It is one thing above all: eye-catching. The Merino Guardian Shell jacket from Ortovox stands out with its bright colors. But what can the jacket do apart from being colorful?
First impressions
The Merino Guardian Shell jacket is a hard shell merino combo that is soft and light. Ortovox won the ISPO Gold Award for this product two years ago and advertises the merino wool in particular, which is fully bonded to the inside of the jacket. According to Ortovox, the wool comes from sheep from Tasmania, while the outer shell comes from the Japanese manufacturer "Toray". The product description of the jacket promises that the merino wool absorbs sweat and other moisture, does not feel wet and releases it to the outside through the membrane.
I tested the jacket in size M in the color "blue ocean". I am 1.68 meters tall, weigh 54 kilograms and like to wear loose-fitting ski clothing. Although the jacket looks a little large at first glance, with the back protector and down jacket it fits me perfectly and leaves enough room to move. There is a pocket for ski maps on the outside of the left sleeve and a small pocket for an MP3 player on the inside left of the jacket. I can open the two higher front pockets even with my backpack on, the straps don't get in the way. If it's too warm on your ski tour, you can use the zippers under the arms to let in some fresh air. The elasticated snow skirt also prevents snow from getting under the jacket. If you also have the matching trousers for the jacket, you can also remove the snow skirt using a zipper and connect the jacket to the separate snow skirt of the trousers.
In the practical test
At 650 euros, the Merino Guardian Shell jacket is certainly no bargain. That's why it didn't just have to stand up to skiing for me:
I wore it on my bike in constant Franconian rain on the way to university and in temperatures down to minus 22 degrees on the glacier one winter. The jacket shows no signs of wear and keeps me dry both in powder and in heavy rain. With its pink zippers and waist, it is not only a fashionable eye-catcher, but also ideal for difficult conditions on the mountain. The hood fits loosely over the helmet and the high collar protects the face from wind and cold. Nevertheless, I don't feel "cemented into the hood" because I can still turn my head to the left and right without any problems. The hood has proved particularly useful in icy temperatures: I can adjust it perfectly with my gloves on using three elastic straps. I can grip all the zipper pulls even when wearing thick mittens, so I don't have to take my gloves off in the cold. Compared to a normal hardshell jacket, the merino wool also makes it a little warmer and more comfortable to wear. However, the more I have worn the jacket, the more the Velcro fastener on the sleeves has frayed. As a result, it opens frequently and then has to be closed again. The jacket also doesn't have inserted cuffs with a thumb loop. This doesn't normally bother me, but if the closure on the sleeve opens, snow can get inside.
Conclusion
Ortovox can rightly advertise the thin layer of merino wool: it doesn't scratch and doesn't stick to the body after a sweaty ascent. Water and snow simply roll off the outer layer of the jacket.
The Merino Guardian Shell is therefore also an alternative to the Gore-Tex softshell, which is often described as the only option for warm, windproof and waterproof clothing. In addition, the merino wool in the Guardian Shell is a renewable raw material. Despite the less than outstanding quality of the sleeve closure, the Merino Guardian Shell is a jacket for freeriders who not only want to defy wind, water and cold, but also want to make a fashion statement. Because one thing is clear: combined with my green ski pants and the black-blue-pink jacket, my friends never lost sight of me even in fog and thick snowfall.
Advantages and disadvantages
+ High freedom of movement
+ Lightweight
+ Good hood
- Relatively expensive
- Closure on sleeves doesn't hold
Details
RRP: 649.95 euros
Available sizes: XS to XL
Color options: "blue ocean" and "verry berry"
Outer: 100 percent polyamide (Toray Dermizax EV)
Inner: 100 percent merino wool
Ventilation system
Hood with 3D adjustment
Adjustable waistband
Ski pass pocket on left arm
Detachable stretch snow skirt, connection of jacket and pants possible
Weight: 770 grams
Here is the manufacturer's website with further information. The jacket is also available from our partner store Bergzeit
