Merrell is an outdoor gear company best known for their shoes and boots. But in recent years, outerwear has become a big focus for them. Having checked out their impressive selection of high quality jackets at recent Outdoor Retailer shows, Merrell has proven they are in the game. But how does Merrell’s high-end jackets work in the elements? I took the new Jolene Tri-Therm into the mountains and around town to find out.
The Merrell Jolene Tri-Therm Jacket is a three-in-one system. There’s the waterproof outer shell to keep out rain and snow, and an insulated liner for warmth. Each can be worn alone, or combined for ultimate warmth and protection. I’ve always liked jackets with removable liners, but most liners have not been very stylish. But the Merrell “Opti-Warm” liner looks great, like an expensive micro-puff without the bulk. The liner jacket snaps into the “Opti-Shell” really easily and keeps everything in place for a sleek look.
Hiking in the snow covered Wasatch, the Merrell Jolene is warm and snuggly. Granted this is a jacket intended for the slopes (but the slopes aren’t up to par yet), I enjoyed the room in the hips and the feminim shape to the jacket. What I LOVE the most is the four military looking snaps across the front. They were the whole reason I had to have this jacket. There’s nothing worse than wearing a ski jacket that looks like the boxey one you borrowed from your dad when you were in sixth grade going on your first ski trip.
Another bonus about this jacket is when its zipped up, the top of the zipper has fleece on the backside of the zipper. So when your nose is drippy and your lips cold just brush your face against it to warm to get warm. This jacket stands up to fierce winds and nasty winter weather on my long walks to school yet keeps me looking fashionable.
My only complaint about Jolene is her arms aren’t long enough for my liking. When stretching out my wings she barely covers my wrists. I’m only 5’6″ so I can’t imagine a woman with longer arms fitting into this jacket comfortably. I think clothing companies forget not all women are cut like figure skaters.
Just looking at the this Merrell Jacket, I was afraid that it would not have the technical features of a bomber outdoor jacket. The material and colors are very pretty, with a cut that screams “girl coat.” But I was fooled by the look, as this jacket has all the tech needed for a cold day on the slopes inside her feminine exterior. The outer shell is made from a 2-layer waterproof/breathable fabric that kept me warm and dry, even during heavy activity. I also appreciate small details like fully taped seams, large storm flaps to cover the zippers, pit zips, powder skirt, removable helmet compatible hood, and velcro arm cuffs to keep out the cold. In short, Merrell has packed everything a serious outdoors-woman could want or need in this super warm and cozy coat.
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