Armada has been making some of the best kit for women, both in terms of skis and outerwear, in recent years. The skis are gender-neutral now, with identical constructions across the ARV/W collections and the outerwear has moved in that direction too. Most of their freestyle outerwear is now unisex but for technical gear, they are sticking with more specific cuts. The Pavara Jacket & Rayleigh bibs are the line equivalents of the Grands & Emmons, but actually feel even higher end.
The layouts of the two jackets (Pavara / Grands) are actually pretty similar, but the Pavara is more form fitting and comes in a lighter, more technical feeling fabric. We aren’t convinced we care about outerwear weight, but there is no question the Pavara/Rayleigh combo is significantly lighter than the men’s kit. It still feels bombproof too, with taped seams, classy zips and big vents. The double-zippered chest pockets, big enough for stashing skins, are a highlight once again.
The Rayleigh Bib comes with the addition of a dual zipper drop seat for doing your business without getting undressed. Like the the jacket, it has a more form fitting cut than the men’s equivalent, and also lighter more tech feeling fabric. Again, both jacket and bibs are 20k/20k and again, the only thing we have to complain about is the location of the beacon pocket, which leaves the beacon in the way of your knees. The burly kick panels are a nice touch and this is a setup we could see lasting years, which is great for sustainability.
Who’s it for?
The Pavara/Rayleigh combo is a perfect resort setup pretty much anywhere in the world. Its technical features are certainly overkill in some places but the stylish cut and dope colorways are going to work anywhere. It has enough swag to not look out of place in the park, but it’s technical enough and light enough to wear touring regularly. This is a REALLY dope setup, it actually had the men at the test kind of envious because while the Emmons/Grands are really good, this kit was even better. It’s a Best of Test and with very good reason.
Fit guide:
True to size for regular fit. Definitely should be sized up if you’re looking for a relaxed look, probably two sizes up for really baggy.
Check out our Best Of Test | Outerwear video for more on the Armada Parvara Jacket & Rayleigh Bibs:
Skier: Gabrielle Mondor. P: Hanne Lundin Wallengren
The layouts of the two jackets (Pavara / Grands) are actually pretty similar, but the Pavara is more form fitting and comes in a lighter, more technical feeling fabric. We aren’t convinced we care about outerwear weight, but there is no question the Pavara/Rayleigh combo is significantly lighter than the men’s kit. It still feels bombproof too, with taped seams, classy zips and big vents. The double-zippered chest pockets, big enough for stashing skins, are a highlight once again.
The Rayleigh Bib comes with the addition of a dual zipper drop seat for doing your business without getting undressed. Like the the jacket, it has a more form fitting cut than the men’s equivalent, and also lighter more tech feeling fabric. Again, both jacket and bibs are 20k/20k and again, the only thing we have to complain about is the location of the beacon pocket, which leaves the beacon in the way of your knees. The burly kick panels are a nice touch and this is a setup we could see lasting years, which is great for sustainability.
Who’s it for?
The Pavara/Rayleigh combo is a perfect resort setup pretty much anywhere in the world. Its technical features are certainly overkill in some places but the stylish cut and dope colorways are going to work anywhere. It has enough swag to not look out of place in the park, but it’s technical enough and light enough to wear touring regularly. This is a REALLY dope setup, it actually had the men at the test kind of envious because while the Emmons/Grands are really good, this kit was even better. It’s a Best of Test and with very good reason.
Skier: Coralie Ogez. P: Hanne Lundin Wallengren
Fit guide:
True to size for regular fit. Definitely should be sized up if you’re looking for a relaxed look, probably two sizes up for really baggy.
Coralie (left) is 5'6. Alex (right) is 5'3. Both are wearing M Jacket & Pants
Check out our Best Of Test | Outerwear video for more on the Armada Parvara Jacket & Rayleigh Bibs:
