When it comes to choosing reliable gear to tackle the challenges of backcountry adventures, quality and durability are essential. TOBE’s 3-in-1 Contego jacket and Vivid bib pants embody Scandinavian expertise, combining ruggedness, comfort, and innovation. Designed in Sweden, these garments utilize cutting-edge materials like Sympatex and Cordura, providing optimal protection against the elements. Discover why these products have become a must-have for snowmobiling and outdoor adventure enthusiasts.
Scandinavian Roots of TOBE Outerwear
First, it’s important to note that TOBE Outerwear products come from Sweden. Born and developed in an alpine climate, this Swedish manufacturer’s clothing has been tested in the harshest conditions. It is because of these circumstances that high-performance athletes from Sweden, Norway, and Finland became the brand’s first ambassadors. With significant success in Scandinavia, TOBE has gradually carved out a place in the American market. Today, the brand is synonymous with high quality and reliability in the industry.
Sympatex and Cordura: Durable and High-Performance Fabrics
When purchasing backcountry snowmobiling clothing, it’s always challenging to make the right choice. Often costly, “mountain” gear must stand out from brand to brand to justify its price. For 2024, I present to you TOBE’s 3-in-1 Contego jacket and Vivid bib pants.
I’m quite familiar with Gore-Tex, a synthetic textile fibre used by many competing brands. Curious about the value for money, I approached the review of these items made from alternative materials like Cordura and Sympatex.
Over the decades, synthetic textile membranes have gradually replaced traditional fabrics. However, technological advancements have also enabled the development of nylon-based membranes.
Cordura: Durability at the Core of TOBE Clothing
Let’s take Cordura as the first example. Cordura fabrics are typically nylon-based. However, they can also be blended with cotton or other natural fibres. These membranes are known for their durability, resistance to abrasion, tears, and scratches. TOBE uses Cordura in their clothing for areas prone to wear and tear, such as elbows and knees.
Sympatex: The Eco-Friendly Alternative to Gore-Tex
Another fabric called Sympatex also plays a role in TOBE’s products. This fabric replaces Gore-Tex. Gore-Tex and Sympatex are two distinct brands excelling in the production of waterproof, breathable, high-performance fabrics. While Gore-Tex emphasizes durability and longevity, Sympatex focuses on using a hydrophilic membrane and environmental sustainability.
Quality and Comfort of TOBE Apparel
Quality You Can Feel at First Touch
You don’t need to be an expert to see and feel that TOBE products are high-quality and built to last. The design, manufacturing, and details, such as zippers and internal membranes, are top-notch!
Insulation and Adaptability of the 3-in-1 Contego Jacket
The assembly of the two main fabric components (Cordura and Sympatex) is flawless. The 3-in-1 Contego jacket comes with a removable integrated liner. This liner is particularly warm for a jacket designed for cross-country or trail snowmobilers. I use the Contego jacket for my backcountry outings. You’ll surely appreciate the liner’s insulation for those cold-weather trips to and from your adventures. The liner can also be worn on its own in the evening, as it is both stylish and discreet.
Standard Fit and Thoughtful Details
Unlike TOBE’s monosuits, which are known for their unconventional sizing charts, the size of the 3-in-1 Contego jacket follows North American standards. If you order a medium, you’ll receive a medium!
The jacket features a magnetic flap for the main zipper, which is particularly useful in cold weather. Another notable feature is that the sleeves can accommodate short motocross-style gloves as well as longer gloves that can fit over the cuffs.
Additional Features for Snowmobiling Comfort
The jacket’s collar rises just high enough to block airflow with a helmet while still allowing for unrestricted head movement. The Contego jacket includes four air vents that are easy to access.
Both the jacket and the Vivid bib pants offer a flexible, roomy fit. You’ll be able to wear a chest protector and even knee pads without feeling restricted.
Key Features of the Vivid Bib
The Vivid bib pants are equally well designed. It is uninsulated but includes almost every useful feature for backcountry snowmobiling. I would have liked to see full-length leg zippers and knee padding.
The Vivid bib pants rise high and include a chest strap to secure the suspenders on your shoulders. The fit is excellent, with enough room to wear insulated shorts in colder weather. If the temperature warms up, there are also two air vents to help you cool down.
It’s also worth noting that the jacket and bib tested together are a perfect match.
Conclusion: Durable and Stylish Apparel
To conclude, I loved my winter with the 3-in-1 Contego jacket and Vivid bib pants from TOBE. I highly recommend them. Unsurprisingly, TOBE garments are truly durable and tough. The quality of the fabrics and seam construction greatly impressed me. Personally, I appreciate timeless colours that are less prone to going out of style. I especially loved the “Mallard Blue” colour of my Contego jacket. It’s probably the best-looking jacket I’ve tried so far! Despite TOBE’s high prices, I believe the quality of their products surpasses the competition. These are standout items!
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