2 hours ago
1
From affordable resort jackets to high-end backcountry shells, these are the best ski jackets to take to the slopes this year
If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission.
As with other pieces of ski gear, your jacket will dictate how much time you can spend on the mountain. Plus, everyone is different: Some backcountry skiers want a breathable, lightweight jacket for high-output treks, and others want something warm for a relaxed day at the resort. In short, buying a ski jacket requires some work.
At a Glance: The Best Ski Jackets
To make things easier, we tested and rounded up some of the best ski jackets to buy online — including picks for men and women — and put together some important tips for making your decision.
The Best Ski Jackets to Buy Right Now
Below are some of the best ski jackets worth picking up this winter, from premium options to affordable insulated jackets to luxe picks. Besides testing ski jackets, our staff of product reviewers combed the web to see which jackets were most loved by customers and other experts. Then, we narrowed down our list to jackets that are in stock (as of writing) at trusted retailers, so you can get a new jacket shipped in time for that upcoming trip.
editor’s pick
Arc’teryx Sabre
As far as shells go, Arc’teryx’s Sabre (and women’s Sentinel) is about as good as you can get. Its 80-denier Gore-Tex fabric is extremely durable and capable when it comes to blocking out the elements, but you also get well-placed armpit zippers for ventilation. Overall, it’s a fantastic pick — as long as you’re open to ponying up the cash for this jacket and buying a separate mid-layer.
runner-up
The North Face ThermoBall Eco Snow Triclimate
If you’re looking for a jacket that offers a bit more value and almost as much capability as the Arc’teryx, check out The North Face’s ThermoBall Eco Snow Triclimate jacket. The highly-rated 3-in-1 jacket includes a lightweight, waterproof shell that’s fully removable from a Thermoball synthetic liner. It’s a great package, and it’s relatively well-priced (though by no means cheap) at $400.
Resort Pick
Helly Hansen Alpha 4.0
Like several other experts, we found this Helly Hansen Alpha 4.0 jacket to be near-perfect in resort settings. The fit is extremely comfortable and the warmth is equally good thanks to Primaloft Black Eco synthetic insulation. But the warmth — and the waterproofing — aren’t over-the-top, which we think is ideal for the majority of downhill and park skiers.
Backcountry Pick
Outdoor Research Skytour AscentShell
With a roomier fit for more range of motion, a durable, stretchy fabric, and large vents to regulate body temperature, this shell from Outdoor Research is built for the backcountry. Aptly named the Skytour AscentShell, the jacket is exceptionally lightweight and also provides plenty of space to stash your phone, devices, and other backcountry gear. Reviewers are impressed by this abundance of pockets, as well as the jacket’s overall breathability during tough treks.
Great Value
REI Co-op Powderbound Insulated
This insulated Powderbound jacket from REI Co-op strikes a great balance between performance and price. It’s very comfortable and perfectly suited for slightly warmer, relaxed resort days. You get welcome features like pit zips for ventilation and a powder skirt. Some users do note that the jacket is slightly larger, so you might want to try a size down if you’re unsure.
Snowboarding Pick
Burton AK Gore-Tex Cyclic Jacket
Burton is one of the original snowboarding brands, and it still puts out some of the industry’s favorite products. One such piece from Burton is this highly capable [ak] Cyclic jacket. It boasts GORE-TEX 2L fabric and a slew of features to make you more comfortable on the mountain, from zip vents to underarm gussets to well-placed pockets.
How We Chose the Best Ski Jackets
There are lots of technical features — and an overall balance between them — to consider when shopping for the best ski jackets. Below are some of the things we considered while testing and scouring the web; we recommend any prospective buyers get familiar with these terms as well to make the most educated purchase.
Insulation: Perhaps the most important thing for buyers to decide is how much insulation they want. At one end of the insulation spectrum are shells, which offer lightweight, breathable protection from wetness and snowburn. These are ideal for warmer climates or high-intensity days.
At the other end of the spectrum are insulated jackets, which provide warmth for leisurely runs, chilly lift rides, and freezing or stormy temperatures. The downside with insulated jackets is that you’re stuck with the warmth — if it warms up during the day, you might feel overheated. Also, some insulated jackets are warmer than others. Then, in the middle of the spectrum, there are 3-in-1 jackets. These feature a removable insulation piece/mid-layer, letting you choose how much warmth you want.
Waterproofing: Almost every ski jacket will be waterproof off the rack, but the lifespan of that waterproofing can vary depending on the quality of the jacket’s material and construction. Jackets with Gore-Tex membranes (or a proprietary equivalent) are considered the gold standard in the waterproofing department, but, generally, higher-quality jackets from big brands will offer more than enough waterproofing for most skiers.
Ventilation: While warmth and waterproofing are the first ski jacket jobs that come to mind, smart ventilation is crucial too. Temperatures can fluctuate drastically throughout the day, and you might want to use your jacket for more than one kind of skiing. Look for a jacket with plenty of zippered vents or breathable fabrics to help you regulate your body temperature.
Features/Pockets: Little details can make or break a ski jacket. We looked for jackets with clever features like well-placed pockets, powder skirts, pants attachments, and drawcord cinches.
Weight: No one wants to feel weighed down on the mountain. While the above features are paramount, the less weight in a ski jacket the better — no matter what kind of skiing you’re doing.
.png "indianexpress.")
.png "khaleejtimes")
.png "arabnews")
.png "gulfnews"){kind=logo}
English (US) · 
Hindi (IN) ·