We’ll be publishing a few select gear reviews moving forward. It’s not business as usual for FS or readers: we are posting gear reviews as a brief respite from grim news. We know minds are on more serious Coronavirus related issues.
‘Tis the season for layering. Here in Colorado, the high altitude sun wrestles with the snow packed mountains to create highly variable temperatures. One moment the sun is shining and I’m stripping down to a tee shirt, the next an afternoon winds pick up, the sun dips behind a ridge, and my core temperature begins to plummet.
Enter “the Sadie” vest.
Named for Skhoop sponsored U.S. Ski Team member and two-time Olympian Sadie Maubet Bjornsen, the versatile vest is the perfect intersection of lifestyle and performance wear. Breathable yet warm, fitted yet unrestricting, stylish yet functional.
It was love at first zip, though I was uncertain whether the length would be comfortable while skiing. For me at roughly 5’5”, a size small vest hits mid-thigh, gently hugging my hips. Despite my skepticism, I did not experience any decrease in mobility in skate or classic. There is also a two way zipper to conveniently add additional range of motion if needed.
The nylon shell blocks wind, while a stretch fabric panel on the back increases breathability, helping regulate body temperature while skiing. This vest will surprise you — it’s warmer than it looks, but won’t overheat you when the temperature or your heartbeat starts to rise.
Apart from its performance on the ski trail, the Sadie vest looks great over jeans, corduroys, or leggings as a casual everyday layer. The deep zippered side pockets fit a cell phone or the random odds and ends you need to stuff in there while at the playground with your toddler. It’s sleek design fits comfortably under a coat on cold days, potentially lengthening your protection and making you question why you never realized an insulated layer over your bum could keep your whole body so warm.
You can also feel good about the impact your purchase has on the environment. The vest is filled with PrimaLoft Eco Insulation, a synthetic material produced from 70% recycled fibers. The environmentally friendly DWR coating repels moisture and dirt, preventing falling snow or sweat from soaking in, and keeping the vest looking clean even after leaning against the road-sprayed car.
Skhoop is based in Åre, Sweden (home of the sprint hill climb stop during this season’s Scandinavian Ski Tour) where founder Sissi Kewenter originally sewed an old down jacket into a skirt to keep her bum and legs warm on chilly morning walks with her dog. Skhoop now offers a full line of warm and cozy clothing from insulated skirts, vests, and jackets to wool leggings and Scandinavian style sweaters.
You can find Skhoop products at retailers throughout the snowy parts of the United States, or order online. The Sadie vest retails for $239.
Rachel Perkins
Rachel is an endurance sport enthusiast based in the Roaring Fork Valley of Colorado. You can find her cruising around on skinny skis, running in the mountains with her pup, or chasing her toddler (born Oct. 2018). Instagram: @bachrunner4646
