No compromise! A glance at Dakine’s latest outerwear collection reveals that performance, functionality and style go hand in hand.

Text by Simon Kegler

Did you know Dakine was founded in Hawaii and that their name comes from the Hawaiian word “da kine”, which means as much as “the kind”? Me neither. But you probably do know that Dakine manufactures some pretty dope outerwear. The good people at their European headquarters were “da kine” enough to send us one of their outerwear combos to put to the test on a few early-season tours.

Conditions were sunny and a bit too warm for early December, but you take what you can get these days. Ahead of us: approx. 500m of altitude and a pretty gnarly 60m rappel to reach some untouched snowfields.

Stacked with a 2L Gore-Tex Plain Weave shell and a premium Primaloft Cold Core, the Parsons Jacket is one of the most technical pieces of the new Dakine outerwear collection. The insulation, especially in the torso and back area, is easily heavy enough to keep you warm and dry throughout the day without adding too much weight. A collar-venting system, fully taped seams, wrist- and waist gaiters and a two-way adjustable hood make this jacket an obvious decision whether you’re hiking the backcountry, shredding the park, or going urban. The Parsons has pockets and stowaway options for days, including for your lift pass, goggles, phone and bigger items – you can easily fit your climbing skins in the front pockets, which was a big plus during this strap-on/strap-off intensive tour. The exterior goggle strap on the chest is neat, allowing you to work hands-free without fogging up your goggles and adding some swag to the front flap.

All in all, the functionality and performance of the Parsons is through the roof, and I have a feeling that team rider and ski legend Eric Pollard, who is heavily involved in outerwear design at Dakine, had a lot to do with it…

Let’s talk style real quick: the long cut makes it more of a parka, which is rad and leaves you looking good on and off the hills. There’s no overload on design elements or graphics, simple and clean is what they were after here – exactly the way it should be if you ask me. The jacket comes in three muted color-ways that are super easy on the eye and set you up for a strong outerwear combo. Be sure to check out the Parsons right here.

Speaking of combo: Dakine has you covered with the Dillon Pant as a clear choice for everyone in search of an affordable all-condition weapon. A 10K/10K Laminate shell, fully taped seams and powder skirt attachments hold off the elements and allow for some much deserved powder days, while lower and inner leg vents keep you cool during ascents and on warmer days in the park and on the slopes. The waistband is fully adjustable and the fit allows for a full range of motions, which is one of the most important boxes to tick off in my eyes. Try climbing around in super skinny or baggy pants and you’ll know what I’m talking about. Click here to find out more about the Dillon pant and be sure to check out all color-ways in varying textures.