San Francisco based Pop Outerwear grew tired of the baggy style snowboarding apparel on offer most everywhere today. Taking matters into their own hands, the company decided to design a line of snowboarding outerwear with a more urban feel, something you could easily wear around town during the week, then use to shred pow on the weekends.
As San Francisco is normally rainy and cold this time of year, Pop Outerwear sent me one of the women's Softshell jackets to test out. The Softshell is made from a polyester material that looks and feels like wool but is completely windproof and waterproof up to 5,0000 mm, a number that refers to the amount of rainfall a fabric can withstand in a 24 hr period (Gore-Tex PacLite is rated 28,000 mm for comparison).
Stylish detailing such as leather pulls and metal buttons complete the urban appeal. You can remove the hood, via a hidden zipper and snaps, for a more streamlined look, while the cotton knit collar feels warm and cozy against your face. The Softshell jacket features two zippered hand pockets and a zippered chest pocket, complete with internal audio connector for your iPod or phone.
Although the jacket is not insulated, I kept plenty warm walking around Park City and Bozeman. The Softshell jacket is breathable enough that you could use it for light outdoor activity such as hiking or biking around town.
In terms of sizing, I would definitely order one size up, as you will most likely be wearing a sweater or some mid layer underneath. The Softshell jacket is meant to fit tighter and although a large (one size up for me) fits me well through the body, the shoulders and arms remain awkwardly small.
Bottom Line: The Pop Outerwear Softshell is a more urban looking jacket option that will protect you equally well around town or while out enjoying the outdoors.
The Pop Outerwear Softshell comes in a men's and women's version and retails for $159, available from the company website.