How to Choose a Ski Jacket
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We detail what to look for in a ski jacket, including insulation, weatherproofing, breathability and durability.
As your outermost layer, ski jackets play a key role in keeping you comfortable and protected from inclement weather. The jacket market has expanded in recent years, covering everything from warm and comfortable insulated resort pieces to lightweight, breathable and stretchy styles for travel in remote areas. Below we detail all the important considerations for choosing the right ski jacket for you, including type (insulated, shell and triple), weather protection, durability, breathability, fit and more.
1. resort and/or remote area?
When choosing a ski jacket, first consider your planned use. If you are at a resort, your needs will be fairly simple: stay warm and dry. Of course there are other considerations such as pockets and build quality, but this is mostly about managing comfort on colder rides. On the other hand, those exploring remote areas need a jacket that breathes well, provides good mobility without restricting movement, and is lightweight and compressible enough to fit in a backpack. Finally, more and more riders want something that can be used for both resort and field use, combining a high level of weather protection with freedom of movement, ventilation and comfort. The good news is that there are plenty of quality options at a range of price points consistent with these uses.
Wintersport ladies ski jacket
2. Choosing the right type of ski jacket
The next step is to determine the ideal type of jacket. The following four styles vary greatly: soft-shell jackets are lightweight and versatile, warm styles are comfortable and warm, triple styles offer great value for money, and soft-shell fabrics are stretchy and breathable. Users in remote areas want a softshell or soft shell jacket in almost all cases, and the first three options are fair game among vacationers.
Insulated
For the healthier part of the resort skier, insulated jackets are the way to go. Their one-piece rugged construction is very comfortable and does an excellent job of isolating you from the cold and wet. When it comes to insulation types, synthetic is the most popular because it's more affordable and continues to insulate even when wet. You'll see down products occasionally, but synthetic insulation is available even in the most moisture-prone areas (it won't keep you warm when the down gets wet). It's also worth noting that the amount of insulation in this category may vary. When paired with a quality baselayer, some lightweight insulated jackets are warm enough to only be around the freezing point.
Shell Jackets
As the name implies, shell jackets are non-insulated and relatively thin and light. In general, they fall into two camps: resort-centric designs with rugged construction, ample storage and generous fit, and more technical, streamlined and packable remote hardshells. Both styles offer excellent weather protection and are perfect for a variety of conditions - you won't overheat on warm days and you can layer thickly underneath in cold weather. But given their lack of insulation, shells are less appealing to comfort skiers who want a comfortable setup, and they're not as valuable overall as the following two categories, since you still need insulation. But they win out in all-around versatility and are an excellent choice for serious riders.
3-in-1
A popular choice for budget seekers is the 3-in-1 style, which combines a shell and zippered insulation in one package. The biggest argument here is value: you get waterproof protection, warm enough for most vacation days, and the versatility of wearing an insulated jacket as a town piece for about $200. The compromises include a considerable jump in weight and overall bulk, plus a budget-constrained construction that isn't impressive in terms of fit and finish. But the all-in-one solution simplifies the jacket buying process, offers great versatility, and is a great way to save money for those just getting into the sport.
Softshells
Finally, softshell jackets are the least common type of jacket, but have a place among remote skiers in areas known for dry snow (think Utah and Colorado). The lack of full waterproofing makes them impossible to consider when it comes to inclement weather or resorts, but by removing the waterproof membrane, you'll get a huge leap in breathability. In addition, they are constructed with a healthy dose of spandex, which greatly improves mobility and comfort for high-output activities like touring. Again, these niche products lack the versatility of standard waterproof construction (note: there are many crossover softshells/hardshells available for protection upgrades), but softshells can serve as excellent secondary jackets for mild weather or spring tasks.