John Beye Rocking the Stellar 2.0 Jacket at JHMR | Photo Mountain Weekly News
In a world flooded with countless options for winter outerwear, it’s refreshing to find choices that focus on functionality and simplicity. Stellar, a Swedish brand with a decade of expertise, has mastered this approach. The Stellar Shell Jacket 2.0 is the result of a straightforward business model and a commitment to creating high-performance gear for skiers and riders of all types and abilities.
Stellar’s Unique Style
Out of the box, the Stellar Shell Jacket 2.0 feels substantial and durable, with a bright blue hue that really pops. Stellar’s shell jacket lineup maintains a clean, simple color scheme, and all options appear bright and appealing. While marketed as a do-all winter shell, it feels a bit robust for an exclusive touring jacket. That said, the side zips for ventilation and ample pockets for snack and navigation storage could make this a viable option for both front and backcountry riders.
Field Testing
The Stellar Shell Jacket 2.0 arrived just in time for Jackson’s largest snowfall of the month – a 70-inch February storm that persisted for over a week. I took the jacket for a couple of spins at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, experiencing it during both the colder temperatures early in the storm and the wetter conditions that followed.
A week later, I threw the shell in my touring pack in search of any remaining north facing powder as warmer spring temperatures settled in on the Tetons. This allowed me to test the jacket in both light dry powder, wetter maritime snow, and high alpine conditions.
At the resort, I was particularly impressed with the waterproof nature of the coat. Stellar has a Dermizax™NX membrane, opting for 100% recycled nylon that holds up just as well – if not better – than some GORE-TEX Jackets I have worn. After two full days of exposure to winter precipitation, I was very pleased with how dry I stayed and how easily moisture beaded up and off this outer layer.
The hood was also spacious enough to comfortably fit over my Giro helmet, and the high collar added some additional wind protection at the perpetually blustery tram summit and while dropping into Buck Shot in Grand Teton National Park.
While my standard ski pants are not powder-skirt compatible, the Stellar Shell Jacket 2.0 features a generous powder skirt that would undoubtedly keep snow out on the deepest days.
Fit
As a rider you can feel every bit of this jacket’s 3-layer construction. That said, its durability did little to compromise mobility due to the shell’s relaxed sizing. The flared sleeves are a nice touch for big mitts on those cold and snowy outings.
The fit works better for me as an inbound or sidecountry free riding jacket than in the true backcountry, though that’s not to say it didn’t find a home in my touring pack. Perched high atop Buck Shot, nestled in the cool shade of Buck Mountain’s north face, I was grateful to have this sturdier shell along for the ride.
About Stellar Equipment
I don’t typically include a company overview, but Stellar’s approach is distinctive enough to merit a few words. They emphasize both environmental sustainability and ethical labor practices, values both worth celebrating. While the jacket does contain per- and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) substances (PFAS), I’m optimistic that its durability will extend its lifespan, keeping it out of landfills longer than other options.
Additionally, Stellar takes a selective approach to its distribution, maintaining full control over product output and customer communication. This enables a more intimate and conscientious approach to gear production, allowing for thoughtful, gradual improvements.
The Stellar Shell Jacket 2.0 exemplifies this philosophy – it remained largely unchanged for seven years as the company intentionally gathered feedback, resisting the rush of fast fashion.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Exceptional durability
- Impressive waterproofing
- Multiple pockets and pit zips
- Fun and simple color options
Cons
- A bit bulky for a dedicated touring jacket
Final Thoughts
It’s rare for a brand I’ve not heard much about to impress me as much as Stellar. While this coat is on the pricier side, the Stellar Shell Jacket 2.0 ($699.99) has everything I look for in a resort-oriented ski shell. I appreciate its simple design and color scheme, but I was most impressed by the immediate sense of durability this minimalist jacket provides.
While true waterproofing can only be confirmed over time, I have no reason to doubt this shell’s longevity. Stellar’s commitment to staying small and intentional means that the 2.0 version is likely to remain on the market for a while before any updates – and that’s not a bad thing.
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