Spyder Captivate Insulated Ski Jacket – Kates New Favorite

Kate Agathon

The refined Spyder Captivate insulated ski jacket combines retro style with modern color blocking accentuated with a Spyder heritage patch.

In a season where nostalgic lines, colors, and textures dominate ski and apres ski apparel, Spyder managed to create a fashionable and functional jacket without going overboard on fashion trends.

 

For someone old enough to have experienced the bright colors and accentuating stripes the first go round, I can appreciate the nod to the past, but I don’t want to go full retro.

 

Specifically, I can pass on oversized, baggy ski jackets, neon colors, and shag-carpet like textures that are seemingly everywhere right now; there’s no need to look like I’m wearing some bizarre 80s ski cosplay on the slopes. However, I do think it’s cool to see some influence from the past on this season’s design.

 

Refined details

With the Captivate, I liked that Spyder kept the classic cut and fit of one of its most popular jackets and just made a few stylish modifications with the distinctive retro“V” lines and cool-looking Boulder, Colorado heritage shoulder patch.

 

The black lines stand out on the stark white background (which amazingly did not get dirty) look sophisticated, and it was nice to receive a few compliments on how it looked.

 

In addition, Spyder subtly incorporated its branding in details throughout the minimalist-looking jacket.

 

The inner placket reads “Spyder” and the zippers and pulls are textured and feature embossed Spyder detail. They look beautiful, but sometimes the front zipper was difficult to zip up and down with thick mittens in single-degree temperatures.

Performance

The Captivate is a jacket that can be worn in most conditions and has just the right amount of features to keep you dry and warm (Gore-Tex Infinium laminate and Primaloft insulation), or cool and comfortable (underarm ventilation system, 2-way stretch, and removable hood).

 

I have worn the Captivate on freezing days with gusty winds and single-digit temperatures, and on bluebird days with unrelenting sun. Every time, it performed well and I had no thought of switching out jackets.

 

One feature that I absolutely love is the lined front pockets. The lining is super soft and my ungloved hands felt cozy and warm. There is also a  similar soft lining along the neck.

Other features:

• Internal zipper pocket, mesh goggle pocket, chamois lens wipe.

• Taffeta lining and fixed powder skirt with snapback feature.

• Mesh shoulder padding for comfort.

• Wrist pocket for a ski pass.

• Adjustable cuff tabs with interior stretch cuffs and thumbholes.

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Final word

The Captivate is a Spyder classic.

 

Its length (not too long, not too short) and cut make it functional and stylish year after year. And it just fits nicely (not too constrictive or baggy) and is flattering for women of all ages.

 

The Captivate has just the right amount of pockets and technology to make it useful in all conditions, so you won’t be switching out jackets depending on conditions.

 

Finally, the refined retro details are a nod to the past without being too much; something that is difficult to do.

 

I absolutely love the Captivate for its style and function and know this will be a favorite year after year.