-piste skiing.
The first impression that emerges from this Vaude Back Bowl 3 L jkt II is a feeling of toughness. The fabric is thick yet flexible and stretchy. After several passages through the bushes off-piste skiing, we didn’t notice any textile weaknesses. Ditto for carrying the skis on our shoulders. In this zone Vaude has effectively shifted a seam towards the back to avoid premature wear and tear.
There isn’t a doubt this jacket was very well thought out and that he developers are skiers. They provided relevant solutions to particular problems. For example: when you wear a hooded insulation jacket under the hard shell, or even several layers, such as a thick fleece, the neck area gets compressed, creating discomfort or even friction. Vaude have added a small vertical zip to the right of the central zip to increase the collar’s volume. So you can precisely adjust the collar and still have use it easily. This technical solution is not new, but we appreciated that it has been brought up to date, it is a real bonus.
The technicality of the fit is also one of this Vaude Back Bowl 3 L jkt II assets. It allows insulation layers but remains snugly fit to refine the silhouette and not interfere with the body’s movements. The ends of the beveled sleeves, the fabric that lowers down the back, the very well-cut hood, the Lycra comfort cuffs on the wrists, etc. Everything is very well thought out and made to be durable and performant.
We liked the two real hand pockets, which are easily accessible but you can’t really use if wearing a harness – but – if you are wearing a harness when skiing, “how often do you need to warm your hands?”.
All zips are waterproof (except the pockets, they have flaps) and slide very well. Handling is easy with gloves on thanks to a cord with a plastic tip. This is one of the rare complaints that can be made about this jacket: the rigid tip of the central zip can slap your face in strong winds.
It was believed for a moment that the waist adjustment was poorly designed because the excess elastic hung on either side of the central zip. This is not the case, just swallow the excess cord inside the side pockets. We also love the micro stitching that reinforces certain sensitive areas such as the pockets.
The panels are assembled with precision and very effective waterproofing. Under the arms, we would have liked covers for the zipper sliders to enter to prevent any humidity from entering between the double zipper sliders (there is a micro space at this point).
It’s always difficult to be objective about breathability, a concept which depends on each individual, the type of effort, and the insulation under garments worn. For ski touring/freeride use, the Vaude Back Bowl 3 L jkt II is relatively breathable, you can use the large openings under the arms during intense efforts.
The snow skirt is tough and easy to adjust. Vaude has not forgotten the small pocket on the left arm for a ski pass, the interior mesh pocket for your goggles and the chest compartment kitted out with a waterproof zip.
This jacket has the Green Shape label (https://www.vaude.com/fr-FR/Vivre-VAUDE/Produits-ecologiques/) which offers, among other things, ecological products made from sustainable materials. PFCs are not used in this Vaude Back Bowl 3 L jkt II for water-repellency.
The Vaude Back Bowl 3 L jkt II jacket is a versatile, tough product that lets you ski a lot and have a free/ski-touring spirit. It is also a good investment for skiers who don’t want to ski-tour up.
The jacket was tested with the Vaude Back Bowl pant III pants. Check out the test.
We used this equipment over a long period of time
These are our thoughts after intensive use:
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