A Weatherproof Fortress for All-Season Freeriding: Norrøna Tamok GORE-TEX ePE Jacket and Bib Assessment

It was dumping snow for twenty-four hours with no signal of letting up. The valley was fully socked in. It was the sort of day that skiers and riders look forward to all 12 months. It was going to be a chilly one, an extra-wet one, and there wouldn’t be time for warm-up breaks.

These are the times that I attain for my Norrøna Tamok Jacket and bib. Collectively, they’re an impenetrable fortress outerwear package. I’ve charged and bounced via powder for hours on finish with nary a snowflake of intrusion. Even with the occasional tomahawk, the duo retains the snow out of my pants.

It seems, the Norwegians know a factor or two about retaining the weather at bay, and the Tamok package is a testomony. It’s purpose-built for freeriders within the absolute worst situations. I’ve been sporting the Tamok package for 4 seasons, and that’s why I used to be thrilled to check out the newly redesigned jacket and bib, now with GORE-TEX ePE.

Briefly: There isn’t a lot else in the marketplace that may match the fortress-like weatherproofing of Norrøna’s Tamok Efficiency Jacket and Bib combo with out being a one-piece. Apart from snow simply not getting in there, the entire thing makes use of GORE-TEX’s new environmentally pleasant ePE membrane. Although the bib isn’t my first alternative for longer excursions, large venting all through provides versatility for all-season resort, side-country, and backcountry freeride use in the event you’ve obtained the strikes to drag off this ultra-stylish freeride look. It’s my go-to package for powder day resort romping and side-country laps, palms down.

Norrøna Tamok GORE-TEX Efficiency Jacket and Bib Assessment

Norrøna Tamok GORE-TEX ePE Efficiency Jacket

Tamok Jacket Design

The Tamok GORE-TEX Performance jacket ($699) is constructed for freeride, and it’s obtained the styling to match. By that I imply it’s daring, slim, aesthetic, and on the sharp finish of Nordic trend. In different phrases, it’s tremendous lengthy (like, longer than you suppose). The uneven drop tail falls someplace in my mid-thigh area, which is for much longer than another jacket I personal.

That distinct look received’t tickle everybody’s fancy, however it’ll flip heads regardless. I’ve gotten extra intrigued appears and questions within the raise line than with different outerwear.

This storm bunker of a jacket wouldn’t be full with out an ultra-functional storm hood, and the Norrøna Tamok has it. The beneficiant hood can absolutely engulf my ski helmet and zip to the chin. And it will get additional factors as a result of you possibly can nonetheless go searching with out it feeling such as you’re sporting a neck brace. The face gap is lower in order to not restrict peripheral imaginative and prescient.

Different options that reject the weather earlier than they creep in are the superb low-profile hand gaiters hidden beneath extra-long asymmetrical cuffs and a reasonably customary detachable powder skirt. As a result of I’ve all the time run the jacket and bib collectively, I zipped out the powder skirt and by no means regarded again. It felt pointless however some people will recognize it, particularly those that don’t journey in bibs.

Tamok Jacket Supplies

The entire bundle is massively waterproof, as you’d count on. It sports activities GORE-TEX’s highest-rated breathable 28,000mm waterproofing. The seams are taped with GORE-TEX 13mm tape, and it sports activities a Vislon waterproof entrance zipper, which I’ve discovered to have each spectacular water resistance and sturdiness.

The primary material is a three-layer 70D x 160D GORE-TEX ePE with a totally recycled nylon face material. The coloured patches on the shoulders and elbows are heavy-duty three-layer 200D GORE-TEX reinforcements, and the entire thing has a gentle C-KNIT nylon backer on the within, which is now recycled due to innovation at GORE-TEX. In plain English, this jacket is burly. It feels powerful as a result of it’s powerful.

Tamok Jacket Options

There’s no scarcity of pockets on the Norrøna Tamok jacket. The one I take advantage of most is the huge entrance Napoleon pocket. The opposite zipper on the chest? Not a pocket — it’s really a inventive mesh-backed vent. The jacket additionally has two beneficiant decrease waterproof hand pockets that may simply maintain a sandwich or your favourite canned beverage.

I’ve additionally discovered the earlier model to be a stellar companion for wet-weather tenting journeys. The brand new model has the identical traits to make it shine right here as effectively. It’s additionally fashionable sufficient for stormy days within the metropolis, from Seattle to Oslo.

The size comes with a plus and a minus. The profit is that it provides vital safety from snow intrusion even with large powder tumbles (I checked). Even in the event you aren’t sporting a bib beneath, the lengthy jacket retains snow out.

The 2 cons that include the size are touring mobility and mountaineering versatility. You possibly can’t get a full stride with out slight restriction from the underside of the jacket. Luckily, a two-way zipper stationed on the backside may be opened as much as permit for extra freedom of motion, so the difficulty is actually solved. The size additionally makes sporting a harness over the jacket awkward, so it’s not an awesome match for glacier journey or ski mountaineering.

Norrøna Tamok GORE-TEX ePE Efficiency Bib

The Tamok GORE-TEX Performance Shell Bib ($599) sports activities an actual Goldilocks match. They’re not too dishevelled, not too tight, however relaxed. And for a full GORE-TEX bib from ankle to chest with out a lot stretch inbuilt, they transfer and articulate remarkably effectively. They’re a few of the best-fitting hardshell bibs I’ve ever worn.

At 6’1” and 185 kilos, I’m proper between a medium (pictured) and enormous. I’ve examined each: The big accommodates extra insulating higher physique layers. However I favored the medium higher for touring since I solely put on my Woolf Merino Performance Base Layer beneath.

Neither one was restrictive whereas skinning. Quite a lot of that comes from the curvature inbuilt on the knees and seat. Each are designed to accommodate a pure bend with out limiting or bunching. And once you do sit on a chairlift, the suspenders don’t tug in your shoulders.

Tamok Bib Design

Entering into this bib is a dream. The left-side thigh vent zipper goes all the way in which to the armpit. Zipper sliders stationed at each the underside and prime of the monitor imply it could open up broad. Meaning it’s equally as straightforward to get out of once you’re in a rush. That’s nice information, as there isn’t any sort of drop-seat configuration.

The cuffs are broad to accommodate ski boots however not overly so. I like how there isn’t an excessive amount of extra material swishing round down there getting snagged on buckles and issues. They’re a very good size, and the interior gaiters are merely well-thought-out and do what they’re meant to do. They match my Dalbello Cabrio LV 130 alpine boot about completely, they usually don’t look dishevelled over my La Sportiva Vanguard touring boot.

Tamok Bib Options

Just like the jacket, the bib’s pockets are beneficiant. Two large thigh pockets maintain the majority of the stuff that I carry round on the resort. A bunch of bars, my cellphone, liner gloves, keys, and many others., all slot in there with none points. They’re roomy with out being dishevelled and susceptible to snags.

There’s additionally one smaller pocket above the left thigh pocket proper beneath the waistline that I’ve discovered is nice for an avalanche beacon.

And naturally, there are two large pockets on the entrance of the bib. One is secured with a water-resistant zipper, and the opposite on the skin is secured with two snap buttons. I stored my cellphone in there when it was actually chilly to maintain it somewhat bit hotter. However I additionally used these pockets for different odds and ends. Between the jacket and the pants, I had extra pockets than I had junk to fill them with.

After I first began rocking the Tamok bib a couple of years in the past, I used to be irritated that it didn’t have belt loops, which is how I really feel with virtually all outside pants. However I shortly modified my thoughts — this bib didn’t want loops. The brand new bib is identical. Its form matches my physique’s form and it stays in the correct place when the shoulder straps are adjusted appropriately. It doesn’t fall down and the articulation factors don’t migrate away from the place they’re presupposed to be.

Being uninsulated, this bib depends in your base and/or midlayer alternative. When the lifts have been spinning, I all the time grabbed my luxuriously heat Fjallraven Keb Fleece Trousers, which stored my legs toasty heat even within the coldest situations. I reached for my Woolf Roni ¾ bottoms to maintain my temperatures regulated whereas touring. These two setups had me coated for something.

GORE-TEX ePE

Norrøna was one of many first outerwear manufacturers to make the most of GORE-TEX again in 1977. However the Tamok is Norrøna’s first package using GORE-TEX’s new ePE (Expanded Polyethylene) waterproof membrane. It is smart for a model that has environmental ambitions far exceeding most others.

GORE-TEX has been engaged on the brand new GORE-TEX ePE membrane for 10 years. 2023 is the primary season main manufacturers are incorporating it, like Patagonia and Arc’teryx. This new membrane continues to be the identical breathable microporous polyethylene that all of us love. However GORE-TEX “inflates” it utilizing a particular remedy to make use of half the fabric of its predecessor. I seen straight away that it’s lighter and thinner-feeling than GORE-TEX Professional.

The method additionally permits them to punt extremely poisonous, environmentally problematic, and almost indelible PFC chemical compounds out of the image. The C-KNIT backer additionally obtained an improve this 12 months due to innovation at GORE-TEX — it’s each sourced from recycled materials and solution-dyed.

However I used to be curious how the brand new membrane would carry out in comparison with the longstanding membrane that has been the core of GORE-TEX Professional merchandise for over a decade. After testing the brand new Tamok again to again with the previous one on the pores and skin monitor, I couldn’t inform the distinction in breathability or waterproofing. And that’s a very good factor. GORE-TEX has lower its environmental footprint with just about no efficiency tradeoffs with ePE. If something, the GORE-TEX ePE is barely higher on the uphill as a result of it’s noticeably lighter.

Backcountry Limitations

The Norrøna Tamok Efficiency Jacket and Bib package is my go-to for the overwhelming majority of snowboarding on the resort. With the correct insulating layers beneath, it could assist seal within the heat. Or I can drop right down to one thing gentle, open the vents, and cruise on hotter days. There aren’t many situations the place this jacket and bib combo received’t excel when the lifts are spinning. The identical is true for side-country and hike-to terrain.

Norrøna claims the Tamok package is designed for backcountry freeride. I’m absolutely on board with the freeride a part of that declare. However these bibs aren’t my first alternative for longer backcountry excursions.

No hardshell bibs are my first alternative for longer excursions. I’m a softshell man. I run notably sizzling and the entrance of the bib is simply too dang heat for me. I find yourself sweating profusely with no actual escape route.

So I find yourself operating this bib full-time on the resort and within the side-country. However I’ll proceed choosing my Norrøna Lyngen softshell pants for ski touring.

That stated, freeriders do every kind of untamed issues. If slowing down on the pores and skin monitor, sessioning cliffs, constructing jumps, or ripping hitchhike laps is your jam, this bib will probably be an ideal match. Those that run on the colder facet would even be pleased with this bib for longer excursions.

Whereas the jacket is somewhat bit cumbersome for stuffing right into a backpack, it’s a strong possibility for backcountry snowboarding in harsh situations. That additional protection beneath the hip strap can actually put a dent within the windchill. It has large venting functionality between the two-way entrance zipper, entrance vent, and mega underarm X-Open vents, that are every over 20 inches lengthy.

Norrøna’s Tamok Freeride Jacket and Bib: Conclusion

Norrøna’s up to date 2023-24 Tamok GORE-TEX Efficiency Jacket and Shell bib take an actual “belt and suspenders” strategy to retaining the weather out. Collectively they’re a weatherproof fortress of an outerwear package that’s designed for snowboarding or snowboarding in difficult situations.

This jacket and bib pants are clearly constructed to final. They’re manufactured with the prime quality I’ve come to count on from Norrøna. All indicators level to a higher-than-average price ticket paying off over an prolonged lifespan. I additionally love that Norrøna has a sturdy repair service to maintain their gear out of landfills.

Whereas this duo isn’t fairly as versatile for a variety of out of doors endeavors as, say, Norrøna’s Lofoten line, they’re purpose-built for hard-charging resort and side-country freeriders, they usually carry out phenomenally for that use. They’ve additionally obtained you coated for ski touring (particularly the jacket) due to beneficiant venting choices. It’s powerful for me to think about selecting a unique package on a nasty storm day when the powder is ripe for harvest.