If you want to know what ski jacket to buy as soon as possible, please read the following quick guide!
- There are three main categories of ski jackets: shell jackets, insulated jackets and 3-in-1 jackets.
- Ski jackets are usually waterproof, breathable, and windproof.
- Ski jackets have collars, hoods and pockets that are designed for skiing and are very ergonomic.
- The best ski jacket on the market today is Arc’teryx Saber.
Whether you are on or off the slopes, a ski jacket is one of the most important pieces of clothing you will own. It needs to keep you warm in some of the most extreme weather conditions that your body will face. This includes brilliant sunshine, biting cold winds, wet snow flurries, and violent hail.On this topic, check out more articles in the Ski Jacket 101 series, where you can learn more about ski jacket Essentials and the three-layer dressing method, among others.A good ski jacket will keep you warm, dry, and on the mountain for longer. It needs to be practical, hard-wearing and keep you looking great on the slopes.
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How to Choose a Ski Jackets
Ski Jacket Types
The ski jackets on the market can be divided into three main categories: shell, insulated, and 3-in-1, so you can choose the best product within your budget. The most popular ski jacket is the shell, which can be used for both casual vacations and sports in cold and wet conditions, the insulated is the best choice for warmth in late winter skiing, and the triple jacket is more friendly to people on a budget or beginners.
Softshells and Hybrid Hard/Softshells
Shell (Non-Insulated) Jackets
Shell jackets provide rugged wind and moisture protection for remote areas and ski resorts. They are made of multiple layers of fabric laminated together and are usually highly waterproof, windproof, and moderately breathable. However, these jackets are not warm and you will need to wear a baselayer underneath the jacket once to stay warm
Insulated Jackets
The jacket combines a weatherproof shell with built-in insulation to provide excellent protection against moisture and cold. Most insulated ski jackets come with synthetic caulk; it’s cheaper and more breathable than down, and it insulates even when wet. Regardless of the type of insulation, keep in mind that these jackets are inherently heavier, less breathable, and have a smaller range of motion than the outer casing
3-in-1 Jackets
A 3-in-1 jacket typically consists of a waterproof and breathable outer jacket, also known as a shell, plus a warm, fleece-style jacket on the inside. They can be worn separately or zipped together, giving three possible configurations – perfect for changeable weather
Jacket Layers: 2L vs. 3L
One specification you keep coming up against when researching ski jackets is the number of layers of fabric (2L or 3L). This feature has to do with construction: the 2-layer jacket combines the outer fabric with a waterproof membrane and has a separate liner (usually mesh) on the inside, while the 3-layer construction connects all three parts together.
Waterproofing
Some Ski clothes are waterproof, and some are not. If you need a waterproof ski jacket, you need to look for a jacket that has a built-in membrane, such as GORE-TEX, and of course, the higher the price the more durable the jacket
Breathability
If you do a lot of “high energy” cycling, hiking or running and sweat a lot, look for breathability in the 10,000 to 15,000 gram range. Backcountry skiers and snowboarders, runners and mountain bikers should look for clothing with an air permeability range above 20,000 for best results.
Weight
For skiers, the weight of the ski jacket usually doesn’t matter as long as you feel comfortable, there is no need to sacrifice the comfort and safety of the jacket and adequate warmth in order to reduce a little weight
Collar & Hood
The ergonomic collar and hood protect the face, head, and neck from the sun, snow, sleet, hail, wind, or rain. In cold conditions, wearing a hood helps the body retain heat.
Pockets
Most ski jackets have two external zippered slit pockets that fit into the waistband of a backpack or ski mountaineering straps and can be repositioned at will. Other exterior pockets include a zippered arm pocket and a small chest pocket that can be used for electronics such as cell phones.
Best Ski Jackets of 2022-2023
- Type: Shell
- Waterproof、Windproof、Breathable、Durable
- Adjustable cuff with Velcro® closure
- DWR (Durable Water Repellent) finish repels moisture
- Articulated patterning for unrestricted mobility
- GORE-TEX three-layer construction delivers complete weather protection
- Helmet compatible StormHood™ provides full coverage without impacting visibility
- Zippered sleeve pocket for RIFD pass
Columbia Whirlibird IV Interchange 3-in-1 Jacket – Men’s（$230）
- Type: 3-in-1 Jacket
- Zip-in, 3-point interchange system lets you wear the shell alone, the liner jacket alone or the two combined
- Omni-Tech™ fabric and critical seam sealing provide air-permeable protection that’s waterproof and breathable
- Omni-Heat™ Thermal Reflective technology helps regulate your temperature with little silver dots that reflect and retain the warmth your body generates
- Thermarator™ synthetic insulation in the liner jacket adds warmth
- Attached, drawcord-adjustable hood, drawcord-adjustable hem and adjustable cuffs help seal in warmth
- Underarm venting lets you regulate temperature
- Zippered hand pockets; zippered chest pocket; ski pass pocket; interior security pocket; goggles pocket
L.L.Bean Men’s Pathfinder Gore-Tex Shell Jacket($249.00)
- Type: Shell
- Waterproof, breathable and durable Gore-Tex 3-layer protection against rain, wind, snow and sleet.
- Interior mesh pocket.
- Waterproof zippered chest pocket, plus two zippered hand pockets with storm flaps.
- Adjustable hood, cuffs and hem plus flexible brim keep out the elements.
- Fully taped seams and full-length storm flap seal out water.
- Ideal for all-day, four-season wear; easily layers over an insulated jacket for skiing or hiking.
- Underarm vents provide extra breathability during intense activities.
- Interior zippered chest pocket.
Patagonia Insulated Powder Town ($399)
- Type:Insulated
- Fully featured for versatility and focused on mobility, the Insulated Powder Town Jacket has an H2No® Performance Standard 2-layer shell for waterproof/breathable and windproof protection from the elements.
- A blend of Thermogreen® 100% recycled polyester insulation (80 grams in body, 40 grams in sleeves) creates targeted warmth, and an articulated fit allows freedom of movement.
- A smooth taffeta liner provides comfort and snag-free layering.
- Fair Trade Certified™ sewn.
- Type: Shell
- Removable powder skirt
- Fully-seam taped with 2L tape
- Water-resistant zips on all exposed openings
- Helmet-compatible + adjustable hood
- Front zip hand pockets
- Zip chest pocket and left wrist zip pass pocket
- Internal mesh pockets
- Cinch drawcord around hem
- Velcro adjustable wrist cuffs
- RECCOⓇ reflector
- 31 oz. (Medium)
Conclusion
First determine whether you really need a ski jacket, then study the average temperature and weather conditions at the ski location and time, then choose a ski jacket relative to the specific situation, for example, if you want to work in cold weather or sightseeing on the lifts, choose a warm jacket
FAQ
What is the best ski jacket brand?
- Arc’teryx.
- Patagonia.
- Helly Hansen.
- Outdoor Research.
- Columbia.
- Flylow Gear.
- Black Diamond.
- The North Face.
How do I choose a ski jacket?
Choose the most cost-effective product within the budget. You can compare the materials, performance, durability, etc. of the product on the shopping website, and choose the appropriate style and size.
Is an expensive ski jacket worth it?
It’s worth it, because an expensive ski jacket is often of good quality, fully functional, adaptable to most areas and weather, and can be worn for a long time
What color jacket is best for skiing?
It is best to choose bright colors, because bright colors are very conspicuous, easy to identify on the ski slope, avoiding collisions and reducing accidents, in addition, when you are unfortunate enough to encounter an accident, search and rescue personnel can also be the first to find you in a blanket of sno
