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Gear Review | Picture Folder Xpore Jacket & Bib

Environmentally friendly hardshell suit

by Lorenzo Rieg • 03/26/2022
Lea Hartl
Paznaun Valley
Lea Hartl
Paznaun Valley
Since it was founded almost 15 years ago, the Picture brand, which goes by the full name of Picture Organic Clothing, has stood for sustainable winter sports clothing. On the one hand, sustainable, often bio-based materials are used wherever possible and harmful substances are avoided. On the other hand, Picture also uses innovative approaches such as a lifetime guarantee on the typical "wear parts" of clothing such as zips, buttons and seams.

First impression

The eye-catching design of the suit immediately catches the eye. The reinforcements, which contrast strongly in colour with the black base material, give the trousers in particular a kind of retro, beaten track look. At the same time, however, the reinforcements are made of really sturdy material and are attached to the areas that are subject to more wear and tear, so they make perfect sense.

The material is worth mentioning. The Xpore nanomembrane is not only waterproof, windproof and breathable, the combination is also PFC- and solvent-free and made from over 50% bio-based material, more precisely from sugar cane waste. This also ensures that no usable food or land suitable for growing it is used for the production of synthetic materials.

The material is quite light, even for a 3-layer hardshell, which is particularly noticeable on the trousers. Both the jacket and the trousers are well made and have all the details you would expect from a high-end suit, such as taped seams, waterproof zips, plenty of pockets, easily adjustable hems and hoods, cuffs with thumb loops on the sleeves, a ski pass pocket, a detachable snow skirt and much more.

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Lea Hartl
Lechtal Alps
Lea Hartl
Lechtal Alps

Tester & test conditions

I am 183cm tall and weigh just under 80kg. I wear both the jacket and trousers in size L, which is a generous size for the jacket, especially in terms of width. An M would probably have been enough for me. The trousers shouldn't be tighter, M would be too tight for me. In terms of length, however, they are a little long in L - although it should be noted that I have rather short legs. The bib of the trousers comes up quite high, so you are really well wrapped up and neither wind nor snow can harm you.

I mainly go ski touring and have therefore tested the combination mainly on tour, although I have also worn it on the odd day in the ski resort. I've been wearing the jacket and trousers since the beginning of February. I like wearing dungarees in the ski resort, but they are usually too warm for me on tour. On tours, I therefore took off the bibs and let the bibs hang down. As there were no belt loops and no way of tightening the trousers, I had to fasten them using the hip belt of my backpack.

Test report

The test shows really good material properties. The Xpore membrane is definitely waterproof and at the same time remarkably breathable. Of course, I sweat a lot in high temperatures or on ascents, but that's the case with every hardshell. The generous ventilation zips help here. So there are only positive things to report in this respect, and I haven't noticed any problems with durability either. The large reinforcements also make a good impression. The suit and the material are very comfortable to wear although a slightly larger adjustment range for the braces might be a good thing, depending on body size and shape.

I really like many of the details on the combination, such as the large and easily adjustable hood or the neat Velcro fasteners on the sleeves, which can also be operated with gloves. I find a few little things less successful, for example most of the pockets on both the jacket and trousers are located under the hip belt of the rucksack. However, as the Napoleon pockets of the jacket remain free and I don't know what I should put in so many jacket pockets anyway, this doesn't really bother me.

Lea Hartl
Paznaun Valley
Lea Hartl
Paznaun Valley

While the suit scores points for freeriding in deep powder thanks to the robust and waterproof material, the low weight and high breathability are advantageous on ski tours. Picture's focus on sustainability is also nice - even if you don't notice this when using the suit. I particularly like the lifetime guarantee on zips, seams and buttons. After all, these are the things that can break, which can be very annoying, especially with a jacket that is still in good condition. A great idea from Picture in this respect!

Conclusion

High-quality combination that is quite light despite the very good equipment and numerous features. If you like the jacket and/or bib and they fit, the outfit is certainly worth considering. Extra points for Picture's efforts to use sustainable materials and production!

Advantages & disadvantages

+ Robust, dense and breathable material

+ Sustainable materials

Information on

Xpore Jacket

RRP €550,-

Straight fit
3-layer hardshell made from organic material
PFC-free, durable water-repellent finish
Adjustable, ergonomic hood
Ventilation zips under the arms
Cuffs with thumb holes
Inside pocket with zip
Ski pass pocket
Expedition and Lab logopocket
Expedition and Lab logo
Fabric made from 53% bio-based polyester and 47% recycled polyester
Xpore 25k/20k membrane
Fully taped seams
Waterproof YKK zip
Detachable snow guard
Adjustable hem and cuffs
Goggle cloth
Long-cut back
Weight: 940g

Xpore Bib

RRP € 350,-

Straight fit
3-layer hardshell made from organic material
PFC-free, permanently water-repellent impregnation
Waterproof YKK zips
Bib with side Lycra inserts
Reinforcements at the ankleinserts
Reinforcements at the ankle
Gaiters with lace hooks
Fabric made from 53% bio-based polyester and 47% recycled polyester
Xpore 25k/20k membrane
Fully taped seams
Ventilation zips on the legs
Zip in the bib
Adjustable straps
Expedition and Lab logo
Weight: 720g

Click here to go to the Picture website for more information on the jacket and Bib.

The combo was provided to PowderGuide by the manufacturer free of charge for testing. You can find out how we tested it in our test statement.

Picture
Folder Xpore Jacket
Picture
Folder Xpore Jacket

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