Logo
    Show
    Hide
    Login
    Close

    SITE LOGIN

    • Forgot your password?

    Register

    Tailgate Industries
    • REVIEWS
      • Ski Gear
        • Skis
        • Boots
        • Bindings
        • Climbing Skins
        • Poles
        • Snowboards
      • Clothing
        • Hard Shells
        • Soft Shells
        • Insulation
        • Mid Layers
        • Base Layers
        • Gloves
        • Socks
      • Accessories
        • Safety Gear
        • Goggles and Helmets
        • Ski Touring Packs
        • Ski Boxes and Bags
        • Sleeping Bags - 4 Season
        • Technology
        • Sunglasses
        • Insoles & Braces
        • Books
      • Off-Season Gear
        • Hiking
          • Rain Shells
          • Day Packs
          • Apparel
          • Footwear
          • Safety
        • Camping
          • Backpacks
          • Sleeping Bags
          • Sleeping Pads
          • Tents
          • Coolers / Cooking
          • Furniture / Storage
          • Lighting / Power
        • Biking
        • Paddling
        • Climbing
        • Mountaineering
        • Running
      • Lifestyle
      • Lodges and Accommodation
      • Nutrition
      • Manufacturers
      • Destinations
      • Training
      • Gear of the Year
        • Gear of the Year Winter 2024-2025
        • Gear of the Year Winter 2023-2024
        • Gear of the Year Archives
      • Best New Summer Gear
        • Best New Summer Gear 2023
        • Best New Summer Gear 2024
        • Best New Summer Gear 2022
        • Best New Summer Gear 2021
        • Best New Summer Gear 2020
      • Holiday Gift Guide
        • Holiday Gift Guide 2024
          • Holiday Gift Guide 2024 Base Layers
          • MSR Explore Revo Snowshoes
          • Fieldsheer Backcountry Heated Jacket
          • Fieldsheer Premium 2.0 Merino Heated Socks
          • MEC Hut Booties and Slippers
          • Arc’teryx Kopec GTX Shoe
          • Arc’teryx Kragg Insulated Approach Shoes
          • Gregory Verte 18 Backpack
          • Grundens Deck-Boss Ankle Boot
          • MEC Northern Light Vest
          • Montec-Scope-Ski-Goggles
          • Mountain Hardware Kor Airshell Hoody
          • Mountain Hardware Kor Alloy Crew
          • Arcade Atlas Belt
          • Dynafit Ridge Dynastretch Jacket
          • Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 headphones
          • Buff Merino Move Multifunctional Neckwear
          • Bootdoc Foot Warmer
          • Cotopaxi Allpa 42L Travel Pack
          • DPS LastBag
          • DPS PHANTOM Glide At-Home Kit
          • DPS Mission Quiver Roller
          • Dragon Amped sunglasses
          • Dragon DX3 Plus OTG photochromic goggle
          • Fuse Lenses Anclote Flashback
          • Garmin Fenix 8 Solar Sapphire Watch
          • Gregory Alpaca Gear Tote 30
          • Hotronic Boot Dryer
          • MEC Aluminum Pot Set
          • Gnara Go There Pants
          • Grundens Shackleton 2.0 Duffel
          • Jones Deeper 19L Backpack
          • Le Bent Core Midweight Crew base layer
          • Leatherman ARC
          • Montane Nordes Hooded Softshell Jacket and Pants
          • Helly Hansen Odin Everdown Hooded Jacket
          • Helly Hansen Verglas Infinity Shell Jacket 2.0
          • Montec Fawk Ski Jacket
          • Pomoca Free Pro 2.0 Skins
          • Rab Glaceon Pro Down Jacket
          • Rab Khroma Converge GORE-TEX Ski Jacket & Pants
          • Smith Squad MAG Goggles
          • Stellar Guide Aerogel Hybrid Hood 2.0
          • Stellar Ultralight Down Hood 2.0
          • Arms of Andes Alpaca Half Zip & Wool Leggings
          • Cotopaxi Allpa 70L Duffel Bag
          • Giro Taggert Mips Helmet
          • Loonr Hi Flyer Boots
          • Paka Mountain Crew
          • Roll Recovery SUPERPLUSH Classic Shoes
          • Smartwool Smartloft Hooded Jacket and Pants
          • Ortovox Switchback 32 Ski Touring Backpack
          • Cotopaxi Allpa X 3L Hip Pack
          • Giro Sagen Ski Goggle
          • Icebreaker Ski+ Over the Calf Socks
          • MEC-Fireside-Fleece-Snap-Pullover
          • Montec Roast Mittens
          • Mountain-Hardware-Sunblocker-Hoody
          • MSR Titan Kettle 900 ml
          • Tailgate-Industries-The Gondom-Goggle-Cover
          • Wild Country Rope Tarp
          • Bootdoc Race Merino PFI 50 Socks
          • Remind Soles Destin Impact Insoles
          • Kari Traa Rose Baselayer Half Zip Top and Pants
          • Le Bent Midweight Quarter Zip
          • Ombraz Dolomite Sunglasses
          • Ortovox Fleece Rib Hoody
          • Ortovox Merino Thermovent Base Layer
          • Smartwool Intraknit Merino Tech Half Zip
          • Suunto Wing Bone Conduction headphones
          • Sweet Protection Adapter Mips Helmet
          • Sweet Protection Connor Rig Reflect Goggles
          • Zeal Optics Selkirk Glacier Glasses
          • Norrona more flex1 Pants
          • Norrona Octa Zip Hood
          • Norrona Lyngen Alpha100 Zip Hood
          • MEC Deluxe Pillow
        • Holiday Gift Guide 2023
        • Holiday Gift Guide 2022
        • Holiday Gift Guide 2021
        • Holiday Gift Guide 2020
        • Holiday Gift Guide 2019
        • Holiday Gift Guide 2018
        • Holiday Gift Guide 2017
        • Holiday Gift Guide 2016
      • Pro Skier Interviews
    • NEWS
    • STORE
      • Guides & Maps
      • Gear Deals
        • Alpine Touring Boots
        • Backcountry Skis
        • Alpine Touring Bindings
        • Backcountry Accessories
        • Off-Season Gear
        • Climbing Skins
    • ROUTES
    • LODGING
      • Coast Mountains
      • Interior Mountains
      • Rocky Mountains
    • VIDEOS
      • 2022/23 Gear Reviews
      • 2021/22 Gear Reviews
      • 2020/21 Gear Reviews
      • 2019/20 Gear Reviews
      • 2018/19 Gear Reviews
      • 2017/18 Gear Reviews
      • 2016/17 Gear Reviews
      • 2015/16 Gear Reviews
      • 2014/15 Gear Reviews
      • 2013/14 Gear Reviews
      • 2012/13 Gear Reviews
      • 2011/12 Gear Reviews
      • 2020 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2019 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2018 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2017 Outdoor Presscamp
      • 2017 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2016 Outdoor Presscamp
      • 2016 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2015 SIA Show
      • 2014 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2013 SIA Show
      • 2012 Outdoor Retailer
      • Tips and Tricks
      • Backcountry Skiing
    • SAFETY
      • Plan Ahead
      • Equipment
      • Resources
      • Avalanche Skills Training
      • Managing warmth & heat loss
    • ABOUT
      • Advertise
      • Glossary
      • Contact Us
      • Newsletter
      • Contest
    • REVIEWS
      • Ski Gear
      • Clothing
      • Accessories
      • Off-Season Gear
      • Lifestyle
      • Lodges and Accommodation
      • Nutrition
      • Manufacturers
      • Destinations
      • Training
      • Gear of the Year
      • Best New Summer Gear
      • Holiday Gift Guide
      • Pro Skier Interviews
    • NEWS
    • STORE
      • Guides & Maps
      • Gear Deals
    • ROUTES
    • LODGING
      • Coast Mountains
      • Interior Mountains
      • Rocky Mountains
    • VIDEOS
      • 2022/23 Gear Reviews
      • 2021/22 Gear Reviews
      • 2020/21 Gear Reviews
      • 2019/20 Gear Reviews
      • 2018/19 Gear Reviews
      • 2017/18 Gear Reviews
      • 2016/17 Gear Reviews
      • 2015/16 Gear Reviews
      • 2014/15 Gear Reviews
      • 2013/14 Gear Reviews
      • 2012/13 Gear Reviews
      • 2011/12 Gear Reviews
      • 2020 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2019 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2018 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2017 Outdoor Presscamp
      • 2017 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2016 Outdoor Presscamp
      • 2016 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2015 SIA Show
      • 2014 Outdoor Retailer
      • 2013 SIA Show
      • 2012 Outdoor Retailer
      • Tips and Tricks
      • Backcountry Skiing
    • SAFETY
      • Plan Ahead
      • Equipment
      • Resources
      • Avalanche Skills Training
      • Managing warmth & heat loss
    • ABOUT
      • Advertise
      • Glossary
      • Contact Us
      • Newsletter
      • Contest
    Newsletter Signup

    TOP VIDEOS

      HOTTEST REVIEWS


      Hagan Boost 99 POW Skis Garmin inReach Plus Scarpa 4-Quattro Pro 130+ Top Ski Reviews Ortovox Ravine Jacket Scarpa Maestrale RS Boots

      Ortovox
      North Valley Huts
      Avalance Canada
      ROAM
      Fritschi Swiss Bindings
      Search
      • Home
      • »
      • REVIEWS
      • »
      • Clothing
      • »
      • Hard Shells
      • »
      • MEC Couloir Gore-Tex Jacket & Bib-Pants

      MEC Couloir Gore-Tex Jacket & Bib-Pants

      Designed with high mountain pursuits in mind, MEC’s 2023 Couloir kit consists of 3-layer Gore-Tex bib pants and a shell jacket. Fully waterproof and windproof, both the Couloir pants and jacket are made with recycled material, come in two colours, have a built-in Recco feature and include a Gore-Tex ‘C-knit’ internal membrane that makes them measurable lighter without sacrificing durability or breathability.

      A killer combo against the elements, Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall—MEC’s Couloir combo makes a great all-mountain kit for her or for him. To get down to the details, let’s divide the kit and conquer. 

      MEC-Couloir-Jacket-and-Pants
      MEC Couloir Gore-Tex Jacket & Bib-Pants
      SHOW THE REST OF THE REVIEW / PHOTOS / VIDEOS

      Consumers are always looking and expecting to find a softer, lighter weight, more durable and more breathable fabrics. The ‘C-Knit Backer’ which is used in both the couloir jacket and pants is a fabric variation designed by GORE-TEX that uses a dense and extremely thin circular weave for its internal membrane layer, which ultimately produces a less bulky and measurably lighter fabric that slides over mid layers with ease. Most importantly though, the GORE ‘C-Knit’ is just as durable as other GORE-TEX fabrics under the same umbrella, with increased breathability of up to 15%.

      MEC Couloir Gore-Tex Jacket & Bib-Pants

      Seam-taped and constructed with C-Knit, the Couloir jacket feels pretty bomb-proof. The fabric is soft and supple but inspires confidence that it could handle a typical early-season alder bash without a hitch. Or the sacrifice of a stitch. The articulated fabric patterning in the sleeves allows for unrestricted arm movement, while the 2-way pit zips make for accessible venting. Velcro adjustments at the cuffs keep wind and snow out.

      MEC Couloir Gore-Tex Jacket and Bib-Pants

      3-way drawcord adjustments are found on the helmet-compatible hood.

      MEC Couloir Gore-Tex Jacket & Bib-Pants

      With a helmet-compatible hood, a built-in Recco feature and high pockets to accommodate a harness or a hipbelt, the Couloir is designed for skiers, climbers and hikers alike. The hood and hem have multiple embedded drawcord tabs, making for versatile and snag-free adjustments on the fly if the weather takes a turn. As for internal features, a mesh goggle pocket on your right side and a zippered one on your left give you plenty of storage options throughout the day.

      MEC Couloir Gore-Tex Jacket & Bib-Pants
      MEC Couloir Gore-Tex Jacket & Bib-Pants
      MEC Couloir Gore-Tex Jacket & Bib-Pants

      Lastly, regarding sustainability, MEC’s Couloir jacket is made with recycled content and Bluesign-Certified material. This means that during its journey from initial design until its purchase off the rack, the Couloir jacket’s material production has met stringent sustainability criteria in areas such as resource use, OH&S, water and air emissions and consumer safety.

      MEC Couloir Gore-Tex Jacket & Bib-Pants

      Much like the jacket, the Couloir pants are made with 3L recycled GORE-TEX fabric, and have a C-knit lining and a DWR finish, rating them high on my scale already thanks to fabric quality, feel and waterproofness. Coming midway up the torso, the bibs have adjustable suspenders and an elastic hem along the back, which gives them a comfortable and relaxed fit.

      The Couloir bibs have long, 2-way zips along the outside of the legs, which allows for leg vent customizability. In my books though, pee access is just about as essential as temperature regulation, so the zip extension to the top was one of my favourite features. In layman’s terms… there’s a butt flap, and that’s key!

      MEC Couloir Gore-Tex Jacket & Bib-Pants
      MEC Couloir Gore-Tex Jacket & Bib-Pants
      The bibs have a gusseted crotch, and as you work your way down the leg, you’ll find articulated patterning on the knees and integrated gaiters. The reinforced ‘kick patches’ on the interior leg hems protect the fabric from expedited wear and tear from boots and equipment – another thoughtful design feature!
      MEC Couloir Gore-Tex Jacket & Bib-Pants
      MEC Couloir Gore-Tex Jacket & Bib-Pants

      Like the jacket, the Couloir bibs have a built-in Recco feature and are made with recycled content and Bluesign-certified material. There are also three strategically placed zippered pockets: two pockets are on the thighs for quick access to gloves/a compass/etc. and one pocket on the chest keeps small essentials even closer.

      MEC Couloir Gore-Tex Jacket and Bib-Pants

      Materials:

      GORE-TEX C-Knit
      Bluesign-certified material

      Features:

      MEC Couloir Jacket 
      • 3-layer recycled nylon shell with a GORE-TEX® membrane and DWR finish for superior waterproofness and breathability
      • GORE-TEX C-Knit™ lining slides easily over other layers and reduces weight while adding breathability
      • Fully seam-taped construction keeps you dry in howling conditions
      • Helmet-compatible hood has embedded cordlock adjustments for a snag-free profile
      • Articulated arms and patterning ensure unrestricted movement
      • Large front pockets sit high for backpack and harness compatibility
      • Internal zippered chest pocket and patch pocket
      • Underarm vents have 2-way zippers to release heat
      • Shock-cord adjustable hem seals out snow and drafts
      • Contoured cuffs layer well with gloves and close with Velcro® tabs
      • Built-in Recco® Rescue System reflector allows ski patrol and mountain rescue teams to detect and locate it under snow
      • Pairs perfectly with the Couloir Gore-Tex Bib Pants for a backcountry-ready system
      MEC Couloir Bib-Pants 
      • GORE-TEX C-Knit™ lining slides easily over other layers and reduces weight while adding breathability
      • Fully seam-taped construction keeps you dry in howling conditions
      • Left vent with double zipper extends to the top of the bib for side entry
      • Adjustable suspenders fine tune the fit
      • Gusseted crotch, articulated knees and patterning ensure unrestricted movement
      • Side vents let you dump heat on the skin track
      • Two zippered thigh pockets and secure chest pocket for essentials
      • Side leg zippers are easy to put on over ski or snowboard boots and internal gaiters keep snow out
      • Reinforced kick patches protect against damage from boots, crampons and ski edges
      • Built-in Recco® Rescue System reflector allows ski patrol and mountain rescue teams to detect and locate it under snow
      • Pairs perfectly with the Couloir Gore-Tex Jacket for a backcountry-ready system

      Verdict:

      I tested this kit out while on a trip with Golden Alpine Holidays over Christmas, and it was stormy out there! The Couloir bibs exceeded my expectations. So much so, that I’ll be swapping them out in place of my current ones, indefinitely. The relaxed fit, articulated fabric patterning and elastic back allowed them to sit comfortably during any kind of movement or stretched position. The pockets are deep enough to hold all the essentials like a phone, gloves, snow screen, CLIF bar or map. The leg vents and side-access ‘bum-flap’ are versatile, although one zipper per side lacks an extended pull tab – making it difficult to grab with gloves on. The reinforced kick patches are the final design feature that won me over, as the interior leg hems are high-abrasion hot spots when touring and sledding. Altogether, great bibs!

      As for the jacket, high scores go to the quality and softness of the fabric, but I found the hip length was a touch short for a snow jacket – especially one without a powder skirt. As it is designed for multiple activities though, the Couloir would make a superior climbing or hiking jacket, especially as it has a helmet-compatible hood, multiple storm adjustment options, easy underarm venting access and strategically placed high outer pockets. In a snow-specific setting though, I also found the sleeve cuffs to be a little narrow and difficult to shimmy over my mitts before dropping in to ride. 

      PROS:

      MEC Couloir Jacket
      • 3-way storm hood adjustment
      • Soft and supple fabric
      • Multi-functional internal pockets
      MEC Couloir Bib-Pants
      • Loose/relaxed fit
      • Strategic and deep pockets
      • Reinforced kick patches
      • Leg vents & side access

      CONS:

      MEC Couloir Jacket
      • No powder skirt
      • A little short
      • Narrow sleeve cuffs
      MEC Couloir Bib-Pants
      • Hard-to-grab leg zippers

      SPECS:

      MEC Couloir Jacket
      Price: $499.95CAN / $372.00US
      Colours: Obsidian, Deep Navy/Dark Neptune
      Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL

      MEC Couloir Bib-Pants
      Price:
      $459.95CAN / $342.00US
      Colours: Obsidian, Deep Navy/Dark Neptune
      Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL

      RATING: 8.5/10
      Fit:                                    1.5/2
      Packability:                        2/2
      Features:                           1.5/2
      Waterproof/Breathability:   2/2
      Quality/Price:                     1.5/2

      buy backcountry skiing gear


      Did we miss something? Are we totally out to lunch? Let us know what you think. People like/dislike gear for different reasons so chime in below and we'll get a well-rounded evaluation. You'll need to login or register before you can comment but it only takes a few seconds, then you're good to go.

      Leave a Comment:

      Back to the rest of the reviews.


      We strive to have the most accurate and up-to-date information in all our reviews but products change constantly and personal requirements are user-specific so we recommend using certified technicians that can set up your gear to your personal needs and specifications.  
      Ortovox
      North Valley Huts
      Avalance Canada
      ROAM
      Fritschi Swiss Bindings
      • Terms of Use
      • Privacy Policy

      Copyright © 2023-24 Backcountry Skiing Canada. All Rights Reserved.