Canada Goose Timber Shell (Women)
By Payge McMahon
Overview
The women’s technical Timber Shell by CG is a tough, active, waterproof, lightweight, high-end jacket. Thanks to the slim fit cut, the Timber truly compliments the female figure. It is fashionable for everyday casual wear and functional with all sorts of outdoor adventures like skiing, running, hiking and mountain biking. When you get it dirty, just throw it in the washer.
I tested this jacket running in a 250km ultra stage race in Iceland, with damp, freezing temperatures and F1 hurricane (75+ mph) arctic headwinds, to hiking in the United States in the woods in a torrential downpour and sitting in the rain at an NFL football game. The Timber Shell is a good windbreaker and kept me dry from head to hips.
Snap Shot
- Fit: Slim Fit
- Sizes: 2XS – 2XL
- Fill: None
- Weight: 1.3 lbs. (600 grams)
- 7 different colors
- Left chest pocket with YKK® waterproof coil 1-way locking zipper
- Left inside security pocket with internal Canada Goose wire port
- Left cuff pocket with YKK® waterproof coil 1-way locking zipper
- Brushed tricot lined interior collar
- Adjustable waist from the inside, with an elastic draw cord
- Adjustable Velcro® cuffs to protect from cold and wind
- Centre back length: 27.5” / 69.85cm
- Single handed adjustable hem using pocket access to seal out cold and wind
- Underarm YKK® waterproof coil 2-way locking zippers for ventilation
- Reflective tape at under sleeve and collar for added visibility
- Centre front YKK® waterproof coil 2-way locking zipper
- Waterproof, breathable, fully seam-sealed
- Hip-length; cut longer at the back for more protection from cold and wind
- 3-way adjustable, helmet compatible hood (hood opening, horizontally, centre back vertical)
- Mesh panel pocket interior for added ventilation
- Retails: $650-$675 USD
Company
Founded in Toronto, Canada in 1957, Canada Goose produces some of the best extreme weather outerwear in the world. All products are made in Canada.
Design Features and Filed Functionality 
Layering
At 5’9”, 150 lbs., with an athletic build and broad shoulders, Canada Goose medium size fits me perfectly. The shoulders and arms were not tight and there is room to layer. Whether wearing a CG Hybridge Camp Hoody, a Hybridge Lite jacket or a bulky fleece sweatshirt underneath the Timber jacket, I did not feel restricted.
Cut & Design
The slim fit compliments the female figure. Incorporating an adjustable, elastic draw cord around the waistline, this allows the wearer to cinch the jacket in and out for a comfortable fit.
The hip-length cut is slightly longer in the back. Yes, technically speaking, this feature makes it warmer and offers better weather protection. Esthetically, as a female a bit self-conscious of her butt and hips, the cut complimentary accentuates curves while hiding certain–assets.
From hips to head, the jacket was an excellent windbreaker and kept me dry.
The 3-way adjustable, helmet compatible, hood with extended brim is very sturdy. It kept bitter cold, arctic winds, torrential rain and sleet off my face during the 250km Iceland race. I wore a ski hat under the hood and thanks to the adjustable cords, not once did the hood fly off my head. 
The adjustable Velcro cuffs and long sleeves protect the wrist and arms from elements seeping through. They also do well in securing gloves.
Material
The premium Tri-Durance HS, 3-layer, hard-shell fabric is supremely durable. Even when I fell down an Icelandic volcanic rock hill, the jacket did not rip.
Zippers
YKK® waterproof coil locking zippers are used on this jacket. They do a great job in keeping water out.
The center, main double zipper ,to open and close the jacket, is temperamental. You have to make sure latch is perfectly fitted or it won’t zip up. I have had the same zipper challenges with other CG coats.
Ventilation
Under both arms there is a ventilation zipper to aid in airflow. It will cool you off nicely. Depending on activity and if in a downpour though, when unzipped, this section will not be waterproof.
Pockets
There are a total of five pockets; four external (two hand pockets, a front, upper-left chest pocket and a lower-left arm pocket) and one interior (security pocket inside upper-left chest).
The pockets can store everything from a cell phone, small camera, keys, passport to GU gels and bars.
The pockets will keep items dry, albeit wearer does not sweat heavily. I put my cell phone in the exterior upper-chest and hand-pockets to see if it would stay safe when running in the rain. While it stayed protected from water on the outside, condensation built up on the inside. CG uses an internal mesh material that helps ventilation, unfortunately if you sweat in the jacket, condensation will build up inside the pockets.
Pros & Cons
Pros: Great windbreaker, flattering cut, durable
Cons: Internal condensation will also get inside pockets. Tricky double zipper.
