ProView – Black Yak GORE-TEX Pro Shell 3L Jacket

The GORE-TEX Pro Shell 3L Jacket raises the bar for extreme weather protection with versatility and style. This shell offers an incredible amout of wind protection, while also offering freedom of movement with flexible stretch panels. The outer fabric is soft yet robust, protecting against tree snags and other abrasions. Layering with this shell kept me bone-dry and was incredibly breathable. Water beads and bounces right off, and not even stuck snow penetrates the Gore Tex. Super lightweight and comfortable, this is the one and only shell you will need on your adventures.

Black Yak 3L Shell: Perfect for Mountaineering, Snowboarding and Hiking

I took my Black Yak shell with me in the pouring rain, in the dumping snow, mountaineering on Mt. Baker, snowboarding in Utah, and for casual hikes in Mt. Charleston. I was impressed by the versatility it offered me while outfitting for my different adventures. I got the Provincial Blue color, mostly true to the image online, perhaps slightly less bright. I ordered one size larger than I would normally wear to allow for comfortable layering, and although it does not feel super baggy I think that ordering my true size would have been just fine. It has adjustable pull-cords around the waist and velcro adjusters around the wrists, so no matter how many layers you are wearing, it fits great.

The inner layer of this shell is made with a Gore Micro Grid Backer technology which enhances the breathability and protects against internal abrasion. It also allows for dryness between your layers so you never feel clammy when it is pouring outside. And although thin, the inner micro grid backer in combination with the outer fabric provides such a warm insulating layer on its own.

Even when I had only a light layer on underneath, I felt very warm and fully protected on a day of heavy wind and sleet. Side zipper panels are generously sized with 2 zippers so you can control the area and size you want. Front pockets are also very deep, so you can keep your goggles or other larger items safe and accessible. Also, one inner mesh pocket is really handy to check your phone without having to take it out of the pocket! The jacket folds up into a very compact-able size and is so lightweight that it does not feel like a burden on those just-in-case days.

Pros

• Lightweight
• Breathable
• Tough, yet flexible

Cons

• I’d prefer the hood to be slightly larger, I have a lot of hair and like to double up on my hoods when it’s really cold.

The Gore-Tex Pro Shell 3L Jacket definitely met my expectations, and more. For the strength and protection this shell offers, it’s light weight and flexibility has left me continually impressed. It is incredibly well-made and I’m certain it will prove it’s dependability for many years to come.

NOTE: BlackYak has since updated their product offering. Check out Ashley Hart’s review of the BlackYak Women’s Bakosi review on Dirtbag Dreams! 

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Vanessa Portillo is an field Instructor for YMCA’s BOLD/GOLD program in Washington state. Boys/Girls Outdoor Leadership Development focuses on multicultural leadership skills through backpacking, climbing, mountaineering, and complete outdoor immersion. When she’s not exploring the Cascades, she enjoys climbing in Red Rock Canyon, Las Vegas, where she resides.

Follow Vanessa on Instagram @jupiterfern