We all know that ski trips can be pretty expensive. But if you’ve gotta get your ski fix, you need to ensure you stay warm and dry – and sometimes you just don’t have the funds to splash out on some high end GoreTex branded jacket. Which is where a reliable budget ski brand can really save the day.
There are plenty of budget ski jacket brands out there, and one of those becoming more visible on the slopes is Dare2B. We’ve talked about them a lot on this site, and we got our hands on a couple of their ski jackets to test ride. We got to check out the Dare2B Baseplate on a recent trip to Austria – so how does the Dare2B Baseplate stack up in our review?
Dare2B Baseplate jacket stats
- Insulated jacket designed for snow sports
- All features such as snow skirt, pass pockets, inner goggle pocket etc
- Recycled materials
- ARED 20/30 waterproofing and breathability (20,000mm waterproof/30,000g/m2 breathable)
Dare2B’s ski jackets come equipped with their unique ARED technology. This is their own answer to Gore Tex, offering some seriously high level waterproofing and breathability – at least on paper.
Stay tuned to find out how effective ARED is….
What is the Dare2B Baseplate like?
I’ve enjoyed a fairly wide selection of snowboarding jackets in my time, from cheap to top end. And although the Dare2B Baseplate is very much priced in the budget end of the ski wear spectrum, it feels very solid. Both myself and my snowboard buddy Kit got to check out the same jacket, Kit on the snow and myself in the depths of a UK winter (arguably a better test than on the slopes).
Kit’s Dare2B jacket performed well and received an overwhelmingly positive response. He loved the fact that it feels like a considerably more expensive jacket, with plenty of space inside for all your bits and bobs – there are plenty of pockets, air vents and zippers as well as a good sized hood which is a little tight over a helmet but still works fine.
As well as being packed with all the essential features we found that the fit was good, although the length of the jacket was a little odd. Kit is about 5′ 11″ with a 34 inch waist and the XL jacket fit well across the body, but sat a little higher up the waist than you might expect. As he says, ‘If I was any taller it would be a belly button skimmer’. So if you’re thinking of going for a Dare2B ski jacket we think going a size up from your normal could be wise – or if you’re taller than average make sure to try it on first.
The Baseplate features a pretty eye-catching print, with a muted camo-style patchwork paired with bright yellow panels. Your team will definitely be able to spot you on the slopes as you zip off into the distance, so I think this is a pro.
The material also *feels* pretty waterproof – but I also felt like the external material felt a bit cheap. Obviously this is polyester here, and to be honest you’re not going to notice how the exterior feels when you’re wearing it. The internals of the jacket though feel perfectly comfortable. Again, the material and construction do feel at their price point, which is what you’d expect. As a ski and snowboard jacket it felt pretty solid and as if the weather would have a hard time breaking through. But if I was rocking this jacket for a few weeks of hardcore off-piste, I might not feel too confident about longevity.
How waterproof is Dare2B?
We tested the Dare2B Baseplate in both snow and in the depths of a cold and wet British winter. And in the face of wind, rain and cold the Baseplate stood up as well as any winter jacket I’ve ever owned.
The waterproofing meant that the interior stayed lovely and snug, and there was very little soak on the fabric itself. Yes, water off a ducks back for the Baseplate.
We also put the Dare2B Baseplate to the test on the slopes of the Stubai valley, which included some subzero icy conditions and the jacket more than held it’s own. Kit reported that it was as good as any ski jacket he’s used – and he has done a couple of seasons in the Rockies!
I’d say undoubtedly. If you’re looking for a jacket that will perform in the high Alpine terrain for an extended ski trip then I’d say that you’d be fine with a Dare2B jacket.
To add to that, I do think that Dare2B apparel is best suited to occasional or casual ski or snowboard users as I’m not sure how hard wearing the material is in the long term. If you’re going to be hiking deep into the mountains for regular backcountry expeditions and you want to be assured that you’re not going to get soaked through, then you might want to consider something more extreme – perhaps with GoreTex.
Basically, for wind and rain, no problem. For a week or two skiing or snowboarding, perfect. For those more dedicated snow sports fans, or seasonaires, I’d look for something a little more hardwearing.
Should I buy a Dare2B ski jacket?
As they’re very affordable, pretty stylish and offer great specs, it’s a resounding yes from me for Dare2B. As I mentioned, the Dare2B Baseplate range is probably best suited to casual skiers and snowboarders who get a few weeks on the mountain each season. But Dare2B gear is also a good option for kids and teenagers – being that they’re both cheap and hard-wearing enough to take whatever is thrown at them.
Yes, Dare2B are a reliably good quality brand and you can be assured that you’re not getting some low grade knock-off, but a solid piece of kit. I’d also recommend Dare2B’s ski gloves and range of ski pants too.
