There’s nothing quite like a good sense of place – the idea of rootedness, really knowing where you’re from. Jackson Hole would be a wonderful place to claim as your home and the outdoor brand Stio takes full ownership of the locale. I’ve been testing their Skycrest insulated snap jacket over the last month in Spokane’s mild Fall weather.
Stio Skycrest Insulated Snap Features:
- Pertex® Microlight Minirip Nylon, 100% Nylon, 52g/m2 with DWR
- Thermore® Ecodown®, 100% Polyester, 60g Synthetic Insulation
- Snap front closure for casual styling
- Snap chest pockets
- Custom Stio® metal snaps
- Quilted shoulders and sleeves
- Unique shirt tail hem
- Embroidered Pinecone logo and Stio® logo label
- Center back length 29”, size M
- Weight:12 oz.
- MSRP: $155.00
Skycrest delivers big mountain style
As much as I love reviewing technical gear for my climbing expeditions, there’s nothing as much fun as reviewing a piece that I simply wear around town. Naturally the enjoyment is heightened when it’s a really sharp piece of clothing, and the Skycrest has quite a bit to offer in that regard. Stio is a brand that’s obsessed with details, as is evident in the aesthetic of their flagship Mountain Studio. Careful attention to detail is the necessary precursor to good design, and good design is almost always the foundation of excellent function.
The Skycrest is a classic take on the insulated shirt. It features two snap pockets, two hand pockets, a versatile collar and a diamond baffle pattern that fades to smooth lower on the jacket. Something of the brand’s essence is communicated in the subtle pinecone details on the buttons and hanging strip – it’s a clear commitment to good times coupled with that attention to detail that I spoke about.
Befitting its classy lifestyle bend, the Skycrest is constructed with fantastic Pertex Microlight nylon which has a very smooth handle. I tested the Saxony Blue model and the blue and yellow fabrics are richly dyed. The jacket is stuffed with 60 grams of polyester insulation that is designed to mimic the softness and loft of down insulation. It’s a very comfortable weight to slide on on a cold evening, and I’d say that the jacket is good down to around 45 degrees with a nice flannel underneath. The two handpockets would have been improved with a touch of fleece or something equally soft, but they’re nice and deep to offer lots of protection.
I particularly like the design of the collar and of the chest pockets. The collar is versatile and lays flat for a sharp, clean look; otherwise, you can fold it up and button it for a little extra protection. The chest pockets are good looking and clasp securely, though the un-reinforced rivet on the actual pocket makes me worried that it will rip out over time. I’d use these gently. What’s more, Stio included a nice shirt tail for a little extra protection and a comfortable, relaxed fit.
The Good
- Clean, attractive look
- Excellent fabrics and insulaton
- Collar can either lay flat or button up for extra protection
- Shirt tail hem is a nice touch
- Button details are nicely done and look sharp
The Bad
- Clasps on the outer chest pocket fabric aren’t reinforced, could rip out
- Fleecy pockets would have been an excellent addition
The Bottom Line: Skycrest Snap
The insulated shirt is a class, and Stio’s Skycrest is an excellent example of how it can be done well. It’s the perfect piece for Spokane’s wet, chilly fall and it’s a very comfortable jacket in a wide variety of settings. Overall, a well-done piece from Jackson Hole’s Stio.
Buy Now: Available from Stio.com
