Expert Review: Spyder Glissade Jacket

The Spyder Glissade Jacket is an excellent outer layer for the shoulder season or during mild winter weather, a perfect mid-layer for those coldest winter days, and a functional yet stylish jacket for around town.

About the jacket

Model: 2022 Spyder Glissade Jacket
Size: XL
Fit: True to size

About me

Height: 6’0”
Weight: 220lbs
Experience: 25+ years of snowboarding/skiing

Test conditions

When I received this: October 2022
Days tested: 25
Where I’ve used it: Around town, cross-country skijoring, on dog walks, and during hikes.
Conditions I’ve used it in: Shoulder season, cold weather, freezing temps, light rain, freezing rain, mixed snow, and winter cold snaps.

How it performs

Aesthetics

4/5

Breathability

5/5

Comfort

5/5

Durability

5/5

Warmth

5/5

Waterproofing

4/5

What I was looking for

I was looking for a mid-layer jacket that I could wear under my shell for the coldest days of the winter. I also like my mid-layers to function as standalone layers that I can wear for warmth when protection from the elements isn’t needed.

A man walking his dog in the Spyder Glissade Jacket.

Why I chose this gear

I was sent this jacket from Spyder, which made the decision pretty easy. I like a mid-layer that can function outside of just the ski resort. I have found that thinner insulated jackets are often too tight to wear as a standalone piece, and thicker fleece layers are often too bulky and hot under my ski jacket. I was intrigued by the fact that this jacket could do both.

Typically, I use PolarTec fabrics for insulating mid-layers or thinner PrimaLoft® jackets for insulation under my shell. However, I like that this jacket could potentially work for both due to the PrimaLoft insulation, DWR treatment, and polyester double-weave fleece in key areas of the jacket.

A man standing next to a tree with mushrooms on it while wearing the Spyder Glissade Jacket.

What I love about it

Fit: The jacket fits a bit looser than a traditional mid-layer. I like that I can wear it without a jacket on top, and it is still loose enough to have a typical outer layer appearance. It is relatively fitted but has plenty of movement in key areas and enough length to work as its own layer.
Range of Motion: I found plenty of range of motion in the shoulders for any activity. I really like that the jacket works outside of the ski resort. As mentioned earlier, I use it around town, on dog walks, and during hikes as well.
Design: The design of the jacket is well thought out. The polyester plain weave exterior is durable and water resistant, thanks to the DWR treatment. The interior lining of the jacket is smooth and soft yet has woven polyester or fleece in key areas, such as the underarms and neck, to ensure the longevity of the lining. The double-weave fleece runs in a strip up the side of the jacket and down the sleeve for extra warmth and minimal bulk. The exterior softshell fabric matches the location of the interior fleece, eliminating the need for PrimaLoft insulation in generally warmer areas.
Style: The jacket is form-fitting but loose enough to maintain a casual appearance. There are many color options for this jacket for different tastes. I personally really like the name of my jacket’s color–“Abyss Volcano.”
Quality of Materials: The materials used seem high quality. I have had no durability issues, pilling, stains, or other complaints. Plus, the jacket is cozy, even over just a T-shirt.
Durability: The jacket seems durable and has withstood minor abrasion by trees, bushes, and my crazy dogs.
Pockets: The two lower pockets are lined for added coziness and warmth. I really appreciate this lining as a toast place for my hands when walking in cold weather. The chest pocket is easily accessible and handy.
Waterproofing: I am actually pleasantly surprised with the waterproofing of this jacket. I ended up in light rain occasionally and was surprised I stayed dry. Even in the few times I ended up in heavier rain, the jacket repelled water better than I expected.
Breathability: This jacket doesn’t offer ventilation, nor does it really need it. It is breathable enough to keep me dry underneath, and any temperature control is done with the main zipper.
Warmth: The 60g of PrimaLoft Silver ECO insulation is more than enough for a jacket like this. Plus, knowing the jacket’s insulation contains 70% recycled materials gives me some added warmth deeper down inside.
Weight: This jacket is light enough to be tossed in a backpack for backcountry adventures or days at the resort when I need an extra layer. It certainly isn’t an ultralight jacket, but the added features and durability are worth the extra weight for me.

Issues I’ve encountered

Features: Today, many outdoor apparel companies no longer embrace standard DWR as a sustainable way of repelling water. I would love to see Spyder use a PFC-Free DWR or other eco-conscious option to match the ECO insulation that is used in this jacket.

Top down view of someone wearing the Spyder Glissade Jacket on a wet day.

Favorite moment with this gear

I ended up going XC skijoring with my partner and our two dogs, even though I really don’t cross-country ski often. I don’t have many lightweight outer layers in my closet, and I grabbed my Spyder Glissade Jacket, thinking it would be the best jacket for the job. It kept me warm, was breathable, and even repelled water from the rain we encountered. I was glad to have this jacket.

Value for the money vs. other options

Based on versatility alone, I think this jacket is worth the money. It’s hard to find layers that work in the shoulder season, during the winter, and around town. Compared to a fleece mid-layer like the Patagonia Men's R1® Fleece Pullover, this jacket is significantly warmer and more versatile. And compared to other insulated mid-layers like the Patagonia Men's Nano-Air® Jacket, this jacket is more durable and wind-resistant. I think Spyder did a great job designing a mid-layer jacket for all conditions.