AKOVA Gear Review: Ski Gear for the Whole Family

AKOVA, formerly Shred Dog is a brand committed to bringing quality skiing and outdoor gear to the whole family. When the founders began Shred Dog, it was with the mission to provide the highest quality kids ski gear to the market, at a lower price point than bigger competitors. Well, they were successful in their mission, and parents (like myself!) wanted in on the Shred Dog line. With a recent rebranding to AKOVA, the company has broadened their commitment to providing the best ski gear for the entire family. 

Our kids have been using (and loving) the Shred Dog/AKOVA elevated line of kids gear for three seasons now, and my husband and I were thrilled to get the opportunity to level up our own gear with the AKOVA adult line. (See our previous Shred Dog Reviews here) 

Like a lot of parents, we tend to get our kids the best gear and make due with what we’ve got. Usually I choose gear that can last for a long time (my old hardshell was with me for eight years). I am confident that AKOVA’s high-quality materials will last for many, many ski seasons to come. This review is a complete guide to AKOVA’s outdoor gear. I’ve split it into sections, focusing on each layer, from outer layers all the way to base layers. 

Adjust-A-Fit System for Growing Kids 

The Adjust-A-Fit System is one of my favorite features for AKOVA’s gear. Even though my kids are two years apart, they’re close in size. This means they’re usually in the same size, but need slightly different lengths. The Adjust-A-Fit system allows me to modify their clothing to make sharing possible!

With AKOVA’s fit system, all the kids’ gear can be adjusted to accommodate kids in between sizes. A hidden button system is used to lengthen or shorten the apparel. This allows for 1.5” of growth or shortened length. The generous sizing also allows kids to be layered underneath without their outer layers feeling tight or bulky. 

I have my daughter’s pants adjusted to the smallest setting. For her jacket and coat, I only needed to make a slight adjustment. With the adjustability of AKOVA’s gear, she’ll be able to get at least one more season out of her current setup before needing a larger size. With how high-quality this gear is, it could be passed down to a younger sibling or cousin – even after several seasons of wear!

 Direct to Consumer Pricing

One thing I love about the AKOVA brand is their commitment to providing direct to consumer pricing. By selling directly through their website, AKOVA can provide top-quality ski gear without the retail markup. That means you’re often getting higher-quality gear for the same price or lower than AKOVA’s competitors at big box outdoor stores. I also love that I’m supporting a small business that is committed to cutting out the middle man when I buy through AKOVA. 

Are you ready to join the AKOVA family? Get 25% off with discount code OUTDOORSYFAMILIES!

AKOVA Kids Outerwear

Choosing outerwear for skiing isn’t the place to go with a lower-quality option. It’s essential to choose a product that will keep you warm on cold days, dry on the wettest days, and still provide the breathability that’s essential to keep your whole family comfortable in any condition. 

Hardshell outerwear can really fit the bill when looking for ski gear that’s versatile throughout the whole ski season. It’s the perfect fit for layering, and can often be the best option for skiing adults. But, most outdoor brands don’t carry hardshell outerwear for kids. When AKOVA created the Elevated hardshell for kids it was a game changer for kids outerwear, allowing families the opportunity to use a versatile ski jacket for any conditions. 

Kid’s Elevated Hardshell Jacket

We’ve been obsessed with our daughter’s Shred Dog Elevated Hardshell jacket for several ski season, and when my son got his AKOVA Elevated Hardshell 2.0 jacket, we weren’t surprised that our obsession continued. We’ve tested the Elevated Hardshell in all kinds of weather conditions – from below zero to freezing fog (thanks, NW Montana and North Idaho!), to rain, and the thing that we love about this hardshell is how it can hold up in any conditions, allowing us to keep enjoying our ski days without complaints or discomfort. That’s hard to find, especially when skiing with little kids! This is especially a perk on warm days when we find ourselves shedding our mid layers and only using the outer shell as a jacket. The AKOVA Elevated Hardshell is a popular choice because it’s good quality gear that is perfect for all conditions, from warm sunny spring days to bad weather. 

Features we love about the AKOVA Elevated Hardshell Jacket:

• Soft, stretchy fabric that’s actually comfortable to move in.
• 20K/20k waterproof/ breathability rating. This high waterproofing rating allows my kids to keep playing in the snow, even in the worst conditions (like freezing fog and ice!)
• Grown up features on kids gear: stretchy powder skirt with hideaway pocket, arm pass pocket, and an adjustable hood to fit plenty of different sized ski helmets. 

Kid’s Elevated Bib/Pant

AKOVA’s Elevated Bibs have been our choice for kids ski bibs for years now. The updated 2.o version combines high quality adult features, like zippered thigh vents and 20K/20K waterproofing, with kid-perfect features, like a removable bib and Adjust-A-Fit legs. My daughter always prefers to wear hers as a bib, and my son often changes between preferring a bib or pants, depending on what he’s doing. If he’s snowboarding he chooses bibs, but he often prefers the snow pants mode for skiing. Another thing we love about these ski pants is how adjustable they are! The hips feature velcro straps to ensure the perfect fit, combined with the adjustable length using the Adjust-A-Fit system, and the stretch means these are a great choice for multiple ski seasons. In fact, I find they run a bit large. My son has these snow pants in both size 5 and size 6. The size 5 still fits him comfortably, but he’s no longer using the Adjust-A-Fit system. The 6 is definitely going to fit for a couple more ski seasons, which is great! Since these ski pants are so durable, they can also be passed down to younger siblings or friends. These are definitely ski pants that you’ll get years of wear out of.

Features we love about AKOVA Elevated Bib/Pants 2.0

• Durable and waterproof materials
• 60 grams of bluesign certified insulation
• Reinforced knees, instep, and bottom hem. 
• Removable Bib – I don’t even know of another brand that does this! 

Kid’s Element Jacket

The AKOVA Element jacket is the newest in AKOVA’s growing collection of awesome kids gear. This insulated jacket is perfect for very cold climates and blustery snow days. My son has been testing this jacket out all season, and he’s pretty much obsessed. Between the lime green color and matching lime green snow pants, and the cozy insulation, he doesn’t want anything to do with his other outwear! One thing I love about the Element jacket is the lower price point. Especially during AKOVA’s sales, this jacket becomes one of the best deals on kids outerwear around. From a quality standpoint, I think this is one of the best ski coats out there! (Be sure to subscribe to my newsletter to get alerts on AKOVA’s sales!) The one thing I really wish they added were pit zips. Since this is a thick insulated jacket, any warmth or sunshine can make your kiddos pretty warm. It’s definitely not a spring skiing coat, but the perfect coat for cold weather.

Features we love in the AKOVA Element Jacket:

• 150 grams of Thermore Freedom Insulation (such warm, stretchy insulation that makes movement easy and natural!)
• 10K/10K waterproofing. This waterproofing rating is lower than the Elevated Hardshell, but it’s still been more than enough to keep my son warm and dry, even in the wettest, snowiest days. 
• Helmet-compatible adjustable hood
• ALL the pockets! My son loves carrying his own snacks now!
• Reflective safety details give me peace of mind while night skiing.
• Vibrant colors make it easy to spot my son on the mountain. 

 AKOVA Men’s and Women’s Outerwear Jackets 

AKOVA’s new line of adult outwear has been a game changer for adult ski gear! Not only is the Legacy line comparable to the best outerwear on the market, but it’s at a lower price point for premium gear, thanks to the direct to consumer model. Amazing gear at a lower price? Yes, please!

 Women’s Legacy 3L Insulated Jacket

Is there such a thing as the perfect insulated jacket? If there is, I think the Legacy 3L jacket is it! Full disclosure: I’m more of a shell and layers type of skier, and have always kind of struggled with finding an insulated jacket that wasn’t too warm. I think the AKOVA Legacy 3L might be it! First of all, this jacket has the four way stretch that all the Legacy line has, and honestly, I’m completely obsessed with wearing ski gear that is not only waterproof and breathable, but MOVES WITH MY BODY! It’s been such a game changer to my ski days. I also love the attention to detail that AKOVA took, like the soft-lined high collar and the mesh phone pocket in the right front zipper. (I do wish the left one had this too, for us lefties!) Add in a durable, wind resistant and waterproof exterior, as well as 90 grams of insulation on the body of the jacket, and it makes for a perfect ski day jacket.

I think what I’ve realized I love so much about this jacket is that it’s perfect for my season in life. I’ve already mentioned that I’m typically a shell and mid layer girl, but I’m at this funny spot skiing where I’m not a sweaty mess scooping kids off the bunny hill, but we’re also not ripping diamonds and off piste terrain all day. We’re doing fun, mellow blue runs, and I’ve found this season that I’ve been colder than normal in my hardshell jackets. I think it’s because I’m not getting the workout of skiing with toddlers or skiing on my own. I need extra insulation and bomber wind resistance for this season of life! Honestly, this is the best ski jacket I’ve had. 

What I love about the Legacy 3L Insulated Jacket:

• Super durable fabric with waterproofing and wind resistance
• Soft, cozy insulation
• Stretchy fabric that actually moves with me
• All the pockets! The main pockets on the front are also super deep, something that doesn’t always happen in women’s gear. 
• Pit zips for warmer days (or hauling kids around the bunny hill!)
• Adjustable hood that fits my helmet perfectly. 
• RECCO technology (just for peace of mind!)
• Waterproof zippers

One thing that could be adjusted: The zipper is a one-way zipper. Typically I keep my phone in my mid layer pocket so it doesn’t freeze. In this coat I’ve actually used the outside pocket because it’s not as accessible in my mid layer, and it is insulated. So far the phone hasn’t frozen yet! I do think it’s easier to zip with a one way zipper, so there’s that!

Women’s Elevated Hardshell 2.0 Jacket

The Elevated Hardshell 2.0 Jacket is made of the same bomber materials as the kids’ Elevated Hardshell. With 20k/20k waterproofing and breathability, this is a great option for a lower price than the Legacy line. I love that it has that soft fabric lined high neck and an adjustable hood for a perfect helmet fit. I also like that there are plenty of convenient pockets for the ski day. 

One thing I’ll say when comparing the Elevated Hardshell vs. the Legacy Hardshell is that the Elevated Hardshell is significantly thinner than the Legacy. It’s a great option for super snowy ski days or even the dreaded R-word on ski days, but it’s going to need a lot of extra layers for the coldest of ski days. If you’re looking to make the Elevated your everyday rider, be sure you’re prepared with plenty of layers for blustery or frigid days. I’d recommend sizing up to accommodate extra layers too. 

What I love about the lightweight features is that it makes it a more versatile jacket. It’s definitely getting packed for our spring/fall camping trips and our annual trip to Oregon. 

Also, if you’re a guy looking for a great hardshell jacket, be sure to check out the Men’s Elevated Hardshell 2.0! It’s got the same great features as the women’s and kid’s Elevated Jacket!

 Men’s Legacy Hardshell Jacket 3L

Unlike me, my husband tends to prefer an insulated ski jacket and wear fewer layers under the jacket. A lot of that has to do with the fact that my husband can’t get enough of skiing. He’s a ski instructor who works long days outside, but when he has a break he chooses to ski for fun. That means he’s usually skiing from bell to bell, and add on night skiing, he can be out in the elements from 9 am to 7 pm with very little time spent inside! So it’s been a little bit of a surprise for me to see him consistently reaching for his Legacy Hardshell 3L jacket over his insulated jacket. He’s shared that he’s been warm and comfortable, even on single digit days. I think the Legacy Hardshell 3L has made him a hardshell convert after all! 

Features he loves about the Legacy Hardshell 3L:

• All the pockets! My husband likes to carry plenty of stuff with him on the hill, and the Legacy 3L has definitely fit his needs. (How many beers can he fit in this coat?! Just kidding, check out his collapsible water bottle that keeps him hydrated and outside for longer!)
• Waterproof jackets that actually hold up to the elements. My husband skis a lot, and in all conditions. This jacket has been 3 layers of Torain waterproofing, delivering ultra waterproof material with fantastic breathability. (A unicorn in ski gear, honestly!)
• Pit zip vents AND tricep vents. It’s basically like a built in air conditioner.
• Recco equipped technology. 

Men’s and Women’s Snow Pants

Women’s Legacy Bib

Full disclosure here: I’ve never worn a snow bib until I tried the Legacy Bib. I always thought they would be uncomfortable or awkward to get in and out of, but I was so wrong when it comes to the AKOVA Legacy Bib! These snow bibs are by far more comfortable than any snow pants I’ve had in the past! The stretch feels intuitive and the pants move seamlessly with my body. I also love the added synthetic insulation. I’ve been able to stay warm on cold days, even with only a base layer underneath. I do need an additional mid layer on super cold days, but that’s pretty typical of any ski pants. 

As far as the fit goes, I’ve found the medium to be a perfect fit for my 5’3” frame. Although I’m not very tall, my legs have always been a regular length, but I have a very short torso. The adjustable straps make fitting my short torso easy, and the upper portion of the bibs fit comfortably on my shorter frame. In fact, these bibs are so comfy that I’ve been wearing them in the lodge and even on the drive home (something I typically never do!) 

Features I love in the Women’s Legacy Bib: 

• 4-way stretch, thanks to the innovative Toray fabrics (the stretch is AMAZING – by far my favorite thing about these bibs!)
• Five pockets, including some pockets with a mesh liner for your phone or cards
• Mesh lined thigh vents to keep you comfortable in all temperatures
• Synthetic insulation for comfort on colder days
• Recco equipped for rescues 

Features I’ve struggled with:

Initially, I had the fabric on the side zipper get stuck on my bib. It was so stuck that I ended up needing to take them off. I still couldn’t get the fabric unstuck, so I had my father in law get the fabric caught in the zipper out for me. I’ve found that I need to keep the tension on the fabric taut while I zip myself in, and I’m good to go. However, I’m worried that if I didn’t keep that tension I’d get the fabric stuck again. 

Men’s Legacy Hardshell Pant

I hate to be redundant here, but once again, my husband always thought her preferred insulated gear until he tried AKOVA. The Men’s Legacy Hardshell snow pant is durable and waterproof enough that with a great mid layer, my husband has been grabbing these ski pants over his other options. Maybe it’s the stretchy, lightweight material, or the way he stays dry even in the rain, but I think he might be in love with a pair of pants for the first time ever. 

What he loves about the AKOVA Legacy Hardshell Pant

• Five pockets for storing all you need to carry on the mountain
• Designed with Toray technology, allowing 4-way stretch, durability, and superior waterproofing
• Fit to size, so you don’t have to worry about getting the wrong size
• Recco equipped technology

What he doesn’t love:

One thing doesn’t work well for my husband when he’s snowboarding. That’s the 3 button cuff adjustment on the ankle cuff. He claims it gets in the way of his snowboard binding. Obviously, it hasn’t been a deal breaker, but maybe it’s just a feature he could do without. 

AKOVA Mid Layer Jackets

If you’re like our family, you want to choose a mid layer jacket that can do double duty as an insulating layer on ski days as well as a comfortable jacket for other outdoor activities. The whole lineup of AKOVA mid layer jackets fits this bill perfectly. From hikes to camping on the Oregon coast, to just our daily lightweight jacket, our whole family consistently grabs our AKOVA Insulated jackets for daily use. In fact, I’ve been reaching for my Legacy Insulator over my trusty old Patagonia more and more often this winter and spring. 

Kid’s Elevated Insulator

The kid’s Elevated Insulator has been a staple for our family since it came out. Made with the same premium Thermore Freedom insulation as the adult Elevated Insulator, this insulated puffy is ultra-thin, but warm and stretchy. It makes the perfect mid layer with the Elevated Hardshell, or it works well on its own, too. My kids use theirs for all sorts of adventures, including everything from trips to the park to hiking and camping. 

I love that this jacket includes a pass pocket in the left arm, making it the perfect spring skiing jacket, or a great layer under a jacket without a dedicated pass pocket. 

One thing I’m hoping for are an expanded color options. Currently, the Elevated Insulator is available in black and blue. 

Kid’s Essential Fleece 2.0

The Kid’s Essential Fleece 2.0 is a fantastic mid layer option for kids with insulated outer layers, or the perfect lightweight fleece option for 3 seasons. My daughter even grabs it as her jacket for warmer winter days! I love that it doesn’t have the typical feel of a fleece jacket- no piling or worn out fleece here! The exterior has a smooth and stretchy fabric that holds up to wear and tear well. The interior is made of a series of grid fleece, that is both breathable and warm. It’s the perfect lightweight mid layer or lightweight sweater for spring, summer, or fall.

Men’s and Women’s Legacy Insulator

The Men’s and Women’s Legacy Insulator include the same great materials as the other gear in the Legacy collection. The four way stretch makes this insulated jacket super stretchy and comfortable for any activity. Meanwhile, the durable and water resistant outer layer makes it a tougher option than other puffy jackets on the market. (No more snags on whatever gets in your way!) This is a big reason why I’ve started grabbing the Legacy Insulator over my other puffy jackets. It’s so durable that I don’t feel worried about it ripping, and the water resistance keeps me warm and dry, whether that’s on a hike, camping, or just running errands around town.

My husband feels the same way. He’s worn his Legacy Insulator religiously since he got his. It’s without a doubt, our favorite, most versatile piece of AKOVA gear! 

 AKOVA Base Layer and UPF Tops and Accessories

Kids Base Layers

My son always grabs his old Shred Dog base layers for ski days, and there’s still a limited quanity in stock! We love how durable, warm, and comfortable these base layers have been, holding up to years of kid wear and tear. They’re made of synthetic fibers that clean easily and last wash after wash without piling or showing their age. I HOPE that AKOVA continues to make these after the Shred Dog stock is sold out (but in the meantime, grab them for an amazing steal of a deal!) 

The newest member of AKOVA’s base layers are the versatile UPF 50 tops. The hoodie is moisture wicking, fast drying and perfect for any adventure! One thing I’ll say is that the UPF 50 shirts are significantly thinner than the Shred Dog Foundations shirts. That makes them perfect for 3 season adventures, or layering on a cool winter day. I’ve found them a bit too thin for very cold or windy ski days. 

Men’s and Women’s Base Layers

I feel pretty similar about the adult UPF 50 tops to how I feel about the kids’ UPF 50 tops. They’re great and versatile, but a bit thin for really cold ski days. I can’t wait to use my Women’s LS 1/4 Zip for all the hiking and camping adventures in the mountains this spring and summer! I think it’s going to be the perfect fit when paired with my Legacy Insulator. 

Kid’s Elevated Junior Gloves

My son has been using the Elevated Junior Gloves for two ski seasons now. He loves that he’s got a durable pair of gloves, since apparently, mittens are for little kids. What we love about these gloves is the flexibility, grip, and waterproofing. What’s been a struggle for us is keeping his hands warm on cold ski days. Due to those issues, we typically grab these gloves for playtime outside, spring skiing, and daily use at school.

Are you ready to join the AKOVA family? Get 25% off with discount code OUTDOORSYFAMILIES!

AKOVA Gear

AKOVA makes high-quality ski gear for the whole family that will last for years to come. We’ve found AKOVA is good gear at a reasonable price, and definitely worth the investment for the whole family. You’ll be able to use this gear for years to come.

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