Expert Review
The Salomon Momentum Softshell Jacket and the Salomon Momentum Softshell Pants will be appreciated by a variety of Nordic skiers, from the recreational level to elite racers. This jacket-pant combo works well together, with both items offering the same high level of performance. The Momentum jacket and pant are true three-season pieces, adaptable for different temperatures, depending on how you layer them. Though mainly intended for Nordic skiing, these products are also great for trail running and the jacket works well for biking, too. I recommend these Salomon products for the majority of customers coming in the door of the White Pine Nordic Center. However, they are not intended for backcountry touring. Uninsulated and only water resistant (instead of fully waterproof), these garments would be less than ideal for getting caught in a storm up in the Uintas.
Technical Features
The Momentum Softshell Jacket and Pants both have a wind-blocking Windstopper front panel and an extra stretchy, breathable back panel – ensuring comfort during fast moving pursuits in cool to cold weather. The technical features on the jacket are really well thought out. High pockets remain accessible when you’re wearing a hydration hip belt, a zip chest pocket is perfect for an energy gel, and the horizontal back pocket can easily fit your gloves or an extra layer. Even better, this jacket has mesh underarms for ventilation and brushed fleece inside the collar and inner cuffs for next-to-skin comfort. Something I really like is the chest snap fastener. When you unzip for some fresh air, you don’t have to look like Superman or a flying squirrel when you’re tucking on a downhill.
The Salomon Momentum is a best-selling softshell pant for us. The design is simple, but that’s exactly how it’s supposed to be. These pants have a drawstring waist, one zippered back pocket, quarter length ankle zips for easy on and off, and a silicone strip inside the ankle to keep them in place. In other words, nothing fancy. My rating for them reflects that there are snappier and more technically advanced pants out there – although, as is, the Momentum pants are perfectly good.
The Fit
It can be super annoying to feel restricted by your clothes, regardless of whether you’re Nordic skiing, running or going on a winter hike. The articulated design and thoughtful paneling of the Momentum Jacket and Pant allow for a great range of motion. Both pieces offer an athletic fit with room for layering, and their sizing is true to American sizing, even though Salomon is a French company. The thicker material limits the fit of these outerwear pieces, making them just a bit more restrictive than they might be if they were made with lighter-weight material, but this isn’t too big of a deal. The jacket especially, has a great cut. I have chicken legs, so I feel like the pants have a little extra room in the waist and above the knee.
Our guides and instructors at the Nordic Center have been stoked to use the Salomon Momentum Jacket and Pants as their uniform. The female instructors, in particular, have told me they love the way the women’s version of the Momentum pants fit. Not only do they appreciate the easy mobility, but they say the Momentums are more flattering than a traditional women’s Nordic ski pant.
Final Take
The Momentum Jacket and the Momentum Softshell Pant by Salomon are great Nordic outerwear pieces that make you feel fast. Offering excellent versatility, these products are great for most cross country skiiers.
Patrick Coffey, Nordic Center Director & Nordic Skiing Hardgoods Buyer
Experts Verdict
The Salomon Momentum Jacket and Pant are an excellent choice for those looking for versatile clothing for Nordic skiing that can also cross over into other aerobic winter sports.
Technical Features: Both the Salomon Momentum Softshell Jacket and Pants have the basics necessary to make them good performers for Nordic skiing, but the jacket takes things a step further with thoughtfully designed technical features to enhance your skiing experience.
The Fit: Both pieces have an athletic fit that stretches for mobility, with room for layers. The fit of the jacket is particularly good, while the fit of the pants was fine, just a bit too roomy for me in the waist and above the knees.
