Stio Environ Ski Jacket Review
Updated:
Nov 01, 2025The Stio Environ Jacket ($479) is a well-built, feature-rich ski shell designed for all-around resort use. With a burly face fabric and 3-layer construction, it delivers solid weather protection and long-term durability at a competitive price. It’s on the stiff and bulky end and can’t match the breathability of a backcountry-focused shell, but for most resort skiers, the Environ offers an excellent mix of protection, comfort, and understated style.
Weather Protection
Warmth
Comfort
Breathability
Durability
Sustainability
Best for
Resort
Waterproofing
3-layer PeakProof
Insulation
Uninsulated
Fabric
150D polyester
Pros
Cons
Stio Environ
For this season's top models, see our guide to the Best Ski Jackets.
Stio’s Environ Jacket skips the industry-standard Gore-Tex in favor of the brand’s in-house PeakProof construction, and for the most part, it holds its own. The 3-layer build has been a solid performer in all but the wettest, sloppiest conditions our team encountered in Washington State, offering reliable waterproofing, excellent coverage, and wind resistance.
Right away, the quality of the shell stands out—it’s thick, burly, and does an exceptional job sealing out wind. During testing at Mission Ridge, where 40+ mph gusts blasted the ridgeline, the jacket stayed rock solid with zero draftiness. The extended drop hem provides extra coverage below the waist, the full seam taping prevents moisture from sneaking in, and the helmet-compatible hood cinches securely without restricting movement. We also appreciate the well-designed YKK water-resistant zippers, which have reliably kept the elements at bay. Rounding out the weatherproofing features, the Stio Environ includes a built-in powder skirt that stretches snugly around the waist and buttons out of the way when not in use.
For snow-heavy regions, the jacket’s DWR coating is up to the task, shedding light to moderate snowfall with ease. However, its limits became apparent on the wetter, western side of the Cascades. During a long day at Crystal Mountain—where snow at the summit turned to rain at lower elevations—the DWR coating eventually gave out, and the outer fabric started soaking up moisture. By the end of the day, the inside of the breast pocket was damp, and the shell felt noticeably wet.
Our takeaway? The Environ is highly protective and more than capable for most resort days, but it’s not on par with full-on Gore-Tex protection. If you frequently ski in borderline rain, a true waterproof ski shell like the Arc’teryx Sabre will be the safer bet. But for dry or moderately wet conditions—like you’ll find in Stio’s homebase of the Rocky Mountains—the Environ is an excellent pairing.
The Stio Environ is an uninsulated shell, meaning any warmth it provides comes strictly from its wind and waterproofing—not built-in insulation. That said, its thick 150-denier construction does offer a slight edge in heat retention compared to thinner shells like the Arc’teryx Sabre (80D). In real-world use, this difference is subtle—on cold resort days, we’re still layering up with a couple of fleeces and a light puffy.
Where the extra heft becomes noticeable is in milder conditions. On warm spring days hovering around 40 degrees, we’ve been comfortable wearing just a base layer and thin fleece underneath, whereas in a thinner shell, we might need a little extra insulation. This small boost in warmth further cements the Environ’s best use case: as a resort shell. It’s simply too warm—along with being too heavy and feature-laden—for backcountry skiing.
Right out of the box, the Stio Environ feels well-built but a bit stiff. The burly 150-denier polyester face fabric and extras like the removable hood add noticeable heft, making it feel bulkier and more rigid than stretchier and thinner shells like the Black Diamond Recon Stretch. During testing, we found the jacket’s structure especially noticeable when throwing the skis over a shoulder for a 20-minute hike—its bulk was hard to ignore, and the extra thickness at the back of the neck (due to the hood zipper) wasn’t our favorite feature.
That said, these complaints mostly faded while skiing. The regular cut strikes a nice balance—not overly snug, but not baggy either—allowing for easy layering without restriction or pinch points. If mobility is your top priority, there are lighter, stretchier shells out there, like the Recon Stretch (which includes 16% elastane) or Outdoor Research’s Skytour. However, neither of those match the Environ’s rock-solid protection.
A final comfort win? The massive fleece-like lining around the entire inside of the collar. While most ski jackets limit this cozy material to just a small patch at the front, Stio wraps it all the way around, adding a noticeable boost in comfort and warmth around the neck.
It was immediately clear that the Stio Environ is built for resort skiing—its thick construction traps quite a bit of heat, making it too bulky and warm for backcountry touring. Compared to the thinner Black Diamond Recon Stretch and Arc’teryx Sabre, we found ourselves reaching for the pit zips much faster to dump excess heat.
The pit zips are a helpful addition and make the jacket viable for short hikes to in-bounds terrain, but their below-average length—just under 11 inches—is a drawback. For comparison, the Outdoor Research Skytour (a shell designed for ski touring) features nearly 17-inch openings, which offer significantly better airflow. The Environ’s shorter vents are noticeable, especially on warm days or during sustained activity. That said, breathability is perfectly adequate for typical resort skiing. If you’ll be doing a lot of hiking or riding in balmier conditions, swapping in a thinner midlayer is a good idea. Otherwise, the Environ’s ventilation system is functional for all but the most active days.
Durability is one of the Stio Environ’s biggest strengths. The jacket’s three-layer construction features a burly 150-denier polyester face fabric, putting it at the thicker end of the resort shell spectrum. For comparison, our top-rated ski jacket, Patagonia’s Storm Shift, also uses a 150-denier shell, while Trew’s Cosmic Primo is slightly thinner with a blended 160 x 81-denier nylon exterior. In contrast, crossover resort/backcountry shells tend to be noticeably lighter, including the Arc’teryx Sabre (80D) and Flylow Malone (100D).
Beyond the shell fabric, all of the touch points reinforce the Environ’s tough construction. The thick cord and plastic toggles at the hem and hood adjustments feel robust, and the zippers are substantial and easy to operate, even with gloves on. Our first impression was that this jacket would hold up to the wear and tear of a big ski season, and that’s exactly what it’s done. After more than 40 days of use, our Environ still looks practically new. That’s a win not just for longevity but also for sustainability—this is a ski jacket you can count on for many seasons to come.
Select icon to view details:
Longevity
Choosing durable outdoor gear is perhaps the most effective way to reduce environmental impact—the longer it lasts, the less it needs to be produced. Our proprietary longevity rating evaluates overall build quality based on factors such as materials, fabric denier, component durability (including zippers and toggles), real-world performance as reported by our field testers, and our experiences with the brand.
PFAS-Free DWR
This product’s DWR (Durable Water Repellent) finish is made without per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These synthetic compounds are known as "forever chemicals” because they take an extremely long time to degrade, if at all. PFAS can eventually end up in everything from soil to drinking water and have been linked to a range of health issues.
PFAS-Free Waterproof Membrane
This product's waterproof membrane is made without per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These synthetic compounds are known as "forever chemicals” because they take an extremely long time to degrade, if at all. PFAS can eventually end up in everything from soil to drinking water and have been linked to a range of health issues.
Recycled Materials
This product is made partly or entirely from recycled materials, the most common being nylon, polyester, wool, and down. Some products include a single recycled component or partially recycled fabric, while others are 100% recycled (generally excluding accessories like zippers, Velcro, toggles, etc). Look for these details in our product sustainability report linked below.
Bluesign Approved
Bluesign Technologies, based in Switzerland, operates a third-party textile certification system that ensures materials are manufactured to strict environmental, chemical, and worker safety standards. A Bluesign-approved material indicates that it has undergone a rigorous vetting process based on the criteria above. A Bluesign Product goes the next mile, containing at least 90% Bluesign-approved fabrics and at least 30% Bluesign-approved accessories.
Responsible Manufacturing
This criterion evaluates this brand's commitment to fair wages, safe working conditions, and reducing its environmental impact throughout the production process. Responsible manufacturing is most commonly demonstrated through certifications and membership in programs such as Fair Trade Certified, Fair Wear Foundation, Worldwide Responsible Accreditation of Production, and the Fair Labor Association. We also recognize brands that prioritize local production, such as those that manufacture primarily in the United States or Europe, to reduce carbon emissions, maintain better oversight of working conditions, and comply with strict social and environmental regulations.
Recycled and/or Reduced Packaging
This brand uses recycled packaging and/or is making efforts to reduce packaging altogether. For example, it may use a certain percentage of recycled cardboard or make efforts to use less plastic across its packaging operation. In some cases, brands also use Forest Stewardship Council-certified paper products, which helps to ensure sustainable sourcing of forest materials.
Repair Services
This brand offers repair services, which can extend this product's lifespan and reduce overall consumption. Some brands offer comprehensive repair programs that can fix a wide range of issues, while others have more limited capabilities. If a brand's warranty policy only covers replacement, rather than repair, these programs usually do not meet this criterion.
Resale and/or Recycling Services
This brand has a resale and/or recycling program, which helps keep gear in circulation for longer and out of landfills. The most common form is a trade-in program, where consumers can exchange items for store credit, which is then resold. Some brands accept products back for recycling at the end of their life, thereby reducing waste. Occasionally, some do both.
Carbon Footprint Tracking
This criterion evaluates whether this brand measures its greenhouse gas emissions, along with its commitment to reduction and transparency in reporting. Typically, we require brands to follow established frameworks such as the Higg Index, Greenhouse Gas Protocol, or The Change Climate Project. Generally, companies use the widely recognized scope categorization system for measuring brand emissions.
Annual Impact Report
This brand produces and publishes an annual impact report for public consumption, tracking its environmental footprint and sustainability efforts. These reports vary in form but generally cover topics such as material sourcing, greenhouse gas and emissions tracking, waste and water usage, supply chain analysis, and packaging efforts. An impact report is an important step toward transparency and accountability on the sustainability front.
Pockets
The Environ’s pocket layout is well thought out and should satisfy nearly all resort skiers. On the exterior, you get five zippered pockets: two generous chest pockets that easily swallow a phone, goggle wipe, or snack; two roomy hand pockets for stashing essentials; and a pass pocket on the left sleeve for easy access.
Inside, there’s a zippered chest pocket on the left, though it’s a bit on the snug side—fitting a larger phone like an iPhone 11 was doable but required some maneuvering. The pocket does have some stretch, which helps, but a little extra room would have been welcome. On the right, a stretchy dump pocket provides an easy spot for stashing gloves or ski goggles. All in all, the Environ balances security and convenience well, with enough storage for a full day on the slopes.
Hood
The Environ’s removable hood is a bit of a love-it-or-hate-it feature. For those who prefer to go hoodless in fair weather, it’s a nice option, but the design does add some bulk around the neck and slightly impacts the overall fit. Compared to an integrated hood, we found the aperture around the face and cheeks to be a little wider, which made for a less secure seal over a ski helmet.
On the plus side, removing the hood is a quick and easy process—just two snaps at the front and a zipper at the back. And Stio deserves credit for the hood’s user-friendly adjustments. Instead of small, hard-to-find toggles, the Environ features large Cohaesive cordlock buttons at the front and rear. Even with gloves on, they’re easy to locate and pinch, making quick fit adjustments a breeze.
Tester: 5’8” 165 lb.; 31" waist
Size tested: Men's large
The Stio Environ has a regular fit that strikes a nice balance between trim and roomy, making it easy to layer underneath without restricting movement in the shoulders or hips. I typically wear a medium but sized up to a large for a bit of extra space and a slightly baggier look. Even with the larger size, the jacket never felt overly bulky or cumbersome.
At 30 inches in back length, the Environ provides solid coverage, just reaching over the butt when standing. The cuffs extend past the wrist to the base of the palm, offering good protection without feeling excessive. Another plus: Stio offers the jacket in an impressive range of sizes, from XS to XXXL for men and XXS to XXL for women, making it accessible to a wide variety of body types.
Patagonia Storm Shift ($499): Better Performance for $20
We like Stio gear, from the build quality to the clean styling. And at $479, the Enivron is a really nice shell jacket. Here’s the issue: The Patagonia Storm Shift is $499 ($20 more than the Environ), geared toward a similar type of intermediate to advanced resort skier, and we like it slightly better. With the Patagonia, you get a notch up in weather protection with Gore-Tex versus Stio’s in-house PeakProof, and a fleece liner adds a nice dose of comfort and warmth. Both jackets are designed for long days at the resort and can get you all over the mountain without issue, but we think the extra $20 probably is worth it. For more, see our review of the Storm Shift.
Trew Gear Cosmic Primo ($499): More Style, More Coverage
The Trew Gear Cosmic Primo is another popular resort-oriented 3-layer shell. Like the Environ, it features a thick face fabric, proprietary membrane, and a generous hood and collar. We like the design of the Cosmic Primo better, including the longer pit zips (16 vs. 11 in.), fixed hood (we don’t like the added zipper of the Environ’s removable hood), and—in our opinion at least—a more eye-pleasing style. Both jackets aren’t top performers in terms of weather protection (their face fabrics both wetted out in our testing), but they get the job done for most days at the resort. For more, read our review of the women's Stella Primo.
Flylow Malone ($420): More Freedom of Movement
Like the Cosmic Primo and Environ, the Flylow Malone (women's Lucy) is a 3-layer jacket mostly intended for resort skiing, with a relatively thick shell and baggy style. But the Malone goes rogue with a stretch-woven face fabric and jersey backer that’s slightly stretchy, buttery soft, and about as comfortable as it gets for a ski jacket. We love the extra freedom of movement and breathability you get from this material, which is much more pliable than the Environ’s shell. For more, read our review of the women's Lucy Jacket
This resort-oriented 3-layer jacket from Stio, a niche-but-expanding brand based in Jackson Hole, boasts an incredibly durable shell and unassuming style. The proprietary waterproofing isn’t as reliable as Gore-Tex but is still perfectly serviceable for conditions that trend cold or dry.
Weather Protection
Warmth
Comfort
Breathability
Durability
Sustainability
The Storm Shift is a very durable and well-built resort jacket. The unique fleece liner adds welcome comfort and a bit of extra warmth, and its moisture-wicking is top-notch. It's also fully PFAS free.
Weather Protection
Warmth
Comfort
Breathability
Durability
Sustainability
The Cosmic Primo is a tough shell for resort rippers who ski a lot and don’t shy away from storm days. It features a playful design and is available in a wide range of colors and sizes. It might be too heavy and overbuilt for some skiers, though, and we found that the Cosmic Primo’s thick shell material absorbed moisture in wet conditions.
Weather Protection
Warmth
Comfort
Breathability
Durability
Sustainability
Is the Stio Environ for You?
The Stio Environ is an excellent choice for resort skiers who prioritize durability and a premium look and feel (at a sub-premium price). Its burly construction make it one of the most hardwearing and wind-resistant shells in its class, while thoughtful features like a removable hood, fleece-lined collar, and well-placed pockets add everyday comfort. That said, it’s not the best ski jacket for backcountry use, and those who head out frequently in very wet conditions may also want to consider a Gore-Tex alternative like the Arc’teryx Sabre or Patagonia Storm Shift for superior waterproofing. But if you’re after a tough, resort-ready shell that will hold up for seasons to come, the Environ is a standout option.
pray for snow
Skiing Gear Guides
Gear Guide
Best Ski Boots of 2026
Gear Guide
Best Base Layers of 2026
Gear Guide
Best Ski Goggles of 2026
Gear Guide
Best Ski Helmets of 2026
Gear Guide
Best Ski Bibs of 2026
Gear Guide
Best Ski Pants of 2026
Gear Guide
Best Ski Gloves of 2026
Gear Guide
Best Ski Mittens of 2026
Gear Guide
Best Ski Backpacks of 2026
Gear Guide
Best Midlayers of 2026
curated for you