Gear Guide: Mountainwear – Rip Curl Backcountry Search Range

July 6th, 2021

 

Rip Curl Teamrider Chris Rasman, full throttle in the Whistler backcountry.

Mountainwatch | Reggae Elliss

When it comes to mountainwear there is a lot to choose from with styles and features aimed at a range of markets from core park rats in oversized pants to older skiers in short jackets who like a few runs on the groomed before heading to the must-be-seen-at on-mountain restaurant for lunch.

However, for those who ski or ride hard in all conditions, spend time in the backcountry and chase powder here and overseas it is all about durable gear that is lightweight, waterproof and breathable. Rip Curl’s Backcountry Search range fits the bill perfectly.

Aimed at the freerider, the Backcountry Search range is available in both men’s and women’s and is the top end in Rip Curl’s technical mountainwear.  The jackets and bib pants are both a lightweight shell with 4-way stretch panels and a 30k/40k membrane developed by 37.5 technology – the most waterproof and breathable  on the market.

I gave the waterproofness a good test when doing a few laps in consistent rain a couple of weeks ago and after 90 minutes  I was still 100% dry. The breathability of 37.5 is also a big plus, especially when touring or exerting energy on a powder day, as it wicks away the moisture from sweat, so you don’t overheat.

 

Arkie Elliss testing out the 2021 Backcountry Search jacket and bibs on a cold, windblown day in Thredbo last weekend. Photo: Boen Ferguson

Over the past few years heavy, insulated jackets have given way to shells and layering and after riding in the Search Jacket you’ll know why, the weight and four-way stretch makes it one of the most comfortable high-tech jackets on the market. It also has all the tech features you’d expect in top-end mountainwear with fully taped seams and waterproof zips while standard features include a powder skirt, under arm venting zips, pass pocket, internal goggle pocket, phone pocket etc.

The Search Backcountry bib pants are made from the same lightweight, four-way stretch fabric and have the same tech attributes as the jacket (listed below) and other features include skins pockets, transceiver pocket and mesh-lined vents.

 

Chris Rasman on the move in the backcountry where the Search Range comes into its own.

For Canadian pro snowboarder and Rip Curl team rider Chris Rasman, the Backcountry Search Range is his go-to in Rip Curl’s mountainwear, not surprising given how hard he rides and how much time he spends in the backcountry.

“The Rip Curl Backcountry kit works so well,” Chris said. “Both the jacket and bib pants are shells and it’s all about layering for me in the back country. I’ll be able to add stuff when it’s cold and take layers off when it’s hot.

“This is the most breathable membrane in the outerwear market right now, it’s made with sustainability in mind, recycled membrane, 30,000mm waterproofing and 40,000 breathability and it’s tough – bangs off trees, bangs off my sled and it doesn’t rip – strong, waterproof, breathable –  everything you need.”

That pretty well says it all.  Check out the video below to see Chris putting the Backcountry Search range through its paces.

 

 

 

Features:

+30K Waterproof/40K Breathable Rating,

+37.5 ultimate stretch Fabric,

+2.5L Shell Insulation,

+Regular Fit

+4-way stretch body mapping zones,

+Powder skirt

+Lycra cuffs

+Venting

+ Goggle pocket

+ Waterproof zippers

+ iView phone pocket

+ Fully seam sealed

+ Lift pass pocket

+ Recycled fabric

+ PFC-Free durable water repellent.

For more info head to ripcurl.com

 

The 36.5 technology membrane makes this range one of  the most waterproof and breathable in the mountainwear market.

 

About 37.5® Technology

37.5® Technology helps keep your body at the ideal core temperature of 37.5° Celsius and helps keep the microclimate next to your skin at the ideal relative humidity of 37.5%. When you’re hot, patented active particles embedded in the material remove sweat in the vapor stage before liquid sweat forms, cooling you down. When you’re cold, those same active particles trap your energy to help warm you up.

37.5 technology is made with naturally derived materials so there are no harsh chemicals to irritate your skin. 37.5 active particles are permanently embedded into yarn and will never wash out or degrade.

To find out how it works, click here.