Materials and Construction

Last year Stale was happy to roll with 10K specs for both waterproofing and breathability, which ticks the boxes for most riders. However, the Oakley TC Skull Reduct has been upped to 20K waterproofing and 15K breathability.

Combined with the now fully-taped seams, that makes this jacket way more suitable for splitboarding missions. Even if that’s not your bag, this one will allow you to brush off even the most Scottish of conditions.

While the TC Gunn wasn’t exactly a slouch in the eco department, the TC Skull Reduct has gone further. Rather than being made from recycled polyester (which, while admirable, still had to be polyester at some point), this uses ‘Bio Earth’ polyester which is made from more sustainable materials. It’ll also biodegrade eventually, albeit not until long after you’ve got your use out of it! The water-repellant finish also earns green points by being free of perfluorochemicals (PFCs) while still keeping moisture at bay.

“This definitely has the chops to handle extended trips to the backcountry, yet still won’t look out of place in the park”

Fit and Features

The fit of this one is described by Oakley as ‘Performance Fit;’ – which roughly translates to “it’ll actually fit you, and not make you look like either JP Walker in the ‘90s or Gus Engle in the ‘00s”. There’s maybe a little more room than what’s on offer from some of the more alpinist-style brands, but generally it’s built to feel comfortable and functional. A quick and easy toggle lets you bring it in a bit at the bottom if you prefer.

Pocket-wise there’s one for your pass, as well as the usual side and chest options, with waterproof zips throughout. It’s also got wrist gaiters and an adjustable powder skirt with a hood sizeable enough to go over the top of a helmet. The combination leaves you well-protected against the elements, with the uber-breathable fabric preventing stuffiness from setting in.

“Combined with the now fully-taped seams, that makes this jacket way more suitable for splitboarding missions”

Roundup

Even when there’s a bus pass in his lift pass pocket and loose Werther’s originals stuffed inside all the others, we’d bet the farm that Stale’s gear will still be worth looking at – especially now that we’ve seen this latest evolution.

You can also pair it with bib pants that have had the same style/tech overhaul, but still bear the TC Gunn name. No, we’re not sure why either – but when the quality is this high, it really doesn’t matter.

Pros:

• Lots of high-spec stuff can look a little too ‘functional’ (in other words, dull) – but not this one! A step up in the waterproofing and breathability ratings has opened up the Stale look to more serious freeriders.
• Oakley has moved the sustainability needle along a bit with no compromise to the things you need to stay warm and dry.

Cons:

• It’ll cost you.

“This jacket toes the line of garish and stylish bang on the money. The material felt strong and held up against the slush that tends to creep into every nook and cranny keeping me dry & comfy. The biggest takeaway was the fit though, it was absolutely perfect, and as a taller guy that’s normally resigned to things fitting super boxy, too short or bordering on excessive ski-bum levels of XL it was super refreshing to put on a large that fit to size properly.

“Look good feel good” is the kind of cheap phrase that makes my skin crawl quicker than an infected Claires Accessories ear piercing. But I’m a normally a pretty nerdy dude and yet when I put this jacket on even my turbo-limby riding started to feel cool… at least to me anyway.”

Buy the Oakley TC Skull Reduct Jacket: £360 at Blue Tomato UK 

Buy the Oakley TC Skull Reduct Jacket: €400 at Blue Tomato EU