), and you might want a lighter and airier shell for bluebird spring days. Comfort is another strong suit with an impressively smooth lining, and theyve managed to check the right boxes with features like pit zips and a nice assortment of interior and exterior pockets. And with a 29.5-inch center back length (1 inch longer than the Sentinel above), you get great coverage and modern styling.

Best for: BackcountryType: ShellWaterproofing: 3L DynashellWhat we like: Excellent breathability and stretchiness.What we don't: Not completely waterproof. }, Right Now You Can Get an Extra 15% Off Select Clearance Styles with Code EXTRASAUCE. Known for their affordable yet functional in-house designs, REI jumped into the ski outerwear market last winter with a small collection of resort-focused pieces, and the Powderbound is a great budget choice. On the other end of the spectrum are backcountry-specific builds like the Dynafit Beast Hybrid, which are trimmed down to minimize bulk and improve range of motion. But despite the streamlined build, OR still packs in all the requisite ski-specific features, including pit zips, a powder skirt, forearm pocket (great for storing your ski pass), and smooth-running two-way front zip. On Moosejaw.com, just sign-in on any page to see your available balance. High-end shell jackets like the Arcteryx Sentinel AR have premium waterproof/breathable membranes (Gore-Tex and AscentShell are two of our favorites) and a tailored fit for excellent range of motion. On all but the coldest days, our go-to baselayers are the lightweight or midweight options for a good balance of warmth and breathability.Back to Our Top Women's Ski Jacket Picks Back to Our Women's Ski Jacket Comparison Table. Full-priced items earn 10% back while discounted items earn 2.5%. Most ski jackets include a couple of hand pockets and at least one zippered Napoleon-style pocket at the chest. For resort skiers, the weight of your ski jacket isnt usually a deciding factor. Enter your order number and email address below. In addition, the material quality isnt up to snuff compared with the options above and is more prone to wetting out (regular washing and reapplying the DWR does help). A breathable and well-ventilated jacket will only perform as well as the baselayer underneath, so dont skimp here. Cavernous, easy-to-access, and close to your bodys heat, theyre a great place to stash gloves, goggles, or glasses in between runs or if youre starting to overheat while hiking. Its worth noting that some manufacturers do not provide this specification, but you can make some safe assumptions based on intended use: expect a thicker build with a resort shell and a bit less durability for active and touring designs. For ski touring, mountaineering, or even sidecountry exploration, a non-insulated and lightweight design takes precedence. Click OK to extend your time for an additional 0 minutes. We also see more liberties taken with both fit and style in the resort market: with less of a need to keep weight low, modern resort jackets often feature long hemlines (indicated by the center back length), roomy fits, and trendy, modern styling. These special offers may have a cap on how many bonus MJ$ you earn during the promotion, but you will always earn the base Reward Dollars.

The amount of insulation can vary dramatically, from a thin fleece to a puffy down jacket. Outdoor Research touts the Carbide as a do-all jacket for both the front- and backcountry, but we hesitate to recommend it as a dedicated resort design. But if you stay inside the ropes and want a well-sorted, long-lasting shell, the Atoria deserves your attention.See the Trew Gear Astoria. How do the construction types differ in terms of performance? Active resort and backcountry skiers often choose a 3-layer build for its improved range of motion, comfort, and lighter weight. Whether youre cruising the resort or earning your turns, a ski jacket is an important component of every skiers kit. Once opted-in to the program, MJ$ will earn and accrue for redemption as described below until the MJ$ expire or the user leaves the program. Best for: ResortType: Insulated (LifaLoft)Waterproofing: 2L Helly TechWhat we like: Stretchy shell fabric, high-quality and stylish design, and cozy feel.What we dont: Pricey for a 2-layer jacket and can be too warm for active use. Compared to a standard hardshell jacket, its noticeably less rigid and restrictive, which is great news for the demands of uphill travel. Arcteryx threw out their design blueprints and started from scratch with the Incendia One-Piece. Further, the shells extra zippers can be unsightly when worn alone, and the additional materials add weight and bulk. Sorry gift givers. A properly adjusted hood should not interfere with your field of vision as a good safety measure. But as expected at this price point, the Powderbound isnt meant to be pushed too hard. And of course, the Ferns anorak style makes it more of a pain for getting on and off. Similar to the Patagonia SnowDrifter above, the BD Recon Stretch is a non-insulated shell that stands out for being both highly waterproof and breathable. On the other hand, Patagonias new Stormstride is an even stretchier and lighter design, featuring a woven shell and fewer features overall. However, we want to make it clear that a RECCO reflector is no substitute for an avalanche beacon, with much simpler technology and a far weaker signal. But Patagonia did keep weight low at an impressive 1 pound 2.4 ounces, and the jacket packs up relatively small, which is great for stuffing in your pack on the skin track. Best for: Backcountry/resortType: ShellWaterproofing: 3L H2No Performance StandardWhat we like: Stretchy construction offers mobility and comfort for ski touring.What we dont: Youll get better weather protection with a rigid hardshell. hansen helly winter chic gear impress killa vest snow down dress This deal cannot be combined with other offers and cannot be applied to prior purchases. Featuring a 3-layer Pertex Shield waterproof membrane, this jacket goes head-to-head with premium designs like the Patagonia SnowDrifter and Flylow Lucy above, all while checking in at a very affordable $299. The majority of ski jackets feature synthetic fillcompared to down, it's cheaper, more breathable, and insulates even when wet. Perfect for wintery days on the slopes, you get a good deal of warmth with a fleece zip-out jacket and Columbias signature (and somewhat polarizing) Omni-Heat reflective lining. In one fell swoop, you get a standalone waterproof shell, insulating midlayer, andput togetheran insulated ski jacket. With all that praise, why do we have the PowSlayer ranked so low on our list? But on easy resort days coast to coast, this is all the jacket that most weekend warriors need. Second, it does not feature pit zips, and with heavy insulation, it can really build heat during mild days on the slopes. Both jackets feature 2-layer construction and sufficient insulation for mild winter days, but the primary differences come in features and comfort. Buy three pair of FITS Socks at regular price, get one pair for free. Ski jackets are expensive and theres no denying that the Alphelia is an investment, but its still a good value for what you get. This item has been successfully added to your list. The Alphelia also uses four-way stretch fabric throughout, which translates to great freedom of movement for everything from bombing downhill to racking your skis on top of your car. Dynafits Beast Hybrid stands out in this category thanks to its lightweight construction, trim and performance-oriented fit, and competitive price. Best for: Backcountry/resortType: ShellWaterproofing: 3L Stormshell IntuitiveWhat we like: Softshell-like comfort and stretch in a protective, 3-layer design.What we dont: Lacks the bombproof feel of Gore-Tex-equipped hardshells. If youre looking for a jacket that offers solid warmth at a good value, synthetic insulation is the way to go. We often have long-term concerns about brand-new products, but the Cottonwoods puts those mostly at ease with its combination of very durable materials and a proven Gore-Tex build. Among waterproof options, there is a spectrum of performance. The essential duties of a resort jacket are to keep you warm and protected from moisture and wind and provide enough storage for the basics. Best for: Backcountry/resortType: ShellWaterproofing: 3L Gore-Tex ProWhat we like: Premium all-around performance.What we dont: Crinkly and stiff; overkill for most backcountry and resort skiers. Best for: Backcountry/resortType: ShellWaterproofing:3L BD.dryWhat we like:A versatile jacket for both the backcountry and resort.What we dont: Black Diamonds build quality doesnt hold up to Patagonia and Arcteryx. The intent of the program is to provide our loyal customers with a way to buy great gear for less. In stores, provide the email address attached to your account to learn your balance and apply to your purchase. And if youre a beginner or occasional skier looking to save some cash, check out the REI Powderbound below.See the Helly Hansen Alphelia LifaLoft. And to top it off, the Skytour is lighter than ever, dropping 2 ounces off the Skyward yet retaining a functional feature set, including plenty of interior and exterior pockets, pit zips, and a hood that adjusts to fit both climbing and ski helmets. The Tuscany II, however, has stood the test of time and remains a nice choice for casual resort skiers. Basic shells use thicker fabrics and cheaper waterproofing that doesn't breathe as well. attributes: "" Whether youre looking for a ski outfit to wear while you hit the slopes or a vest or puffy jacket to throw on for aprs ski activities, weve got you covered! All that said, 3-in-1 jackets do add bulk and weight with the extra zippers, and integrating the shell and insulating layer negatively impacts range of motion. Overall, we give the nod to the Sentinel for its lighter build (1 lb. All nitpicks aside, were big fans of the Skytours breathability, feature set, and relatively low price, making it a great choice for those who like to earn their turns.See the Outdoor Research Skytour. That's like getting 10% back in Rewards! But while an insulated jacket is a perfectly good companion for resort skiing, the Alphelia isn't a great choice for side or backcountry use. Similar to the Norrna Tamok above, this is the jacket you want to be wearing when Mother Nature is on the loose. Similar to the Patagonia and Flylow, the Carbide is competitively lightweight at 1 pound 2.8 ouncesthanks in large part to its thin 40-denier shell and modest 29-inch center back lengthmaking it an excellent choice for minimalist backcountry-goers. Open them all the way, typically extending from approximately the middle of your ribcage to just above your elbow, and you can release a whole lot of hot air quickly. This is a transactional email that you will receive even if you are not subscribed to our marketing emails. Downsides are that 2-layer jackets arent very breathable, and the extra liner adds both weight and bulk (these are fairly minor issues for inbounds use). All items we sell are eligible with the exception of gift cards or other items specifically noted. Jacket-to-Pant Attachment Systems helly hansen rigging Discount will apply to the lower priced qualifying item. Ski jackets can be broken into three main categories: shell, insulated, and 3-in-1. The SnowDrifter remains our category favorite with a slightly better design, but the Flylow nevertheless hits a really nice middle ground of comfort and performance for mixed resort and backcountry use. That Napoleon pocket is great for stashing smaller items like a phone, camera, or wallet, where your body heat can help keep everything functioning properly (the Life Pocket on the Helly Hansen Alphelia is specifically insulated to limit battery drain on your electronics). Be the first to see the latest styles, events and madness. Finally, an option like the Arcteryx Sentinel AR lands in the middle and aims to balance backcountry and resort needs. The Tamoks combination of style and performance makes it a great pick for those double-dipping both in and out of bounds, but serious backcountry-goers might want to take a look at Norrnas classic Lofoten. For more background information, see our ski jacket comparison table and buying advice below the picks. In this category, be sure to also check out Arc'teryx's new touring-ready Shashka Stretch, which utilizes a 4-way stretch softshell backed by Gore's windproof Infinium membrane.See the Dynafit Beast Hybrid. Their Tamok Gore-Tex Pro Jacket is case in point: this beautifully crafted shell is built for deep days with Gores top-of-the-line laminate and an extended back length (32 in. Its a tall order and requires ponying up a large sum of money, but these pieces, including the Arc'teryx Sentinel AR and Patagonia PowSlayer, are among the most versatile and high-performing here. Unless you opt for a 3-in-1 jacket, youll likely want a dedicated midlayer for skiing. Earn 10% back on every purchase & spend them on anything. There are important considerations when making a purchase: What is your skill level? You do not earn MJ$ for shipping or tax charges, only from the item value. Popular outdoor retailer Backcountry has entered the apparel world with a surprisingly complete line of outerwear, insulation, and more. The most popular is the shell, which is a versatile choice for everyone from casual resort skiers to backcountry adventurers in harsh, wet environments. Our main hesitation is the 40-denier shell, which lacks the toughness required for day-long exposure and the rigors of inbounds use (for comparison, the Incendia below uses a burly 100D face fabric). Insulation is optional for resort-goers but especially nice for chilly lift rides in cold areas like the Northeast and Colorado. They accomplish this via waterproof laminates and DWR (durable water repellent) coatings, which help shed wet snow to keep moisture from sitting on your jacket and wetting through the outer fabric. Weve tested this waterproof membrane on a number of jackets at this point, including the Skytours predecessor (the Skyward II), which performed flawlessly throughout a full season of backcountry use. Generally, a jacket's weight will also correlate with its packed size, which is an important consideration for backcountry skiers as well. It all adds up to an impressively hardwearing and functional jacket, and its even priced well at $400. The vast majority of skiers spend at least a little time on a chairlift, and, as a result, most ski jackets accommodate those needs.