As the ski season comes to a close, what will soon be last years model, have gone on sale. I also happened to have the resources to look for another jacket. So the quest began. There are two companies in the running, Arc'teryx and Outdoor Research. OR was first on the list because of my experience with their products, and how their garments fit on my frame. Arc'teryx, because they are the top of the market when it comes to shells.
This search was unique because, unlike other pieces, I did not research the 'best' ski jackets on the market. The only thing that I new about the jackets was that the brands had a reputation of high quality equipment. Only after the excursion was completed was research done reaffirming my thoughts and reactions to each piece.
At A Glance
This garment is the closest that OR comes to making a 'resort coat'. With Gore-Tex fabric on the outside, fleece lined interior, and perfectly placed pockets this coat had all of the bells and whistles of a comfortable ski jacket. The fit was a bit snug but not in the way that I imagined it would be, my shoulders felt squished. All of the rest of my OR kit is large, but, after watching my caloric intake, I now am a medium in some companies, and large in others. Everything else about the piece was well thought out. The fabric cut on the sleeves was cut loose enough that they fell over the gloves without the normal struggle. Also the zippers were easily operated even with my heaviest winter gloves on. The jacket felt solid, rugged, dependable, but not comfortable.
There are many ways to describe me, but runners build is not among that list. Companies like Black Diamond and Arc'teryx cut their fabrics differently to appeal to people that have less mass to them. However, the jacket was there on the rack, so off the hanger it came and onto my shoulders.
It felt good, really good.
The thought that crossed my mind was, 'its just the name that has gotten you excited.' But the longer I had it on, I became more convinced that it wasn't just the name, but that it fit better then the OR. The sleeves were a nice fit over the gloves, but it was a struggle to get them over the cuff. With a little bit of work they slide over, but did not fall into place like the sleeves of the OR. Two other nit-picky things that the White Room had was; a) a two way zipper, and b) removable snow skirt.
That night was spent researching the two products.
Now What?
A stalemate was all that came from my research. The Rush is a high end ski shell that was both simple and practical. The White Room, a solid jacket is geared toward the resort rider but can also function in the back country. Never before have two pieces been as equally suited to me needs. In the end it was the Rush that pulled through. Foremost was that the piece felt like an extension of my skin, it fit really well and was incredibly comfortable. Also, the Rush worked well with the kit that I have assembled. The Rush is a Gore-Tex Pro shell with no insulation. I already have enough layers to stay warm outdoors. OR's jacket had the fleece lining would have made the jacket hard to use in mild conditions where a shell could be used to keep the elements out.
I look forward to using this next season on the slopes.
K
