Akova (formerly known as Shred Dog) recently rebranded to offer even better outdoor gear and now also includes gear for adults! ShredDog started out as a company looking to provide high performance ski gear for kids that didn’t come with the high price tag. Akova continues with that philosophy as a direct to consumer brand that designs premium outdoor wear without the premium pricing mark up.
Amelia has been using this gear for her kids and self for the past few years. This year Akova added some new products and updated some others that Amelia and Team Member Jami have been testing with their kids. So far, we have all good things to say!
Valid for any order at full price (not including Outlet and Renewed items that are already heavily discounted).
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All About Akova
Akova makes premium technical clothing for kids, men, and women. Winter jackets, snow pants, insulating jackets, base layers, and UPF 50+ shirts for the summer, plus some logo wear as well.
They strive to use the best materials and technology so you can enjoy the outdoors no matter the weather. Akova also only works with the best factories that have strict ethical standards and they are creating products with sustainability in mind.
And to top it off, Olympic Champions Julia Mancuso and David Wise are co-owners in the company and helping to design some of the best ski apparel out there. Akova is all about getting better gear to consumers at a better price. There is no markup. For more info, check out their pricing information here.
It means we can sell the equivalent of a $300 product for about $210. And it also means a $100 product of ours, compared to a $100 product from another brand, will be vastly different. We can invest in better materials, more features, and ultimately higher quality for the same final price point.
akova.com
Now this doesn’t mean you are necessarily going to spend less, but you definitely get more for your dollar. And to help with that bottom line, don’t forget to use our discount code!
Valid for any order at full price (not including Outlet and Renewed items that are already heavily discounted).
The Akova Guarantee
Akova believes in their products, and they want you to be fully satisfied. Of course they have a limited lifetime warranty for manufacturer defects, etc. But they also have a 100% Comfort Guarantee, meaning they know you are going to love it, or they will figure out how to make it right.
If you are not completely satisfied with the waterproofness, breathability, or overall performance, depending on the issue, we will repair, replace, or simply take back the gear and issue a refund.
Akova.com
Akova’s Adjust-a-Fit System – TWO WAY!
This is by far one of our favorite features. Akova features a TWO WAY adjustable sizing feature. No more ripping a stitch out to extend, but not being able to easily shorten again when you hand it down to the next child.
Akova has always had their Adjust-a-Fit feature from the beginning, but they did away with the buttons and changed a lower profile hook and loop strap. Amelia’s kids were often bothered by the bulkier button system, so we think this is a GREAT update. Time will tell if the velcro will hold, but we feel pretty confident in it so far.
Akova uses hook and loop attachments on the inside of sleeves and pants to shorten for the perfect fit and then extend as your child grows. Then, when you pass it down to a smaller child, shorten up again. SIMPLE and EFFECTIVE!
These are available on the jackets (sleeve length) and snowpants (leg length) for kids. We recommend sizing up and then using the Adjust-a-Fit when kids are smaller for the first year or two.
With this system – we recommend sizing up, and then adjusting the sleeves/bottoms shorter to fit now and then extend them as your child grows into it.
This is a little different than other brands where you buy their current size, and then release a stitch to get a few more inches.
Kids Outerwear
Akova has excellent hardshells, insulated jackets, and snowpants for the kids. They also have some gloves, gaiters, and hats available. Their line-up has recently gone through a re-vamp and we are loving the changes. Check out each of the outerwear products we have tested below for more info.
Colors: We LOVE that this gear comes in some bright color options, making it easy to spot your kids in the snow.
Sizing: We feel that the kids outwear runs true to size for most items, but the Adjust-a-Fit system makes it easy to size up or extend a year. We can definitely see two seasons of use out of these. All kids outwear starts at size 4 and goes up to kids 16. We recommend sizing up, and then adjusting the sleeves/bottoms shorter to fit now and then extend as your child grows.
TMM Team Member Jami’s daughter is 8.5 below typically wears clothing size Youth Medium/Size 8, with occasional Youth L shirt. She is pictured below wearing a size 10 Element Jacket and size 10 Elevated Bib. Before adjusting the length everything was long (as expected), but after adjustment it is a perfect fit and no doubt this will fit her again next year.
Amelia’s daughter is 8.5 and is wearing a size 8 (her normal size). The Element Insulated Jacket and Elevated Bib/Pant 2.0 fit her perfect.
This is how the same size 8 fits Amelia’s (almost) 7-year-old. You can tell she for sure has room to grow, but she’s not swimming in it. The cuffs and pant length are great. The adjustable waist also helps tremendously.
Kids Elevated Hardshell 2.0
This is an uninsulated hardshell, designed to be worn with layers under. This jacket can perform on the coldest winter days to wet spring days with proper layering. Zip in the Elevated Insulator jacket for colder days.
This is Amelia’s family’s favorite jacket for spanning 3-4 seasons (depending on if you get colder summer rains). We love the powder skirt, ski pass pocket, and pit zips for allowing more air flow on the warmest days. This is a must-have in Amelia’s family.
Elevated Hardshell Features:
- 20k/20k waterproof/breathability rating with fully taped seams and waterproof zippers
- Pit zips!
- Powder skirt with stretch fabric that can also hideaway
- The sleeves can now be worn over OR under gloves
- The high collar and helmet compatible hood keep heads warm on the cold and windy days
- Adjust-a-Fit two way customizable fit system
- Sleeve ski pass pocket
This jacket is best for:
- Skiing on windy or wet days
- Winter aerobic sports like snowshoeing or XC skiing
- Hiking
- Traveling where the temperature is changing and layering is key
Available in kids size 4-16. Sizing runs true to size, size up and then adjust down for more years of use.
Kids Element Jacket
This jacket is new to the Akova line up and we are impressed with it! Its a great option for those who don’t want to buy the Elevated Hardshell+Insulator combo.
This insulated jacket is perfect for cold winter days. The soft lining is comfortable and the exterior fabric is soft and just has a really nice feel to it. This is not a crunchy jacket, its more like a softshell exterior. We have used it on bitter cold days (below 0°F) with a merino wool base layer and fleece mid layer and on regular winter days with just a base layer underneath and our tester has been comfy, although sometimes a little too warm with high energy activities.
Amelia’s daughter wears the jacket and pants daily for school AND for skiing. She has found them to be very waterproof, comfortable for moving in, adjustable for going from ski boots to snow boots, and loves the pockets.
The only feature that doesn’t seem to exist is a external pass ring. When Jami’s family participates in activities at certain places (snow tubing, ice skating, little ski areas, etc), they receive a ticket with wicket and there is not an external pass spot. The ticket just has to get clipped on zippers, which works, but a dedicated D-ring would be helpful. Amelia, however, uses and loves the pass pocket on the sleeve!
Element Jacket Features:
- 150g Thermore® Freedom (bluesign® certified) stretch insulation with a soft, breathable lining
- PFC-free (C0) Durable Water Repellency (DWR) exterior
- 10k/10k waterproof/breathability rating with taped seams
- Stretch powder skirt with ultralight stretch fabric & air mesh breathability panel
- Interior and exterior pockets and hidden forearm pass pocket
- High, soft lined collar and a helmet-compatible hood
- Reflective safety details on the bottom of jacket and wrists
- Drop back hem to keep the lower back protected
- Adjust-a-Fit two way customizable fit system
This jacket is best for:
- Cold winter days where extra insulation is needed
- Snow play
- Skiing and snowboarding
- Families who only want to purchase one jacket (versus the shell and insulator separate)
Available in kids size 4-16. Sizing runs true to size, size up and then adjust down for more years of use.
Kids Elevated Bib/Pant 2.0
The Elevated Bib/Pants are great for all winter activities from snow play, to mountain skiing, to ice skating or any other winter activities. These snow pants can be worn as bibs or pants with a removable section above the waist.
In comparison to the previous version, these are slightly shorter, have a bigger range of adjustment at the cuff for less drag and are made of a different material. Amelia’s kids (who have not been as crazy about these for years) give the new Elevated Bib/Pant 2.0 a big thumbs-up!
Akova also added snaps on the bottom of their pant cuffs which will help immensely with pant drag. They can be buttoned tighter for normal snow play and then opened up more for a better fit over ski boots.
Mom’s favorite part? They have held up extremely well to hard use all fall, winter, and early spring wear. There is only some very, very slight wear on the bottom of the cuffs. That says a lot about pants/bibs! These will last years of use.
Jami has noticed the knee panels could be a little longer (more toward the bottom) as there is some wear just below the reinforced section from sliding around on knees during snow play.
Elevated Bib/Pant Features:
- 60 grams of Thermore® Freedom insulation (bluesign® certified)
- 20k/20k waterproof/breathability rating with fully taped seams
- Zippered thigh vents, reinforced knees, instep and bottom hem
- Removable bib section with a back stretch panel for improved comfort and mobility
- Inner snow gaiters with gripper elastic
- Adjustable waist tabs for a perfect fit
- Adjustable snaps for a secure fit over boots
- Adjust-a-Fit two way customizable fit system
These bibs/pants are best for:
- All winter activities!
Available in kids size 4-16. Sizing runs true to size, size up and then adjust down for more years of use.
Elevated Junior Glove
The Elevated Junior gloves are warm and dry. These gloves have been great for days when my kids are looking for a little more dexterity than their usual mittens. These gloves are grippy too! They are also not bulky and maybe even a little slim fitting. If your child has bigger hands, you may want to size up.
Using the same fabric as the Elevated Hardshell 2.0, these gloves are warm, dry, and breathable.
Elevated Junior Gloves Features:
- HDry® waterproof/breathable membrane directly 3D laminated to the inner glove shell
- Pittards® OILTAC™ leather palms and wrap-around finger tips
- 3M™ Thinsulate™ insulation – 100g in the palm, 200g over back of hand
- Soft, fleece interior
- Velcro wrist strap and a removable wrist leash
Available in kids Small, Medium, Large, and XL.
Kids Insulation and Base Layers
Kids Elevated Insulator
This mid-layer jacket is designed to zip into the Element Hardshell jacket as an insulating layer OR to be used as a lightweight standalone jacket. It has a soft and comfy feel and Jami’s daughter says she “feels like a pro waiting for a (bike) race to start” with it on. As the weather has been warming up, she has been using this as her spring jacket.
Elevated Insulator Features:
- Thermore® Freedom insulation (bluesign® certified)
- Body-mapped insulation, 100 grams in the core, 60 grams in the arms
- Durable Water Repellency (DWR) coating
- Fleece underarm panel for increased breathability and flexibility
- Can be zipped-in to the Elevated Hardshell Jacket and version 2.0
- Two zippered side pockets and one forearm zippered pocket
- Drop back hem to keep the lower back protected
- Adjust-a-Fit two way customizable fit system (button and elastic loop adjustment)
Available in kids size 4-16. Sizing runs true to size, size up and then adjust down for more years of use. But keep in mind you don’t want this one too bulky.
Akova LS Hoodie UPF 50+
These versatile shirts work just as hard as a sun hoody as they do working as a wicking base layer. The Graphene collection is UPF 50+, so it is ready for sunny days. Its also very lightweight, moisture wicking and anti-microbial. They have a nice soft feel to them as well.
Downside to these, only come in darker colors so not as reflective to sun/heat as some lighter colors would be.
Akova UPF Hoodie Features:
- UPF 50+ Sun Protection
- Thermo-Regulating
- Moisture-Wicking
- Fast-Drying
- Antimicrobial
- Thumb Holes
- 4-Way Stretch
- 46% graphene polyester / 46% polyester / 8% spandex
Available in kids size Small, Medium, Large. Sizing runs true to size, but its a more snug fit. Size up for a looser fit.
Women’s Outerwear
Women’s Legacy Jacket 3L
The Legacy jacket has the same durable, heavier fabric as the legacy pants/bibs that is stretchy and allows you to move with a softer fabric. Amelia likes the longer length, though this is a personal preference. The jacket runs slightly bigger than the pants, at least for Amelia. The arms are long on her.
Amelia loves the large pockets, the perfect weight insulation, and a nice big hood that fits over her helmet too.
Legacy Jacket Features:
- 4-way stretch, lightweight, ultra-durable Toray fabrics
- Fully waterproof, highly breathable membrane
- Body mapped 3DeFX+ insulation (60gsm sleeves & hood, 90gsm body)
- Mesh lined underarm vents and inner stretch wrist gaiters
- Fully adjustable helmet compatible hood
- Hide-away powder skirt
- Dropback hem with dual drawcord adjusters at hem
- Recco equipped rescue technology
Available in adult sizes Extra Small, Small, Medium, Large, XL, and XXL.
Women’s Legacy Bib / Pant
Amelia was super skeptical about these bibs since getting pants right for her can be a real struggle. In fact, when she originally put them on she hated them and wanted to return them. She decided to give them another try and quickly realized that she almost passed up the best pants. With wear they relaxed into an amazing fit.
They are waterproof, breathable and lightly insulated. They also have a comfortable under-the-chest bib height. Amelia is 5’3″ so worried about the length, but only notices them being an issue when not in ski boots. She wears a size XL.
They are a heavier (and very durable) fabric so best for colder days vs warm spring skiing.
Legacy Bib / Pant Features:
- 4-way stretch, lightweight, ultra-durable Toray fabrics
- Fully waterproof, highly breathable membrane
- 3DeFX+ insulation (40gsm)
- Convenient bathroom zip and stretch back panel
- Velcro waist adjustment
- Mesh lined inner thigh vents
- Boot hem gusset zipper with ultralight boot gaiter with silicone grip
- Reinforced instep and hem
- Recco equipped rescue technology
Available in adult sizes Extra Small, Small, Medium, Large, XL, and XXL.
Men’s Outerwear
Amelia’s teenage son wears the Men’s Legacy Hardshell 3L and it’s his favorite ski jacket ever. It’s a different fit than the women’s (made for men, of course) and fits him really well and allows for great movement. Same with the Legacy Hardshell pants!
Note: The women’s Legacy line is lightly insulated, the men’s Legacy line is hardshell only, no insulation.
Men’s Legacy Hardshell 3L
A high performance waterproof, breathable hardshell. This jacket is adaptable for many conditions. Amelia’s son loves the movement in this jacket and is his favorite jacket ever! And this kid has had many jackets.
Legacy Jacket Features:
- 4-way stretch, lightweight, ultra-durable Toray fabrics
- Fully waterproof, highly breathable membrane
- Mesh lined underarm vents and tricep exhaust vents
- Fully adjustable helmet compatible hood
- Hide-away powder skirt
- Dropback hem with dual drawcord adjusters at hem
- Recco equipped rescue technology
Available in adult sizes Extra Small, Small, Medium, Large, XL, and XXL.
Legacy Hardshell Pants
These waterproof/breathable hardshell pants are built to last. Strechy material moves with you and the articulated knees make for a comfy fit and wear.
Legacy Hardshell Pant Features:
- 4-way stretch, lightweight, ultra-durable Toray fabrics
- Fully waterproof, highly breathable membrane
- Velcro waist adjustment and sturdy belt loops
- Mesh lined inner and outer thigh vents
- Boot hem gusset zipper with ultralight boot gaiter with silicone grip
- Reinforced instep and hem
- Recco equipped rescue technology
Where to get Akova Gear?
You can get Akova gear only at Akova.com, don’t forget to use our discount code!
Valid for any order at full price (not including Outlet and Renewed items that are already heavily discounted).
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Akova Gear – Outdoor Gear for Kids and Adults
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