Westcomb Skeena Wool Hoody LE

Fit

The Skeena Hoody is generously cut. I have plenty of room in the arms and body of my size medium. There is noticeably more room in this jacket than my Westcomb Shift LT Hoody (a lightweight hardshell), which is also a size medium.

Westcomb Skeena Wool Hoody LE, Blister Gear Review
Sam Shaheen in the Westcomb Skeena Wool Hoody.

Compared to other softshells and technical pieces, the Skeena Hoody seems to run a bit on the big side. The torso is cut wider, and the sleeves are cut similarly roomy, but torso length and sleeve length are both fairly true to size for a technical piece. Compared to a casual piece, the sleeves are a bit long; they hit me about 3.5” past my wrist with my arms at my sides.

Although the Skeena Hoody is cut more casually (in the sense that there is a bit more breathing room), it is not patterned casually. Westcomb uses anatomical patterns throughout. Articulated sleeves, raglan cut sleeves, and an anatomical torso make this jacket feel much more technical when I wear it than the wooly exterior would suggest.

First Impressions

I haven’t worn the Skeena long enough to talk about its total performance, durability, etc. (I’ll be providing a full update later this spring), but I have had the chance to wear the Skeena hoody in a variety of mild conditions.

Heavy spring snow, moderate wind, and temperatures in the 20s have all been handled with aplomb by the Skeena. I have been wearing the Skeena around town with thin cotton t-shirts and button-downs underneath, and I have yet to be cold or wet in this jacket. Initially, I have no quips with the performance or functionality of this jacket.

Casual Wear or Technical Gear?

There is one outstanding issue I have with the Skeena so far, however, which is locating it on the spectrum of casual vs. technical. Is it (a) a technical piece that can hold its own in the bar, or (b) a casual piece that can hold its own in the mountains?

The Argument for A:

  • The Skeena Hoody has a technical pattern that allows for great range of motion (the stretch in the fabric also helps here).
  • The main pockets are set above the hem so as not to interfere with a harness.
  • The hood is definitely technical, fully adjustable with a laminated brim.
  • It seems to have great water and wind resistance.

The Argument for B:

  • The face fabric has a very classy wool look, which does not feel or look technical.
  • The Skeena Hoody also feels quite heavy. (Although Westcomb doesn’t publish the weight of this jacket, I would say it feels substantially heavier than a typical softshell of equivalent loft. I’m working on getting some measurements and will report back in my update.)
  • The draw cord hem adjust does not wrap all the way around the front—you can only cinch in the back of the jacket. This leaves the front smooth and more casual looking, though a bit less functional.
  • Packability: this jacket does not compress much at all. It has a heavy-duty face fabric and thick fleece lining, so compared to many modern softshells (which offer little to no inherent insulation), the Skeena is quite bulky.

Bottom Line (For Now)

The use of wool in the shell of the Skeena Hoody alone makes it an interesting piece, especially for those with a less “techy” taste in outerwear. Combine that with the interesting blend of technical and casual features, and you have a piece that can potentially appeal to a huge audience.

For me, I’m still on the fence of where the Skeena Hoody lands between technical and casual. Right now, I see myself wearing this piece around town more than in the mountains, simply because of the weight and packability. This is only a first look, however, and I plan on putting this jacket through its paces—both in the bars and on belay.

Check back soon for an update.

 

2 comments on “Westcomb Skeena Wool Hoody LE”

  1. I just ordered one by emailing them at info@shopwestcomb.com at end of Nov 2013. I love it. the only thing i can gripe about the jacket is that the inside lining attracts a lot of static. I live in MN and everytime i took the jacket off, i got a small shock of static.

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