So it occurred to me this morning as I dug out my snow jacket and zipped off the kite panel that the last time I wore the coat was at Skyline with Canuck.

*sigh*

What happy memories. What a day, what a day. Thanks Canuck! I'll meet you here again one day and see if I can keep my skis under me!

I need one of those made for me before the snow hits here. Where did you get it? Do you have to send your jacket off to have it fitted? Any complaints about it's performance that can't be worked around? I would love to be able to snowkite without the constant adjustments of my jacket/harness fitment.

I don't require people to send the jacket to me. We just work to find out what zippers you've got and how long it is. That's really all you need. It's a total custom thing so whatever people want they get. Macboy made his own, if you want to bust out a machine and whip one up yourself go for it!

But for the time and effort involved (not much but a bit) I know rudeboy will hook you up at a reasonable cost and you'll get a wicked finished product.

Original Thread

I'd rather buy that sort of thing. I've sewn my share of things but usually had a model to copy off of. Thanks for the info

And then light bulb hits the mainstream:




UltraNectar 2011 Snowkite Jackets
Since the beginning of Kiteboarding and snowkiting UltraNectar has been the outerwear and apparel leader in the kite world. The 2010/11 snowkiting jacket is laden with specific snowkiting features that make the entire snowkiting experience comfortable and enjoyable.

UltraNectar has made a total of 250 pieces in sizes M, L, and XL. This limited quantity has been broken down into 14 different color ways so as you can tell there is a severely limited quantity in each color and size.

These jackets have been made in the good old US of A in our own factory in Oakland California under the watchful eye of Chip Wasson.

Only available online or via word of mouth and are a fair US $280. You will have a unique look at your local riding spot. You will also have the strong sense that you are wearing something that is specifically designed for snowkiting, not some ski or snowboard jacket.

The Only Full Featured Snowkite Jacket

• Wear your harness underneath your jacket
  
• Detachable hood
  
• Vents/ access straps on your harness
  
• Back tightening system for clean hook access
  
• Integrated hand warmer cuffs
  
• Under arm stretch panels
  
• Large Velcro closure cuffs allow the rider to have their gloves over or under the sleeve
  
• Water proof breathable performance fabrics
  
• YKK brand zippers
  
• The kite line zipper pulls and UN kiter logo

It is our conviction that any snowkiter riding in any conditions will be thrilled with this jacket!

Snipped from: http://www.flyozone.com/snowkites/en/news/archive/2010/07/17...

Product site: http://www.ultranectar.com/snowkitejacket/

And for Rip: They also sell pink wraparound skirts.


Still like the idea of the panel better, as it doesn't necessarily tie you to one jacket.

ATB,
Sam

I just made my own kite/harness friendly jacket and sweatshirt. Bought a few two way waterproof zippers online and had them installed in a hoodie and a Burton AK jacket (pullover type). It fits perfect, looks custom and gets the job done.

Love the panels but it was tough to make it work with non jackets and matching the pulls and zippers.

But sam, UltraNectar has been making snowkite jackets since 2005...

My mistake then.... new to me, and they never came up in the other kite panel threads. If it wasn't for the Ozone snip, I never would have heard of them.

ATB,
Sam

Well, I guess most people didn't want to gamble on a unknown jacket that's 300$ VS less than $20 of materials to make a kite-panel!

(The ultranectar jackets are very nice and if they add d3o padding like the Mystic jackets then they would nearly be a must-have.)

The UN jacket is what made me come up with the kitepanel idea. I didn't like that the zipper would open up while riding creating a huge hole for wind and snow. And it only came in 2 colors. I looked like all the other guys who bought one as well. And it just wasn't as technical/performance as my shell. Plus, pull overs and asymmetric zips just aren't as great for everyday wear. Kite panels are what worked the best for me and it was easier to make then 300 dollars is to make!

On a plus though, the new UN jacket looks a lot cooler then the previous models. I wonder how many are really sold each year. With Wild Things, UN and Mystic all offering jackets to a small user base. I bet if they knew about the panel they'd beat me in the street and bury the idea like they did with the car that runs on water X-file style!

Yes, the customer base does seem rather limited.

Beat you in the street?!?!

Oh no, they have better ways to deal with riff-raff like you (and your little dog too)



Actually I like assymetric zippers.... lusted after a Malcom Smith jacket as a youth for that reason.

ATB,
Sam