https://earthseasky.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/AlanMcLean_Nov09D20_9395-scaled.jpg
1285
1920
Jane Ellis
https://earthseasky.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Logo.png
Jane Ellis2024-07-10 17:00:522024-07-15 08:41:34Tui De Roy: Wildlife Photographer and Conservationist
https://earthseasky.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/AlanMcLean_Nov09D20_9395-scaled.jpg
1285
1920
Jane Ellis
https://earthseasky.co.nz/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Logo.png
Jane Ellis2024-07-10 17:00:522024-07-15 08:41:34Tui De Roy: Wildlife Photographer and Conservationist
Ryan Taylor –
Really love the secure feel of this design and how comfortable it feels wearing a heavy pack, the shoulders feel sturdy and the generous hood easily fits over my helmet. I use this for resort and ski touring during big storms. The careful engineering with flaps over the zippers takes a while to get used to, but it is clear that it does a great job of keeping the weather and snow out of your pockets even when you forget to zip them up! The wrists are also tight but if you put your gloves on before pulling your jacket over then this results in a very secure fit, keeping out the snow whether you are skiing or mixed climbing.
Having no vents under the arms on ESS jackets was initially annoying to me, but after learning how to layer properly (no merino when redlining my heart rate) I don’t have any issues and actually prefer this now especially having removed a major leak/ wear point.
Well done to ESS for offering a jacket that sticks with time tested designs.
I use it during fine weather also but generally for fair weather ski touring/ mountaineering I prefer the Excalibur / guide Jacket that is more similar to what other brands offer.
Matt Gumbrell –
Bought this jacket at their Chch store and was amazing to be able to talk to the people who design them. The series of trips I’ve made this summer have tested it in waterproofness (I was the only trip member who remained dry in Fiordland rain, and when taking our packrafts under waterfalls for a laugh), durability (a terrible Matagouri battle as we fought up a bluff with packs and mountain bikes to avoid a dangerous river-crossing left not a single mark despite needing to iceaxe my way through at times) and a hood-system that is so damn adjustable and versatile (and cosy when on alpine ridges in strong winds). Impressed!
David –
Really comfy right off the hanger and weatherproof without being stiff and noisy. Awesome jacket with a great hood and nice high collar. Good pockets too.
Steve Noble –
My last jacket, at least 25 years old, an old school Goretex Berghaus was going to take some beating. Having spent months searching I discovered Earth Sea and Sky. Working with the ‘sales’ team (more like family) who took the time to post every jacket, every size I enquired about in the post, FOC and after asking a 1000 questions I settled on the Zeal Guide. I have worn it, tied it around my waste, shoved it in the boat locker, laid on it, covered myself in it and worn it in just about every type and strength of wind and rain, terrain and activity. Its been in the mud, sea and river. The jacket is 100% water resistant, sweat is dealt with, although forearms and lower back do get sweaty (I think its my merino base layer?) The hood once adjusted keeps the wind and rain out, no chance of drips around the collar. When I turn my head it does not get in my view. The zippers work, the Velcro neck buff is just about the right height over the face (I am 6ft tall, some 104 kilos) the sleeve lengths are perfect and the jacket length spot on. Although the height of the side pockets took a little getting used too, they are nice and deep and wide, but not too big. I have to say I am 100% happy with my Zeal Guide. Nice work Earth Sea Sky, I won’t hesitate in recommending you!
Nigel –
Hi, I brought the Zeal Guide jacket on recommendation from family who do a lot of adventure stuff. I use it for skiing, tramping and farm work (when its really wet). Great jacket, love it and love the Kiwi made story behind Earth Sea Sky!
Callum Davidson –
110/100. Love this jacket. Have owned for 7 years and it has been one of the few pieces of equipment not to need repair or replacement during that time. I have taken it up a half dozen 3000m peaks in pretty foul conditions and it performed flawlessly no matter what NZ threw at it. It still looks brand new, I fully expect to get another decade of hard use out of it. A great investment! I recommend this jacket to all of my friends, and I can’t sing it’s praises highly enough.
My only complaint is that I wish Earth Sea Sky would make a camouflage or even just a more muted version, as I would love to buy another for hunting! I know heaps of of guys and gals that would love this jacket for this purpose.
Alex Hurley –
Soooooo good! So dry! And so… So comfy
Had this jacket for many years now and it’s still like new, the hood is massive and fits over my helmet with ease but still shrinks down and feels great, the double flap at the front makes all the difference along with the stiff visor when facing into the weather.
the gusseting under the arms is second to none, I get full range of motion and the jacket doesn’t ride up when I reach to pull myself up. I can even hunch up and the sleeves cover most of my hands a great feeling when walking for hours through sleet and rain.
I have always been kept dry and warm when wearing this, through hours of rain that turns to ice on the jacket on and torrential downpours.
If I went back and had a second chance I wouldn’t hesitate to get this jacket again. feels great, keeps me dry when ever, and feels great, not bulky of stiff and shoots well beyond what I was expecting.
Gregg –
Over the winter the jacket has been used in some horrendous weather instructing and guiding in the TNP mountains – ice and mixed climbing, summit trips, snow caving and camping and generally getting battered by gale winds, driving rain and flying rime. It has performed better than any jacket I have had over the last 25 years of mountain work. Seriously good kit that handles terrible conditions amazingly well. No wear showing at all yet so also looking like it will last many more years. Great stuff Earth Sea Sky.
Nathan –
BOMBPROOF, WELL DESIGNED, AND COMFY AS!
Does exactly what you’d expect. Keeps the wind and rain out. Massive, harness/pack friendly pockets mean you have access to spare gloves, lip balm, map, compass, headlamp, hat etc at all times. No qualms at all about taking it bush bashing, and it’s just long enough to cover your butt and keep most of your shorts dry. Good gusseting helps with looking fly and trapping/releasing heat. Stonkers zips, with a double on the front so you can get some ventilation if you’re pushing it hard in the rain.
The best bit about the jacket is the hood. It is the best hood I’ve ever tried, with loads of adjustment allowing for a comfy, protected fit no matter what I have on my head, and the ability to really batten down the hatches or keep things open for better hearing/awareness. The wire/brim holds shape, and when I wear the legionaires cap underneath I can walk into the rain without getting my face soaked too quick.
I don’t expect to need another jacket for at least 10 years. That’s far more sustainable, and it’s made in NZ!
Alex barr –
Buying jackets for a bunch of picky staff is not easy feat – previous to getting Zeal Guide jackets there were constant complaint about the jackets we had and how they were not water proof, how the water would drip down the hood into the inside of the jackets and basically how crappy they were.
But since buying 12 Staff jackets there have been no complaints and everyone is staying perfectly dry when facing the elements in the middle of New Zealands winter. We have also had 3 staff members buy there own Zeal Guide jackets for personal use to use for mountaineering and tramping in New Zealand.
It is hard to find great products that are made in NZ that we can be proud of but with Earth Sea Sky we have a winner.
Alex Barr
Rotorua Canopy Tours.