MADE Outdoor Custom Hardshell Jacket Review

MADE OUTDOOR launched in 2020. Their made-to-order custom hardshell involves a unique process that delivers on the promise of high quality and functionality.

In spring 2020, perhaps the worst timing in modern history to launch a new company, MADE Outdoor opened its doors. The concept, perhaps not unique in the formal wear world, is a revolutionary step in the world of outerwear. Custom, made to order pieces with a quick turnaround and competitive prices. When I…

Responses

Slim

October 31, 2023

Funny, Gavin, I got a Made jacket (and pants) too, and used the same grey Neoshell fabric.
I also went for the long cut, and love it for biking, hiking and skiing. Keeps rain and snow off your core, even if you are not wearing waterproof pants. And, never pulls out of a backpack waist belt or harness, and no lower back exposed ever.

I went for more full featured, so I will comment a bit on the features:

-Wrist cuffs with and angled cut and velcro closure: great. Still pretty low profile and not too bulky. The cuff sticks out a bit beyond the closure strap, so a great fit with or without gloves.

-I got the chest pockets on both sides. They are made with Neoshell, not mesh, inside, so do reduce breathability. That would make them ideal for skins, were it not for their size. Even my “little ski (85 x 1780)”skins don’t fit without a fight.

-The inside drop in mesh pocket is also a bit small, I can’t really get my IPhone mIni in there.

-I got the side venting zippers(they don’t have pitzips). I wish they were set a bit more to the back, and came higher up, all the way into the back of the armpits. Then you could hang the front over your backpack waistbelt and really get a lot of venting.

-I got the full featured hood and it’s great. Fits well both with, and without a helmet. Not bulky when not in use.

The fit:
Unlike Gavin, standard sizes do NOT fit me wel. (6’5”, 175lbs) I am about a M for waist and chest, but XL for sleeves and inseam, and I have a tall neck, so hoods usually end up over my eyes.
This fits perfect! I chose ‘regular fit’ and mine looks very similar on me to the way yours does on you Gavin. Did you get regular fit too?

The sleeves were exactly the length they designed: mid finger with arms down sides. However, I later found in use, for ‘reachy’ things like biking and climbing, they could be about 3/4” longer. So if you are buying a jacket for those uses, I would ask for extra long sleeves in the order.

Slim

October 31, 2023

Oh, and reading the zipper pulls, I had the same issue, but when I spoke to Cheryl of Made, she said they had already changed that after this first batch of jackets went out, so that shouldn’t be an issue for anyone.