Eider Revelstoke Review

Updated Version for 2016

Eider confirmed that the Revelstoke has a new mesh liner and collar closures. Eider also gave us a head's up that this jacket will change once again next season and will most likely be offered under a different name. For a more detailed description of changes, keep reading! Because we haven't tested this update yet, the rest of this review will reflect the original Revelstoke.

• Mesh liner — Eider added the new mesh Airflow System Liner for this season. Because this jacket features a stable Primaloft insulation, Eider combined this with a mesh liner down the back panel and over the shoulders for increased breathability and cushioning. We haven't tried this out for ourselves yet, though, and so can't fully endorse this claim.

• Collar closure — The collar now features a magnetic closure; we haven't tested this year but are excited to check it out!

Hands-on Review of the 2015 Revelstoke

Warmth

The insulating value of the Revelstoke is right around average for the jackets we tested. The synthetic Primaloft insulation keeps the cold at bay under most ski resort conditions. A close competitor, the Patagonia Rubicon Rider insulates to a similar degree but does so with different style leanings. Our favorite jackets, like the Editors' Choice winner, the Arc'teryx Macai, insulate considerably better than the Eider.

Weather Resistance

Eider's proprietary waterproof/breathable shell fabric, Defender® 2 Way Stretch 2LS, treated with an adequate DWR and sewn together in a reasonably protective shape, make the Revelstoke shed average ski resort storms. As in most of the evaluation criteria, the Revelstoke scores near the middle of the pack for weather protection.

Ventilation

The short, dual-pulled underarm vents supplement the main front zipper for adequate ventilation. Longer pit-zips like those on the Patagonia Primo Down work considerably better, while those with mesh backing like on the Helly Hansen Mission don't let as much air in.

Ski Features

In terms of features, finally the Revelstoke comes out ahead of most of the pack. With a removable powder skirt, a removable hood, plenty of pockets, and a goggle wipe, the small features of this Eider product combine to pull it ahead of others in the field. Nonetheless, these small additions and attributes are not enough to pull the overall score ahead of more solidly designed products like the Arc'teryx Macai.

Fit and Comfort

Across the board, our test team described the fit of the Eider Revelstoke as perfectly neutral. Little offended any tester, while nothing stood out as particularly slick either. Ergonomically shaped elbows allow the jacket to move with the wearer without restriction. For those that like stretchy internal wrist gaiters, the Eider versions are comfortable and usable.

Style

Again, like a broken record, the Eider was basically neutral. For many, neutral styling is exactly what you are going for. The color choices are attractive but not too bold, the fabric hangs gently but with some structure, and the appointments are conservative but notable. Only one tester felt the two tone pocket zippers were strange looking.

Best Application

This is a perfectly average ski jacket for resort riding. It will hold up to abuse, keep the cold and weather out, and look good in pictures. If you are an average skier, this offering could serve you well.

Value

With average scores, but a well above average price, the Revelstoke cannot be considered an excellent value. Among synthetic insulated pieces we tested, only the Top Pick winning, ultra weather resistant and specialized Modon is more expensive. However, the Eider is warmer than the Modon. In this genre it is therefore better compared to something like the Rubicon Rider from Patagonia.These two jackets perform similarly overall, but the Rubicon Rider is far less expensive.

Down jackets tend to cost a fair bit more than synthetic ones, but savvy shoppers can find a down insulated piece like the Patagonia Primo Down Jacket for about the same retail price as the Revelstoke. Any down insulated jacket will keep its insulating value far longer than any synthetic product, and we would recommend going that route before shelling out too much on this piece.

Better yet, for less than half the price you can get our Best Buy winner, The North Face Vortex Triclimate, which also has the advantage of versatile layering options.

Conclusion