Key Specifications for Ski Jackets

 There are many key specifications that you need to be aware of when it comes to your ski jacket. One factor may be budget, so you may not always get the exact jacket you want.

However, here are the key aspects that I think you should not compromise on to ensure you get a comfortable, warm and dry experience on the mountain.

 

Waterproof

In my opinion, the number one feature of any snowboard jacket is waterproofing. There is nothing worse than getting wet from a little rain or snow and ending up cold and uncomfortable.

Getting an early ride home from the mountain or getting a break in the day is enough.

I know what it's like to have both a truly non-waterproof jacket and a truly waterproof jacket, and the difference is worlds apart.

 

So how do you know if a jacket is waterproof before you buy it?

Snowboard jackets will usually indicate their waterproofness in two of three ways

● How the seams are sealed

● Waterproof rating

● Gore-tex

 

Unisex denim like snowboard jacket

 

How seams are sealed.

Seams are either "fully seam sealed" or "strictly taped".

Fully seam sealed (aka fully taped) means that all seams are sealed and no water can enter.

Critical tape (aka critical seal) means that only the major seams are sealed and water can still enter.

Always look for the "complete" option and avoid using the "critical" option if possible.

 

Waterproof Rating.

Some, but not all, snowboard jackets have a waterproof rating in millimeters. They usually range from 5,000 mm to 20,000 mm. These ratings are a bit misleading - they are supposed to determine how much rain the jacket can withstand in a 24 hour period.

However, you're never going to get 5,000 mm of rain in a day - but a 5,000 mm jacket will let water in - and believe me, I've been there and gotten very wet! I think the weight of the rain - i.e. the amount of force of the raindrops hitting the jacket - is a better indication of how wet you will get. Heavier rain/snow may penetrate a 5,000 mm jacket, but not a 20,000 mm jacket.

 

I currently wear a 10,000 mm waterproof (which is also completely sealed) and I only get wet when it rains heavily. So, in my experience, 10,000 mm is sufficient in most cases, but if you want to stay dry in more conditions, 15,000 mm + is better (or gore-tex).

15,000mm+ is probably your best bet, but if you don't get a lot of heavy rain or choose not to go out in heavy rain, 10,000mm will be fine.

Unless you want to get wet out there, avoid 5,000mm!

 

Gore-tex.

Gore-Tex is the latest waterproof and breathable technology for ski jackets. It is extremely waterproof and breathable, which is really the ultimate choice.

But you will pay for it. Gore-Tex is not cheap, so if budget is not an issue, then this is definitely a good choice, but if it is out of your price range, check the seams and waterproof rating as above.

Gore-Tex will always completely seal the seams - in fact, any jacket manufacturer that uses Gore-Tex technology will require the seams to be completely sealed.

I have a Gore-Tex rain jacket (not a snowboard one) and it keeps me dry in the hottest conditions (try Vietnam in the monsoon season!)

 

Breathability

Snowboarding is a rigorous activity and with it comes sweat (especially for those of us of the male persuasion!) .

I've had more sweaty days on the mountain than I have colds. So breathability becomes very important for wicking away sweat.

It's as much about comfort as it is about warmth. If you're out there sweating profusely and the sweat gets trapped in your non-breathable clothing, it not only gets uncomfortable and starts to stink, but when the sweat cools down (maybe you just had lunch or took a break) then you go back in where it will leave you cold because you're not dry.

Breathability is usually measured in grams and you can expect anywhere from 3,000 grams to 20,000 grams. In my opinion, this is slightly less important than water resistance, but still important.

I would try at least 8,000 grams if you can. 20,000g may be redundant and you will usually pay extra for a better rating. My jacket has 10,000g and does a good job of controlling sweat and feels comfortable in most situations. However, on very hot days, I do crave more air.

 

SK007 Lady Snowboard Jacket

 

Insulation

Depending on where you typically ride and how cold you find it, you may want to wear a jacket with insulation. Snow jackets often have anywhere from "no insulation at all" to "lining" to up to 120 grams - using a variety of padding.

Personally, I find that I don't usually get cold on the mountain unless it's windy (and then usually only when riding the elevators) so I opt for a jacket with just a thin lining, but I don't get cold that easily, so if you're someone who does get cold, then insulation is a good way to go.

 

Powder skirt

Unless you want snow in your pants or jacket, having a powder skirt will serve you well.

It's not 100% foolproof and may not stop snowfall during a big sweep, but I find it usually does a good job. Not a must have, but a very, very good one.

 

Exhaust

Another way a jacket can help avoid overheating as well as sweating in a storm is with vents, especially under the armpits.

For me, these aren't necessary, but rather nice to have - but most jackets come with these, usually in the form of zippers with mesh lining under the armpits.

However, some people definitely value vents, and if you're one of them, then make sure your jacket has them - and if you open and close them a lot throughout the day, then try to make sure they're easy to reach and easy to use.

 

Hooded

A hood on a jacket really helps on super cold days and wet days. I personally wear a helmet (must protect the hood!) But find that if I zipper down the main zipper, put on the hood and then zipper it back up, I can still put the hood over it.

Some may consider this a necessity, but I would say it's definitely a good option. I do use my hood, but not often enough to survive without it.

 

Pockets

Must have room for wallet, phone, keys, mp3 player, spare hat, sunglasses, road map - and anything else you feel you need on the mountain. Thankfully, most ski jackets have plenty of pockets to accommodate this.

I especially like the inside pocket of my jacket, which has a hole so your headphones can fit through.

 

Sizing

Obviously, you will want to get the right size jacket. Generally speaking, each model of ski jacket comes in different sizes, so there should be one that fits you. For sizing, it is very safe to use your normal size.

 

Looks

Besides everything else you want to look good on the mountain right! Once you find something you like, then you have to find a style you like.

Luckily, there are tons of snowsuits out there, so finding the right fit for everything you need shouldn't be too hard. Check out the links below. These guys stock hundreds of different jackets, so you should be able to find one among them.

● Men's ski jackets

● Women's ski jackets

In a nutshell, look for.

Seam Tape: Fully

Fabric Waterproof: 10,000 mm (min) or gore-tex

Fabric breathability: 8,000 (min) or gore-tex

Insulation: Personal preference / usual conditions

Powder skirt: Preferred

Ventilation: Pleasure to have (usually available)

Hooded: Nice to have