Enjoy Free Shipping on Orders $100+* See Details

The Defiant™ Shell

Waterproof & breathable with innovative features

The Defiant™ Shell

Waterproof & breathable with innovative features

Related Styles

Shell

What Makes It KÜHL?

After only a couple of runs in The DEFIANT™ Shell big mountain jacket, you realize it could have only been developed from a lifetime spent in the mountains. A new state-of-the-art, waterproof, breathable fabric that stretches, yet never stretches out. Innovative features, such as adjustable direct forced air venting through the front zipper system, allow you to control and regulate your temperature like never before. Every detail feels intuitive. Every feature is where you would want it. And of course, a fit with 3D articulated patterning that made KÜHL famous. Elevate your experience with the feeling of freedom that comes naturally.

  • KÜHLFLEX™ 3L Layer 20K/20K breathable/waterproof & windproof premium performance fabric with high-performance membrane and circular knit backer 172 GSM
  • PFAS Free DWR
  • Made intentionally without added PFAS
  • Breathable shell fabric
  • Windproof
  • Waterproof
  • Stretch
  • "Editor's Choice" award winner - Ski Magazine 2026 Winter Gear Guide
  • "Best Versatile Ski Jacket" award winner - Men's Journal 2025 Ski Awards
  • Freeride fit designed to be roomier for layering in changing weather and to allow for more movement
  • Internal, knitted cuffs, goggle wipe, and removable powder skirt
  • Dual zipper, ventilated draft flap provides additional airflow for high output conditions
  • Sculpted hood patterning with a reinforced brim lets you spot your next turn and keeps the warmth in and the powder out
  • Two-way underarm zipper for venting and temperature-regulation
  • YKK weatherproof zippers with Hypalon zipper garages
  • Strategically placed reflective ribbon keeps you visible
  • Interior security pocket
  • Imported


Shell: Nylon
Powderskirt, Cuff Gaiters & Stash Pocket: Nylon, Spandex
Chinguard: Polyester

Care Instructions

  • Machine wash cold, delicate cycle
  • Do not bleach
  • No softener
  • Tumble dry low
  • Do not iron
  • Do not dry-clean

Style Number:

1900

KÜHLFLEX FABRIC


Natural stretch & abrasion resistant


After two and a half years of development, we landed on KÜHLFLEX™, a proprietary fabric that delivers state-of-the-art breathable, waterproof protection that is durable, quiet, and stretches. Flexibility is its strength! By redirecting impact, KÜHLFLEX™ reduces the risk of punctures and tears.

  • left image

    Cutting-edge KÜHLFLEX™ is a three-layer waterproof, windproof, and breathable shell fabric with built-in stretch for the ultimate in comfort and 20K/20K performance.


  • right image

    Designed to move with your body and bounce back — whether you’re ducking trees or dropping pillows.


    • left image
    • right image

    Forced direct front air system helps you adapt to changing conditions.

      Dual zipper front flap that opens up airflow exactly where you need it, without compromising coverage.

        • left image for now

        Purpose Built


        Whether you're charging resort laps or pushing beyond the boundary, Defiant™ is built to handle long days, changing weather, and everything in between.

        • right image

        Forced direct front air system helps you adapt to changing conditions.

          Dual zipper front flap that opens up airflow exactly where you need it, without compromising coverage.

            OPEN RESISTANCE, BOLD DISOBEDIENCE!

            Designed down to the smallest detail, The DEFIANT™ Series elevates your mountain experience. NEVER SETTLE™

            REMOVABLE POWDER SKIRT AND VENTILATED DRAFT FLAP

            Quick and easy, zip-on/off powder skirt with snap front keeps the snow out. A dual-zipper, ventilated draft flap option allows for airflow during high-output activities.

            KEEP THE WEATHER OUT!

            Internal knit wrist cuffs with our signature thumb loops keep the warmth in and the snow out. Easy exterior cuff adjustments.

            PASS POCKET ON THE SLEEVE

            Convenient pass pocket for easy scanning, quick access, and peace of mind.

            INTERIOR STORAGE

            A drop-in interior pocket combines with an interior, zippered security pocket to keep essentials close at hand.

            What do you think of this product?

            Fit & Sizing

            Runs Slightly Large

            Activities:

            Outdoor

            Height:

            5'6 - 5'8

            Experience Level:

            Expert of the Outdoors

            Ahh! The Kuhl Fit and Cut! Lots of compliments!

            The Bib and Shell are spectacular in fit! Jacket is highly functional with our without a pack, and with or without a helmet! The articulated arms and pocket are perfect! The chest pockets zippers are fluid and easy in the cold! The hood with its adjustments and brim offer clear visibility with or without a helmet! The Pit Zips are long enough ...

            Was This Review Helpful ?

            0

            1

            Jordan

            Activities:

            Active, Outdoor

            Height:

            5'6 - 5'8

            Experience Level:

            Expert of the Outdoors

            Best Ski Outerwear!

            These are by far the best ski outerwear I have ever owned. You will read it over ad over. They are very high quality and everything about them was purposeful and thoughtful. The placement and quantity of pockets makes it so convenient to bring everything I need for my ski day. I would highly recommend the shell and bib/pant combo. You will tha...

            Was This Review Helpful ?

            0

            0

            Tmonney

            Verified Buyer

            Activities:

            Active, Outdoor

            Height:

            5'9 - 5'11

            Experience Level:

            Casual Explorer

            Locked In All Day: Defiant Jacket & Bibs Deliver

            KÜHL Defiant Jacket & Bibs Conditions Tested Temperature: 18°F Weather: Constant snowfall (≈8 inches throughout the day) Wind: 10–12 MPH gusts Activity: Full day on the mountain, including some hiking Layering Setup Base layer Spyfire Vest Defiant Jacket Defiant Bibs Overall Impression Locked in, comfortable, and protected all day. No cold spo...

            Was This Review Helpful ?

            2

            0

            BSD

            Verified Buyer

            Activities:

            Travel, Active, Outdoor

            Height:

            5'9 - 5'11

            Experience Level:

            Seasoned Adventurer

            Mountain-Ready: Kühl Delivers ski gear

            Just put the new Kühl ski jacket and pants to the test and I’m seriously impressed. Warm without feeling bulky, breathable when pushing hard, and thoughtfully designed in all the right places. The fit is dialed, the materials feel premium, and it handles cold, wind, and snow effortlessly. Stylish enough for après, technical enough for full mou...

            Was This Review Helpful ?

            0

            0

            Jack

            Activities:

            Outdoor

            Height:

            5'9 - 5'11

            Experience Level:

            Expert of the Outdoors

            Best jacket I’ve owned

            This jacket is everything I wanted and more. It feels bombproof in terms of durability, super comfortable to move in, and has a really smart design with pockets and features exactly where you need them. It works great on and off the mountain and the build quality clearly sets it apart.

            Was This Review Helpful ?

            0

            0

            Art

            Verified Buyer

            Activities:

            Outdoor

            Height:

            6'0 - 6’2

            Experience Level:

            Expert of the Outdoors

            Perfect fit

            Nice soft shell! Great lighter wind layer. Room for a light layer underneath.

            Was This Review Helpful ?

            0

            0

            Lucas

            Activities:

            Active, Outdoor

            Height:

            5'6 - 5'8

            Experience Level:

            Expert of the Outdoors

            Great Shell

            This shell is very comfortable, flexible, and perfect for layering. Its breathable shell keeps you dry without overheating, even during intense activity. The high-quality material and thoughtful design make it a standout choice for serious skiers.

            Was This Review Helpful ?

            0

            0

            Thomas

            Activities:

            Travel, Active, Lifestyle, Outdoor

            Height:

            5'9 - 5'11

            Experience Level:

            Expert of the Outdoors

            Great Quality

            The breathability and warmth of this jacket allowed it to work great on warm spring days as well as cold winter days. It helped me make multiple IFSA junior freeride podiums in all types of conditions. The comfort, warmth, breathability, and versatility allowed for a perfect overall winter ski jacket. Has plenty of storage with big pockets. An...

            Was This Review Helpful ?

            1

            0

            Miles

            Activities:

            Active, Lifestyle, Outdoor

            Height:

            5'9 - 5'11

            Experience Level:

            Expert of the Outdoors

            Best Jacket I’ve owned!

            This is by far the best fitting jacket I have owned. The material is incredibly durable and waterproof, yet lightweight while still keeping you warm. The pockets are the perfect size and placement and the front vent is an incredible idea; hiking and skiing in this jacket during spring is a dream!

            Was This Review Helpful ?

            0

            0

            Peter

            Activities:

            Outdoor

            Height:

            5'9 - 5'11

            Experience Level:

            Expert of the Outdoors

            Super awesome jacket

            This jacket has it all. It is super durable and could with stand any condition. It is also super breathable at the same time with so many vents so you don’t get too hot. The jacket also has so many great pockets and on the bibs too. The jacket also looks really well and fits great.

            Was This Review Helpful ?

            0

            0

            See more reviews

            KÜHL Logo