Living and playing in the mountains mean I have a lot of jackets, all designed for something different. I may have the most ski jackets of all, and it definitely feels excessive, so I was excited to try the new Raymer Jacket from Stio, meant to be “the one and only” ski shell you need. I don’t want to have a different jacket for every kind of ski day, but rather one that will be with me when I’m skinning up and skiing down Vail Mountain, heading into the backcountry on a hut trip and taking some resort laps on Sunday afternoon with friends.
I’ve tested Stio’s Environ line, and knowing the Raymer was created to be just as technical but even more versatile for winter recreation and agile for packing, I had a feeling I’d love it, and I was right. It’s still early in the season, but I’ve tested the Raymer several times now and it’s certainly a quiver killer when it comes to shells.
The packable three-layer fabric is lightweight, breathable and waterproof. It’s been perfect for touring on Meadow Mountain, a favorite low-angle backcountry spot near Vail. It comes off for the uphill and I can quickly stuff it in my pack, and it slides over my base and mid-layers quickly when I’m stopping to rest or when it’s time for the descent. It’s very durable yet not rigid, and I appreciate the stretch in the fabric as it creates constant comfort and ease of movement.
On a sunny day on Vail Mountain this season, the temperature started to rise and it was easy for me to reach the armpit zips and pull them open myself. I also had to take off my buff and I stashed it the deep-bellowed chest pocket. On the opposite end of the spectrum, I was out during an unseasonably cold November day and the helmet-compatible hood with bonded brim helped me stay protected from wind and snow. It’s easy to tell this jacket was designed by mountain athletes, as all the details are dialed in just right. $399. Buy now.