Review: Stellar Equipment Shell System 2.0 Hardshell Kit

Sizing and Fit:

Many North American skiers have undoubtedly had trouble figuring out sizing from Euro brands. Things tend to be a bit tighter and more fitted across the pond. Stellar’s Shell Jacket and Pant 2.0 definitely fall into more of a relaxed-fit freeride style, with more generous sizing than what you might expect from a European brand.

The Shell Jacket 2.0 fits similarly to what you might find from Patagonia, Arc'teryx, or The North Face. I tested the jacket in a size L and found it fit true to size. It's long, but not too long, and comfortably baggy without looking like it's straight from the Newschoolers Gear Test. For the Shell Pant 2.0, I ended up sizing up to an XL to get a little more room around my thighs and cinching down the waist with the built-in adjustment.

The jacket features a very large, non-removable powder skirt and drawstrings along the hem that allowed me to fine-tune the fit and keep the bottom of the jacket sealed against snow. The jacket and pants integrate cleanly, especially with snap buttons along the powder skirt, but also feels comfortable when worn with pants from different brands. The hood is huge and easily fits over a ski helmet.

In the Field With The Stellar Shell System 2.0

Stellar interestingly chooses not to use any Gore-Tex in their shell system, instead relying on 100 percent pre-consumer recycled nylon with a Dermizax™NX membrane. The material used in the Shell System 2.0 is rated much the same as most current Gore-Tex membranes, featuring a waterproof rating of + 20 000 mm, and a breathability rating of 25 000 g/m2/24h. Unfortunately, Stellar seems to still be using PFAS chemicals in this kit’s DWR treatment. Considering the kit is built specifically with longevity and durability in mind, it seems like a bit of a miss to continue using that kind of treatment on the surface of the material, but perhaps the argument can be made that this jacket should outlast most others (reducing plastic waste by means of simply creating less junk).

PFAS concerns aside, both the Shell Jacket 2.0 and Shell Pants 2.0 are impressively waterproof and breathable. I tested these both in the resort and in the backcountry during some bitterly cold, wet and windy early-season snow and rain storms. I stayed dry and comfortable, and found that the high collar of the jacket protected my face better than most jackets from biting winds. The laser-cut front of the collar allows you to unzip it slightly to get some extra breathability out of the front without giving up on protection from the elements while bootpacking or skinning.

The extremely burly construction of the jacket lends it to be quite a bit less packable than something like the new Mountain Hardwear High Exposure kit, however the extra breathability of the jacket makes it quite comfortable to skin or hike in. The simple pocket layout is excellent, featuring two chest pockets, two waist pockets, and an internal mesh pocket on the jacket, plus two waist pockets and two high thigh cargo pockets on the pants. The cargo pockets are easily accessible when wearing a harness, though only the right side features a beacon anchor (I’m a firm believer that pants should be ambidextrous). Both the jacket and pants feature a RECCO reflector.

Despite the heavy-duty fabric, moving in the kit feels great, especially if you opt for a slightly looser fit. After about 20 days of skiing in them, the pants show zero signs of wear–not even from ski edges around the cuff. The waterproof external zippers, particularly on the jacket, feel stiff for a few days, but do break in.

Who Is the Stellar Shell System 2.0 Best For?

To many skiers, heavy-duty outerwear might not be as sexy as the latest ultra-light kit, but in reality, it’s probably far more useful. Especially if you ski more than 20 days a year and don’t want to buy a new kit every season. Stellar hits the nail on the head with the durability, simple design and understated style of the Stellar System 2.0 hardshell kit, and for anyone looking for a super-waterproof kit for skiing in nasty weather (looking at you, PNW, BC, and Alaska) this one would make a reliable option for years to come.