Adventure Essentials: KÜHL Women’s THE ONE™ SHELL Jacket Review
Hey there, outdoor adventurers! Today, I'm excited to introduce you to the KÜHL Women’s THE ONE™ SHELL Jacket through a detailed gear review. Huge thanks to the amazing team at KÜHL for providing me with this waterproof jacket to put to the test on my adventures. Whether I was snowboarding, hiking, or snowshoeing in the beautiful landscapes of Washington State, this jacket has been by my side through it all, from snowy peaks to lush forests. After thoroughly testing it out, I'm eager to share my insights and adventures with all of you.
Quick Disclaimer:
I received an KÜHL Women’s THE ONE™ SHELL Jacket from the company for the purpose of testing and providing my honest review. I am under no obligation to write a positive review, and the following gear assessment is my own genuine opinions after using this product on multiple Hiking, Snowboarding, and Snowshoeing Adventures in the great outdoors.
Check Out THE ONE™ SHELL Jacket at: Kuhl.com
Quick THE ONE™ SHELL Jacket Spec's:
- KÜHL’s legendary 3-D articulated patterning
- 20 D mini ripstop for the lightest weight and greatest durability with AERO Membrane for state-of-the-art breathability
- Exclusive five-panel hood is designed for a superior fit and protection. The hood moves with you to provide greater visibility for those who love to live life in motion
- Innovative one-handed underarm vent and hem adjustments
- Stealth reflective accents make you visible when needed
- QUIET performance - move without the noise of typical shells
- Our lightest (96 GSM) three-layer premium waterproof/ultra-breathable fabric
- Sylktouch knit and seam taping for unmatched next-to-skin comfort
- Ultralight built-in hood brim stabilizer for serious wind and weather protection
- Internal bottom hem drawcord for a custom fit
- Water and oil-resistant finish
- YKK Aqua-guard weatherproof zippers keep out wind and water
- Micro-polished interior collar and chin guard provide a new level of performance and comfort
- Custom laser-cut Hypalon ultralight low profile hook and loop cuff adjustment with set-in loop construction for extra longevity
- Locker loop for easy storage
- Imported
- Shell: Nylon
- Lining: Poly sylktouch knit
My Thoughts On The KÜHL Women’s THE ONE™ SHELL Jacket
What really impressed me about the KÜHL Women’s THE ONE™ SHELL Jacket was how lightweight and stretchy the material of this jacket was while also holding up great against rain and snow. This was a very breathable jacket, keeping me comfortable and dry in snowy and rainy conditions while also having great waterproofing capabilities. Only two weeks prior to testing The One Shell Jacket, my old rain jacket failed me in light to moderate rain, leaving me soaked. However, The One Shell Jacket worked great in similar rainy conditions, keeping me dry throughout the day.
The stretchy fabric of this jacket was absolutely amazing and provided great flexibility, allowing me to move freely without any hindrance while hiking, snowshoeing, and snowboarding. I loved the spacious pockets, functional underarm vents, and really thoughtful details embedded into the design of this jacket, such as the safety reflective ribbon and cording embellishments for added visibility during emergency situations. I love how small it compacts, taking up minimal space in my pack making it a perfect addition to bring with me on backpacking trips. I liked how breathable this jacket is which kept me dry and comfortable without feeling clammy or overheated like some of my other rain jackets. I also love how sharp this jacket looks. The bright orange really pops. This is a really great jacket with a wide range of uses.
Exploring the Fit, Performance, and Design of the KÜHL THE ONE™ SHELL Jacket
Water-Resistance and Breathability
Body of The One Shell Jacket
One of my favorite aspects of The KÜHL Women's The One Shell Jacket is how water-resistant this jacket was out on my adventures while still being highly breathable. Constructed with KÜHL’s lightest three-layer premium waterproof/ultra-breathable fabric at 96 GSM, this jacket has amazing protection against the elements. I've had many rain and snow jackets over the years and this is by far my best outer shell yet. The KÜHL Women's The One Shell Jacket has been holding up better than my normal snowboarding and rain jackets out all day in nasty weather.
When on colder outings like snowboarding or snowshoeing, I paired THE ONE™ SHELL Jacket with the KÜHL Women's Spyfire Jacket for extra warmth. The One Shell Jacket has kept me dry and comfortable in the mountain snow, freezing rain, and foggy misty conditions. This is really nice especially with it being an El Nino year where it has been exceptionally wet outside. My normal rain jacket and usual snowboarding jacket in January were both failing me on the mountain and it was nice to come back to the car dry for once and not completely drenched in even light rain. The water and oil-resistant finish on the jacket really held up great!
Besides doing great in drizzly Pacific Northwest weather and mountain snow, another feature that really stood out about The One Shell Jacket was its awesome breathability and comfort. I loved how nice the material felt to the touch. Unlike several of my previous rain jackets that felt like I was just wrapped up in plastic and caused me to overheat while hiking. I would often end up taking my old rain jackets off preferring to hike in the rain rather than overheat with sweat. With The One Shell Jacket, I can hike in the rain without feeling suffocated or constantly needing to shed layers, making for a much more enjoyable outdoor experience.
This breathability in the jacket is achieved through the use of state-of-the-art AERO Membrane technology, combined with 20D mini-ripstop fabric. Not only does this material keep the jacket lightweight and agile, but it also ensures outstanding durability, providing reliable protection against wear and tear. The result is a jacket that not only feels great to wear but also performs exceptionally well in various weather conditions. Whether I'm braving the rain or snow, The One Shell Jacket keeps me dry, comfortable, and ready for whatever adventure comes my way.
Underarm Zippers Vents
Another feature I really loved about THE ONE™ SHELL was the addition of underarm zipper vents. These Innovative underarm vents were absolutely awesome with helping vent out extra heat while snowboarding and hiking. These really help you stay comfortable during intense activities. On the way up the mountain while snowshoeing or hiking I would unzip the arm vents for more airflow then on the summit where It was much colder and windy I would zip them closed to hold in heat. I also appreciated how they made these zippers easy to do one-handed.
Zippers with Aqua Guard Weatherproofing
The KÜHL Women's The One Shell Jacket takes weatherproofing to the next level with its innovative YKK Aqua-guard weatherproof zippers. These zippers are specially designed to keep out wind and water, ensuring that you stay dry and comfortable even in harsh conditions. What sets them apart is the polyurethane laminate applied to the tape, providing an extra layer of protection against moisture infiltration. This unique design not only enhances water resistance but also helps ensure that the zippers remain durable and reliable over time. Whether you're facing heavy rain, snow, or strong winds. I really liked that this feature was added to the One Shell Jacket.
Flexibility and Maneuverability:
One of the standout features of The One Shell Jacket is its exceptional flexibility, which quickly became one of my favorite aspects. Unlike some jackets that can feel stiff and restrictive, this one moves with you effortlessly, offering a subtle yet noticeable difference in agility and mobility. Whether I was hiking through rugged terrain or snowshoeing in soft snow this jacket performed fantastically.
I absolutely loved the incredibly stretchy and flexible material used in the construction of this jacket. Whether I was carving down the slopes or trekking along mountain trails, the fabric provided unrestricted movement. While it may not be specifically marketed as a snowboarding jacket, I found that it excelled in this area as well. On the slopes, I loved the freedom of movement that I hadn't experienced with my previous jackets. The agile fit and flexible material allowed me to ride with ease, without feeling restricted or confined whether I was carving through fresh powder or navigating tight turns.
Layering
Let's talk about layering with The KÜHL The One Shell Jacket – it's a total game-changer for those chilly adventures. Despite its sleek and trim appearance, this jacket is surprisingly roomy, loose, and stretchy, making it perfect for layering with other jackets. Personally, I love pairing it with my KÜHL Women's Spyfire Jacket, but the options are endless – you can mix and match with all sorts of mid-layers and down jackets as long as you get the sizing right.
I can't emphasize enough how well these two jackets work together, especially for activities like snowboarding. Even in 25-degree snowy weather, I stayed comfortable all day long, thanks to the perfect combination of weatherproofing and warmth provided by The One Shell Jacket layered over the Spyfire Down Jacket. It's like having the best of both worlds – protection from the elements and cozy insulation.
Now, whenever I head out backpacking or snowboarding, you can bet that The One Shell Jacket paired with the Spyfire Down Jacket is my go-to combo. I love how seamlessly they complement each other in the outdoors.
Check out my other blog post: Gear Spotlight: KÜHL Women’s Spyfire Jacket for Outdoor Enthusiasts
Jacket Fit
Let's talk about the fit of The KÜHL The One Shell Jacket. This slim, streamlined jacket gives off an elegant and lengthening effect. Unlike many jackets that can feel boxy and shapeless, the One Shell Jacket shows some curves while providing a flattering slimming silhouette that I love.
Finding jackets that strike the perfect balance between style and functionality without being too boxy can be a challenge. But The One Shell Jacket nails it. The length of THE ONE™ SHELL is just right, hanging past my hips to provide the extra coverage I need to keep my leggings dry when sitting on a wet surface like mossy rocks or fallen trees. The jacket material is incredibly stretchy and flexible and fits great even when doing strenuous activates in the outdoors.
True to size fit – Ordering clothes online can sometimes feel like a gamble, but I was pleasantly surprised when The KÜHL Women's The One Shell Jacket arrived and fit me perfectly. It's reassuring to know that the size guide on their website was spot-on.
Check Out THE ONE™ SHELL Jacket at: Kuhl.com
Reflective Accents, & Safty Details In The KÜHL Women's The One Shell Jacket
The KÜHL Women's The One Shell Jacket goes above and beyond when it comes to safety details. A standout feature I absolutely love about this jacket is KÜHL's inclusion of reflective accents on the jacket's upper collar. Whether I'm out on the trails or navigating through camp, these reflective ribbons shine brilliantly when illuminated by a headlamp, significantly enhancing visibility in low-light conditions. I often leave the collar slightly unzipped showing the reflective ribbon for added comfort, knowing that in an emergency, my hiking partners or rescue teams will have no trouble spotting me.
Even the KÜHL logo on the hood and back of the jacket offers a touch of reflectivity under the headlamp beams. Even the Khul logo on the right arm shows up fantastic. On the jacket toggles and zippers, they added a highly reflective power cord and extra stealth reflective accents throughout the jacket that in normal light look normal but reflect amazingly well when illuminated by a flashlight or headlam. I often start or end big 40+ mile backpacking trips and long day hikes in the pitch dark. As someone who often finds themselves hiking in the dark, I really appreciate these thoughtful safety additions for increased visibility in the Women's The One Shell Jacket. It's reassuring to know that KÜHL has integrated these safety features seamlessly into the jacket's design, prioritizing the well-being of their customers.
I also love how much the Orange color in the Ganache/Poppy of The One Shell really stands out. As someone recently getting into backcountry snowboarding and venturing out into avalanche terrain visibility has become increasingly important to me. The striking orange hue of this jacket immediately draws the eye, providing a bold contrast against snowy landscapes. When snowboarding, my brother was able to easily spot where I was on the mountain even when we were pretty far apart in foggy snowy conditions. This enhanced visibility isn't just a matter of aesthetics – it's a crucial safety feature. The jacket practically glows in low-light conditions, ensuring I remain visible to others, while still looking sharp and stylish. The One Shell's vibrant orange color is a nice safety detail for someone who is starting to venture out into remote places.
Zippers
As for the zippers, they're made of a sturdy METALUXE® with metal on the pull tab featuring the KÜHL logo. While lightweight they feel very solid. I like that the pocket zippers and arm vents have a longer reflective cord to make grabbing and opening the zippers while wearing gloves easier.
Spacious Pockets
Anyone who knows me knows my ongoing gripe with women's clothing having a lack of pockets, no pockets, too small of pockets, or even the most dreaded of all, the fake pockets. Just why! Women need pockets too! Thankfully this is not the case with The One™ Shell Jacket by Kuhl. I was very happy that The One™ Shell Jacket has very spacious pockets. The Kuhl Women's The One™ Shell Jacket has two primary large pockets for your hands as well as an interior chest pocket for valuables such as your wallet or phone. This jacket even has a nice-sized pocket on the left arm where I have been currently keeping my chapstick and mini roll of duct tape.
Side note duct tape is one of my must-have adventure items (Great for fixing things in a pinch to get you down the mountain in one piece). Shop on Amazon
The side pocket on the arm is large enough to fit my season pass or wallet but too small for my phone. My phone I have been keeping in the interior chest pocket. I'm really loving how stretchy and generously sized the main pockets are. They definitely have enough room to hold the shiny rocks I may pick up on my hike, my gloves, car keys, wallet, or whatever else I may want them to hold. I also really like how all the pockets are zippered so I do not have to worry about losing my stuff while hiking, snowshoeing, or snowboarding.
KUHL The One Shell Jacket Hood and Collar
The hood and collar on the KUHL The One Shell Jacket are very well made. Living in the rainy Pacific Northwest where I am often hiking in rainy drizzly weather, I really appreciated that Khul added a bill on the hood. You get even more protection against the rain, ensuring that you stay dry and comfortable no matter what nature throws your way. The high collar of the jacket worked great when snowboarding. I would fully zip up the jacket and then duck my chin down, hiding part of my face and neck behind the collar for protection against ice rain pellets flying at me. A very nice feature that held up while riding.
Adjustable Wrist Straps
I really liked the inclusion of adjustable wrist straps on The KÜHL Women's The One™ Shell Jacket. With Velcro wrist straps, you can get a better more snug fit and can have that extra little bit of added warmth and protection against the elements. During chilly winds and drizzly rain, you can tighten them up to seal out the cold or rain, keeping you cozy and dry as you tackle your outdoor adventures. Plus, the Velcro design makes it super easy to adjust on the go, so you can customize the fit to suit your comfort level.
Whisper-Quiet Performance:
Another feature I loved about the One Shell was its near-silent operation. Unlike all of my previous rainshell jackets, which emitted a crunchy, crackly noise with every movement, this jacket performed with remarkable quietness. The absence of all those annoying distracting sounds while wearing a rain shell was a refreshing change. The jacket's unexpectedly quiet performance was a cool feature that pleasantly surprised me. It wasn't something I anticipated in an outer shell, but it was a feature that I genuinely liked and appreciated.
About Kühl
In an industry where corporate giants reign supreme, Kühl proudly stands apart as an independently owned and operated entity, fueled by an unwavering dedication to excellence, sustainability, and ethical practices. Maintaining its independence empowers Kühl to stay true to its fundamental principles and focus on crafting top-tier outdoor apparel that consistently surpasses customer expectations. The entire Kühl team shares a deep-seated passion for creating the finest products, carefully sourced from environmentally conscious partners and produced in facilities held to the highest standards. Kühl takes responsibility for its impact on the environment by eschewing overproduction and minimizing its ecological footprint. By choosing Kühl, customers not only gain access to exceptional outdoor gear but also support a brand that embodies authenticity, integrity, and a commitment to environmental stewardship.
How Do I Wash The Women's KÜHL The One Shell Jacket? Is The Kuhl Women's The One Shell Jacket Machine Washable?
Need to freshen up your Women's KÜHL The One Shell Jacket after a rugged day outdoors? Curious if it's safe for a spin in the washing machine? Absolutely!
Washing Tips for The One Shell Jacket
For optimal care, machine wash your jacket in cold water using a delicate cycle. Remember, steer clear of bleach! When it's time for drying, opt for a low-heat setting in the dryer.
Care Instructions
- Machine wash cold (we recommend using waterproof detergent)
- Avoid bleach
- Skip the softener
- Tumble dry on low heat
- No dry-cleaning needed
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Exceptional rain and wind protection.
- Lightweight (96 GSM) three-layer premium waterproof/ultra-breathable fabric.
- 20D mini ripstop material for durability.
- AERO Membrane technology for superior breathability.
- One-handed underarm vent and hem adjustments.
- Stealth reflective accents for visibility (great safety feature).
- QUIET performance for noise-free movement.
- Sylktouch knit and seam taping for comfort.
- Water and oil-resistant finish.
- YKK Aqua-guard weatherproof zippers.
- Lightweight and packable design.
- Great mobility and layering compatibility.
- Ideal for hiking, backpacking, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and travel.
- Stylish and adjustable hood.
- True-to-size fit.
Cons
- More Breathable Fabric Means It is More Susceptible to Wind
- Not GORE-TEX
- There Are More Waterproof Jacket Options Out There (Although $329.00 is a lot cheaper than a $600 Jacket)
- If extremely windy or cold, it needs to be layered with a second Jacket
Final Thoughts On The KÜHL Women's THE ONE™ SHELL Jacket
After testing the KÜHL Women’s THE ONE™ SHELL Jacket on several different hikes, snowshoeing trips, and multiple snowboarding trips in inclement weather, I am really impressed with the One Shell's performance. I love the jacket's lightweight construction and how comfortable this jacket is while wearing it. I am happy with the jacket's waterproofing ability which has been holding up on my adventures. I am thrilled that this jacket is keeping me nice and dry. I like how compact it folds up for backpacking and traveling, taking up very little space in my pack.
The stretchy fabric of this jacket is amazing. I love how it provides excellent flexibility, allowing me to move freely while hiking, snowshoeing, and snowboarding without feeling restricted. Additionally, the spacious pockets were incredibly convenient, offering great storage space for stuff like my, wallet, keys, phone and even random stuff I pick up. I really liked the inclusion of underarm vents in the jacket, which helped regulate temperature during strenuous activities like hiking uphill or snowboarding. The reflective accents and safety details by KÜHL were a thoughtful addition, enhancing visibility in emergency situations. These small yet significant touches truly set this jacket apart. Overall, the KÜHL Women’s THE ONE™ SHELL Jacket exceeded my expectations and this is now my favorite go-to shell jacket.
Check Out THE ONE™ SHELL Jacket at: Kuhl.com
Check out my other blog post: Gear Spotlight: KÜHL Women’s Spyfire Jacket for Outdoor Enthusiasts
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