The Melt Jacket from Obermeyer continues the company’s mission to provide great outwear for the slopes. A good mix of style, technical features and plenty of pockets, this jacket is perfect for a day on the hill.

In my testing, the first thing I noticed was the fit. The medium was a little on the big side for me, part of that was the Freeride Fit, part of that is my preference for a more slim fit. However, once on the slopes I found that I wasn’t hindered by the extra material. The elbows are articulated, offering ease of movement when planting poles, buckling your boots or lifting a beverage.

After the fit, the next thing I noticed was the number of pockets this jacket had. Three side pockets, two chest pockets (one with a goggle cloth attached inside) and a sleeve pocket offer plenty of storage outside. Inside, there are two mesh pockets, one with a zipper, and there is a mini mesh pocket for ear buds. Large pull tabs on each zipper make them easy to use with gloves on. Rather than seam seal every zipper, most have a storm flap either over or under the zipper. For an inbounds piece, this is the way to go. It keeps the zipper actuation smooth while repelling the elements. The collar and cuffs have a fleece lining, adding to the comfort of the Melt.

There are plenty of tech features to keep you warm and comfortable too. Huge pit zips allow for venting when the temps climb. More than once I unzipped these as I waited for a chair and they provided instant cooling. To keep snow out, the Melt has a removable powder skirt and gusseted Velcro wrist closures. I also liked the removable hood, mostly because it is removable. Not being a fan of hoods I was happy to see I could simply zip it off.

The Melt is a great choice for on mountain fun. With plenty of storage and features to keep you warm and dry, this piece does the job it is designed to do.  For more information, please visit Obermeyer.com

MSRP $265