Dare2b Downslope Jacket Review

The men’s Downslope jacket from Dare2b is a hi-loft, low-bulk down jacket designed to work as mid or outer layer on the mountain. Constructed using ethically sourced iLUS duck down with a Fill Power of 600, it has an excellent warmth-to-weight ratio for a range of temperatures. The nylon shell is treated with a water-repellent finish to help shed moisture and the cuffs are stretch bound to help prevent the wind cooling your arms.

Snow.Guide Ski Editor, Rob Stewart, tested the jacket in a variety of conditions during February 2015 including sunshine in Andermatt and snow in Kuhtai – the jacket worked well in both conditions.

The first thing I liked about the jacket is the colour, meaning that it’s really suitable for walking around town as well as skiing. Of course it’s light weight, as you’d expect from a down jacket, but the handy stuff pocket means you can pack it right down and get it in your backpack too. This was particularly good at the airport when you don’t want to wear a warm coat but have one handy when you’re out the doors in freezing cold Zurich or Innsbruck.

These kind of mid-layer garments have made skiing or snowboarding in colder weather so much more comfortable. I’m used to wearing multiple base layers and either a shell jacket or insulated jacket – but this provides flexibility, especially if you’re carrying a pack on the mountain.

There’s other similar garments on the market, but the Dare2b Downslope at RRP £150 is great value. It does suit colder weather conditions as at around minus five on a sunny day I was already feeling warm – you only need one or two base layers and a shell to stay warm down to around minus ten and although that’s a general rule, I often feel the cold so that would work for most.

It’s got a water repellent outer, enough to keep light snow out and it worked well as an evening coat, being wind proof too. The hood also helps if you’ve forgotten your beanie.

If you’re skiing in colder temperatures or ski touring in the winter it’s perfect – the jacket is probably a little too much for spring ski touring, but for a skier from beginner to expert level and enjoys both the piste and off-piste, I’d definitely recommend it.

Specifications

• Endothermic Performance (ETP)
• iLUS Down – 600 fill down
• Premium duck down fill – 90% Down / 10% Feathers
• Nylon down proof fabric
• Water repellent finish
• Easily compressible
• High warmth to weight ratio
• Grown on hood
• 2 x lower zip pockets
• Packs away into lower pocket
• Stretch bound cuff
• Adjustable shockcord hem
• 1 x internal zip pocket incl. MP3 port