About this Review: This review is my honest opinion of the jacket, which I purchased with my own money in November of 2021.

My Take

The Obermeyer Chandler Shell is an incredibly versatile jacket that will keep riders protected from the elements no matter what winter brings. The jacket has an excessive number of pockets and tons of features, making it an excellent choice for skiers looking to rip the resort or get into the backcountry.

About the piece

• Model: Obermeyer Men’s Chandler Shell (green/leather)
• Size: Large
• Fit: The jacket runs slightly big and has long sleeves, which works well for layering underneath.

About me

• Height: 6’5”
• Weight: 210 lbs
• Experience: I have been skiing for 15 years.

Test conditions

• When I bought this: November 2021
• Days tested: 50+
• Where I’ve used it: Ski resorts and in the backcountry across Montana and northern Idaho.
• Conditions I’ve used it in: I wore this jacket daily last winter in all sorts of weather, from sub-zero powder days to wet, rainy spring skiing.

How it performs

What I was looking for

I was looking for a very water/windproof jacket that I could layer underneath according to the temperature that day. My main goal was a lightweight outer shell to keep me dry in all the conditions that I would face here in Montana. I also wanted something with some style, and I think this Obermeyer Shell fit the bill.

Why I chose this gear

I considered many different options from different brands as I searched for a jacket I could depend on daily through the winter. I needed something extremely waterproof to handle the wet snow/rain in the spring and also something with room to layer up or down to handle those sub-zero days. I knew Obermeyer was a dependable brand, and I wanted something that would last for years to come as well. When I came across the Chandler Shell, I knew it was the right choice for me. It has a high waterproof rating (10k), long sleeves, underarm vents, and room to layer underneath. It also has a large hood that easily fits over a ski helmet for those stormiest days. All in all, it’s a reliable jacket that would be versatile to handle whatever winter threw my way.

What I love about it

• Style: The jacket has very clean lines and is simple yet stylish overall. It is slightly oversized, which works well for layering and also adds to the jacket’s style.
• Durability: I wore this jacket over 50 times last season in all sorts of weather and during many activities (resort skiing, backcountry, snowshoeing, etc.), and there are virtually no signs of wear and tear at this point. No loose threads or tears on any seams and all the zippers and Velcro still work perfectly.
• Breathability: The jacket is very windproof and will keep skiers completely protected from the elements. It also includes underarm vents that I can open on warmer days adding to the jacket’s versatility.
• Waterproofing: The Chandler Shell has proven itself to be extremely waterproof in a variety of weather conditions. In wetter snow/sleet type conditions, the water beads up and doesn’t soak through to the layers underneath. The waterproof rating for the jacket is 10k, so for anything besides pure heavy rain, it will keep out all moisture.
• Pockets: Obermeyer went above and beyond with the pockets. There are four zipper pockets, two Velcro pockets, and a large goggle pocket inside of the jacket.
• Features: The jacket includes a removable powder skirt and a helmet-compatible hood to keep snow out on the stormiest powder days.

Issues I’ve encountered

• Warmth: The jacket is a true shell. It is extremely wind/waterproof, but it is not insulated. It isn’t super warm on its own, so I must wear layers according to the day's temperature.

Favorite moment with this gear

I first wore the Chandler Shell in early December last winter, opening day at Lookout Pass Ski Resort on the Montana/Idaho border. It snowed well over a foot of heavy, wet snow during that day, and everyone in my group was soaked and freezing by lunch. I remember sitting on a chairlift in awe at how dry I was underneath this shell. I instantly confirmed I bought the right jacket.

Value for the money vs. other options

The Obermeyer Chandler Shell is somewhere in the middle of the price range for quality shell jackets (retails around $250). It isn’t the cheapest option but definitely not the top end of the range either. For how strongly this jacket performs, I would say it is a good value when compared to other top-end shells from brands like Helly Hanson and Patagonia, which can easily run over $400.

Final verdict

Anyone needing an outer shell to keep them dry in all conditions, which can be layered up for cold winter days or vented for warm spring skiing, should look no further than the Obermeyer Chandler Shell. I relied on it all last winter, and I am confident to head back out to the snow in it again this year.