I got my first Yeti Hunter Jacket in 2015/2016 and couldn't be more stoked on how this year's jacket came out.
Fit: Lost somewhere in between Virtika baggy and the Dakine form fit, I spent years looking for a company that made outerwear that made sense to me. I don't like super baggy, but I definitely don't like the tight fit either and that was an issue I couldn't resolve until I found out about Planks. At 6'1" I ride in an XL Yeti Hunter and its perfect. The cut provides enough length and enough room that you always feel unrestricted and comfortable without an over-baggy cut leaving you with selves that go a foot past the end your glove.
Weight: The Yeti Series in the opposite of heavy. While true alpinists may not appreciate the, freeride oriented, cut, I would bet that any dedicated backcountry skier would be largely impressed by the weight of the Yeti Hunter jacket. I am a ski photographer, I spend 6 to 7 days skiing in/out of bounds every week and at least half of the weight in my pack is camera gear. Lugging gear around all day is exhausting and the last thing I need is for my outerwear to add to that weight. It's rarely cold enough for me to skin in a shell and the Yeti Hunter packs down tight and light in my pack; on many occasions I have gotten to the ride and forgotten I had packed it as all my older shells always provided issues for me on the skin track. I love topping out on a windy peak and being able to slide into the Yeti shell.
Durability: The Yeti Series is built strong, most importantly, I have never had an issue with any Planks clothing in areas where the apparel really needs to preform (seams are strong, zippers don't break or jam, fabric does not rip easily, waterproofing is solid and maintains performance with the occasional wash.) I haven't had any durability issues with this years Yeti Hunter and the only problem I had with the coat from the year before was a little break down in the velcro on the wrist cuff--an issue that very rarely bothered me.
Features: I'll admit, it took me a little time to get used to the diagonal chest pockets with my first jacket. Since the initial few rides, I have learned to really appreciate those pockets and the volume they can really handle. More traditional pockets, below the chest zips, on this years Yeti Hunter we're an awesome addition, leaving you with no shortage of space. The wrist cuff velcro is holding up a lot better on the new jacket. While the cut keeps things from getting too baggy, Planks has kept the top of the jacket tall and lined with fleece to keep your face sheltered and warm on those brutal storm days; the hood is also the perfect size to throw over a helmet without pulling the coat up above your eyes.
For someone who puts in over 100 days every season between the resort and the backcountry I could't be more pumped on how Planks gear preforms and makes me feel. If you're looking for a fresh looking, non-insulated shell for next season, make sure you grab a Yeti Hunter.
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