We detail what to look for in a ski jacket

1. Jacket Layers: 2L vs. 3L

When you look deeper into a ski jacket, you will always see references to fabric layers and "2L" or "3L". In short, these relate to the way the jacket is constructed. 2-layer construction bonds the outer fabric to a waterproof membrane, with a separate "hanging" lining (usually made of mesh) on the inside. On the other hand, the three-layer construction joins three parts together: the fabric, the membrane and the smooth fabric lining.

Starting with 2-layer jackets, these jackets are associated with budget and mid-range resort models and range in price from $170 to $450. They offer good waterproof protection and durability, but the separate lining adds considerable bulk and doesn't breathe well. Three-layer jackets are more expensive, starting at about $400, and high-end styles can run $700 or more. The price you pay is superior performance and lighter weight. They are excellent at repelling all forms of wind and moisture, are significantly lighter and less bulky, and are clear leaders in breathability. Finally, 2- and 3-layer jackets are viable options for resort skiers, but 3-layer is king in remote areas.

 

2. Durability

Everything from getting on and off elevators to skiing in the woods can wreak havoc on your gear, so ski jackets are very durable overall. Denier or "D" is the way to measure the thickness of the fabric, the higher the number, the thicker the construction. Reports are a bit inconsistent, but in general, resort skiers would do well to use a sturdier construction, and some of our favorites are around 100D and up. If you prioritize a lighter setup for better maneuverability, but still want something sturdy, then a jacket like a 70D or so is a good compromise. Finally, to reduce weight, remote shells are usually the thinnest, with popular jackets ranging from 40D not to about 80D (Patriarch's Rattlesnake). In the absence of specifications from the manufacturer, you can make some safe assumptions based on their intended use: expect a thicker build with a resort shell and slightly less durability with active and touring designs.

 

3. Organization: Pockets

From phones and elevator passes to car keys and snacks, you may need to store a surprising number of items in your jacket. That's just to cover the resort - remote skiers have other possible needs, such as storing mountaineering skins and avalanche transceivers. How much storage space you need depends largely on personal decisions: can you access your car quickly and leave most of your extra items in the back or in the lodge? Then a simpler setup with a couple of hand pockets and a sleeve or chest pocket for storing smaller items. However, if you plan on carrying a lot of gear and want it to be organized and easily accessible, then make sure you choose a jacket with five or more pockets of different sizes. Last but not least, those who have a lot of gear can always opt for a ski backpack to supplement their jacket's storage.

 

 

Pit zippers

A key component to staying cool in resorts and remote areas are pit zippers (also known as "underarm vents"). Opening them is a great way to quickly dissipate heat during a hike or a particularly long and challenging descent. When you want maximum warmth, it's fairly easy to zipper them up. The vast majority of shell and insulated mid-range and high-end ski jackets have this feature, but it is a notable exception in entry-level models. If you tend to run hot or plan to hit the slopes in any way, it's worth putting pit zippers on your must-have list.

 

4. Additional features: hood and powder skirt

Two other notable features are the hood and powder skirt. Hoods provide an important extra layer of protection around the head and neck in adverse conditions, and most designs on the market are fairly adjustable and large enough to fit a ski helmet. Spending more usually gives you better coverage and more ways to adjust the fit. The powder skirt attaches to the jacket near the waist and buttons up to help prevent snow from diving in the bump or deep powder. Most jackets include powder skirts, but they're not mandatory (and unbuttoning them while skiing usually doesn't cause any excess bulk or discomfort). One final note: If you want to wear your ski jacket around town occasionally, look for a design that allows you to remove the hood and powder skirt for a more streamlined look.

 

5. Weight and volume

The weight and volume of a given jacket is closely related to its type (shell, insulated, triple) and price tag. Shell jackets are the lightest and least bulky, including everything from 1 lb. 3.3 oz. to 1 lb. 11.9 oz. Insulated jackets are heavier, usually between 2 and 2.5 pounds. Finally, the triple is the heaviest and undoubtedly the bulkiest, with the simplest designs starting at around 2.5 pounds and going up from there. Within each jacket type, increasing your budget will usually provide you with more advanced fabrics that are lighter and thinner, but just as protective.

 

We've mentioned this a few times above, but will weight and bulk be an important factor in relation to your ski style. It's unlikely that you'll be annoyed by a moderately bulky 2.5-pound jacket during a full day of grooming runs (walking to and from the lodge, however, may be another matter). But active skiers will hit the moguls, jump in and out of trees, or do some traverses and side hikes to keep things streamlined. That's where 3-layer jackets thrive: they're relatively thin and light, but offer solid weather protection and reasonable durability. It goes without saying that remote skiers value weight and bulk. Saving ounces and being able to easily cram your gear into a pack are valuable considerations.

 

6. Fit and sizing

Last but not least is determining your ideal fit. The most focused resort designs have a roomy shape that allows for layering and a long cut with a hem to prevent freezing of the gondola seat. At the other end of the spectrum are builds specific to remote areas, which are trimmed to minimize bulk and improve range of motion. It is large enough to not feel constricted when wearing a medium weight down jacket, but has excellent mobility for hiking and the occasional uphill trip. Another factor is whether the jacket is insulated, and those that don't add warmth are sized larger to accommodate more layers underneath. In addition, some brands are known to fit better on average than others.

 

7. places to buy ski jackets online

In compiling our buying guides, reviews and informative content, we have done our fair share of ski jacket shopping online. Through this, we found Hebei Loto to be a consistent leader: they usually have a good selection of brands and available colors, their Black Friday and Cyber Week sales are usually quite strong, and they often have last year's products on sale (especially in the early season).