Review: Oakley Kendall RC shell Jacket
What we liked
It’s got all the pockets, zips and features you need for a mid-level resort-orientated jacket.
What we didn’t
The main internal backing material feels a bit cheap.
The Verdict
THE SHORT READ…
One of Oakley’s entry-level shell jackets - A very full-featured resort shell jacket, at a relatively affordable price. It’s not aimed at touring as it’s heavier and bulkier than you’d want for that, aimed more at dealing with inbounds hikes. It’ll for sure keep out the worst of the weather while riding the lifts and bombing through the pow, and you can be wired for sound while you are at it.
THE LONG READ …
Materials and construction - The usual Oakley high-level attention to detail and quality construction.
The shell is an “FN Dry™ 10K” material that will allow a decent level of weather-proofing and give you some breathability. The pit-zips will help out a lot there if you need a heat-dump.
Comes in two colours in the 23/24 season - examples of both you can see in this article.
Fully taped seams to keep water out as long as possible.
Draw-cord hem to batten down the hatches in deep snow or heavy weather - tightening is done from within the front lower pockets, the release is inside the jacket by the hem
Pretty much the only thing we could think could be improved here, at this price-point, is that the main internal backing material (against your back, chest and down the arms) feels fairly cheap and shiny against the skin. You’d probably want to be wearing a nice long-sleeved base-layer under it.
Helmet-compatible Hood - Nice and big, with a big stiff peak to keep the flakes out of your eyes, a single adjustment at the rear brings the hood down nicely under the rear of your skull and also draws in the main front opening.
All the pockets you’d need -
Two main low-front pockets, only micro-fleeced on one side, so not the most warming. These contain the hem draw-cords, just for tightening things up.
Two chest pockets - not the deepest, but you could keep a massive phone in them. No internal pockets in these.
One lift-pass pocket high on left arm.
One internal pocket on the left-side - media compatible with cable exit routings at top and bottom.
One internal goggle pouch on the right side.
All external pockets have waterproof zips.
Weight - Electronic scales show the L is 950g (the Oakley site says 170g, which is a little on the hopeful side). Marking this as a resort jacket. (For touring you’d probably want to get down below 600g).
Zips -
The main front zip is one-way and waterproof.
The two pit-zips are a decent length, are not waterproof themselves but have a weather flap to cover them, and are, er, right under your arms. The zips are quite stiff and when you bring your arms down close to your body you can feel the zip resisting being bent in half, at least in the early days of wearing it. They do have a mesh liner to prevent crap-tons of snow going into your jacket if you really stack it.
Sleeves - These have a lycra-like elasticated cuff to stop drafts going up (no thumbloops here), and the outer cuffs have a decent slab of velcro to adjust that around or under gloves.
Snow-skirt - Non-removable, strongly elasticated and with poppers to secure it around your waist. It has three poppered tabs for connecting it to belt loops of Oakley pants (and will likely work with other pants that have belt loops at side and rear).
SUMMARY…
The Oakley Kendall RC Shell Jacket is a solid entry-range resort jacket with all the features you need in a jacket, for a decent price (considering Oakley quality).
And if you want to spend £100 more, you can get an upgarde on shell & lining materials, cuffs and chest-pockets in Oakley’s TC Reduct Earth Shell jacket (our review).