Asked by: Nele Galiot
sports skiing

What should I look for when buying a ski jacket?

Last Updated: 17th May, 2020

41
SKI JACKET BUYING GUIDE
  • Hardshell. A hardshell is a waterproof andwind-resistantjacket designed to stand up to pretty muchanything, whichmakes them ideal for the backcountry.
  • Softshell. A softshell jacket is a versatilelayerwhich can be worn as either a mid-layer or outerlayer.
  • Insulated.
  • Slim.
  • Regular.
  • Loose.
  • Piste.
  • Backcountry.

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Besides, what is the best ski jacket brand?

Top Winter Ski & Snowboard Brands for ApparelandGear

  1. Helly Hansen. Helly Hansen's Norwegian pedigree givesthisclothing and equipment brand a lot of winter credibility.
  2. Arc'teryx.
  3. High Sierra.
  4. SmartWool.
  5. Burton.
  6. Patagonia.
  7. Kari Traa.
  8. Mountain Hardwear.

Similarly, what do I need in a ski jacket? 10 Features Every Ski Jacket Needs

  • A waterproof, breathable fabric. You need a fabric thatkeepsthe snow and rain out, and lets your sweat escape too.
  • A high collar.
  • A hood that fits over your helmet.
  • Extra-long sleeves and/or snow-cuffs.
  • Underarm ventilation zips.
  • A lift-pass pocket on your left arm.
  • An inside pocket for your phone.
  • A snow skirt.

Considering this, should ski jacket be tight or loose?

You jacket should fit well, i.e. nottootight nor too loose. It should belooseenough to allow you to wear layers when needed buttightenough to keep you warm when wearing no or lesslayers.Jacket for downhill skiing tend to be closer fitting,i.e.to keep out the air and the snow during downhillruns.

What are the best brands for ski clothing?

The Best Ski Clothing Brands

  • 49 20. Arc'teryx.
  • 66 32. Helly Hansen.
  • 44 19. Patagonia.
  • 47 22. The North Face.
  • 23 7. Marmot.
  • 16 5. Mountain Hardwear.
  • 18 8. Black Diamond Equipment.
  • 19 9. Burton.

Related Question Answers

Tetyana Terrier

Professional

Is Arc teryx better than North Face?

While jackets that come from The North Facearenot cheap, they are considerably less expensive thantheirArc'teryx counterpart. These jackets are agreatquality and really worth the price. This means that theyactuallyenjoy having a jacket that is going to be durable and thatlastsfor a long time.

Airi Volmann

Professional

Is a down jacket good for skiing?

Down Ski Jackets
Although down jackets are lightweight andverywarm, they aren't ideal for skiing. This is becausetheywill lose their insulating properties when wet which meansyoucould become very cold should you fall.

Kasey Menck

Professional

Is Columbia a good brand for skiing?

Columbia Sportswear
The brand's ski collection is at home onresortslopes or in the backcountry, but it won't break the bank,makingColumbia a fave among schussers who want to getthebest bang for their buck.

Belinda Mikhailushkin

Explainer

Does Helly Hansen make good jackets?

Helly Hansen is a Norwegian brand known forgreatcoats and jackets made for the mountains andtheocean, so you can bet the company knows how to keepwearersdry and toasty. It's also engineered with HellyTechProtection, which is water- and windproof, but alsoplentybreathable to keep air circulating.

Gwenaelle Agustin

Explainer

What are the best ski jackets?

Ski Jacket Comparison Table
Jacket Price Best For
Arc'teryx Sabre $625 Resort/backcountry
Helly Hansen Alpha 3.0 $450 Resort
TNF ThermoBall Triclimate $349 Resort
Outdoor Research Skyward II $350 Backcountry/resort

Arcadi Valea

Explainer

What is a 3 in 1 ski jacket?

A 3-in-1 jacket consists of twojacketlayers that zip together. You can wear eitherjacket layerseparately, or zip them together for extrawarmth and weatherprotection.

Jianxin Howells

Pundit

What do you wear to ski?

There's no need for expensive, fancy skiclothesyour first time skiing. As long as you haveaturtleneck, a sweater or a fleece jacket, and some kindofinsulating pants (no denim, though) to wear under awinterjacket and waterproof snow pants, you should be warmenough.A pair of winter gloves is a good idea, too.

Siranush Pflugerer

Pundit

Is Spyder a good brand?

Spyder is generally good stuffandreasonably well made. But, like any ski brand, it's hardtosay that it is so good to be worth thatprice.

Yue Lizander

Pundit

Should I buy a coat one size bigger?

Yes, you should buy a winter coat onesizebigger! However, you don't want to be swimming inyourcoat either. If your coat is too big, therewillsimply be too much room and space for warm body heattoescape.

Philip Larroca

Pundit

What should I buy to go skiing?

First Time Skiing Checklist
  • Skis, Poles, and Bindings. If you do not own or lease skis,youwill need to rent them from the resort.
  • Ski Boots. You can rent ski boots at the resort, but this isnotrecommended.
  • Ski Helmet.
  • Ski Jacket and Ski Pants.
  • Base and Mid Layers.
  • Gloves / Mittens.
  • Ski Socks.
  • Goggles.

Aase Cachatra

Pundit

Is 5000 mm waterproof enough for skiing?

We recommend a minimum waterproof ratingof5,000 mm, or 5k, for ski and snowboard jacketsandsnow pants. Avid skiers and snowboarders, especiallythosein wetter climates, should look for waterproof ratingsinthe 10,000 mm to 20,000 mm rangeorbetter.

Asael Weiner

Teacher

What do you wear under an insulated ski jacket?

Ski pants are also available ininsulatedor shell styles and are essential for keeping youcompletely warmand comfortable. But your best bet is to choose ajacketthat is totally weatherproof: insulated,seam-sealed,waterproof and windproof.

Primiano Borowski

Teacher

Should ski pants be loose?

Your snow sports pants should fit well, i.e.nottoo tight nor too loose. They should belooseenough to allow you to wear layers when needed buttight enough tokeep you warm when you are wearing no or lesslayers. Also, makesure they are not so long that they could gettrapped in yourski bindings.

Xiulian Brixius

Teacher

Do you need a ski jacket?

You don't need to buy a skijacketor ski pants either. Unlike your boots andskis,these are just the kind of items you can borrowfrom yourfriends or family. A good ski jacket will serveyouat home, on country walks, as well as on theslopes.

Fousseni Ovejero

Teacher

Are ski jackets good for winter?

If anything will keep you warm in the winter,it'sa good ski jacket, regardless of what type of activityyouhave in mind. Shell jackets are relatively thin. Theywon'tprovide a lot of warmth, but they will generally keep thewind andrain away from your body.

Yomaira Haverbusch

Reviewer

How do you wash a ski jacket?

Hand Washing
  1. Check there is nothing in the pockets of your jacket.
  2. Fill a sink or bowl with cold water and mix with theappropriateamount of cleaner.
  3. Rinse your ski jacket twice to ensure all cleanerisremoved.
  4. Gently squeeze the water from your jacket. Do not wring ortwistit.

Lirios Osborn

Reviewer

Can you wear a snowboard jacket for skiing?

Ski jackets are still baggier than atypicalwinter jacket, but they do not come down overyourtrousers as much as a snowboarding jacket. Bothskiand snowboard jackets are interchangeable andprovideexcellent protection in both sports. There's no reasonyoucan't wear a snowboarding jacket skiing andviceversa.

Yasira Rusan

Supporter

Is water resistant good for snow?

Water-resistant jackets and pantsusuallyhave a DWR (durable water repellent) finish on theexteriorthat repels moisture and keeps you dry in light rainorsnow. If the jacket features a waterproofbreathablemembrane, laminate or other comparable waterprooftechnology, thenit is usually considered waterproof.

Chunxiang Huthmacher

Supporter

Do ski jackets keep you warm?

Slightly Warm jackets will be lined orlightlyinsulated to help keep a little heat inside.Whilethese are great options on warmer ski and snowboarddays,layers are suggested on cold or windy days. Warmerjacketstend to have down or synthetic insulation.

Co-Authored By:

EveryThingWhat Staff Editor

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17th May, 2020

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