Guest Author: Whitney Buchli and Quotes from namuk Ambassadors
As a Swiss-Canadian family, we’re always on the hunt for new outdoor experiences. Whether we’re skiing in the Alps, canoeing through Canada’s wilderness, or setting up camp under the stars, we love to explore the great outdoors. Over the years, we’ve traveled the world together and spent almost two years road-tripping across North America, braving everything from sweltering summer heat to icy winter storms. As a Physical and Outdoor Education teacher, and with my husband being a former ski instructor, we prioritize high-quality gear that can keep up with our adventurous lifestyle.
When we had the chance to test namuk’s new ski “On Piste” collection Neve/Lumi and the “Off piste” collection 3 Layer, we couldn’t wait to see how they’d perform in real-world conditions. We put the gear to the test on a recent trip to the Lenzerheide ski resort in the Swiss Alps, where we enjoyed everything from ice skating and sledging to skiing at nearly 3000 meters in elevation. We experienced biting winds and deep fresh snow, but namuk’s gear proved more than up to the task. Having used and loved namuk products for over six years, we were confident these new collections would meet the high standards we’ve come to expect, and they more than lived up to our expectations.
Namuk is not only well received by us, but also by others. Valerie, one of the namuk Ambassadors from the Instagram Account @thenomadsfamily, who also tested the winter collections, sums it up perfectly: “Everyone at school asks my daughter, where our cool clothes with the owl come from!“
Neve Jacket + Lumi Pant Combo
Protection
The Neve jacket and Lumi pants impressed us with their performance in tough conditions. Our daughter stayed warm and dry while skiing all day and ice skating into the evening, thanks to the gear's excellent waterproofing and breathability. Even with strong winds and -9°C temperatures, the gear provided great insulation without overheating.
Jenny Lathrop Buchar, an Alpine ski racer from the USA and also namuk Ambassador, shares those experiences. Her daughter is on the local Ski Racing Team in Utah: “She zips the top and bottom together and that combo keeps her warm, even on the bitter cold days. She has racing practice at night and sometimes the wind is so harsh but she stays warm and toasty.“
Comfort
With its slim, performance-oriented fit, the Neve + Lumi set offered incredible freedom of movement. We loved how lightweight and soft the fabric felt, allowing our daughter to play, ski, and explore without feeling restricted. “That’s an important point”, adds Valerie. “My kids said that because it’s thinner, it feels lighter and easier to move around in.” Jenny also points out: “The fit is incredible, it fits my athletic child perfectly! The attention to detail is amazing, she loves all the features on the jacket.” Her conclusion: “It’s my new favorite!“
How We Combined It
We paired the Neve jacket and Lumi pants with other namuk essentials, starting with the Uil and Sova merino base layers, the Avan bio fleece mid-layer jacket, and the Loha bio-fleece neckwarmer. Our daughter loves that she can match her Legna helmet and googles to the hood of her jacket.
Why We Love It
As our daughter has gotten older, she prefers the style of the Lumi pants because it allows her to take them on and off quickly and easily. Being tall and slim, it's often a challenge to find pants that fit both her height and waist, but the adjustable velcro tabs and belt loops make it simple for her to find the perfect fit. Jenny shares a similar experience: “I so appreciate the slim fit and adjustability of the pants. My daughter is also tall and lanky, so all the other American brands don’t fit well, they are too boxy. The namuk sizing works great for her.” She adds: “The Ski Collection is my daughter’s go-to snow set for ski racing and family skiing. She says that it keeps her toasty warm and looks great too! And: we love the colors!“
The 3L - Turas Jacket + Dait Pant
Protection
For us, the Turas Jacket and Dait pant offer solid protection against the elements - they’re extremely waterproof, yet breathable and durable enough for any outdoor adventure. Also for Valerie's kids, the 3 Layer products made it possible to stay at the right temperature all winter long. “The shell was perfect for later in the season, and during the coldest months, we added an extra fleece layer inside, which kept the warmth.“
Comfort
With a similar slim and performance fit, the Dait pants differ in that they include an integrated bib, useful when using it as rain gear or if your child struggles to keep their pants sitting in the right position on their hips. The bib has a stretch waistband, which provides added comfort and mobility for a wide range of movement and protection, whether in the rain or snow. Valerie adds: “We live in Åre, Sweden, a ski resort, so my kids wear their ski clothes every day—not just for skiing but also to school and in daily life.“
How We Combined It
The beauty of these products are that there are endless ways to combine them with other namuk products! For cold ski days, we combined them with the Uil and Sova merino base layers, the Loha bio-fleece neckwarmer, and the Glow Primaloft jacket. You can even take advantage of the zip system with the Glare Primaloft jacket if you prefer an inner layer without a hood.
Why We Love It
The standout feature of the 3L jacket and pant combo is its versatility. We love how lightweight and functional they are, making them an all-season essential in our gear collection. Whether we’re skiing in the winter or using the set as a rain suit in the warmer months, it’s an easy-to-use and adaptable combination. We can already imagine it becoming our go-to outfit for those unpredictable fall hikes or breezy spring camping trips - perfect for keeping the kids comfortable and dry no matter what nature throws our way! Valerie sums it up: “Pros: You can adjust warmth by adding the fleece layer or go lighter with just the shell, which makes it super versatile.“
You Can’t Go Wrong!
Overall, namuk’s Neve/Lumi Combo and the 3L collection have become staples in our family’s outdoor wardrobe. Both sets exceeded our expectations when it came to weather protection, freedom of movement, and durability. Whether you’re looking for something versatile for everyday play in the snow or gear built for active winter adventures, namuk has you covered. We love the thoughtful design and attention to detail that went into each piece, and as a family that spends a lot of time in the outdoors, we can confidently say that namuk gear is built to last and perform. We’re already excited to take these pieces on our next adventure!
