Quiksilver are really going for it in the eco-cred game with their SpinDye jacket, right up to the point of naming the jacket after the environmentally friendly textile dying process used to create the bright vibrant red colour. SpinDye significantly reduces the use of water and chemicals versus conventional textile dying techniques so you can ride the slopes with a clearer conscience.
On to the jacket itself, and this is a 2-layer shell that's very similar to the TR Stretch recently reviewed, but with a lower price point and slightly lower performance. We recommend that you look for at least 10k/10k breathability and waterproofing for winter sports outerwear and the Snow SpinDye jacket achieves and betters this with 15k waterproofing and 10k breathability. In use the waterproof fabric, waterproof zips and storm flaps create a highly protective shell and the decent hem length gives a good amount of overlap and therefore coverage over ski pants. Hood adjustment is easy and results in a tight fit with decent protection from the chin guard and wired peak.
Outer material is soft and the jacket has great articulation all round for great freedom of movement when you're riding. The inner liner is identical to the one found in the TR Stretch jacket with a soft, brushed face and strategically placed mesh venting. This makes the Snow SpinDye ridiculously comfortable to wear, even with just a t-shirt on underneath and the lining adds a little warmth.
One other thing we noticed about the Snow SpinDye jacket is how stylish it is, with subtle camo detailing on the waterproof hand pocket zips and a chest cargo pocket with silver poppers embossed with the Quiksilver name. The cut is also great, with a 'modern' fit that leaves plenty of room for layering but isn't too baggy. The length is just right, providing great protection without resorting to a knee scraping hem length.
We basically love this jacket, we love the price, performance, fit and comfort and the red colourway certainly stands out on the slopes. If you want to tone down your look, there's an equally stylish grape leaf green colour available.
