Burgess Custom Jacket

by Mike Hardaker on February 18, 2011 in Snowboard Jacket Reviews

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BURGESS CUSTOM THE NOTHWOODS SOFTSHELL JACKET
burgesscustom.com

First Impression: I had no idea homemade jackets or outerwear could look this nice. The coat stands up against my Patagonia shell. Every time I wear the jacket it becomes a conversation piece as it just looks slick, and moisture repels off the coat with ease.

Weight: The Northwoods Softshell jacket is lightweight, yet with the the microfleece bonded to the back of the coat I have yet to be cold wearing just the shell, first layer and mid layer.

Waterproof Rating: Gore® SoftShell fabric is guaranteed to keep you dry. I first tested the coat in the Pacific Northwest at Crystal Mountain, WA. The bottom half of the mountain was raining and the top was snowing in typical Washington fashion. I was hesitant to test the coat in such conditions but decided this would either make or break the review. What a relief, water rolled down the jacket like marbles on a slick floor. Everyone else I was riding with was soaking wet, I can’t thank Burgess Custom enough for keeping me dry.

Fit: Slim fitting, a little on the long side but that’s sort of the style these days. When I am wearing the coat sometimes I forget it’s even on. You could easily wear this coat around town or for traveling. Who needs a big bulky ski coat these days?

Construction: I have worn the coat for 7 days of product testing and its held up very well. The material looks like it can take a beating on the inside and out. Nothing worse then your new coat getting snagged on a tree branch and ripping a whole through the thin outwear, and let me tell you it happens.. The zippers are made with tough conditions in mind, even the seems on the coat look reinforced.

Riding: Do I really have to give this back? I have fallen in love with this coat, its the perfect weight for ripping around the ski resort and hiking in the backcountry. I might get a brighter color for filming but sort of got used to the ninja black look. The Northwoods Softshell Jacket even has vents for warm days on both sides and a pocket on the inside of the coat for your iPod.

Colors: Black, navy blue, coffee, forest green, burgundy, and sky blue (Black used for testing)

Sizes: M, L, XL for men and S, M, L for women (Mens Large used for testing)

Location: Crystal Mountain, WA and Crested Butte, CO

Weather: Rain, Snow, Hot Temps a little bit of everything. This technical outerwear can do it all.

Overall Impression: I am very excited to watch this small company out of Jackson Hole, WY grow. Sara did an amazing job on this coat and they even make custom pants.. I was taken back that a jacket could be this quality yet not from one of the major companies. For now the coats will be available in the sizes listed above, where as the pants are customizable. If your looking for something to keep you dry and warm and not look like a dweeb I highly recommend checking out some jackets from Burgess Custom. Best of all everything is made here in the United States.

Retail: TBD

Action and Lifestyle photos by Kevin Krill – Crested Butte Photography

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Tags: Burgess Custom, Burgess Custom The Northwoods Softshell, Colorado, Crested Butte Print article