Gear reviews | Scott Vertic GTX 3L Jacket & Pants

First impression

The Vertic GTX 3L outfit initially makes a very robust and durable impression. It is not quite light but not really heavy either. As the name suggests, it is made from three-layer Goretex, whereby the membrane has a roughened and slightly warming inside and therefore feels less "plasticky". The jacket and pants have all the usual features, such as ventilation openings, several pockets, adjustable hood, etc. The detachable bib of the trousers and the gaiters, which can be adjusted in width using a strap, should be highlighted.

Test conditions and testers

I am 176 cm tall and weigh around 70 kg, so I have a fairly standard figure. I normally wear a size L, at least if the clothing isn't too loose. I'm not a big fan of baggy clothes. I have the Scott Vertic outfit in size L, although it should be noted that it is very large, especially the trousers. In hindsight, size M would still have been easily sufficient. I have worn the Scott Vertic combo on about 30 days here in Japan so far, a lot in the ski resort but also on ski tours.

Test report

The material of both the jacket and the pants is very durable and extremely waterproof and windproof. After around 30 (mostly intensive) days so far, there are practically no signs of wear and tear and the outfit has by no means been spared. Although the material cannot actually be damaged without misuse, the leg ends of the trousers have been reinforced with Cordura, so damage caused by edges is more or less ruled out.

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presented by

Alexa Hohenberg | Niseko Photography

Niseko, Japan

Zach Paley

Thanks to the rather heavy and somewhat warmer Goretex version, the combo is a little warmer than the usual hardshell material, which is particularly noticeable on cool and cold days on the chairlift. On the other hand, this is somewhat of a disadvantage when climbing. You can quickly work up a sweat in these pants, especially as the ventilation openings are not exactly large. Of course, the combo works for shorter and longer ascents (the jacket goes into my backpack anyway), but I would recommend it more for use in the ski area. On ski tours, less warm and better ventilated pants are more interesting.

Great features of the Vertic GTX 3L pants are the adjustable gaiters (go well over the ski boot buckles but still no snow gets into the pants even when bootpacking) and the removable bib. Unfortunately, the zippers on the trouser pockets tend to jam. After only a short time, I therefore stopped using the trouser pockets, as it was sometimes impossible to put things in or take them out in the terrain.

I like the large, helmet-compatible hood on the jacket. Unfortunately, the elastic band for adjustment is inside the jacket, which makes the adjustment process a little fiddly. On the other hand, the hood fits excellently with a helmet or hat and practically does not obstruct the field of vision. The large pocket on the outside of the left side of the jacket is also very practical. There are two smaller pockets on the right-hand side, the one with the horizontal zipper is covered by the hip belt of the backpack and is therefore of limited use. The ski pass pocket on the left sleeve has the problem that it opens easily when you take off the backpack. As I do a lot of photography and often put the backpack on and off, I always have to be careful that the pocket doesn't open.

Despite the disadvantages mentioned, I really enjoy wearing the combo (and especially the jacket) and think I'll be using it for a long time to come.

Ascent in the ski area

Charlotte Workman | Niseko Photography

Niseko, Japan

Zach Paley

Conclusion

Functional combo with great weather protection that tries to make up for disadvantages such as the jamming zippers with high robustness. Definitely recommended for tough and intensive continuous use. Even after 30 days of use, you can hardly tell that the combo is not brand new. Due to the weight and the rather warmer shell material, it is particularly suitable for lift-supported use - although the combo can of course also be worn on tours.

Advantages & disadvantages

+ Super robust and durable
+ Large, adjustable hood
+ Large ventilation openings (jacket)
+ Detachable bib and adjustable gaiters (trousers)
- Pinch zippers on the trouser pockets
- Ski pass pocket can open when taking off the backpack
- Small ventilation openings (trousers)
- Too warm for ascents in warmer weather

Details

Jacket
RRP €549,95
Fully taped seams
Zippered collar extension
Detachable snow skirt with jacket-trousers connection system
Laser-cut underarm ventilation
YKK AquaGuard® zippers
Anatomically shaped sleeves
Laser-cut, taped chest and sleeve pockets
Full-length, internal storm flap
Backpack-friendly, seamless shoulders
Large chest pocket
Inner security pocket with media portal
Detachable goggle wipe
Inner knitted cuffs with thumb opening
Hood and hem adjustment at the touch of a button
Anti-chafing chin guard

Pants
RRP €499,95
Detachable bib with adjustable braces
YKK AquaGuard® zippers
Abrasion-resistantCORDURA® edge protection
Laser-cut, bonded thigh ventilation on the outside
Laser-cut, bonded thigh pockets
Back pocket
Anatomically shaped knees
Adjustable snow guard on the leg
Adjustable waistband
Adjustable lower hem
Pants-jacket connection system

Click here to visit Scott's website for more information on the jacket and the pants.

These products were provided to PowderGuide.com by the manufacturer free of charge for testing. You can find out how we test them in our test statement.