About this Review: This review is my honest opinion of the jacket, which I purchased with my own money in March of 2023.

My take

The Strafe Nomad 3L Shell is a lightweight, durable, breathable, and comfy jacket for in-bounds and out-of-bounds skiing.

About the jacket

• Model: 2022 Nomad 3L Shell Jacket
• Size: L
• Fit: True, maybe a tad on the looser fit side.

About me

• Height: 6’0”
• Weight: 180lbs
• Experience: 28 years of snowboarding/skiing

Test conditions

• When I bought this: March 1, 2023
• Days tested: 20
• Where I’ve used it: Aspen, Copper, Beaver Creek, Alyeska, Turnigan Pass, Jackson, and Targhee.
• Conditions I’ve used it in: Powder days, rainy days, sub-zero days, and spring slush days.

How it performs

What I was looking for

I was looking for a new shell. My old one needed replacing. The Strafe Nomad 3L jacket checked all the boxes for what I was looking for.

Why I chose this gear

I chose the Strafe Nomad jacket because of the eVent DV Flex material—a breathable and durable fabric. The fully seamed three-layer DWR-treated jacket was an easy choice. I looked at some FlyLow and Helly Hansen jackets, but the backpack-friendly pocket locations on the Strafe won. The oversized chest pockets caught my attention too.

What I love about it

• Fit: Loose comfy fit that’s not too tight or baggy. I’m 6’0” and 180lbs, and the Large fits loose and relaxed. I like it. However, I would choose a Medium if someone around my size wants a more fitted jacket.
• Range of Motion: Great range of motion and doesn’t feel restrictive at all.
• Design: Technical outerwear shell for in-bounds and out-of-bounds riding. Large pockets on the chest are great for stashing things. I am a fan of the fit and design of this jacket.
• Style: Not a form-fitted or tailored fit. Instead, the Nomad 3L Shell Jacket has a relaxed, casual fit. I like the fit to be a little longer in the back. It is nice for sitting on the wet lift seats.
• Quality of Materials: The materials feel good to the touch—a thin, lightweight waterproof shell. The eVent DV Flex 3L fabric is durable, and I have brushed some tree branches, but so far, no rips.
• Durability: In the 20 days I've used this jacket, it shows almost no signs of use. I have bushwhacked in the jacket, and no tears yet. (I’m probably jinxing myself.) The pink around the wrists has gotten stains. However, I expect that as it’s a bright color. It’s most likely a user error in keeping it clean.
• Pockets: It has backpack-friendly pockets. It has two XXL chest pockets for skins, beers, extra gloves, rolling papers, and whatever I want.
• Waterproofing: There were a few soggy days on the hill, but the DWR that comes on the shell has been great. It's kept me warm and dry so far. The true test will be when I go home to Alaska next season and ride Alyeska.
• Breathability: The jacket has two XXL vents on the sides that dump heat if needed. I tend to run hot, so I wear a puffy or crew neck under the shell on colder days. If it’s warmer out, I’ll rock a T-shirt under this shell and be fine.
• Weight: With it being a shell, it's nice and light. The jacket packs well for trips.
• Features: Backpack-friendly pocket locations, two XXL chest pockets, mesh media pocket in the chest pocket, removable powder skirt, pass pocket, quick dry thumb hole wrist cuffs, helmet-friendly hood, easy pull zippers, YKK AquaGuard zippers, and fleece-lined chin guards.
• Comfort: The Large fits nicely and is relaxed at my height and weight. Not too baggy, not too tight. The jacket’s shape/design allows for a free range of motion which is nice when throwing flips and spins.

Issues I’ve encountered

• Warmth: It’s just a shell, so don’t expect insulation in this sucker. However, it’s great for spring days with just a T-shirt on underneath.

Favorite moment with this gear

So far, my favorite moment in this jacket is doing the ski reviews in Aspen this spring. We had a DEEEP pow day and tested some powder skis. Skiing pow all day with my buddy Jake and riding next year's skis. The Nomad 3L jacket kept me looking good and dry during the rad pow day. This jacket is white room approved.

Value for the money vs. other options

I’m a firm believer in paying for what you get. Strafe makes high-quality gear plain and simple. So, if someone wants a durable jacket with all the bells and whistles, check out Strafe outerwear. I have had a FlyLow Lab Coat before, and I think Strafe is more durable so far.

Final verdict

If someone is looking for a high-performance/quality shell, consider the Nomad 3L from Strafe. Its eVent DV flex material is top-notch. I can’t wait for the powder days ahead in the Strafe Nomad 3L Shell Jacket.