Waterproof jackets
Product 2024
Man
Decathlon, with its Wedze brand, offers ski apparel for skiers. The brand strategy is evolving towards higher-end products (and prices?). The products are more technical, sophisticated, and specific in their purpose and target audience.
We had the opportunity to test a jacket and pants set for skiing, both grouped under the name Pist900. This designation clearly indicates the program of this Wedze set.
The jacket has a rather fitted cut. The outer fabric is quite thick with well-placed panels and bias seams at the elbows and shoulders for added mobility. However, it is stretchy in both directions to improve flexibility.
It allowed us to ski with ease, with various movements and postures.
The closures of the Wedze Pist900 jacket and its pockets are zippered, waterproof, and quite plentiful. The zippers slide smoothly. There’s a ski pass pocket on the shoulder, two on each side of the chest, and two hand pockets at the bottom, slanted, with their outer flap.
Inside the lining, on the left chest side, another zippered pocket is provided. On the right side at the bottom, there’s a classic soft and stretchy mesh pocket that opens from the top.
We appreciated the waterproof closure on the bottom of each forearm. It opens up for easier jacket removal, to integrate glove cuffs more smoothly, and to provide ventilation if necessary. Additionally, the sleeve is lined inside with a soft sleeve. When zipped up, everything is properly insulated. The whole design is practical, avoiding the often less durable and less aesthetic Velcro systems. As an ultimate “sophistication,” there’s a double slider on its zipper, allowing partial opening from the top to check the wrist… and, well, yes, your watch…
We liked the high collar with its inner lining. It’s slightly thick, ventilated, warm, and comfortable. Zippered and detachable, it can be washed separately.
Similarly, the hood with its adjustable perimeter elastic is removable. It fits well over a helmet. It can be folded and partly retracted backwards with a snap button to reduce volume when not wearing a helmet. It also appears somewhat more discreet, reducing fluttering and parachute-like inflation during downhill runs…
Not neglecting any detail, Decathlon’s designers included a light snow skirt. When in use, it attaches and closes in front with snap buttons. When not in use, its ends tuck into a flap inside each side of the Wedze Pist900 jacket.
While not always necessary on groomed slopes, it’s easy to remove by unzipping it.
To nitpick, we might have wished for fabric protection (even though it seemed sturdy) on the top of the shoulder when carrying skis.
In its central part, at the top of the back, excess heat is vented through more breathable fabrics that prevent contact with any moisture on their inner side.
To modulate warmth, we needed to be careful and precise with the presence of base layers even in cold conditions. We preferred them to be breathable and thin, especially during intense activity. Confronted with all temperature gradients and weather conditions in January, this Wedze Pist900 jacket proved to be very warm and insulating. The inner lining is rather thick.
The two fairly long zippers under the armpits, with a thin net to limit too much and bothersome opening, are indeed useful for ventilating the whole piece in hot weather.
In terms of waterproofing, it proved to be almost flawless; nothing penetrated the seams, and the fabric is very water-repellent.
We also appreciated the numerous small details: the discreet Recco patch in the hood. The small vents in the upper front of the collar and the small magnetic flap, the elastic to adjust the closure at the bottom of this Wedze Pist900 jacket, even if it’s not really necessary (snow skirt, cut…), the classic small cloth for cleaning glasses or goggles in the chest pocket.
Left, the simplicity of the colors and the understated Wedze logo.
It’s nice and smart to pair it with the dedicated Wedze Pist900 pants.
Decathlon, with this Wedze Pist900 jacket, presents a very well-finished, complete, practical, comfortable, and warm product. It’s especially well-suited for downhill skiing. We struggled to find any flaws in its design details. Its price is hard to beat.
We used this equipment over a long period of time
These are our thoughts after intensive use:
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