Strafe Nomad Jacket & Bib Review: Six Days of Testing in Variable ConditionsA Technical Outerwear Designer's Honest Take on Strafe's Best-Selling Shell System
After six days on snow wearing the Strafe Nomad Jacket and Nomad Bib in everything from 10-degree bluebird mornings to 25-degree snowstorms with wind, I can confidently say this kit represents one of the most reliable outerwear combinations available for serious mountain use. That’s not marketing speak. This assessment comes from someone who’s designed technical outerwear for Burton, Helly Hansen, 686, Neff, K2, Grenade, Kemper, and my own Jib Hunt line. I know what goes into building proper shells, and more importantly, I know what fails in real conditions. Strafe supports legitimate riders, not just lifestyle influencers. Their ambassador roster includes splitboarders like Sadie Ford and Christopher Logan, along with snowboarders Shane Serrano and Molly Glassman who are putting this gear through proper mountain abuse. That matters when evaluating whether a brand understands what riders need versus what marketing departments think they need.
The Jacket: Dialed for Mountain ReliabilityThe Nomad Jacket ($679) uses Pertex Shield 3L construction with a 20K/18K waterproof/breathability rating. At 22.9 ounces, it’s substantial enough to handle abuse without feeling like you’re wearing a tarp. The relaxed fit allows proper layering without restricting movement, which matters when you’re skinning uphill in the morning and bombing runs by afternoon. From a design perspective, Strafe got the details right. The helmet-compatible hood features three-point adjustment that works while wearing gloves, something I’ve spent countless hours refining in my own pattern development work. Underarm vents are properly positioned and sized for dumping heat when you’re working hard. The pack-friendly chest pockets sit high enough that they don’t interfere with hip belts, and one includes an interior mesh sleeve for electronics. After testing through multiple temperature swings and weather conditions, the jacket’s Endurance DWR coating continues shedding moisture without issue. The membrane performed comparably to what I’ve seen in Burton’s AK Gore-Tex lineup, which starts at $749 for their Cyclic jacket. Arc’teryx’s Rush series runs $899, Patagonia’s Snowdrifter hits $749, and The North Face Summit L5 sits at $799. Even 686’s GLCR line, which I helped develop during my time there, typically runs $100 to $150 more than the Nomad. Strafe delivers equivalent technical performance at a lower price point, which reflects their direct focus on mountain sports rather than lifestyle brand positioning. What impressed me most: the fit. I’m wearing a large, and it’s perfect. The 31.25-inch center back length (medium spec) provides adequate coverage without excess material bunching at the waist. The quick-dry thumbhole cuffs seal properly without riding up, and the adjustable powder skirt with gripper elastic and YKK snaps keeps snow out during deeper days. This is fundamental pattern work done correctly, the kind of attention to fit that separates functional technical gear from catalog filler.
The Bibs: Performance with One Fit CaveatThe Nomad Bib ($619) matches the jacket’s technical capabilities with the same Pertex Shield 3L fabric and 20K/18K ratings. At 24.9 ounces, these bibs deliver proper protection without the weight penalty of heavily insulated pants. The fixed bib design with 4-way stretch fabric provides mobility where you need it most, and the covered 2-way center front zipper makes bathroom breaks manageable even when wearing multiple layers. Storage is excellent. The zippered chest pockets are genuinely useful and each includes a mesh electronics sleeve. The right thigh cargo pocket easily swallows skins, and the hand pockets are sized for gloves and other essentials. Exposed hamstring vents work effectively for temperature regulation, and the CORDURA scuff guards at the hems still look fresh after six days of use. Here’s the honest assessment on fit: the waist runs snug for a large. I’m between medium and large sizes without a belly, and the large bibs feel noticeably tighter at the waist than I’d prefer. This isn’t a dealbreaker, particularly once you’re moving and the 4-way stretch fabric does its job, but it’s worth noting if you’re between sizes or prefer more room in the waist. Having spent years grading size runs, I’d recommend Strafe add an extra inch or two of ease through the waist band in their next iteration. The adjustable elastic suspenders help compensate somewhat, but proper waist comfort shouldn’t require suspension adjustment. The 32.5-inch inseam (medium spec) works well for my height, and the zippered hem gussets provide adjustment options for different boot heights. For context, Burton’s AK Gore-Tex 3L Freebird bib runs $799, The North Face Summit L5 bib hits $899, and Arc’teryx Sabre bibs reach $849. The 686 GLCR Gore-Tex GT bib sits at $729. All offer similar technical specifications, but you’re paying a significant premium for those established brand names. The Strafe Nomad Bib delivers comparable weather protection and better pocket configuration at $110 to $280 less than competitors. Weather PerformanceTesting through 10-degree cold snaps and 25-degree storms with wind confirmed what the specs promise: this kit handles serious weather. The Pertex Shield membrane kept me dry during sustained snowfall, and the PFC-free Endurance DWR treatment continued beading water through multiple days of use. Temperature regulation worked well across the range, with vents providing adequate cooling when needed and the shell offering solid wind protection when sealed up. The PFAS-free construction matters for environmental reasons, and it’s worth noting that Strafe achieved this without compromising performance. Having worked with various membrane suppliers throughout my career, I can confirm the hydrophilic PU membrane technology performs on par with what you’d find in products costing 30 to 40 percent more. Six days represents a good initial break-in period, and both pieces show no signs of degradation or water penetration. Competitive Value AssessmentAt $1,298 for the complete outfit, the Strafe Nomad Jacket and Bib represent a significant investment. However, comparable kits from established brands run substantially higher. A Burton AK Gore-Tex Cyclic Jacket and Freebird Bib combination would cost $1,548. Arc’teryx Rush Jacket and Sabre Bib totals $1,748. The North Face Summit L5 kit exceeds $1,698. Patagonia’s Snowdrifter Jacket and Powder Bowl Bibs hit $1,498. Even the 686 GLCR Gore-Tex system I helped design runs around $1,478. Strafe delivers equivalent technical performance, comparable build quality, and superior pocket configurations while undercutting competitors by $180 to $450. This pricing advantage reflects Strafe’s operational focus. They’re designing and testing in Aspen’s Highland Bowl rather than funding global lifestyle marketing campaigns or supporting extensive team rider programs. The value proposition is straightforward: you’re paying for technical performance and mountain-specific design, not brand cachet. The Last WordThe quality justifies the cost for riders who prioritize reliability and technical performance. The jacket fits exceptionally well with proper attention to mountain-specific details that only come from designers who actually spend time in the mountains. The bibs deliver comparable technical performance with excellent storage and mobility, though the snug waist fit in large sizes deserves consideration when ordering. For serious mountain use across variable conditions, this combination works. That’s the assessment after six consecutive days of testing from someone who’s built technical outerwear for nearly two decades, not a single afternoon at the resort. Strafe competes directly with Burton AK, The North Face Summit, Arc’teryx, and premium 686 offerings at a more accessible price point, which makes the Nomad collection particularly compelling for riders focused on performance over prestige.
You’re currently a free subscriber to that snowboarding blog. For the full experience, upgrade your subscription.
|
|
