Ski Jackets

When heading out to hit the slopes or heading for a long winter hike, you want to make sure your ski jacket  is up to date. Retro might be in for the rest of the fashion world, but 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 they are more lightweight.

Hot New Product

The Glacial Jacket from Sypder  offers warmth on the coldest winter days with a kick that keeps you pumping the tunes through the steepest slopes. The "Gesture Control" allows you to adjust your MP3 player  via a touch-sensitive pad on the upper left sleeve with a brush or tap of your gloved hand. Taking things a step further, an external pocket is designed to fit your MP3 player. Other features include fully taped seams and waterproof zippers, removable heavy weather hood, airflow ventilation zippers, custom chamois lens wipe on shock cord, micro fiber inner collar to prevent chafed skin and micro fleece lining.

The Three Layer System

The three-layer system is agreed upon as the best way to protect yourself from the elements. The wind and waterproof layer protects against the elements while releasing perspiration. 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 common underwear capture moisture, hold it against your body after it has stopped sweating and uncomfortably cool your body. Make sure you choose a fabric that will not retain moisture, rather transport it away from the skin. Some characteristics to look for in you base layer material:

• Only absorbs a small percentage of water -- less than 1 percent is acceptable.
• The fibers should be lightweight and durable.
• 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 between the fibers, forming the protective layer of still air for the main insulation. Materials need the ability to retain still air to insulate and prevent the body from heat loss and have the same moisture-wicking properties of the base layer. Popular materials 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 is a fluffy air retaining surface.
• Bunting: A fleece that is napped on both sides, creating a tight solid weave on both sides.
• 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, windproof, get rid of body moisture ad protect from chaffing, cuts, scrapes and other outside damage. There are few things to consider when judging the water resistance of your material.

• The waterproofness 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.
• 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 a possible and avoid seams in vulnerable places like the shoulders and upper back.
• Zippers are another weak point in defending against moisture. Look for zippers that are well-shielded.

Outerwear

If you don't opt for the three layer system, you can buy an 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. Here are some basic tips to follow.

• Your ski jacket should be waterproof, both on the exterior and within the inner layers. Some outerwear may also contain a moisture-wicking layer attached to the underside of the shell that helps promote the release of perspiration vapors and enhances comfort and the body's ability to stay warm.
• All the seams and zippers need to be closed and covered. Heavy duty plastic zippers are best because they resist humidity and rusting.
• A ski jacket should be ventilated or breathe through the fabric itself.

Insulating Materials

• 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 come 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.

Features

• 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.
• Sealed seams keep snow, sleet or rain from entering the jacket, making sure you stay dry and warm.
• Venting systems, commonly located under the arm pit, allow the jacket to be ventilated using an easy-access zipper.
• Zippered pockets gives place to store valuables, such as a wallet or keys, and can also act as a hand warmer.
• 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.
• Layered design is actually three jackets in one that features an outer shell and a zip-in/zip-out inner liner. The two pieces can be worn either together or separately giving many different options for temperature control.

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