CKX Peak One Piece Suit Review

You might view the one piece suit as a passing fad. But if you are sick of having a cold back and a wet bottom, there’s no arguing—it’s time to get on the onsie bandwagon. Here’s my CKX Peak One Piece Suit review!

Don’t worry fellas, CKX makes a onesie for you too. Check out our CKX Elevation One Piece Suit Review for the boys.

With such a variety of one piece outerwear available, there is a suit for every rider. So how do you choose? You just need to know what’s important to you, and find one that hits the mark in those areas.

My main priorities are fit and comfort. I want a suit that never interferes with my riding, and that means a good fit. My second priority is staying warm and dry, no matter the weather. For me, a one piece suit needs to have the enough insulation for cold days, but find balance with breathability for warm, bluebird days. And finally, my priorities also include quality. The suit I choose must survive the beating of technical tree riding.

The inner suspenders of the CKX Peak suit are paired with an adjustable leg hook-and-loop system. It’s a fantastic design that allows the suit to adapt for those lucky, long-legged ladies, but also to shorten up for us riders who are more vertically challenged. It also has the option to completely detach the suspenders for absolute freedom of movement.

The cut of the suit through the elbows and knees allows for complete range of motion. And there is some added padding there for a little extra protection.

Although rated with “low” amounts of insulation, the CKX Peak Suit seemed to provide an exceptional level of warmth.

Photo: Sam Bergman

The polyester fabric paired with YKK Aquaguard zippers has been very water-resistant throughout a wide variety of weather and snow conditions this winter.

Unfortunately, the same material that forms a great barrier to the elements falls short in breathability. As my body temperature increases and kickstarts the glow of perspiration, the CKX Peak Suit seems to hold in the moisture instead wicking it away. My base layer, although warm, definitely becomes damp.

Part of the issue stems from wearing a vest-style avalanche airbag. The mesh-lined air vents can’t be accessed without removing my vest.

On the plus side, the inner leg cuff gaiters keeps unwanted snow from creeping into my boots and soaking into my socks.

I put the CKX Peak Suit to the test every ride, weaving through burnt forests and crashing through thick stands of fir trees. Of course (for testing purposes), I put the suit into many tree wells, through branches and bounced it off the running boards. To my surprise, aside from some soot streaks the CKX Peak shows no signs of wear.

The zippers have fared equally well, zipping easily without missing a beat even on the cold days.

There was definitely care put into the design and construction of the reinforced knee and leg stitching, with no pulls or loose threads.

The CKX Peak Suit is packed with features like the full-length side leg opening and D-ring tether attachment point.

The hood is also detachable, and the cuffs are lined with adjustable hook-and-loop straps for just the right fit.

The CKX Peak Suit is packed with pockets—on the legs, the chest and easy-to-access hand-warmer pockets.

But nothing tops the “drop seat” zip at the back.

When nature calls, ladies, no matter what you wear, this can be a level 10 challenge. The CKX drop seat relieves the struggle of disrobing in the snow. With the CKX Peak, it’s just one quick zip and away you go.

Photo: Sam Bergman

The Ocean Blue/Coral Pink colour of the CKX Peak Suit is highly visible. Of the three available colour options, the Blue/Coral combo is the best for being spotted easily in the trees, especially when you’re stuck and in need of a helping hand. If you prefer to be less vibrant, consider the blue or black suit.

Naturally, after spending some time ripping through burns, the coral/blue on this suit does pick up a certain amount of charbroiled tinge.

After a full season of abuse, I can say that this suit is clearly made with high-quality materials and stitching. The zippers have stood up to freezing temperatures. And ladies will appreciate the “drop seat” design for long days on the mountain.

If your priority—like mine—is comfort and quality, then the CKX Peak is the suit for you!

– Val