Volcom – Guide Proven Technology
If you really want to put a product through its paces, who do you ask to test it?
Pros? With their board bags full of jackets for all conditions and photoshoots, that thing isn’t going see much snow time.
The designers? Pah – for the most part, come winter they’re already holed up in the office working on the next season’s line.
Seasonaires? You could test a pants’ beer-proofness, but they’ll still pick their days on the hill.
No, if you want to make good gear that’ll stand up against the elements you’ll need to test it on people who have to be on the mountain every single day, no matter what the conditions. That means guides.
When it comes to their top-of-the-range backcountry outerwear, that’s exactly what Volcom have done. As well as kitting out the likes of Bryan Iguchi and Mark Landvik, over the last few years they’ve roped in the mountain guides from Baldface – one of the best powder-focused resorts in the world – to test their lightweight, ultra-waterproof jackets and pants. Introducing the Guide Proven Technology (GPT) range…
The Guide GORE-TEX Jacket
With a standard fit, three layers of GORE-TEX and fully-taped seams, this is the pinnacle of Volcom’s work with the Baldface guides: a practical shell with storm-strength protection from the elements.
Its simplicity masks an array of features including a powder skirt that zips to any Volcom pant with Zip Tech, handy chest pockets for maps and radios, plus a nice workwear-inspired inner flannel layer. If you’re gonna be out in the elements this winter, this is the shell that’ll top off your weather proofing whilst still giving you the freedom to get rad.
Check out the full spec and colour options here.
However, if you prefer your jackets to have their own built-in insulation, then The Stone still has you covered.
The Air TDS GORE-TEX Jacket
For such a lightweight, three-layer GORE-TEX jacket, the Air TDS packs one hell of a thermal punch – 600+ duck down to be precise. It also uses Volcom’s Thermal Distribution System to spread warmth to where you need it whilst allowing the places you get hot to breathe.
The Air TDS offers fierce protection from the elements but goes soft on you with features like a suede chin guard, lycra hand gaiters and a handy water-repellant zip guard. Combine that with a longer, drop-tail fit and you’ve got a jacket that’ll get picked off the rack by the likes of Mark Landvik every time.
Check out the full spec and colour options here.
But if you’re not sure you want to invest in a three-layer top piece and instead want something practical and stylish for any riding conditions, the Guide Proven Tech range has one last surprise:
The Stretch GORE-TEX Jacket
Seen high above backcountry kickers and pipe walls on Arthur Longo, as well as out in the streets with Dan Brisse, the Volcom Stretch can adapt to any environment because it does exactly what it says on the tin: it uses a newer type of GORE-TEX that is equally waterproof and breathable but with way more manoeuvrability, meaning those grabs can be styled to perfection by even the most fashion conscious park rat.
It’s a two-layer shell with a longer fit, perfect for looking as fresh as you feel whilst ripping trees, faces, kickers and even urban terrain. It’s lighter weight than the previous two, but with a V-Science breathable lining system the jacket will store heat when you need it and release it when you don’t.
Check out the full specs and colour options here.
