In my opinion, a backcountry touring jacket needs a few things: simplicity of style, a large hood, light weight, moisture resistance and excellent breathability. So when I found out that Salomon made a jacket called the “Tour” my ears perked up like a German Shepherd who’s owner just said the “W” word. When I got my hands on one to test, I was so excited I would have chased my tail if I had one. So, did the Salomon Tour warrant my unfettered enthusiasm?
According to Salomon, the Tour Jacket offers fully featured weather protection and, “provides the perfect balance of shelter and performance.” Features include:
- ClimaPRO Storm 3L fabric
- Four pockets including 2 hand, 1 arm and 1 chest.
- Waist adjustments
- Air vent system (pit zips)
- Adjustable hood
- Active Fit cut
The first time I wore the Salomon Tour was at the Outdoor Retailer All Mountain Demo at Solitude. I took a few runs off the Eagle Express lift on an unseasonably warm day, and wore it alone over my base layer. I immediately noticed that the fabric feels almost like a rain jacket. Combined with fully taped seams and water-resistant zippers, it was clear that this shell would be bomb-proof in inclement weather. But under the sun on the lift, none of that mattered. But what did matter was the jacket’s fit. It’s cut very nice with long sleeves that cover the wrists, and a perfect length at the waist. Funny thing is I had a size large but normally wear a medium.
A few weeks later, Salomon sent out the Tour, so for months I did what the jacket’s namesake says… I toured… a lot. I took it to the La Sal Mountains of Moab, the Bear Rivers of Logan, Mount Timponogos, and numerous backcountry ski trips in the Central Wasatch. Through it all, I’ve really been impressed with the Salomon Tour. The shell is pretty light weight without being flimsy, and that rain jacket-like, ClimaPRO Storm 3L fabric is actually super strong as it withstood hateful bushwhacks at Wood Camp in Logan Canyon with nary a scrape.
The material is also totally wind proof. While being blasted by hurricane-force winds atop Delano Peak in the Tushar Mountains, I couldn’t feel the slightest breeze sneak through the Tour. As far as water-proofiness (is that even a word?) it never rained or anything, but snowstorms, blizzards, graupel fests, and countless waves of powder slamming into the shell with every sweet turn never penetrated the jacket. In short, this is definitely a shelter from anything the elements can throw at you in the backcountry.
So the jacket is called the Tour… about that. Going back to my list of needs in a touring shell like simplicity of style, a large hood, light weight, moisture resistance and excellent breathability, I found the Tour had some, but not all of those qualities. First, I really didn’t think the shell breathed very well compared to other shells I’ve toured in. Backcountry skiing is a highly aerobic activity, so anything worn must breathe harder than a race horse while also keeping the elements out. But the Tour felt clammy as soon as my heart rate got up. So while in the skin track, I mostly hiked up with my base layer, only to put the Tour on at the top. While the pit zips helped vent any excess heat, they weren’t enough to keep the sweat-fest at bay. I also found that the water-resistant zippers are really stiff, which made the collar stand up annoyingly in front of my face. I had to stuff it under pack straps to keep the attacking collar at bay. The Velcro wrist closures are also small and difficult to operate with gloves on.
After all this time in the Tour Jacket, I’m still enthusiastic about Salomon’s foray into backcountry ski apparel, but for different reasons. In short, this is an awesome hard-shell style garment that I loved to have on my torso when nasty weather came knocking, but for full-on touring, it left me wanting more. So the Tour has found a place in my backcountry pack as a shell to put on when I transition for descent, and it’s also my new favorite shell to wear in-bounds. Overall, I think it’s a smart choice for skiers who ski both resorts and side-country but don’t generally tour for touring’s sake.
The Good: Bomber ClimaPRO Storm 3L fabric, active cut, adjustable hood, taped seams, pit zips, light weight (15.7oz), excellent protection from elements.
The Bad: Not very breathable, small Velcro wrist adjustments, uncomfortable collar.
Final Word: The Salomon Tour Jacket is a solid entry into backcountry apparel, but is likely more appropriate for resort and side-country skiing, or maybe touring in climates colder and wetter than Utah.
The Salomon Tour Jacket will be released in the Fall of 2013 and will have an MSRP of $300.
For more from Salomon, visit them at www.salomon.com