Men’s Obermeyer Kodiak Jacket And Force Suspender Pant Review

For the past seventy-five years and counting, Klaus, along with the rest of the Aspen-based Obermeyer team has been perfecting the art of outdoor ski wear.

The story behind Obermeyer beings with Klaus, an avid rock climber, ski mountaineer, racer and jumper.

His first invention, a down ski parka, was originally stitched from a goose-down comforter. Later he went onto developing everything from nylon wind shirts to high altitude sunscreen, mirrored sunglasses, soft shell jackets, double lens goggles and much more.

In fact, you might be surprised to know Klaus was behind the first waterproof, breathable fabrics.

History aside, you’ll find innovative styling, unique fabrics and modern tech packed into every piece of Obermeyer ski gear you pick up today. With built-in articulation, optimal seaming, real world-testing and an understanding that dry equals comfortable, Obermeyer gets it. Their gear is meant to perform.

Speaking of performance, I still remember my first ski jacket. After joining my high school’s ski team, my budget coat wasn’t going to cut it anymore. So, I turned to my local ski shop and found my first bright red, insulated Obermeyer ski jacket.

After hitting the slopes with it on, I fell in love! The comfort, warmth and durable construction were things I would come to appreciate for years heading down the mountains.
When I came across their latest collection of men’s ski wear, I just had to give their Kodiak jacket and Force Suspender Pants a try on

After experiencing the latest and greatest in outwear tech, alongside all the features Obermeyer has managed to pack into each piece, I’m genuinely impressed!

Quick Highlights:

– Available in volcanic red, zinc grey, black, nocturnal blue and east wind blue color options
– PrimaLoft Black ECO 40gm insulation
– HydroBlock Elite 100% Polyester Plain Weave
– 2-way stretch with 85% nylon, 15% elastane 4-way stretch construction
– 25,000mm waterproof and breathable
– Recco rescue reflector equipped
– Removable helmet compatible adjustable hood
– MFNG Multi-function neckgaiter
– YKK Vislon zippers
– Fully seam sealed construction
– DWR polymer coating for exceptional stain protection and coating integrity
– Control Zone Ventilation with mesh gussets
– Underarm vent zips, thigh vents, mesh gusset jacket closures
– Full-Motion Fusion fit
– Removable powder skirt with Snap-Away system
– Adjustable cuffs with inner stretch thumbhole
– YKK zipper sleeve pocket
– Full-length wind guard on interior with fleece chin protector
– Interior electronics pocket with cord routing port
– Adjustable interior hem draw cord
– Detachable, scratch-free google cleaning cloth
– Comfortable, fleece-lined collar

Obermeyer Force Suspender Pant

– HydroBlock Pro 100% Polyester Plain Weave 2-way stretch construction
– 40gm insulation
– 15,000 100% waterproof and breathable fabric
– Full-Motion articulated fit and critical seam sealing
– Removable adjustable suspenders
– 3D mesh comfort panel
– YKK AquaGuard zippers
– CZV thigh venting with mesh gusts
– Reinforced hem, inseams, seat, knees and scuff guards
– Handwarmer pockets with YKK AquaGuard zippers
– Adjustable waist with elastic hook and loop tabs
– Contoured, high back waistband
– YKK zipper fly with wind guard and storm flap
– YKK zipper hem gusset with reinforced snap closure

Volcanic Red Men’s Obermeyer Kodiak Jacket Review

Keeping in line with the past, I decided to sport a bright, volcanic red Obermeyer Kodiak jacket on the slopes. For high visibility against the white snow, I love this color, but if you prefer a more neutral look, you’ll be happy to know the Kodiak jacket also comes in zinc grey, black, nocturnal blue and east wind blue color variations.

When it comes to the main details, a HydroBlock Elite 100% Polyester plain weave, 25,000mm waterproof and breathable construction is paired with PrimaLoft Black ECO 40gm insulation. The two together are definitely a match made in heaven, offering the best of all worlds when it comes to staying dry, comfortable and warm. After hitting the slopes from sunrise to sundown, my level of comfort remained wonderfully consistent.

Regarding movement, the Kodiak jacket moves beautifully with the body for a natural, well-fitting feel. You’ll find the 2-way stretch 85% nylon and 4-way stretch 15% elastane to make this marvel possible. Of course, Obermeyer’s attention to detail is easily noticeable when you take note of the excellent articulation, and their unique, Full-Motion Fusion fit too.

For features, the men’s Kodiak ski jacket is packed with them! For starters, there’s a RECCO rescue reflector, removable/adjustable hood that’s helmet compatible, a multi-function neck gaiter, YKK Vislon zippers, vents in the underarms, thighs and jacket closures, adjustable cuffs with inner stretch thumbholes, and much more.

Not to mention, you’ll also find a really admirable fleece-lined collar and a detachable google cleaning cloth. For long days spent on the slopes, the collar is super comfortable around the neck. For adjustments beyond the hood, the removable powder skirt features a brilliant snap-away system. You’ll also find an adjustable interior hem drawcord to keep the cold out.

Of course, it doesn’t stop there. Obermeyer has also included a DWR polymer coating to block stains while improving durability, fully-seam sealed the Kodiak, and added a full-length interior wind guard with a fleece chin protector. For an added bonus, an internal electronics pocket with cord routing port makes listening to your favorite tunes or staying in contact with friends and family over the phone a breeze.

Factor in all the above, and you’ve got one rock-solid ski jacket that’s built to last. After spending a full day with the Kodiak on, I’ve come to admire it just as much as I did my first Obermeyer Jacket.

Grey Matter Men’s Obermeyer Force Suspender Pant Review

Alongside the Kodiak jacket, I decided to give the Obermeyer Force Suspender Pants a run down the slopes. With a HydroBlock Pro 100% polyester plain weave 2-way stretch construction, 15,000mm waterproof and breathable fabric, YKK AquaGuard zippers and reinforced hem, inseams, seat knees, and scuff guards, these men’s ski pants take slope satisfaction to new heights.

Add in the 40gm insulation, and staying toasty warm was an effortless task.

While gliding through the trees, I really came to enjoy the full-motion articulated fit and contoured, high back waistband. Combined, the two features offered brilliant flexibility and top-notch support. Of course, the adjustable waist with elastic hook and loop tabs alongside the removable, adjustable suspenders worked their magic too. Regardless of how strenuously I pushed these pants on down the slopes, they continued to perform magnificently.

Other features I discovered on the men’s Obermeyer Force Suspender ski pants included a very nice 3D mesh comfort panel, CZV thigh venting, hand warmer pockets, a YKK zippered fly with wind guard and storm flap, plus a YKK zippered hem gusset with reinforced snap closure.

When joined with the Kodiak jacket, the two are a grand showcase of what 75-plus years of innovation looks like. And with a team that designs and fits their gear in Aspen, Colorado, close to my own place in Boulder, it’s excellent to know that things like warmth, moveable fit, workmanship, and durability are all accounted for the real world.