Descente Octane 3L Shell And Swiss Ski Team Pant Review
Originating in Osaka, Japan as a retail skiing outfitter, Descente was initially known as Ishimoto Shoten. The company was founded by Takeo Ishimoto. From the beginning in 1935 to the incorporation of Descente in 1961, they have been innovating and producing the world’s best winter outdoor performance wear.
After years of successful operation as a retail store, Ishimoto Shoten hit a homer with a popular sport taking the world by storm. By developing a new baseball uniform, Descente would make their initial impression on the sports and fashion world in 1953. The following year would serve as the starting point for Descente ski clothing.
When one reviews Descente’s many accolades, accomplishments and achievements there are a few which stand out. The seventies would be a period of groundbreaking new advancements in design and function. Many professionals and organizations have teamed up to design Olympic uniforms, compression products, and award-winning innovations through today.
From the seventies, everything would progress, develop and evolve into what we know and love today. Where many companies will stop at their primary focus, Descente continues. In addition to their skiwear lines, they have offerings in speed skating, skiing, bobsled/luge, cycling, baseball, motorcycle racing and triathlon (for the moment). With strong roots in winter outdoor apparel, Descente is a worldwide recognized name. They have earned this status through years of R&D and commitment to producing the best.
We had a chance to wear and try out their latest and greatest Octane 3L Shell and Swiss Ski Team Pant and were highly impressed. From the groomed mountains to the backcountry, Descente performs.
Quick Highlights:
Octane 3L Shell
- Available in 12 different color variations
- Extreme stretch with ultra quiet operation
- Breath ventilation reduces condensation around the neck and neck area
- BOA hood adjuster
- 4-Way stretch
- Dermizax 20K/20K
- 3-layer shell construction
- Motion 3D Fit
- D-LASER technology
- Removable powder skirt
- Pit zips
- Dedicated media pocket
- Waist, wrist and hood adjuster
- Removable helmet compatible hood
- Pass pocket
- Waterproof zips
- Lycra cuffs
- Fully seam-sealed construction
Swiss Ski Team Pant
- Available in 7 different color variations
- 4-Way stretch fabric
- Dermizax 20K/20L
- 3M Thinsulate 60g insulation
- Motion 3D fit Descente technology
- Waist adjuster
- Bottom leg zip
- Durable edge guard
- Lycra lining inserts
- Relax waist zip
- Removable suspenders
- Fully seam-sealed construction
Descente Octane 3L Shell Review
Are you a snow-bunny looking for a new shell to keep the snow off your ears? Why not take a look at the Descente Octane 3L Shell Ski Jacket?
First thing above all, this is not a source of warmth! You’re going to need a couple of layers on underneath this piece if you’re looking to feel like a warmed-up marshmallow. But that’s OK, because if you’re looking for a shell for an outer layer, this one is golden!
The Descente Octane 3L Shell Ski Jacket is like the Great Wall of Waterproofing. If its snowy, rainy, sleety, slushy, or otherwise sloppy where you are, it will keep you dry as a bone! During my more aggressive runs down the slopes I managed to slide downhill not so gracefully and yet, I remained perfectly comfortable.
As breathable as it is waterproof, this jacket is nice and comfy, as light as a feather, with adjustable waist and cuffs so you’ll always be able to get just the right fit no matter what you’re wearing underneath. To accommodate the weather, there’s a removable powder skirt + hood.
There’s a ton of pockets in this jacket, which I like: a chest one, an internal media one, and then, a couple way down in the waist area. For accessing essential gear while cruising down the mountain or patiently riding up the lift, the setup works wonderfully well.
I’ve seen the BOA dial used on more future-forward shoes in the past, but seeing it on a ski shell hood was just remarkable. In terms of functionality, the dial is a dream to have. One you use on, I can assure you, you’ll never want to go back to a jacket without it. Personally, I find that BOA dials are a great solution to getting the perfect adjustment made when you’re wearing ski gloves. I hate having to take them off just to adjust something, so this is golden in my book.
Speaking more about insulation, when paired with a nice base and/or mid layer, the Descente Octane 3L Shell Ski Jacket still offers plenty of movability and a lightweight feel. I found wearing this shell to be extremely comfortable; offering a premium, “you get what you pay for” experience while out on the slopes. Descente really knows how to make top notch gear that performs beautifully.
Descente Swiss Ski Team Pant Review
If you love winter and skiing, then you will need to have the right gear for gliding (or falling) down those slopes.
Descente Swiss Team men’s ski pants are just what you need to keep you warm, comfortable and dry while navigating the cold weather. Heatflex insulation will keep you warm and toasty by holding warm air in and reflecting your body heat back at you. This is great, especially for you die-hard skiers who hit the slopes even in below zero temperatures.
The comfortable fit of these ski pants allows you to move freely and easily while you are skiing and off the slopes as well. And no worries if you should happen to find yourself lying in the snow, hopefully, face up, these pants are constructed with Thinsulate insulation which makes them waterproof. Inner thigh vents allow cooling to come in whenever you need it.
The boot gaiters will keep the snow out of your cuffs while scuff guards keep the edges protected from wear and tear. You will also love the sturdy suspenders which are removable as well as the adjustable Velcro waistline. But in addition to being warm, comfortable and dry, you will also look good. The Descente Swiss Team men’s ski pants are very complimentary to the male physic. You will have a smooth and wrinkle-free look over your ski boots. So even if you don’t ski, buy a few pairs and go to wherever there is skiing.
You’re sure to be a hit with the ladies. Descentes are reasonably priced and come in a variety of colors. And because we know one size does not fit all, Descentes come with a relax zipper at the waist to accommodate all body types. So whether you are ready to hit the slopes or just stand around looking like you are, outfit yourself with Descentes Swiss Team men’s ski pants and have fun.