About this Review: This review is my honest opinion of the jacket, which I purchased with my own money in September 2020.

My take

The Dakine Wyeast is a jacket designed in the PNW, so it can withstand all temperatures and conditions.

About the jacket I own

• Model: 2021 Dakine Wyeast
• Size: XL
• Fit: Longer, but true to size

About me

• Height: 5’11”
• Weight: 195 lbs
• Experience: 18 years of snowboarding

Test conditions

• When I bought this: September 2020
• Days tested: 50
• Where I’ve used it: British Columbia, Pacific Northwest
• Conditions I’ve used it in: Rain, wet snow, cold snow, wind

How it performs

What I was looking for

Being based in Oregon, I needed a jacket that could handle all elements. I am now a fan of layering, so sometimes just a GORE-TEX shell isn't what I want. I needed a jacket that could handle wet weather and keep me without having to plan my day around layers.

Why I chose this gear

The Wyeast is named after my home mountain of Mount Hood, so I had a little inclination that this jacket might be what I needed. It was even designed and tested here, so how could I go wrong?

What I love about it

• Fit: The Wyeast fits like a glove. I like a jacket that fits on the baggier side, but these tend to have a boxy feel and aren't cut long enough. The Wyeast has what they call a “tailored fit,” so it's somewhat tapered and is longer. I like a longer jacket, personally, since it can keep my butt warmer/dryer.
• Range of Motion: I really liked my range of motion in this jacket. I could turn my body/head and my jacket would stay put without getting all hiked up and twisted. The collar is a soft material, so I don't feel like my neck is constrained when moving.
• Style: The blocky colors match very well with each other. The tailored style gives this jacket a somewhat-formal look. The size basically looks like it was made for me.
• Quality of Materials: The Wyeast’s outer shell is made from a nylon and polyester-oxford blend. The jacket feels thick and durable. It doesn't feel like plastic, but instead has a high-end feel to it.
• Durability: I have put this jacket through the ringer and it has not failed me yet. We have some pretty tight tree sections out here, and I have caught myself on many a branch, and I have yet to tear into this jacket. It also does really well repelling stains from dirt.
• Pockets: This jacket comes with a good selection of pockets. It’s got a pretty massive media pocket on the chest, so my phone can stay tucked away. Dual entry hand warmer pockets on the side are also super clutch on cold days when the gloves need to come off. Of course, the usual goggle mesh pocket is on the inside.
• Breathability: Armpit vents are a must on days it gets warm out or I find myself hiking around the mountain. This jacket has two larger mesh-lined zippers under the armpit, so I can vent the hot air out and keep snow from going in if I tumble.
• Waterproofing: The Wyeast comes packed with a 15k-waterproof and 15k-breathable membrane. Those aren't bad numbers by all means, but out here in Oregon, snowy days can turn into torrential downpours quickly. I notice my shoulders can’t handle the rain some days and let a little moisture in, but really only there.
• Warmth: I think this could be one of my favorite things about this jacket. I don't like to layer up that much, as it makes me feel constricted, so a thin GORE-TEX shell doesn't help keep in the warmth. The Wyeast has a heavy duty/thick feel to it, and it keeps in the warmth and stops the wind. And trust me, I have put it through some windy days that broke 45 mph.
• Features: One feature I really like about this jacket is how wide the sleeves are and how far up the gator goes in the sleeve. This allows me to fit any kind of glove inside the jacket between the shell and gator and not feel too crunched up; and it really keeps snow out. The two-way adjustable hood is also super roomy to fit over a helmet.

Issues I’ve encountered

• Weight: This jacket being the beast it is means its doesnt come in as light as some other shells. I don’t mind it most days, but if I ever have to hike/walk on the slopes, it is a little heavy-feeling.

Favorite moment with this gear

This jacket has seen some adventures, that's for sure. I think my favorite moment with it has to be when I brought it out to Japan and it acted as a do-it-all jacket. From cold temps to chest-deep snow, I was dry.

Value for the money vs. other options

It's really a great jacket for a super-cheap price. The durability, hands down, pays for itself I believe. Another jacket I would compare with this is the 686 Hydra Thermagraph. It’s another solid, insulated jacket but comes in a little more expensive.

Final verdict

For those looking for something that won't break the bank and isn't GORE-TEX, it’s hard to beat this jacket. From the tailored fit to how warm I felt with just one base layer, I think this could be my all-time-favorite jacket.