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Trenton Specs
- Lightweight layer rated for 5 °C/ -5 °C temps
- 2-way stretch fabric
- 3 layers of Laminated soft shell fabric “Tri-Durance SS”
- Water resistant, Durable, and Breathable
- For “active pursuits”; skiing, climbing, biking
- Helmet compatible and 2 way adjustable hood
- Reflective tape features
- Recessed cuffs
Performance
I tested this jacket in all weather conditions (sunny 7°C to overcast -15°C, heavy rain and snow, and endured winds gusting up to 100km per hour) and used it in a wide variety of activities (snowshoeing, cross country skiing, snowboarding, snow shoveling, and dog walking).
The Trenton is certainly wind resistant! It kept the wind chill off, while allowing the excess body heat to escape while I snowshoed along the Newfoundland coastline. I spent a whole afternoon riding powder at Marble Mountain in the Trenton with only a light layer underneath and it kept me comfortable the whole time, chairlift to mogul runs. Rain and wet snow is repelled well, though after a couple hours (which is how long it took me to shovel my driveway after 30cms) it does soak through.
I found the fit to be true to size and enjoy the slim fit cut. There is lots of mobility in the jacket with the 2 way stretch and well-shaped shoulders and sleeves. As well, it has a good length, well below the hips and the back is tapered down to cover your bum. The hood fits well, but I didn’t find it to be helmet compatible with my ski helmet or climbing helmet, it just isn’t deep enough to allow the brim to still protect your face. Even without a helmet it could be deeper to provide more protection form the elements.
There are 5 pockets in the Trenton, only 2 of which I really like. Here is my breakdown;
- Chest pocket – great, keeps small items (lip chap, keys, cell phone) close at hand,
- 2 hand warmer pockets – too low for my liking because when I wear a pack or my camera fanny pack, I can’t use them. The waist belt goes right over them. I prefer pockets up at my diaphragm so I can use them even with my pack on.
- Internal big open top pocket – great, easily stuff mitts or other items inside to keep them warm when not in use.
- Internal big pocket with zip – weird pocket, runs the whole length of the jacket but the zipper is on the bottom is only 4” wide. Is intended for your music device as there is the headphone port and loop on this side. But I am not sure what else I would use this pocket for.
I really like the fleece lining, very soft and just warm enough. Fleece used around the collar and inside the hand pockets. I really like pit zippers, but was surprised at how the underarm layers without fleece managed moisture – better than expected.
Main Features I LOVED
- Wrist cuffs! Very soft and stretchy, best I have ever used on a jacket. Love having my hands and wrists covered and makes it really easy to through on mitts and have everything tucked in.
- Reflector tape – subtle but effective.
- Double Zipper
Final Comments
Overall, this is a quality jacket and the best soft shell I have ever worn. It is well designed for active people, allowing you to take along everything you need for your outdoor pursuit and keeping you comfortable the whole time. Would love to see higher hands pockets and a deeper hood. Great funky colour options, love the wrist cuffs and soft inside fleece!