Travis Rice has put his name to this particular piece, and with Travis being one of the best snowboarders in the world it immediately sets the bar high. And the headline figures, which are often quite telling in skiwear, are right up there, with the Dryflight fabric construction offering up 20k/20k waterproofing and breathability.
Often these kinds of figures mean a plasticky material, but the fabric on the TR Stretch is soft and comfortable, with a matt, stretchy outer that doesn't crinkle and swish too much when you move. Where other high-end ski jackets are usually 3-layer, Quiksilver have chosen a 2-layer construction for the TR Stretch. The difference is that you get a liner and a little lower like for like performance and durability than a 3-layer jacket, but in this particular jacket we like how the liner ups the comfort factor. It has a soft, brushed feel which avoids the clamminess associated with 3-layer shells, it also has strategically placed mesh sections which let hot, sweaty air escape. There are other outlets for heat and sweat as well, two in the usual underarm positions but then another massive zipped chest vent, which is unusual, but actually pretty sensible when you think about it.
All the pockets are big and useful and the zips throughout the jacket glide smoothly and are snag free. The hood is great, with three adjustment points allowing you to achieve a snug fit which isn't too restrictive and moves with your head, and the soft fleecy backed chin guard is warm and comfortable with the height, along with the wired brim combining to offer effective protection from the elements.
We loved the wrist gaitors which are surprisingly actually long enough to be used (they so often aren't), and they serve to keep the cuffs of the jacket in place under your gloves.
We have to comment on the looks as well, in our eyes this is one of the standout jackets of the year in this regard, with lovely contrasting block colours and subtle detailing combining to make a great backcountry look.
Overall then, a great jacket, but the real surprise is in the price, for such great quality and top notch performance you would normally expect to pay upwards of £400 but the TR Stretch comes in at a very reasonable £330. You don't see so much Quiksilver around the slopes these days but if the TR Stretch is anything to go by then you'll be seeing a lot more in the future.
