Gear Guide: Ski Jackets

Welcome to my muse about Ski Jackets, what to look for and how to buy a Ski Jacket or coat

Ski Jackets

With Ski Jackets we are talking about insulated and non-insulated jackets, waterproof jackets, down ski jackets and coats.

Ski Jackets & Layers

Consider buying a jacket under which you can fit layers of clothing. That way you can keep warm, but as the day progresses you can take layers off to better manage your body temperature.

Wear mid-layers such as fleece pullovers or softshell (which is windproof).

Waterproof Ski Jackets

Ensure the ski jacket has some level of water resistance, useful in wet snow.
Most technical jackets now have a degree of waterproof-ness. Buy a waterproof ski Jacket and you can also use it as an outdoor walking jacket. Making your investment great value for money.

The Icepeak Malkus Jacket for Men makes an ideal waterproof shell that has all the features you need in a ski jacket and a hill walking jacket.

Ski Jacket Features

Consider zips , pockets, glove loops and inner snow skirt

Ensure the jacket has enough handy pockets to stash your ski essentials such as hats, gloves, energy bars and MP3. Gloves loops on the arm of the jackets are useful to attach your gloves to, so you don't lose them on the ski lift!

A 'Snow skirt' is a piece of elasticated fabric on the inside of the jacket which can be fastened to prevent powder snow rising up your jacket. They are also useful for keeping out cold wind on the slopes and in the mountains.

Zips should be easy to handle with gloves on and have 'storm flaps', material which prevents wind, wet snow and rain pushing through the zips.

Men's Ski Jackets

The 3 in 1 Ski Jacket is great for changeable weather during your trip and offers flexible use when your back home.

Stylish weatherproof jackets with little or no insulation are always popular with men's ski jackets.

There's the classic red and black jackets, that look great with black softshell trousers and are equally at home on the hill or the insulated ski jackets.

Women's Ski Jackets

There are some great colours out this season in women's and ladies ski jackets. There are a couple of options to consider the quilted down ski jacket and a long ski coat with a water-resistant finish on the fabric, or waterproof insulated Jacket.

Down padded insulation provides good warmth to weight ratio, while synthetic insulation is easy care and warm when wet.