There are now various, mostly brightly colored clothing lines from different manufacturers on the market that are specially designed to meet the needs of freeriders. However, the Salomon Quest Motion Fit combination really stands out: special attention has been paid to maximum freedom of movement in terms of cut and material. We have tested how the clothing performs in everyday freeriding and ski touring for you.
Test conditions
I have been using the jacket and trousers since November 2013 and have worn them from powder days to ski tours and a few days on the slopes in the ski resort. Of course, the clothing has been exposed to a variety of temperature and weather conditions as well as mechanical loads such as backpacks and undergrowth.
I am 183 cm tall and weigh around 75 kg, and I wear a size L in both garments. This is rather wide (especially for the jacket), but quite comfortable for me. If you're smaller, you'll probably wear a size M.
Test
Both the jacket and the trousers are cut rather loose, but still not baggy. The material is quite flexible and also has a certain amount of stretch, but is also a little thicker than you are used to from many 3-layer functional garments. This makes the combination look quite sturdy, although not much can be said about the actual durability after around 30 days of use. Overall, the jacket and trousers look well made: Seams, Velcro and zippers are of high quality.
The jacket has normal pockets (2 handwarmer pockets and a Napoleon pocket, the former are unfortunately not accessible when wearing a backpack) as well as ventilation zippers under the sleeves. The hood is roomy, easily adjustable and, together with the fairly high collar, provides good weather protection. The jacket is not only rather wide, but also relatively long in cut.
In addition to the normal pockets, the trousers also have roomy patch pockets on the front of the thighs and ventilation zips on the outside of the legs. The waist size can be adjusted and belt loops are of course also provided. The trousers also have a detachable bib made of very stretchy Lycra. The suspenders are also attached to the bib, so all in all the pants fit really well and even when doing somersaults in deep powder, no snow gets inside. The only drawback is the plastic parts used to adjust the length of the suspenders. Unfortunately, these are positioned in such a way that they practically always come to rest under the backpack (in my case right on the shoulders), which is quite uncomfortable. However, the problem is quickly solved with a ghetto fix with duct tape or alternatively more permanently by sewing the suspenders tighter.
The Quest Motion combination has also proven itself in practice: The weather protection has so far been beyond reproach; in wind, rain and snow, the combination has so far remained permanently waterproof. The material is very water-repellent and has certainly not had to hide from the big brand membranes in tests to date.
Durability has also proven itself, with no signs of wear and tear so far. The ventilation zippers are also well positioned and effective. If you open them all the way, you immediately get quite a draught. On the jacket, I like the cuffs with the Velcro fasteners, which are almost old-fashioned compared to other jackets, but very effective, and the elastic thumb loops, while the trousers impressed in practice with a great fit (at least for me), good ventilation and large pockets.
Conclusion
All in all, a great and well thought-out clothing combination that doesn't neglect the style factor! The material seems to be very robust and has good breathability, the trousers and jacket are cut nice and wide, but not so baggy that it is annoying when ski touring. The freedom of movement is excellent (although I was rarely restricted by clothing) and many details, such as the cuffs and the detachable bib, are very well designed. I particularly like the trousers with the practical bib.
Advantages and disadvantages
+ High breathability
+ Good workmanship
+ Relatively robust
+ Lots of useful pockets
+ Good ventilation options
+ Detachable bib on the trousers
+ Good cuffs
+ Jacket snow skirt can be attached to the trousers
- Jacket zipper is a little difficult to zip. Jacket zipper a little sluggish
- Adjustment buckles on the suspenders are located directly under the rucksack straps
Details
Price:
Jacket €499.95
Trousers €379.95
Available sizes: S-XXL
Jacket
ClimaproTM Storm 3L: 20.000mm water column and 20.000g/m²/24h breathability
100% Taped: all seams sealed
LycraR cuffs with thumb loop
Detachable stretch snow skirt
Ski pass pocket on left arm
Hood with helmet volume and 3D regulation
Pants
ClimaproTM Storm 3L: 20,000mm water column and 20.000g/m²/24h breathability
100% Taped: all seams sealed
Detachable bib with bib construction
Outer leg ventilation channels with mesh insert
Adjustable waist
Casual fit
Here's the manufacturer information via the jacket and trousers...
