REI Shuksan Jacket Featuring RECCO and eVent Fabric Review

The REI Shuksan Jacket is backcountry shell that has it all. The jacket was designed with the backcountry traveler in mind. It features the super breathable eVent fabric along with a RECCO Avalanche Rescue System reflector permanently sealed to the inside right sleeve. The jacket has a three-ply stretch for mobility and has an oversized hood to fit over a helmet. I tested the jacket out on variety of outings and at various temperatures in the Wasatch Mountains. I also met with Alta Ski Area's Snow Safety team to test out the RECCO (pronounced Wreck-O) Avalanche Rescue System.

REI Shuksan Jacket at Alta Ski Area

I tested out the Shuksan Jacket on an early season hike/snowshoe in Albion Basin at Alta. The temperature was in the upper 40s and the sun was blasting. It felt like summer. I pushed hard to get a good sweat going and I was surprised that I didn't get overheated in Shuksan. It helped blocked the breeze (it's windproof to 60 mph) and transferred the moisture from inside the coat. After a few tests outings, I found the Shuksan and eVent fabric work the best if you manage your baselayers correctly. If you plan on a strenuous, sweaty activity, wear only a light baselayer. You may be cold in the parking lot, but as you get going you'll be comfortable. The jacket breathes very well, if you allow it to. When I had too many baselayers on (like a performance undershirt and fleece), I would end of soaking the layer closest to my skin, while the Shuksan jacket lining was dry.

Usually when I'm winter traveling in the backcountry, I keep my shell in my pack until I descend. With the Shuksan, I wear a thin baselayer and the jacket. I put my fleece and/or sweater in my pack for the decent. This really helps on snowy or windy days when you need to have a shell on during the entire outing.

RECCO R-9 with Alta's Snow Safety Team

The RECCO Avalanche Rescue System works with two key components: 1) a passive reflector about the size of a AA battery permanently affixed to your clothing or gear and 2) a directional detector used by trained search teams (pictured above). The science behind the RECCO system involves harmonic radar that is broadcast by the directional receiver. When the radar strikes the passive reflector (a copper aerial and a diode protected by waterproof plastic) the signal doubles in frequency and the victim is located.

Alta was one of the first ski areas in the US, to begin testing the RECCO system back in the mid-1980s. At the time, the technology was new and bulky, but still used because of the effectiveness. As the time moved along, the detector got a little smaller. I saw the old R-8 detector and it is about twice the size of the R-9 and weights about 2 times as much. Now the R-9 is detector is replacing the R-8. This only weights 3.5 pounds,and it's about the size of a small laptop, and it can detect the RECCO reflector and avalanche beacon signals. All Alta employees have a RECCO reflector in their jackets. Without getting into too much detail, the RECCO detectors are "loaned" to ski resorts, search and rescue groups and law enforcement groups. The project is supported by purchasing gear that has the RECCO reflectors built-in.

RECCO R-9

Howie, from Alta's Snow Safety Team tested out the receiver on the Shuksan Jacket. It's pretty remarkable how effective the RECCO system works by a trained and experienced professional. Because the RECCO harmonic radar is directional, you can have the detector right next to the reflector but not get a signal until you twist the detector 90 degrees. Some complain this is a drawback, but Howie showed me the correct way to the RECCO detector. He used a twisting motion in his hands moving the detector 90 degrees, while he moved his body and arms. With his trained ear he picked up the signal right away.

Howie emphasized that the RECCO system does not replace the avalanche beacon, which is a companion rescue system. The RECCO system is a first response tool used by professional search and rescue personnel. Howie explained that most human triggered avalanches occur in the Back Country or "Side-Country." Areas just outside controlled ski areas. Folks maybe skiing outside of ski area boundaries at Resorts or traveling in the backcountry near the resorts. Because many of these areas are so close to emergency equipment and personnel, a rapid response can be made. If "Side-Country" users have the RECCO reflector in their clothing, first responders will have another tool to locate the burial victim. The RECCO detector can be used from over 300 feet in the air out of the window of a helicopter!

It's great to know that guys like Howie take this very seriously and practice often. Howie has two kids that ski and says he insists they wear gear equipped with the RECCO reflectors and an avalanche transceiver.

*** Howie wanted me to stress, the RECCO reflector does not replace an avalanche beacon. No rescue equipment can replace experience, training and common sense. Traveling in the backcountry can be dangerous, and you should be well prepared before entering those areas. ***

REI Shuksan Jacket with RECCO Reflector

Here you can see the RECCO reflector sealed into the right interior sleeve of the Shuksan Jacket. I didn't even notice it, while I had the jacket on. There's a RECCO logo on the outside of the coat, next to the reflector.

REI Shuksan Jacket Interior Pockets

The inside of the Shuksan Jacket has two very large stretchable mesh pockets. They are large enough to each hold climbing skins. I have pretty large skins (130mm wide x 180cm long) and they fit. Notice how the pockets have the top corner cut out of them. This allows easy access to the pocket from the opposing hand. The right pocket gets access by the left hand and vice-versa. I really noticed it when I had gloves on putting my skins in the pockets.

REI Shuksan Jacket Exterior

The Shuksan uses the eVent fabric, whose mottos is "Let the Sweat Out". I can say it does breathe very well. I pushed it hard while hiking, skiing and snowshoeing in the coat and I had no vapor build up on the inside of the coat. My baselayers were damp, but the coat stayed dry.

REI claims there's no need for ventilating zippers with the eVent fabric. From what I've found the eVent does work, but there's always those steep, sunny, strenuous skin tracks. In that case, the four pockets can be unzipped to provide ventilation. These pockets are on the opposite side of the mesh elastic pockets on the inside of the jacket. That way you can put goggles, hats and other items in the pockets and keep them warm with your body heat. Once again these pockets are very large and accessible with gloves on.

REI Shuksan Jacket Hood

The Shuksan Jacket Hood is oversized so it can fit over a helmet. I put up the hood while I was shoveling snow (a sweaty workout indeed) and found the eVent fabric works very well. There's also a stiff brim on the hood to keep snow and rain off your face.

The Shuksan Jacket can be purchases at REI stores nationwide or by calling 800-426-4820.. or you can follow the link below.

Buy the Men's Shuksan Jacket at REI.com