I picked up the Stio Environ last season while looking for the “perfect” Colorado ski jacket. I have 30+ days in it while skiing a different brand for comparison. Based in Jackson, WY, Stio has clearly designed a jacket for skiers, by skiers.
The shell is made from Dermizax, a durable 150-denier fabric with a 20,000mm waterproof, 10,000g breathability PU laminate. It has withstood every condition I have skied in, including blower storms and sub-zero temps. It’s been waterproof and about 100% windproof (in CO, you don’t really need waterproof). The Environ breathes adequately, and at no time have I felt clammy while skiing, but unlike some fabrics, it doesn’t allow too much heat to escape. The fabric is bomber: it's on the stiffer side but not crinkly or uncomfortable. I have not experienced any tears or pulls even after skiing aspens and evergreens. Visually, fit and finish are as good as (or better than) any other high-end technical shell. Sealed seams are clean and precise, as are the junctions of zippers and materials.
There is just the right number of pockets, which are placed thoughtfully. The double chest pockets provide plenty of room to store a phone in one pocket and gear or an RFID pass in the other side without interfering with the reader. Stio also placed the interior pocket below the exterior chest pocket, permitting you to use both pockets simultaneously without having the contents stack on top of each other (a pet peeve of mine). The interior has a zippered pocket (which will accommodate a larger phone) and a stow pouch; I can fit an extra lens or glove liners in the pouch. Hand pockets are large enough to carry skins.
The YKK zippers work well. I like the underappreciated functionality of a double zipper because it is perfect for unzipping only the bottom of the jacket for nature breaks or accessing pants pockets without exposing your entire core. Another nice detail is zipper pulls that are easy to operate with gloves on. Pit zips are generously long, allowing quick heat dumps.
Note attention to detail: zipper pulls, tight sealed seams, soft fleece collar.
Inside of the Environ.
The overall shape is roomy but not boxy. Sleeve and hem length are ideal. For reference, I’m 6 ft 168 lb with a 32-in. waist and 41-in. chest, and the large fits me well with extra room for movement and layering. I like sleeves long enough that they won't expose my wrists when I extend my arms, and I like the hem to be long enough that it covers my butt when I sit on a lift. The fleece-lined collar is also well-designed; it is separate from the hood, allowing it to function better, and high enough to protect your chin and mouth in cold and wind. The hood is large enough that you can pull it over a helmet without unzipping the jacket. It has good peripheral vision and adjustability, too. Finally, there is a fixed powder skirt, something I personally can do without, but many appreciate this.
If you are searching for the MacGyver of jackets, look no further. Even at full $439 MSRP, the Environ is a great value.
- Who is it for? Any skier who is looking for a high-quality, versatile jacket. Especially useful for those who ski off piste and need a bomber-quality shell with features designed for anything nature can throw at you.
- Who is it not for? Those who ski in more moderate conditions with high humidity
- Insider tip. Save some money and watch for Stio's "Save 10%" coupons by signing up for its newsletter and Active Junky savings.
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