Stio Environ Ski Jacket Review

by Niels Oomkes

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Stio is based in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. This part of the world is rugged, outdoorsy, and extreme. The perfect place to develop a world class ski jacket in my opinion.

If you want to get technical, Stio is actually located in Wilson, WY. This is right in between the town of Jackson and Teton Village. Jackson is home to the small yet steep Snow King Ski Resort, and the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar. In Teton Village you will find the Mangy Moose (great wings and beer), but you’ll also find some of the best resort skiing in North America! Another reason I can relate is that after college during my one ski bum season, I happened to live in Wilson. Hence, I am very excited to put the Stio Environ Ski Jacket to the test here in the equally beautiful Colorado Rockies.

First Impressions of the Stio Environ Ski Jacket

My first look at the Environ provided me with a clean design and crisp lines. A second look, and I noticed the attention to detail and many great technical features. From the water resistant zippers and sealed seam stitching, to the hidden drawstrings to allow for numerous hood and jacket adjustments.

Comfortable fit, ski helmet hood compatible, and large hand pockets

Performance and Features

My first time out provided a wide range of conditions to test the versatility of the Stio Environ Ski Jacket. I had a chance to hit the slopes at Keystone Resort in Colorado for some early season skiing. A chillier cloudy morning allowed me to use my jacket to the fullest extent. I bundled up with all the pull cords nicely tightened to prevent any wind or cold to creep in. Around lunch time a clearing gave us a beautiful blue sky with the sun beaming down. I decided to do a bit of hiking to get to some fresh powder. I quickly realized how nice those zipped armpits are to provide ventilation. It really made a difference.

The detachable hood is great. At first glance, it appeared that it was one continuous jacket and hood design. The seamless integration was so nicely done, and the zipper and buttons were cleanly tucked away. I really like having the option to remove my hood when the weather is nice. On any decent day in the mountains having that extra material removed allows for great freedom and movement while slicing through the snow. In addition, the various drawstrings for the hood provided great versatility and adjustment, and it covered my helmet without any issues.

The velcro straps at the sleeve cuffs have a really wide range for tightening. Without thick gloves or mittens, the cuffs closed nice and tight. With gloves or mittens, the cuffs were able to close with room to spare.

The Stio Environ Ski Jacket comes right up to my chin. For hard core snowing and blizzard conditions, I would have liked to see another inch or two to cover the rest of my face up to my goggles. A very minor item from my point of view, and easily compensated for by wearing a balaclava for seriously adverse conditions.

Athletic fit with Mechanical stretch fabric provides for great range of motion

Scientific Technical Features

The Stio Environ Ski Jacket is coated with a PU laminate that has a waterproof rating of 10,000mm. Meaning, it is waterproof under light pressure, and will handle a light rain and an average snow. The technical science behind that is quite amazing. If you put water in a square tube on top of the jacket with an inside dimension of 1″ x 1″ and 10,000 mm tall (32.8 ft.), it would not leak through. Good enough for me!

The second scientific geek factor that is equally important is the breathability rating of 10,000 g. You can surely make a jacket completely waterproof. However, you’d quickly be soaking in your own sweat with any kind of activity. Cover your ears now for more scientific mumbo jumbo. Breathability is measured by how many grams of water vapor can pass through a square meter of fabric in 24 hours. The higher the number, the more breathable the apparel. It appears that the Stio Environ Ski Jacket is created with a delicate balance in mind. Weatherproof while still giving enough breathability for me to go chase some fresh powder.

Extended back flap, heavy duty zipper with interior backing.

custom Stio® silicone zipper pulls, and a nice home for the zipper to prevent from flapping around

Environ Ski Jacket list of Pros

I love the fact that I have to option to shed some gear during nice conditions with the detachable hood. The zipper to attach is nicely tucked away. The hood is anchored on both sides with heavy duty snaps, and even those are covered as part of the design. You can tell some real thought went into this.
The interior collar has a lining of brushed Tricot which adds softness and warmth.
Underarm venting is pretty standard on any coat these days, but without it you’d be in serious overheat mode.
The fully sealed seams are super nice to prevent any moisture to work its way through.
6 Pockets total: enough for all your essentials, but not so many that you don’t know what goes where. Two lower hand pockets which I like. Some ski coats have those pockets placed a little too high for my liking. 2 chest pockets for phones, camera, or music. Although I would have liked to see an internal slot in one of those pockets to thread some headphones through. Not a huge deal, but wanted to mention it. And finally, 2 internal stash pockets (one zippered and one with a stretch band) Large enough to safely tuck your goggles away, and ski lift munchies.
I am still amazed at the water resistant zipper technology. The main front zipper is heavy duty, and made with water-resistant Vislon® with an interior draft flap. The hand warmer and chest pockets have Aquaguard® water-resistant zippers.
A couple of fun little features are the custom Stio® silicone zipper pulls, and the simple yet distinctive Pinecone Logo.
One final but very critical feature that I love is the mechanical stretch fabric for freedom of movement and added performance.

Great interior stash pocket for all your munchies, or a safe place to put your goggles

Pinecone Logo – Simple, elegant, and unique

Final Thought for the Stio Environ Ski Jacket

If you want the perfect all-mountain jacket this is one that delivers. Water and windproof with great breathability will allow you to tackle any mountain and weather condition. Along with great fit and comfort, the numerous amenities and features will provide all you need for a wonderful day skiing the resorts or backcountry. A super shell made in beautiful Jackson Hole. What more can you ask for?!? I am super happy with my Stio Environ Ski Jacket, because of the crisp design and fantastic technical features. For more information on the Environ Ski Jacket and other Stio products please visit www.stio.com