Description of Cloudveil Rayzar Ski Jacket - Women's:
The Cloudveil Women's Rayzar Jacket is a durable, wicking softshell for riders who tour for their turns. Schoeller Dryskin Extreme in the body stretches and breathes on the uphill while blocking wind on the way down, and Schoeller WB-400 reinforcement across the shoulders provides a waterproof cape for unexpected storms. High-set pockets stash skins without interfering with your pack, and Nanosphere technology repels not just raindrops, but stains and dirt as well.
Bottom Line: The Rayzar Jacket takes you comfortably into the backcountry.
A great ski jacket and outer layer for spring and fall. It fits better to form so if this is your main winter ski jacket, you may want to size up. It also makes a great outer layer for being out and about in town due to its sleeker cut and style, and nice bright color options. The jacket does not have a lot of flex in the arms with multiple layers underneath so it wears better with less. It does extremely well blocking the elements and with insulation. The collar is very comfortable in its cut and protects the face well. It's perhaps a bit too warm to tour with due to the polartec fleece lining but suits any other activity quite well or as your outer layer once you're ready to head back down the hill. I'm 5'7 and wear a medium.
I bought this to replace my cloudveil serendipity jacket which was chewed (on wrist tabs and cordlocks) by the new dog we have. The newer serendipity jacket does not have the velcro cuff, which I prefer. The Rayzar is a bit more than I need (I like it for fly fishing, hiking, and everyday wear on cold days in south carolina), but I like it very much, it is more water resistent, and I look forward to a day when I can use if for skiing as well. I also like that the pockets are on the side (waist area) rather than on the chest (where they are on the serendipity). The only down side is the higher price. It is also a little tighter in the hip area than the Serendipity was...one important note: after I purchased the jacket I learned that Cloudveil does repairs, so I might pursue that for the old jacket, but plan to keep the new.
I've always hated shells with hoods--I prefer to wear a rain hat or beanie, depending on the weather. The Rayzar's high collar really keeps the rain out without strangling me. I've worn this hiking-- it sheds water like a duck, it's lightweight and super-stretchy. I'm looking forward to wearing it snowshoeing this winter. The long sleeves and longer back length make me want to try it for winter biking as well.
The fit is good for me, I can easily wear a fleece underneath but it's fine over a light shirt for warmer weather too. It's got lots of room in the shoulders. Women with narrow shoulders and long waists may find it too boxy, but if you've got broad shoulders and a shorter waist this will probably fit you great.
A great detail for gals with long hair--the collar adjustment cord lock is under a little flap of fabric so it doesn't snag my ponytail!
Altogether a very high-quality jacket, well made and well designed. I hope to have many years of use out of it.
