Skip to content

Cookies 🍪

This site uses cookies that need consent.

Learn more

Zur Powderguide-Startseite Zur Powderguide-Startseite
gear of the week

Gear of the Week | Zajo Karakorum Jacket

High-performance or hype? Three-layer jacket in the test.

03/02/2025
Sebastian Siep
Three-layer jackets for skiing are nothing special in themselves. Numerous brands offer them in all colours and functionalities - often at high prices. The spectrum ranges from lightweight, pure rain jackets to solid, robust mountaineering versions. Due to their welded construction consisting of many individual parts, they are certainly complex to develop and are advertised as uncompromising high-performance products with almost infinite durability. Add an eye-catching design and the jacket is considered a premium product. The evaluation is then usually based on the most rational criteria possible: Weight, number of pockets, water column, pack size or the size of the hood and whether the helmet still fits underneath.

Here we briefly introduce you to a 3-layer jacket that earns a lot of test points without really standing out.

The Karakorum jacket is the flagship model of the Zajo brand, which has probably not yet received much attention. Possibly, because the price of the equipment cannot compete with the big names. Nevertheless, the lesser-known material is absolutely functional and extremely dirt-resistant. It is also supple after wearing it once or twice. The cut of the jacket is rather slim, but still fits well when wearing an onion layer with down underneath in cold, damp fog or on a bike in cold sleet. The jacket has three pockets, one inside pocket at chest height and two outside pockets. These sit on the ribs and are easily accessible from the side. The vents, which are offset to the front, are particularly well thought-out and not only ensure optimum ventilation during movement, but also make it easier to access the layers underneath. For example, an avalanche transceiver stowed in the dungarees remains ready to hand at all times.

In general, the jacket is rather inconspicuous - apart from the chosen colour. Everything is as it should be and nothing is missing. The hood is helmet-compatible, the cuffs close well and gloves fit easily under the jacket without the sleeves getting baggy.

The jacket does not have a snow skirt, but the zip can be secured at the bottom with a button. Together with the elasticated drawstrings, this ensures a secure fit without slipping. The hood, collar and elasticated drawstrings work perfectly. Another practical detail is the reflective zip covers, which ensure better visibility in traffic in the dark - especially when cycling. In addition, the jacket always stays in place, whether in a bent position on the bike or under a rucksack when freeriding. It simply fits well.

I now wear them almost everywhere, even off the mountain, as soon as I expose myself to the weather - unless I reach for my PowderGuide jacket.

However, the price is particularly striking. Such a well thought-out and functional jacket should be much more common on the market in this cost-effective form. In any case, there are many plus points here at an attractive price.

Technical details

  • Unique eVent® membrane with Direct Venting™ technology

  • Water-resistant properties thanks to DWR treatment

  • Taped seams and seamless shoulders for added waterproofness

  • Anatomical shaping for fit and comfort – fit designed for technical layering

  • Articulated elbows

  • 3D patterning for enhanced comfort and mobility

  • No-lift gusseted underarms

  • Fully adjustable helmet-compatible hood with laminated brim

  • Laminated flap under front zip

  • Bottom secure snap closure

  • Extended high collar for extra face protection to avoid friction at the chin

  • YKK's water repellent AquaGuard® series zippers

  • Two deep side pockets are accessible while wearing a backpack

  • Side vent zippers parallel with the hand pockets provide easy access to the bottom layers

  • Corded zipper-pulls reduce noise and are easy to grab

  • Zipper garages to protect zipper closure from snow and rain

  • Laminated die-cut Velcro cuff adjusters

  • Adjustable bottom hem.

  • Drop back hem

  • Internal laminated chest pocket with zipping

  • Reflective details

Note

PowderGuide.com is nonprofit-making, so we are glad about any support. If you like to improve our DeepL translation backend, feel free to write an email to the editors with your suggestions for better understandings. Thanks a lot in advance!

Show original (German)

Related articles

Comments