Elevenate Jacket and Pant Review — 2018 Bec de Rosses Kit
Bec de Rosses Jacket — $780 USD
Bec de Rosses Pant — $670 USD
This past spring I was fortunate to ski in Verbier, Switzerland. Among the noteworthy peaks that define the vast, breathtaking ski paradise is the Bec de Rosses—the pinnacle on which the annual Freeride World Tour Finals are contested. When I laid eyes on the peak for the first time, I simply thought to myself, “Damn.” I was impressed by its beauty and also by its steepness. It’s the sort of mountain that tests even the most hardened skiers. Pointing your planks down the Bec de Rosses’ north face is a consequential move that demands the utmost skill and attention to detail. And it’s those sensibilities that are woven into its namesake jacket/pant combo, by the Swedish apparel manufacturer, Elevenate.
We at FREESKIER have the good fortune of testing a heap of outerwear each season; in the past year, among the dozens of apparel offerings that I put through the wringer I returned to this Elevenate jacket and pant time and time again. That’s because, in short, the kit’s waterproofing and breathability are absolutely outstanding; the looks are on-point; the feature-set is excellent and the durability factor is considerable.
The writer sports the Bec de Rosses kit on a ski tour around Colorado’s Berthoud Pass in January, 2017. Photo (and above) by Matt Berkowitz. See the full line-up of Elevenate jackets and pants, here.The utilization of three-layer Gore-Tex Pro, a PFOA-free DWR treatment and fully sealed seams brings about a 28K/20K waterproofing and breathability rating. I skied with the Bec de Rosses pairing through ultra-wet conditions in British Columbia and at home in Colorado and I was delighted by its ability to repel moisture. On the flipside, I skied frequently in warm, spring conditions and also ski-toured extensively in this kit and was equally happy with its air-permeable qualities. In fact, the new generation of Gore-Tex Pro has up to 28% better breathability than earlier iterations.
The fit and style is also noteworthy: The garments fit loosely, providing for awesome range of motion, but don’t appear baggy. Nor do they appear too tight—the pant and jacket walk a fine line between fashion-forward and function-friendly. I appreciate the cut of this particular Elevenate jacket; its slightly longer tail provides subtle flair.
Complementing the smooth styling of the jacket are features including a fully adjustable, fixed storm hood that fits comfortably over a helmet; an extra high front collar with brushed tricot on the inside; ventilation holes in the inner placket; large storage pockets, strategically placed, with a goggle cloth; a ski pass pocket on the sleeve; top stitching at critical seams to increase durability; a detachable powder skirt with snap-to-pant system and anti-slip elastic; ventilation openings under the arms with two-way zippers; wide cuffs to fit over gloves; a headphone-compatible, zippered inner pocket; an inner mesh storage pocket and YKK water resistant zippers.
The pant boasts a detachable stretch bib with suspenders (that bib sure came in handy on the deepest of days); three-quarter length two-way side zippers; a hidden waist adjustment system; articulated, pre-shaped knees; several pockets with brushed tricot lining; an inner transceiver pocket with a dedicated zipper; snap-to-jacket system; and snow gaiters with anti-slip elastic.
Inclement weather is no match for this Elevenate jacket and pant combo. And hey, dig those Oakley goggles? Read our review.Elevenate strives to reduce its environmental impact and, in practice, this means producing garments that are meant to stand the test of time. The high quality and strong durability of the Bec des Rosses kit is immediately apparent—the fabric is tough and after a season’s worth of use, stood tall. I expect my Elevenate jacket and pant will continue to deliver for many years to come.
The clothing is crafted by former competitive skier and longtime clothing designer Sara Rönngren and her husband, Jimmy Odén, renowned mountain guide and the author of Free Skiing – How to Adapt to the Mountain. Through years of guiding and skiing in and around the European Alps, Odén and Rönngren developed a solid understanding of how outerwear should enhance a skier’s day in tough conditions and across formidable terrain. Or, simply keep a skier safe. For example, as Odén explained to me during a meeting in Denver, Colorado, why a pant zipper should be placed in one location vs. another so as not to potentially snag a crampon, resulting in a perilous fall. That sort of thoughtfulness is evident in every detail. When paired with proper layering, this kit kept me on the hill longer; it enabled me to perform at my best even when conditions were at their worst. And for a committed skier, that’s everything.
Elevenate was founded in 2010 and has been building a strong following and reputation ever since, especially in Europe. The company distributed its products in North America via traditional sales channels for the first time in 2016-17. The brand name is derived from the idea of making “elevens,” i.e. straight-lining on a pair of skis, in verb form. This season, be on the lookout for Elevenate jackets and pants on a ski trail or skin track near you.
