Ski Jackets Buying Guide

Whether heading out to hit the slopes or going on a long winter hike , make sure your ski jacket  is up to date. When facing the elements, modern materials, designs, and features have rendered the jackets  of yesteryear obsolete. Today's jackets breathe better, stay drier and warmer, and are more lightweight. They are also loaded with features to give you the most convenient and comfortable fit while supporting you during your favorite winter activities.

The Three Layer System

The new "three-layer system" is agreed upon as the best way to protect yourself from the elements. Layered jackets  use a multitude of fabrics, laminates and coatings, each with their own price tag, advantages and disadvantages.

Base Layer

The base layer , also known as the wick layer , is the layer of clothing that is in direct contact with your skin. A common problem with outdoor activities is after-exercise chill. Cotton t-shirts  and other underwear  capture moisture and hold it against your body after it has stopped sweating, making you uncomfortable. Make sure you choose a fabric that will not retain moisture, but rather transport it away from the skin. Some characteristics to look for in your base layer material:

• Absorption: Only absorbs a small percentage of water--less than 1% is acceptable.
• Fibers: The fibers should be lightweight and durable.
• Odor-Blocking: Should be treated to decrease smell and itch due to body odor or fungi.

Insulating Layer

The second layer of clothing you wear is meant to retain body heat, and the best way to do this is to create a layer of still air around the body. This decreases the heat exchange between your body and the outside. This layer is commonly made up of polyesters  that are treated to make the fibers stand up and trap air, forming the protective layer of still air for the main insulation. Materials should have the same moisture-wicking properties as the base layer and should prevent heat loss. Popular options are:

• Fleece : A dense knit of polyester fabric is taken and passed through a napping machine. One side of the fabric has a tight solid weave, while the other has a fluffy, air-retaining surface.
• Bunting : A fleece that is napped on both sides, creating a tight, solid weave.
• Pile : A single-sided fleece fabric that has undergone more napping, creating a thicker open fabric.

Outer Shell

The third and final layer, the outer shell , has unique characteristics because it has contact with the outside world. This layer must be waterproof  and windproof , and get rid of body moisture. It must also protect from chafing ,cuts , scrapes, and other outside damage. There are a few things to consider when judging the water resistance of your material.

• Waterproof: The water resistance of a fabric is measured in pounds per square inch (psi) of water pressure. Standard ISO 811 signifies the testing of the fabric under their actual usage conditions. For the outer shell, a score of 40 psi is ideal.
• Seams: Check the seams of the jacket. Like tents, this is the first place water is likely to seep through. Look for a coat with as few seams as possible and avoid seams in vulnerable places like the shoulders and upper back.
• Zippers: These are another weak point in defending against moisture. Look for zippers that are well-shielded and coated with plastic to resist humidity and rusting.

More Tips

• If you don't opt for the three layer system, you can buy a coat that has the outer two layers incorporated within. Often times, jackets come with a detachable fleece  that works as your second layer. Make sure to keep a proper first layer to ensure optimal performance of your coat.
• Your choice of an insulated piece of outerwear versus a non-insulated shell will depend on two main factors: weather conditions and what you plan to wear underneath.
• Most insulation is made of polyester and comes in a variety of weights and lofts. The greater the weight of the loft, the more insulation it provides.
• Down  is compressible, lightweight, breathable and it offers a high warmth-to-weight ratio. The only problem is that once it gets wet, it loses all of its warmth retention capabilities.
• Radial sleeves  eliminate the restrictions and tugging that occurs in the shoulders of a normal jacket or parka by using a different construction of the shoulder, armhole and underarm panels. Radial sleeves also promote easier movement.
• Zip off hoods  help to control body temperature, visibility and comfort.
• Lift ticket D-ring  gives the skier a convenient place to put their lift tickets.

Hot Products

We've done our research so that you don't have to!  Below, you will find some of the latest and warmest finds out there. 

Men's

Columbia Sportswear Men's Whirlibird Parka  This 3-in-1 parka features a water resistant shell and an insulated liner jacket that can be worn alone or together.	Mountain Hardwear Men's Typhoon Jacket  Weighing only one pound, this hardcore weather jacket will keep you dry in a typhoon and warm in a blizzard.	Columbia Sportswear Men's Criterion Parka  100% nylon insulated parka with 250 gram removable microfleece jacket.	Arc'teryx Men's Theta AR Jacket  For the serious outdoorsman, this top of the line jacket will meet the demands of any mountaineer or back-country skier.

Women's

Patagonia Rubicon Rider Jacket  This water repellent jacket stays soft and warm in the harshest elements.	Columbia Sportswear Women's Whirlibird Parka  Columbia's layering system keeps you comfortable all year round with a removable liner for wamer days.	The North Face Women's Venture Jacket  An ultra thin jacket for varying weather conditions.	Arc'teryx Women's Beta SL Jacket  For the mountain woman who doesn't want all the bulk.  This coat utilizes specially designed, thin layers to keep you cozy.

Pro Ski Jackets

This is advanced level gear specifically designed for the competitive skier/snowboarder.

Men's

The North Face Steep Tech Work Shell Jacket  This jacket was built for professionals and extreme conditions.  Zip vents allow you to control ventilation when needed.	Spyder Titan Insulated Ski Jacket  The sleeves can be removed from this jacket to make a vest suitable for less intense slopes.	Arc'teryx Sidewinder AR Jacket - Men's  This coat features the patented Gore-Tex shell fabric that keeps moisture out and keeps you dry.	Bogner Sport-It Jacket 2010  If you have money to burn and the skills to back it up, this German National Men's Ski Team jacket is for you.

Women's

Spyder Women's Knockout Jacket  Designed for a female-specific cut to reduce unnecessary bulk.	The North Face Milletan Ski Jacket  This women's ski jacket features all of the amenities you expect from North Face, like hand warmers, adjustable hem system, hook and loop adjustable cuffs,  and buddy lift clip.	Spyder Lightning Ski Jacket  This jacket comes in a variety of styles and has a 10K waterproof shell and 100g of insulation to fend off cold and moisture.	The North Face Get Down Jacket  600 fill power goose down provides a high warmth-to-weight ratio.

Related Guides

Ski Poles	Skis	Ski Boots	Ski Pants	Goggles