Deciding between jackets can be a difficult task, especially when you want to mix style and technical features all into one. Newschoolers.com, the Internet’s home to everything freeskiing, and outerwear giant O’Neill joined forces to create a one of a kind jacket that blends the progressive style associated with freeskiing and all the technical features a Newschooler kid could want for a great price.
After wearing my jacket in about every condition this year, from the torrential downpour we had on opening day to the 10 inches of fresh snow we had a few weeks ago, this jacket handles it all with style and ease. All I can say is this is one of the coolest, best performing collaboration jackets ever- hands down.
The jacket performed well in the torrential downpour Wisconsin received opening weekend although it did become soaked after 5 or so hours out in the rain. In the large dumping of snow we had in the middle of December, the jacket performed exceptionally well, even after a few tomahawks down the hill and being completely covered in snow, I stayed warm. The jacket is rated 10k waterproof/10k breathability, which is more than sufficient in Wisconsin (or any other Midwest state for that matter). While we don’t get absolutely dumped on with snow all the time like out West, on those occasions we do, this jacket holds its own.
Staying warm in this jacket has not been an issue for me at any temperature. The light insulation of the coat, coupled with proper layering pieces (I highly suggest the 1-2 punch of a Patagonia Capilene baselayer and Smartwool midlayer), kept me toasty when the thermometer dipped well below zero, but the jacket is also great as a stand-alone piece with a light baselayer underneath for the warmer spring-like days. I also had no problem with being able to cool off when needed since the underarm vents are HUGE and provide great airflow to cool the body’s core. The little additions like the stash pocket, fleece chin guard, and the ability to reach your phone from the outside without unzipping your coat are awesome features that add to the value.
In terms of fit, I have an XL and it fits perfect (I’m 6’1″ & 180lbs). It isn’t steeze to the knees but it’s not so short your dad would want to wear it. It goes just past mid thigh, which provides amble steeze and needed coverage in case I fall. I no longer wanted to look like a Skittle on the hill but still wanted to stand out and this coat definitely does the job. I have received multiple compliments on the coat this season, from strangers and friends alike. My only gripe with the coat is that I would’ve liked to see it be 15k waterproofing/15k breathability, hopefully that changes for next year. Other than that minor complaint, I would HIGHLY recommend you picking up this coat if you are looking to get a sturdy, durable coat all the while being stylish and hyphy on the hill.
Review by Matt Kretzschmar, Shep’s team member & local free skier
(And the best news? Shep’s has Newschoolers jackets in stock now.)