Waterproof Jackets

Holden Corkshell Summit Jacket | Review

It’s not the world’s cheapest shell, but the Holden Corkshell Summit has a lot to offer, and boasts some very impressive innovation

Why We Chose It: Stylish, adaptable, and warmer than a standard shell.

We won’t lie to you, the Holden Corkshell Summit Jacket is quite an expensive jacket; like, it’s RRP £711.99 expensive. For that amount, you’d probably want something that not only does a job for you in the mountains, but also at home, at your office, and at family events. You’d probably want the jacket to clean your kitchen, cook you meals, fill in your self-assessment income tax, chauffeur you around town and make you cuppas. Unfortunately, it won’t do any of that, but still, there’s some very impressive innovation to go some way towards justifying that cost. After all, this thing picked up one of the coveted ‘Best in Show’ awards last year at the huge ISPO gear tradeshow in Munich.

It’s the incredibly clever outer fabric that sets it apart, and is also the reason for us uncharacteristically featuring a ski mountaineering jacket in our Outdoor 100 (in case you’re new to us, we mainly tend to feature stuff for hiking). It’s called Schoeller Corkshell, and the clue as to what this is made from is in the name. It’s a three-layer fabric system that features an outer softshell that’s infused with pulverised cork leftover from the wine industry. And it’s no gimmick – it works well, making for a fabric that is water resistant and breathable while offering more warmth than you can expect from standard softshells.

“The 4 way super stretch makes it great for mobility without restriction or bulk.”

This clever fabric then combines with a waterproof membrane, fully taped seams and YKK reflective aquaguard zips for full wet weather (or snow) protection. What’s more, it’s overall very stretchy giving you completely free movement and articulation – useful for snowsports then.

The Corkshell Summit's zips are water repellent. Photo: Chris Johnson

The Summit has an easily adjusted hood. Photo: Chris Johnson

The Schoeller Corkshell fabric will do a job when the elements take a turn. Photo: Chris Johnson

Skiers and snowboarders will appreciate the Corkshell Summit’s practical powder skirt while the science nerds out there will get a kick from the surprisingly satisfying magnetic pocket closures. Throw in the Summit’s easily adjusted hood, pit zips, articulated sleeves for active wearers, and the comfortable wrist gaiters and what you’re left with is a jacket that at least goes some of the way to justifying its hefty price tag (you can find it for way cheaper than that RRP in some places by the way).

With it’s performance and eco-friendly approach, we’re certainly very interested to see where the innovative fabric this boasts gets applied next.

Trade Secrets

Scott Zergebel, Holden Design Director & Cofounder

“In our technical shell category we continue to partner with Schoeller to refine our Corkshell Summit Series—an innovative, leading-edge alpine jacket and bib pant made with recycled cork and 4-way stretch fabric. In F18, the Corkshell Summit pant and jacket won the ISPO Award for ‘Product of The Year’ in the Outer Layer segment of the Snowsports category. We really enjoy partnering with Schoeller and are actively pursuing the evolution of these styles for F19.

“I think this material really suites the diverse types of environments and activities our explorers use it for. The 4 way super stretch makes it great for mobility without restriction or bulk, the c-change membrane opens to breathe and release heat when active and closes to retain heat when static. This equals more comfort, warmth and protection allowing us to enjoy longer spans of time in the outdoors while being dry and comfortable.”