If you‘re an avid skier, hiker, climber or outdoor adventurer, you know that having the right gear and clothing is essential. Your outer layers need to be able to withstand harsh weather conditions and rugged wear and tear while still being comfortable and allowing you to move freely. One outdoor apparel brand that has gained a following among serious outdoor athletes is Stio.
In this in-depth review, we‘ll take a close look at Stio as a company, its product line, and the pros and cons of this premium outdoor clothing brand to help you decide if their jackets, pants, and other apparel are worth the investment for your active lifestyle.
About Stio
Founded in 2011 and headquartered in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, Stio is a relative newcomer to the outdoor apparel scene compared to long-established brands like The North Face and Patagonia. However, the company has quickly made a name for itself among outdoor enthusiasts thanks to its high-quality, performance-focused gear.
Stio‘s mission is to create "beautiful, technical and versatile products" that empower people to enjoy the outdoors in any season or conditions. The company takes its name from the Teton Range that rise up behind its headquarters in the Rocky Mountains – the mountains that serve as Stio‘s source of inspiration and product testing grounds.
From the beginning, Stio has been committed to sustainability and ethical manufacturing. Many of its products are made with recycled materials and PFC-free DWR finishes. The company partners with the non-profit organization 1% for the Planet and donates 1% of its sales to support environmental causes. Stio also has a repair program to extend the life of its garments.
Stio Product Overview
Stio offers a full range of outdoor apparel and gear for men and women including jackets, pants, mid-layers, base layers, accessories, and equipment like packs and bags.
The company divides its product line into different collections based on activity and weather conditions:
- Ski and Snowboard – Outerwear, mid-layers, and base layers for resort and backcountry skiing and riding
- Climb and Hike – Light, breathable layers for hiking, climbing, camping and other high-output mountain activities
- Fish and Hunt – Durable, moisture-wicking apparel for fishing and hunting
- Travel and Lifestyle – Versatile, stylish pieces that transition from trail to town
You‘ll find many of the features you‘d expect in a high-end outdoor clothing line like waterproof-breathable membranes, taped seams, alpaca wool insulation, and four-way stretch fabrics for enhanced range of motion. Stio‘s clothing designs also incorporate stylish details and colorways that make them suitable for casual everyday wear as well as outdoor pursuits.
Stio Best-Selling Products
While Stio has an extensive catalog, a few outerwear pieces have emerged as customer favorites. Here‘s a closer look at three of Stio‘s most popular jackets:
Men‘s Shot 7 Down Jacket
The Shot 7 is Stio‘s warmest ski and snowboard jacket with 800-fill power HyperDRY water-resistant down insulation. A waterproof-breathable 3-layer Dermizax shell keeps moisture out while allowing sweat vapor to escape so you stay dry inside and out.
The Shot 7 has a sleek, body-skimming fit to eliminate bulk but still allows room for layering. Pit zips provide ventilation when you‘re working up a sweat, and the removable powder skirt keeps snow out on deep days. Plus, it comes in a range of stunning neutral and vibrant colors that stand out on the mountain.
Women‘s Environ Jacket
With a clean, minimalist design, the lightweight Women‘s Environ Jacket is one of Stio‘s most versatile pieces for active pursuits in variable weather. The 3-layer Dermizax NX fabric is soft, stretchy, and ultra-breathable while offering complete waterproof protection.
Underarm vents dump excess heat, and special Cohaesive cord management hardware in the hood and hem provides one-handed adjustability without dangling drawcords. Thoughtful details like a brushed tricot-lined collar and no-bulk cuffs enhance comfort. Wear it as a shell while backcountry touring in winter or as a just-in-case layer for summer hikes and camping trips.
Men‘s Objective Pro Jacket
Stio designed the Objective Pro to be the ultimate ski shell for long days in the backcountry. The eVent DVexpedition 3-layer fabric is completely waterproof yet extremely air permeable for best-in-class breathability when you‘re bootpacking or skinning up.
The Objective Pro is packed with ski-specific features like a helmet-compatible hood, high pockets that are accessible when wearing a pack, an integrated RECCO reflector for avalanche rescue, and a mesh internal powder skirt that won‘t trap moisture. An athletic fit accommodates layers underneath without feeling bulky.
Pros and Cons of Stio
As you can probably tell by now, there‘s a lot to love about Stio‘s clothing for outdoor enthusiasts who demand nothing less than top quality, performance and style from their gear. However, no brand is perfect. Here‘s a balanced look at the pros and cons of Stio as a company and product line:
Pros of Stio
- Premium materials and construction for long-lasting durability and performance in harsh conditions
- Athlete-driven designs incorporate technical features for different outdoor pursuits
- Sustainable manufacturing practices and commitment to environmental causes
- Stylish, versatile designs that work for outdoor activities and everyday casual wear
- Domestic US-based customer service and lifetime warranty on all products
Cons of Stio
- Premium pricing puts it out of budget for some consumers, with jackets running from $400-800+
- Limited brick-and-mortar retail presence means most customers have to order online without trying items on first
- Shorter product line and fewer options compared to larger outdoor brands
- Some customers have reported issues with sizing inconsistencies
- No plus sizes or tall/long options for inclusive fit
How Does Stio Compare to Other Outdoor Clothing Brands?
Stio is often compared to other popular outdoor apparel companies like Patagonia, Arc‘teryx, and The North Face. In terms of price point, it‘s on the higher end, similar to Arc‘teryx.
Compared to those bigger brands, Stio has a much smaller product line but that allows it to focus on perfecting each piece rather than churning out hundreds of styles each season. If you‘re looking for the absolute largest selection, Stio probably isn‘t the brand for you.
However, Stio sets itself apart with its commitment to domestic manufacturing (many products are made in the US), high-tech sustainable materials, and athlete-driven approach to product development and testing. The brand definitely has a strong identity rooted in its Jackson Hole origins and the mountain sports that inspire its designs.
What Do Customers Say About Stio?
Stio products consistently receive glowing reviews from customers and professional gear testers alike. On the brand‘s website, most items have a near-perfect average rating between 4.5 and 5 stars.
Reviewers frequently praise Stio products for their:
- Exceptional quality, durability and attention to detail
- Functional, well-thought-out designs and features
- Comfortable fit and excellent range of motion
- Versatile style for both outdoor and casual wear
- Effectiveness in wet, cold, and otherwise challenging conditions
A few recurring customer complaints include:
- Discrepancies between the fit/sizing of different items
- Limited availability of some products due to frequently selling out
- Slow response time from customer service, particularly during busy periods
- Premium pricing that is too high for some budgets
Overall though, the vast majority of verified-purchase customer reviews for Stio‘s best-selling jackets and other items are extremely positive, with countless loyal fans who say the brand‘s high quality is worth the investment.
Stio Ordering and Shipping
Stio offers free standard shipping via FedEx or USPS to anywhere in the US on orders over $99. Flat-rate shipping under $99 is $5.95. You can also choose from faster shipping options for an additional cost.
For international shipping, Stio has partnered with services that calculate taxes and duties at checkout to avoid surprises. A $20 shipping surcharge applies for orders to Canada, Europe, and Australia/New Zealand. Delivery times vary by destination.
Stio orders typically ship within 24 hours on business days and customers receive a tracking number via email.
Stio Return Policy and Warranty
Not satisfied with your Stio gear? The brand has a simple, customer-friendly return process. You can return unworn, unaltered items within 30 days of purchase for a full refund to your original payment method minus a $7.50 return processing fee per order (waived for exchanges).
Stio also has one of the best product guarantees in the business – the Stio Warranty covers manufacturer defects for the entire reasonable lifetime of the product. That means if a zipper breaks or a seam comes loose on your Stio jacket years down the line, they‘ll repair or replace it free of charge. The warranty doesn‘t cover normal wear and tear, modifications, or damage caused by improper care, but for defective items they stand behind their products.
Stio FAQs
Still have questions about Stio clothing and gear? Here are answers to some of the most common queries about the brand:
How does Stio sizing run compared to other outdoor brands?
According to the company, Stio‘s sizing is comparable to most other US-based outdoor clothing companies. However, product reviews do indicate that certain items may run slightly large or small, so it‘s best to compare your measurements to their size charts. When in doubt, Stio recommends sizing up in their outerwear for a looser, more relaxed fit or sizing down for a closer, athletic fit.
What are the best Stio jackets for resort skiing and snowboarding?
The Shot 7 Down Jacket is Stio‘s warmest ski/snowboard jacket with an insulated design ideal for cold days riding lifts at the resort. If you run hot or want something less puffy, the Environ and Objective jackets also provide solid waterproof-breathable protection with a streamlined shell design.
What is the warmest Stio jacket?
Thanks to its 800-fill power down insulation, the men‘s Shot 7 Down is the warmest jacket in Stio‘s product line and great for very cold winter weather. The women‘s Hometown Down Hooded Jacket is another good option with 800-fill down and a longer cut.
Does Stio ever have sales?
Stio does occasionally have sales to clear out past-season merchandise, typically around major shopping holidays like Black Friday, but don‘t expect to see steep discounts on current styles. Following the brand‘s newsletter and social media accounts is a good way to stay informed about upcoming sales. Stio also has a Last Chance section on their website with a selection of discounted items while supplies last.
Is Stio a sustainable outdoor brand?
Sustainability is a core part of Stio‘s ethos. The company incorporates eco-friendly materials like recycled polyester and organic cotton into many of its products. All of Stio‘s waterproof/breathable membranes are free from harmful PFC chemicals. The brand also has initiatives to reduce packaging waste, minimize its carbon footprint, and partner with environmental non-profits. While not every single product meets the highest possible standard of sustainability yet, Stio is transparent about its efforts and progress toward that goal.
The Bottom Line: Is Stio Worth It?
After thoroughly evaluating Stio‘s background, products, customer reviews, and brand policies, our verdict is that this premium outdoor clothing company is absolutely worth the investment for people who spend serious time outside in all seasons and conditions.
Yes, Stio‘s prices are high compared to budget-oriented brands, but the quality, performance, and durability are superb. From innovative waterproof/breathable fabrics to thoughtful, sport-specific features, it‘s clear that a lot of research and athlete input goes into Stio‘s designs. Customer feedback is overwhelmingly positive and the brand‘s generous warranty adds value.
One thing to keep in mind is that Stio has a fairly limited product line and does tend to sell out of popular items quickly due to its cult following. Inventory can also be inconsistent at the brand‘s few brick-and-mortar retailers, so you‘ll likely need to order online and deal with the potential hassle of needing to return or exchange items that don‘t fit.
However, for the outdoor enthusiast who wants bomber, functional outerwear that will last for years of hard use and look good both on the mountain and around town, Stio is an excellent choice. The brand has built a stellar reputation in its 10+ years for making stylish, capable, and well-constructed gear that serious mountain athletes swear by. If that sounds like you, Stio‘s clothing and equipment are a worthwhile splurge.
