Reviews > Clothing > Jackets and Vests > Obermeyer Nieve Resort Down Insulator > Owner Review by Kathleen Waters

OBERMEYER NIEVE RESORT DOWN INSULATOR
BY KATHLEEN WATERS

February 13, 2021
OWNER REVIEW

TESTER INFORMATION

Living in Colorado and being self-employed, I have ample opportunities to backpack. There are over 700,000 acres/280,000 hectares of public land bordering my 71-acre/29-hectare "backyard" in addition to all the other gorgeous locations which abound in Colorado. Over the past 15 years, my husband John and I have also had the good fortune to hike/snowshoe glaciers, rain forests, mountains and deserts in exotic locations, including New Zealand, Iceland, Costa Rica, Slovenia and Death Valley. My hiking style is comfortable, aiming for lightweight. I use a tent (rainfly if needed). Current pack averages 25 lb (11 kg) excluding food and water.

PRODUCT INFORMATION

Manufacturer: Sport Obermeyer Ltd. Year Acquired: 2020 Manufacturer's Website: http://www.obermey.com MSRP: US $229.00 Listed Weight: N/A Measured Weight: 16 oz (454 g) Sizes Available: XS to 2XL Size Reviewed: Women's Medium Colors Available: Hometown Camo and Frosted Pewter Color Reviewed: Hometown Camo (dark blue camo pattern) Other details: Made with duck down and polyester fibers

Picture Courtesy of Obermeyer

FIELD USE, CONDITIONS AND PERFORMANCE

I got the Obermeyer Nieve Resort Down Jacket just in time to be able to wear it in late fall and through the first two-and-a-half months of winter weather. During this period, the weather has been exceptionally mild. Rarely were daytime temperatures lower than 50 F (10 C) and there were more than a few days of 70+ F (21+ C). Night time temperatures have ranged anywhere from low 50s (teens C) to 24 F (-4.4 C).

It has been an exceptionally windy few months. We've had many days with gusts over 40-50 mph (64 km/h - 80 km/h).

In my neck of the woods/desert, humidity is generally very low and that was the case this fall/winter. This made for very pleasant day hikes. While we have had several snowfalls, the accumulation was always slight - barely enough to cover the toes of my boots.

I've worn the Obermeyer Nieve Resort Down Jacket on 18 occasions, all on hikes around Canon City, Colorado, on dirt trails and roads. And also, several days while shopping, visiting and walking downtown Canon City, Denver and Colorado Springs.

Mileage for the hikes ranged from 3 to 7 miles (4.8 km to 11 km). Casual wear were 4-5 hours in duration.
When engaging in outdoor activities I wore the Nieve with a variety of wool base layers and on several treks or when the wind was kicking up, I wore various vests, including a heated down vest, under the jacket as well.

The Obermeyer Nieve Resort Down Insulator Jacket is a deceptively lightweight but warm piece of clothing that has earned a front-and-center spot in my winter wardrobe! After several months, I can truly say it really fits my needs for a three-season jacket.

The jacket is not bulky but that lack of bulk does not mean a lack of warmth. The Insulator has kept me warm when worn solo over a wool base layer in temperatures down to 40 F (4.4 C) and when I've added a lightweight down vest, I've been comfy to below freezing. With a breeze blowing, I've found the jacket to be comfortable enough to wear up to 70 F (21 C).

The silhouette of the Insulator is very flattering. Slim but not tight. I can adjust the hem of the jacket via two barrel-lock pulls at the hem to keep out any cold drafts. The cuffs are self-fabric outers with stretchy elastic. I can easily pull the cuffs over my usual light gloves though not over some of my heavy-duty mittens.

Barrel-lock Hem Pull

Stand-up Collar Lining

Though there isn't any zipper "garage" at the neck of the jacket, I haven't noticed any scratchiness. The super-soft flannel stand-up collar lining eliminated that! And all the zippers glide smoothly. There is a slight zipper draft flap and I haven't gotten the zipper caught on it yet.

There are two front zippered pockets, generously sized and lined with soft flannel-like fabric. That same fabric lines the stand-up collar which is so nice when zipped up all the way. No chafing when "turtling"!
As I like to keep my cell phone or my camera warm when hiking as well, I'm happy that the interior chest zippered pocket is large enough for either the phone or camera. Saves on battery life!

Interior Napoleon Pocket

Front Zipper-Close Pocket

As of yet, I haven't had to wash the Insulator. While I've spilled water on it, that's been the extent of any possible staining. When the time comes, Obermeyer instructions are to turn the jacket inside out - I always do this to all my clothing as well as make sure all zippers are closed - machine wash in warm water on gentle cycle with like colors. Remove immediately from washer and tumble dry warm.

Interestingly, Obermeyer says to put 2 clean dryer balls in the dryer for the last 10 minutes to "fluff" the down! Again, interestingly, while there is the admonishment against bleach and ironing, nothing is said about the use of fabric softeners or type of detergent. I have down wash for my down products so will use that on the Nieve.

STARRING ATTRACTIONS

1. Super soft and lightweight
2. Nice and warm
3. Easy to layer or wear stand-alone
4. As rugged as it is attractive

MINOR DISTRACTIONS

1. I want the Frosted Pewter as well!!

SUMMARY

The Obermeyer Nieve Resort Down Insulator Jacket is already one of my favorite pieces of outwear. It is indeed "resort" worthy in looks, but is definitely suitable for around town and on the trails. The versatility of the jacket makes is a solid contender for three season wear.

This is not my first Obermeyer jacket (I have had a couple of ski jackets in the past) so I'm well acquainted with the quality of Obermeyer products and the Nieve lived up to my high expectations.

It is very reasonably priced for the quality.

I heartily recommend this jacket!

Kathleen (Kathy) Waters
Co-Owner and Contributing Writer
BackpackGearTest.org

Reviews > Clothing > Jackets and Vests > Obermeyer Nieve Resort Down Insulator > Owner Review by Kathleen Waters