Thursday, November 30, 2023
ClothingReviewsWinter sports

REVIEWED: Maier Sports Podkoren ski jacket

Soft, strong and stretchy, this ski jacket’s excellent hood and thumbhole cuffs win the day

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Maier Sports Podkoren ski jacket: design

Available in red, blue, black and grey, the Podkoren – in our red review sample – really looks the part. Best paired with a pair of Maier Sports Anton 2 men’s ski pants, the Podkoren is waterproof and windproof, yet breathable, thanks to its use of mTEX 10.000 fabric that’s really soft and quiet (unlike cheap ski jackets, which are usually rough and noisy). There are a couple of water-repellent chest pockets sealed by waterproof zips, two hand pockets, and a snow guard and elasticated cuffs complete with thumbholes. There’s also a hood that zips on and off, attaching to the jacket’s lapels using Velcro, as well as the usual wrist pocket for storing a ski pass.

Maier Sports Podkoren ski jacket: design

Available in red, blue, black and grey, the Podkoren – in our red review sample – really looks the part. Best paired with a pair of Maier Sports Anton 2 men’s ski pants, the Podkoren is waterproof and windproof, yet breathable, thanks to its use of mTEX 10.000 fabric that’s really soft and quiet (unlike cheap ski jackets, which are usually rough and noisy). There are a couple of water-repellent chest pockets sealed by waterproof zips, two hand pockets, and a snow guard and elasticated cuffs complete with thumbholes. There’s also a hood that zips on and off, attaching to the jacket’s lapels using Velcro, as well as the usual wrist pocket for storing a ski pass.

Maier Sports Podkoren ski jacket: performance

TravGear has never worn anything this comfortable while skiing. Silky smooth and stretchy, the Podkoren proved to have plenty of pockets for storing essentials, with the earphones loop-through design especially useful. It means you can store your phone in a zipped pocket inside the coat, leaving it both safe and warm. That’s essential if you’re at high altitudes, where phones can routinely stop working or run-down their batteries. TravGear did have a few issues with the chest pockets, which got wet with sweat/condensation, ruining a piste map in the process, so they’re only really good suited to storing keys, cards, and coins. During tumbles, the snow guard did a good job, and the elasticated cuffs with thumbholes kept the chill out.

Maier Sports Podkoren ski jacket: conclusion

With plenty of pockets, an effective snow guard and a really impressive hood fastening system, in use the Podkoren impressed most of all on comfort … and those elasticated cuffs with thumbholes. A great all-round ski jacket.

Price as reviewed: £180/€249.95

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