Skip to content

Cookies 🍪

This site uses cookies that need consent.

Learn more

Zur Powderguide-Startseite Zur Powderguide-Startseite

Language selection

Search PowderGuide

gear reviews

Gear Review | Penguin 3-layer Dermizax Shell Jacket 161

Robust hardshell for (almost) daily use

by Lea Hartl 03/07/2023
Like its predecessors, the latest version of the Penguin hardshell jacket scores points with its simple, functional design. The Dermizax membrane keeps the jacket waterproof even in adverse conditions and it has everything else you could wish for in a powder jacket. Recommendation!

First impression, features

Even when you first put it on, it feels comfortable to wear and all the features seem to make sense and work. The two front pockets are very large (great!) and easy to use. There is also a lift card pocket on the left sleeve and a small zip pocket on the inside for important small items. The generous hood fits well over the helmet if required. There is a detachable snow skirt, which can somehow be combined with matching Penguin trousers. I don't have matching trousers so I can't comment further on this. There are also ventilation zips, which are also easy to use and fulfil their purpose. There is a kind of additional ventilation option on the collar - a short diagonal zip can be opened here to activate a "window" with holes. If you close the main zip all the way up and pull the jacket over your chin, it breathes a little better. 

The material is relatively thick and appears much more robust compared to weight-optimised lightweight shells. Of course, it is also a little heavier. The jacket is rather bulky and takes up quite a bit of space when you pack it in your backpack.

gear reviews
presented by

Test report

I'm wearing the jacket in the men's version in size L. I'm just over 180cm tall and the sleeves of women's models are often too short for me. I also wanted a wide-cut jacket that was a bit too big and had plenty of room for insulating layers. The Penguin jacket was the answer. L is relatively large and the cut is loose and rather wide. The sleeves and the rest of the jacket are as long as I had hoped. I've been wearing the jacket since just before Christmas and mainly wear it when skiing in the ski resort. I've also occasionally taken the jacket with me on tours. However, if the weather is reasonably favourable, I prefer lighter, more compact alternatives.

The Dermizax membrane with a 20000mm water column has so far withstood snow, rain and wind in exemplary fashion. The hardshell can also be easily combined with a thicker insulating jacket or other layers and is very comfortable thanks to the wide cut. There are still no signs of wear after approx. 20 days. 

On the few days with snowstorms in the ski area that I enjoyed this lean season, the jacket worked exactly as I had imagined: Hood that fits over the helmet and keeps you warm, large, easily accessible pockets for all sorts of things, zips that can usually be operated with gloves on, long enough on the back/bottom and sleeves to reliably keep snow out. As mentioned, I find the jacket a little heavy for touring, but of course it does its job there too. Especially in mixed weather conditions, the storm suitability is a positive feature - on tour as well as while freeriding.

Conclusion

Penguin concentrates on the essentials when it comes to its clothing range. There are merino baselayers, a few variations of insulating midlayers and the hardshell on top. Apart from small design updates, the hardshell has changed little since the last test on PowderGuide. And why should it? The principle has proven itself, everything works. Personally, I like the idea of not having to reinvent the world and all winter sports equipment from socks to hats every season. I mainly use the Penguin Hardshell as a freeride or ski resort jacket and I think it's ideal for this. 

Advantages & disadvantages

+Large pockets

+Comfortable cut

±Relatively heavy, but robust

Information on

RRP CHF590,-

  • Dermizax 3-layer with tricot protection

  • Water column: >20000mm (JIS L 1092B-1)

  • Breathability >16000mg/m2/24h (JIS 1099B-1)

  • Impregnation strength: Initial 90%, 80% after 100 washes (JIS L 0217)

  • Outer fabric: 100% polyester Membrane: 100% polyurethane

  • Protective backer (backer): 100% nylon

  • Loose fit for freedom of movement   

  • 100 % seamsealed    

  • Waterproof pockets    

  • Waterproof YKK® zippers     

  • Side ventilation openings    

  • Easy-grip zipper pullers    

  • Chin-protection flap    

  • Detachable snowskirt    

  • Snowskirt with zip-to-pant system     

  • Hood with 2-way adjustment    

  • Helmet fits under storm hood 

Here is the link to the Penguin website with further information.

The jacket was provided to PowderGuide free of charge by the manufacturer. You can find out how we test it in our test statement.

Photo gallery

This article has been automatically translated by DeepL with subsequent editing. If you notice any spelling or grammatical errors or if the translation has lost its meaning, please write an e-mail to the editors.

Show original (German)

Related articles

Comments

gear reviews
presented by