Dynafit Ridge GTX Jacket Review

Dynafit has been pushing peaks since their inception. The Ridge series is the latest in Dynafit’s progression – Speed mountaineering meets free riding. The Dynafit Ridge GTX Jacket will help take you higher, faster, with more comfort.

GORE-TEX Shell

The Dynafit Ridge GTX is an ultra-light, ultra-packable GORE-TEX shell jacket. Built from the ground up with GORE-TEX performance material this jacket creates a durable, waterproof and breathable layer while also providing total wind protection. The Ridge GTX has a very nice fit to it allowing unrestricted movement. Having long arms i appreciated the longer sleeves.

Best Use

The Dynafit Ridge GTX Jacket has a minimal design but that creates a very light and packable jacket. For most ski tours your jacket stays in your pack until you need to either ski or you have entered high winds and cold temps on the hike. I found this jacket to be the perfect combo of windproof and breathable.

Recently I summited and skied the Grand Teton and the Ridge GTX Jacket performed perfectly in high mountain conditions. Keeping me warm thru high winds yet breathable while hiking and dry thru the ice climbs.

Arm Vents

The Dynafit Ridge GTX Jacket has unique venting on the back of the arms versus the usual pit zips. This is really nice while wearing a pack. It is very easy to locate and open the vents and they dumped heat effectively. The two front pockets are large  enough to put skins in or cell phone and snacks. Two small mesh interior pockets are also nice for drying gloves with your body heat. Minimal design creates light weight. Light weight equals more efficient.

The hood on the Ridge GTX jacket is very comfortable and fits a helmet nicely underneath. Not too big, it allows you to see up your line while ice climbing and hiking steeps. The hood features an adjustable cord to cinch it down. The draw string adjustable hem provides a good seal from snow entering below.

The Dynafit Ridge GTX jacket is also Bluesign approved which means it’s been sourced and made with sustainability in mind. No harsh chemicals or raw materials ensures protection of the future environment one small step at a time.

Dynafit Ridge GTX Jacket Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Ultra-light GORE-TEX shell jacket
• Unique arm venting for backpack comfort
• Comfortable hood & sustainable Bluesign approval

Cons:

• Back arm vents may not suit everyone.
• Minimal design may lack extra features.

Overall Impression

The Dynafit Ridge GTX Jacket ($549.95) is built for pushing peaks and riding hard! Comfortable for all day use, day after day this jacket is now my go to! Get yourself the Ridge GTX and go explore the furthest ridges!

Related GORE-TEX Shell Jackets

1. Outdoor Research Archangel Shell
2. Burton [ak] Stretch Hover Shell
3. Dakine Gearhart Shell