Rip Curl VDLR Ultimate Gum Jacket
Designed For Victor De Le Rue
When you’ve got someone on your team who’s spent as much time on his snowboard as Victor De Le Rue, it’s a good idea to rope him in to the design process.
That’s exactly what Rip Curl have done with the VDLR outfit, and anything built to satisfy France’s finest will see you right in any conditions.
We took a closer look at the jacket that bears his name…
Rip Curl VDLR Ultimate Gum Snowboard Jacket – €350
The VDLR jacket is part of Rip Curl’s ‘Ultimate Gum Series’, designed for the wildest of days. As well as boasting a comfy 4-way stretch, it’s as waterproof and breathable as they come – which is just as well when you consider how often Victor ventures into the backcountry.
The material used features something called ‘37.5 technology’, named after both the body’s ideal temperature (in degrees Celcius) and humidity (as a percentage). Essentially, the fabric of the jacket is augmented with natural particles gleaned from, amongst other things, coconut shells.
These increase the surface area, and hasten the evaporation of sweat. The VDLR therefore clocks in at a whopping 40,000g breathability, making it damn near impossible for your sweat to stick around. Those particles, on the other hand, aren’t going anywhere – they’re still effective after several washes.
Naturally the seams are fully taped, and all zips are waterproof. The main zip at the front has been placed off-centre, allowing space for the effective – and, let’s face it, badass-looking – vents that are built into the front of the collar.
Elsewhere there are all the pockets and accessories you could want – goggle wipe, meshed armpit vents, Lycra wrist gaiters and a powder skirt, to name just a few. Even on all-time snorkel days, the VDLR Ultimate Gum jacket has got what it takes to keep you warm and dry.
