The first thing you notice about the Lofoten range of jackets is the bold colours - a kind of love or hate statement, but one that is guaranteed to get you seen. The second thing is the price tag.
No doubt other brands make perfectly adequate Gore Tex Pro jackets at more affordable price points, but you expect the detail to justify the cost in this case. Does it?
All the basics are there; minimalist snow skirt and cuff gaiters, lift pass pocket, adjustable hood with wired peak and a good spread of pockets. The fit, which is clearly a subjective feature, really stands out for this reviewer; close and athletic without being restrictive, and room in the shoulders for a great range of movement (ie, flailing around in powder).
The build quality is as perfect as any other high-end brand, with flawless seam-taping and finishing, and more importantly the jacket just feels rugged and durable. It is clearly built for serious use.
More surprising is how lightweight it is for a burly Gore Tex Pro piece. This is important because with a jacket at this price point, you'd probably want to use it for other activities besides skiing. The weight and the minimalism mean you can do just that, which certainly adds value.
The more intangible benefit of the Lofoten Gore Tex Pro is a reassuring feeling, when you zip up that high neck line and plummet into the deep snow, that you are utterly protected from anything the winter can throw at you. And for some of us, that's worth paying for.
