Ski Trax Feb/Mar 2007 Ascend Jacket

Great Backcountry Skiing Jacket

A softshell made from the windproof, highly water-repellent, moisture-managing Membrain fabric, the Ascend features welded seams, pit-zips, adjustable Velcro cuffs, zippered chest pocket, zippered handwarmer pockets, hem-cord adjustment and a soft-to-the-touch DriClime-lined collar and chin guard. The women went right to the features with “the MP3-player sleeve pocket, pit-zips, hand-warmer pockets and a high chin zip that make this jacket a five-star performer.” Added a teammate, “If you need an adjustable collar, the way Marmot did it is the way to do it, with the little adjuster nubbin hidden under a piece of fabric.”

One male tester noted regarding water repellency: “I wore this jacket rollerskiing in a driving rainstorm and it worked like a charm.” He added, “What a great jacket for nasty conditions. For me, it’s the only ‘real’ softshell in this test.”

All testers agreed that, as summed up by one, “this is a great backcountry skiing jacket.”