Opinion
Spring, summer and winter can pack in – autumn is the best season!
by Oliver Fischer
Very expensive, but very good: merino wool winter sportswear by Ortovox passes with flying colours
13.10.2022
Translation: Eva Francis
Ortovox winter sportswear is pricey. Very pricey. However, the products offer top quality – on and off the ski slopes. The Deep Shell Pants and Fleece Hoody are no exception.
Skiing vacations in Switzerland cost a lot of money. Ordering a barley soup for lunch at the beginning of the year in Davos’ Parsenn ski resort was a painful reminder of this. My rant about this caused quite some discussion among the Galaxus Community. One user pointed out that I was wearing a hoody by mountain sports equipment brand Ortovox.
Prices for day passes, food and drinks in Swiss ski resorts aren’t the only thing that’s exorbitant. Winter sports equipment is also a burden on the wallet. The products by Ortovox are especially expensive. But are they worth it? In my opinion, absolutely yes. At least when it comes to the Deep Shell Pants and Fleece Hoody I tested.
Ortovox Deep Shell Pants
These ski pants are made of high-quality materials and are packed with technical features. The membrane is windproof and waterproof. In areas of the body that are particularly sensitive to the cold, such as the backside or the crotch, the Deep Shell Pants are lined with merino wool, which retains body heat and guarantees a comfortable fit. These pants have always kept me warm and dry, even in ghastly weather.
The lightweight freeride pants have pre-shaped knee areas and a comfortable cut to guarantee freedom of movement in any terrain. Ventilation zips on the sides offer additional ventilation. To be honest, I’m not a freerider. I always stick to the marked slopes. But I appreciate the cut of these ski pants and their zips for ventilation. Even if it's only for après-ski. After all, wearing comfy and well ventilated clothes comes in handy at après-ski as well.
Other features
- Wind and waterproof: min. 20,000 mm water columns and 100% windproof
- Breathability: up to 20,000 g / m² / 24 h
- Polyurethane membrane – durable and easy to clean
- 4-way stretch material
Ortovox Fleece Hoody
This Ortovox hoody is made of merino wool on the inside and recycled polyester on the outside. The material mix makes it particularly resistant and breathable. It’s made under fair conditions in Lithuania with merino wool from Tasmania, as with the ski pants. The CO2 emissions that can’t be avoided are compensated.
This hoody has become one of my favourite pieces of clothing. Especially now in autumn, I wear this jacket almost every day. When walking the dog, on the way to the gym or when I go to the bakery on Sunday, this fleece hoody has become my everyday companion, almost like my caps.
To obtain loden, which the side pockets are made of, the raw wool is first spun into yarn, then woven and then rolled. This makes the visible fabric structure even and makes it resemble felt.
Other features
- Protective hood
- Two front pockets
- Thumb loops
- Regular fit
My first impression: very expensive, but very good
Patrick Bardelli
Senior Editor
Patrick.Bardelli@digitecgalaxus.chFrom radio journalist to product tester and storyteller, jogger to gravel bike novice and fitness enthusiast with barbells and dumbbells. I'm excited to see where the journey'll take me next.
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