Strafe Lynx Pullover and Willow Half Bibs - Women's Outerwear Kit Review
The 2024 outerwear season is here and to start things off, we’re highlighting a brand that gained quite the attention last year thanks to Jeff and his pink and black one-piece. Turning the spotlight away from the flagship product in the men’s line and focusing on two statement pieces in the women’s line, we are going to take a look at the Strafe Lynx Pullover jacket and Willow Half-Bib pants.
As a longtime admirer of Strafe products, I was honored and excited to review an outerwear kit. Widely known across the industry for designing modern, technical pieces with eye-catching colorways and performance-based details, Strafe has been a predominant brand in the backcountry and resort scene for some time now. Based at my new home mountain, Aspen Highlands, Co, I was lucky enough to meet the team at Strafe, which consists of passionate outdoor enthusiasts who contribute their personal expertise to the design and production of the products. Between the fit, quality, and performance, it truly goes to show the level of commitment Strafe is dedicating towards creating versatile gear designed to perform across all conditions in the mountains.
When it comes to women’s outerwear, Strafe offers a nice variety of jacket and pant combinations, as well as a one-piece suit. Each featuring different levels of insulation, weather protection and style, women have the option of choosing a kit based on their intended use. Whether you’re summitting peaks in the backcountry or riding lifts at the resort, there is a design for you. This season, I have been wearing the Lynx Pullover jacket in the color “sunset”. As Strafe’s highly versatile, hardshell pullover, it is intended for both the resort and backcountry. I have been quite impressed and happy with this jacket for a number of reasons so to start, we’ll focus on the fit. Seeing as I am 5’3 and 110 pounds, I usually fall somewhere between a small and an xsmall in most brands. Unfamiliar with Strafe sizing, I decided to go with a small and happy I did as the fit is perfect for me. Since the Lynx jacket is uninsulated, I wanted to be able to wear a few layers underneath on colder days and with a little bit more room with the small, I have no issues doing so. I also generally prefer a looser, more freeride fit and going a size up gives the jacket a more relaxed fit. As for the length, it sits just below my waist, which is comfortable and functional, and doesn’t look boxy or too fitted. As I’ve mentioned in previous reviews, I struggle to find the right fit in women’s ski jackets and while it’s not easy to strike the right balance between flattering and functional, I think Strafe does an excellent job. The feature that I like most is the anorak style, which allows you to enter and exit the jacket easily with extended front and side zippers.
The Willow Half-Bib is featured as Strafe’s touring/resort pant, designed with durability and uninhibited mobility in mind. A matching set with the Lynx Pullover, I have the bibs in the color “Storm Cloud Blue”. The colorways work very nicely together, and I have to say, I have received many compliments. As a slimmer-fitting pant, I decided to size up from an xsmall to a small as I prefer a looser fit. Featuring a slightly flared style, they fit tighter around the thighs and looser towards the bottom, which played a part in my sizing as well. Flattering and comfortable, I can easily wear multiple layers underneath, including insulated pants. Since they are uninsulated, this is key. As far as length goes, they sit perfectly for my height and feature adjustable straps to customize even further. What I like most about the fit is the use of 4-way stretch material, allowing them to move naturally and fluidly with your body. For touring purposes, this is really nice for uphill travel, allowing for flexibility and mobility. All in all, I think Strafe nailed it with these pants, providing women with a flattering but highly functional, comfortable bib for both touring and resort skiing.
Looking next at the fabric, the Lynx Pullover features a 3-layer, waterproof fabric with a durable waterproof finish. The technology behind Strafe’s use of this material is worth noting in that it uses 3 minimalist layers that do an impressively good job at preventing any moisture or wind from getting through. I have put this to the test, wearing it in variable conditions with rain, snow and sleet and have stayed warm and dry. Fully seam sealed and featuring YKK Aquaguard zippers, precipitation truly doesn’t stand a chance with this jacket. Providing exceptional protection and the durability of a hardshell, with the 4-way stretch and feel of a soft-shell, you’re getting the best of both worlds here. While this jacket is uninsulated, the front hood and chin guard are lined with incredibly soft microfleece fabric. Overall, the lightweight, durable, technical nature of this jacket makes a lot of sense for skiers who split their time between the resort and the backcountry. For the Bibs, we’re getting the same use of materials, reaping the benefits from the 3L technology, as well as the soft, stretchy design and waterproof finish. Having tested a variety of outerwear brands, the fit and feel of this Strafe kit really goes to show the attention to detail and focus around designing flattering, comfortable outerwear specifically for women.
Let's talk about the features with this kit. Starting with the jacket, as previously mentioned, the anorak style is awesome not only for its ease of use and convenience purposes, but it also features a kangaroo pocket, as well as two side pockets. Who doesn’t love pockets? I know I like to ski with a variety of belongings-including snacks, pass, headphones, chapstick, phone, etc. What I love so much about the design of the kangaroo pocket is the dual interior mesh pockets. Not only that but there’s also a media port that allows you to connect your headphones through the interior of the jacket. I love being able to organize my various items and know where everything is. The pockets don’t end there though-there is also a pass pocket on the sleeve and a chest pocket. Adding to the technicality of this jacket, there is an extended side opening zipper on the left side, which allows for easy entry, and the helmet compatible hood adds even more protection on storm days. The last feature that I really enjoy is the super soft, quick dry knit thumbhole cuffs which fit nicely into gloves and keep my hands/wrists nice and warm.
For the bibs, we get one zippered pocket on the bib material, which is great for a credit card or ski pass. We also get two mesh zippered hand pockets and a low-profile thigh pocket as well. Needless to say, you have the option of several different style pockets with this kit and I am quite a fan of that. Additional features on the bib include extended 2-way zip side entry access and exposed 2-way zip hamstring vents. These are great for maximum air flow and ventilation on warmer days and, which is crucial for me and I’m sure many ladies, allows for ease of use in the restroom. Potentially a turn off for bibs, the stretchy bib material and mindful placement of side zippers allows you to easily slide them off to the side without fulling undressing. Lastly, the stretch powder gaiters with gripper elastic roll up and down nicely for on and off mountain use. As someone who is constantly slicing the cuffs of my ski pants, the enhanced, durable material at the bottom is always a bonus for me. Whether you’re a snack enthusiast, media nerd or features fan, this Strafe kit satisfies all needs.
As a first-time Strafe owner, I have to say I am wildly impressed with the company’s approach to technical, high-quality, performance wear. As a female, it’s worth me highlighting the attention to detail and design, focusing intently on fit, comfort, and functionality. The color combination is eye-catching and fun, while the level of performance and quality is top notch. Having the pleasure of speaking with the Strafe Team, it was ever more apparent that every product in their line receives the highest level of thought and care put into the design. Athlete to athlete, Strafe knows the importance of technical outerwear in the mountains and combines experience with knowledge to design versatile, high-performance products.
