Founded by a small band of Dutch snowboarders in 1993, Protest have established a reputation for designing affordable snow, surf and streetwear that's big on function and fashion.
The Giggile 18 insulated jacket is a continuation along this theme. At £149, it won't necessitate any breaking of banks but in return you'll be rocking a pretty classy looking jacket that's built to withstand the demands of a full season of shred.
Part of the Protest PVRE Series - the brand's top-of-the range technical series the Giggile 18 is all about innovation, clean designs and attention to detail. Constructed using Geotech Fabric which offers superior levels of waterproof protection (20,000 mm), breathability (20,000 grs) and unrestricted freedom of movement, it's reassuring to know that the Giggile 18 really is fit for purpose and built to keep you warm, dry and protected on the most miserable of mountain days.
In terms of fit, the Giggile 18 is on the slimmer side so if you're packing lots of layers you might want to size up. We are normally a UK 10 and could have done with a touch more room underneath the Medium/38 version on test. It's the same case with the arm length, a little more reach would have been good but we definitely appreciated the stretchy lycra wrist cuffs with integrated thumbloops.
Other features of note include the numerous practical storage pockets, both internal and external, and zippers that are easy to operate without having to remove gloves. Other features such as the internal powder skirt and pit zips demonstrate the Giggile's ability to last the course of the full winter season from deep cold January days to warmer spring snow sessions.
Style-wise, the Giggile jacket comes in a range of colourways including Ground Blue, Alpine Blue, Concrete blue, Dark Lava and Laranja orange. We really like the combination of the Ground Blue jacket with pink zips as it works well with the brand's Flora pink Minnesota pants.
If you're looking for a jacket that will do you for a few seasons then the Giggile 18 really does look set to last the pace. Pair it with the Minnesota pants and you've got yourself a good looking, technical ski outfit that functions with style.
