Best Men’s Ski Jackets of 2025

Windproof, Waterproof, Insulated, Or Hardshell – We Found The Best Men’s Ski Jackets For All Scenarios

Skier downhill skiing in the Outdoor Research Skyward 2

Updated March 20th, 2025
to address changes in material, prices, PFAS waterproofing, and remove discontinued items
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Whether you’re looking for one ski jacket to rule them all — a piece suited for all types of resort days and ski tours — or one for gnarly cold weather, a backcountry-specific model, a versatile 3-in-1, or a budget-conscious pick that will still keep you warm and dry, we pored over hundreds of customer reviews and professional write-ups to find the best jackets to meet your skiing needs. Then we tested them on the mountain.

Here are our best men’s ski jackets winners and why we think these models deserve their title.

Looking for women’s? See the Best Women’s Ski Jackets

Looking for more ski apparel? See our Best Men's Ski Pants

Not sure where to start? See our What to Wear Skiing guide


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Men’s Ski Jacket Summary Table

MEN'S SKI JACKET OUR AWARD MSRP BEST USE TYPE INSULATION SIZES # POCKETS SEAM SEAL WATERPROOFING PIT ZIPS
Arc'teryx Sabre Best overall
Read why
$750 Everyday Hardshell Light Flannel Backer S - XL 5 Full 3-layer GORE-TEX ePE Gen 2 Yes
Outdoor Research SkyTour Ascentshell Best backcountry
Read why
$379 Backcountry Hardshell None S - XXL 7 Full AscentShell Electrospun Membrane Yes
Arc'teryx Macai Best insulated, Best for extreme cold
Read why
$1,100 Resort Hardshell 750-fill down; 60g and 100g synthetic XS - XXL 6 Full 28K 3L GORE-TEX Yes
Patagonia Insulated Powder Town Best 3-in-1, Best value, Best active
Read why
$399 Resort 3-in-1 60 g Full Range XS - XXL 8 Full H2No 2-layer Yes
Obermeyer Foundation Best budget
Read why
$279 Resort Hardshell 100 g (body), 80g (sleeve/hood) XS - 3XL (+Tall ) 7 Critical 15K - HydroBlock Pro Yes
Arc'teryx Alpha SV Runner-up best overall
Read why
$900 Backcountry Hardshell None XS - XXL 3 Full 28K GORE-TEX Pro Yes
Columbia Whirlibird V Interchange 3-in-1 Runner-up best overall
Read why
$230 Resort Hardshell Thermarator insulation S - 6X (Big + Tall) 6 Critical Omni-Tech waterproof/breathable shell Yes
Spyder Chambers Gore-Tex $399 Resort Hardshell 60g synthetic 3M Thinsulate XS-XL 3 Full 20k 2-layer GORE-TEX No
Camel Crown $60 Resort Hardshell High pile fleece lining and cotton padding S-3XL 5 Not stated 10000mm/H2O No
North Face ThermoBall Eco Triclimate $400 Resort 3-in-1 11 g/ft² ThermoBall™ | PrimaLoft® Silver | 40D 65 g/m² 100% Polyester Taffeta S - XXL 5 Full DryVent Yes
Norrona Lofoton Gore-Tex Pro $799 Everyday Hardshell None S - XXL 4 Full 28K - GORE-TEX Pro Yes
Helly Hansen Alpha LifaLoft 3.0 $550 Resort Hardshell LifaLoft synthetic S - XXL 7 Full 20K - HELLY TECH Professional Yes
Patagonia Snowdrifter $449 Everyday Hardshell None XS - XL 5 Full 3-Layer H2No Yes
Outdoor Research Hemispheres II $649 Everyday Hardshell None S - XL 7 Full 28K - 3-Layer GORE-TEX Yes
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*Prices reflect MSRP and are subject to change. We note any discounts we see on our Deals page, which is updated daily.


The Best Men’s Ski Jackets

The Best Overall Men's Ski Jacket: Arc’teryx Sabre

Arc’teryx sabre

Type: Hardshell
Insulation: Light Flannel Backer
Sizes: XS to XXL
Number of Pockets: 6 (2 hand pockets, 1 security pocket, 1 sleeve pocket, 2 internal mesh dump pocket)
Waterproofing: N80p-X GORE-TEX 3-layer, DWR Coating
Pit Zips: Yes
Powder Skirt: Yes
Best Use: Everyday
What we liked: durability, weatherproofing, venting, unique light flannel backer, style
What we didn’t like: price, upper-arm pass pocket zipper, crinkly sound

Your opinion on a shell jacket claiming our title of “Best Overall Men’s Ski Jacket” depends on your skiing background. For some people, skiing in a shell and layering as-needed underneath is simply second nature. Others feel that ski jackets are supposed to give you all the warmth, weather protection, and comfort you need in one piece of gear. We hear both angles. And we stand by our confidence in the Arc’teryx Sabre.

If you’re paying attention, you’ll note that we’ve named the Sabre our best men’s ski jacket for multiple years in a row. Now, with the use of the new GORE-TEX ePE membrane which is free of intentionally added PFAS forever chemicals, we think the Sabre is better than ever.

In the world of Gore-Tex ski jackets, it’s hard to top the Sabre; I wore it on some of the gnarliest days of the season and still felt well-protected from the elements. We can confidently continue to recommend the Sabre as the Best Men’s Ski Shell.

Stacked up against the competitive market for shell ski jackets, the Sabre reigns supreme for its durability, weatherproofing, venting, and style. The Sabre is, at this point, a classic. It’s popular among everyday users. Last year’s model had 5 out of 5 stars on evo, REI, Backcountry, and Amazon — one of the highest we’ve seen among ski jackets.

Read more on the Arc’teryx Sabre in our in-depth review of this men’s jacket.

Arc’teryx Sabre

Best Men’s Backcountry Ski Jacket: Outdoor Research Skytour Ascentshell

Type: Hardshell
Insulation: None
Sizes: S to XXL
Pockets: 6 (2 hand pockets, 2 chest pockets, interior media pocket, internal stash pocket)
Waterproofing: AscentShell 3-layer membrane, DWR coating
Pit Zips: Yes
Powder Skirt: No
Best Use: Backcountry
What we liked: comfortable, great cut, side zip design, breathability, stretch, reasonable price
What we didn’t like: not as weather protective as more expensive jackets

The expression “time-tested” gets thrown around in the outdoor industry. But it means something. And it’s the reason we picked the Outdoor Research Skytour AscentShell as our best men’s ski jacket for backcountry skiing. If you, like thousands of other skiers, are ski touring this season, this is a time-tested piece to use as a dedicated backcountry jacket.

In my experience, the Skytour AscentShell is the most comfortable and best-fitting jacket I've ever ski-toured in. It has a great cut, just long enough for ski and freeride applications. The full-length, poncho-style side zips are awesome when the skinning gets sweaty and when you're wearing a loaded harness, too.

Outdoor Research Skytour Ascentshell

I guided a 5-day ski-plane-accessed trip outside Haines, Alaska in the Outdoor Research Skytour AscentShell.
In my experience, the Skytour is the most comfortable and best-fitting jacket I’ve ever ski-toured in. It has a great cut, just long enough for ski and freeride applications.

For more of our favorite ski and snow recommendations, see our most popular Gear Guide stories:


Best insulated ski jacket for extreme cold: Arc’teryx Macai Insulated

Arc’teryx Macai Insulated

Type: Hardshell
Insulation: 750-fill down; 60g and 100g synthetic
Sizes: XS to XXL
Pockets: 6 (2 hand pockets, 1 chest pocket, left sleeve pocket for RFID ski pass, 1 internal chest pocket, 1 internal mesh dump pocket)
Waterproofing: 28 K N40p-X GORE-TEX, DWR coating
Pit Zips: Yes
Powder skirt: Yes
Best Use: Resort
What we liked: incredibly warm, style, weatherproof
What we didn't like: price, not ideal for very wet conditions

Outdoor industry hacks largely regard Arc’teryx ski jackets as simply the best. In turning our spotlight to the Arc’teryx Macai Insulated, we are talking about the proverbial best of the best. With a rare, head-turning combination of down and Gore-Tex Pro, the Macai wins our praise as the best men’s ski jacket for extreme cold.

First, if you didn’t believe us when we mentioned down and Gore-Tex Pro in the same product description, get this: It’s for real. And when it comes to insulation, the Macai is like a meticulously plotted topo map of your body. Synthetic insulation, which stands up to moisture better than down, is placed in the jacket’s more exposed spots such as the hem, the storm hood, the pits.

Arc’teryx Macai insulated ski jacket

Best 3-in-1 Ski Jacket: Patagonia 3-In-1 Powder Town

Patagonia 3-in-1 Powder Town

Type: 3-in-1
Insulation: 60 g Full Range insulation
Sizes: XS to XXL
Number of Pockets: 5 in the shell, 3 in the liner
Waterproofing: H2No 2-layer
Pit Zips: Yes
Powder Skirt: Yes, connects to Patagonia snow pants
Best Use: Resort
What we liked: value of a 3-in-1, best quality for a 3-in-1 jacket, eco-friendly material, FairTrade sewn, lifetime guarantee with repairs
What we didn’t like: not as waterproof as other materials, insulation can be too warm

Ah, the 3-in-1. For the pragmatic resort skier, even the one who dabbles in some touring, getting three jackets for one price is a huge win. And of all the 3-in-1 ski jackets on our radar, the Patagonia 3-in-1 Powder Town rises to the top of the pack. That’s why we’ve also dubbed it our “Best Active Men’s Ski Jacket.”

We could also name this ski jacket the “best value” jacket in our test. Why? Because the 3-in-1 Powder Town gives you the inherent value of a 3-in-1-shell jacket and insulated winter jacket, plus the resulting full-on ski parka when they’re combined with Patagonia quality, solid style, and excellent attention to detail.

That’s one reason why you’ll find the Patagonia 3-in-1 Powder Town is a winner in both our men’s and Women’s Best Ski jackets guides.

You can also read more in our long-term, in-depth review of the Patagonia Powder Town Ski Jacket.

Patagonia Powder Town 3-in-1

Best Affordable Men’S Ski Jacket: Obermeyer Foundation Insulated

Obermeyer Foundation Insulated

Type: Hardshell
Insulation: 100 g (body), 40 g (sleeve/hood)
Sizes: XS to 3 XL (plus tall versions)
Number of Pockets: 7, 2 hand pockets
Waterproofing: 15K - HydroBlock Pro
Pit Zips: Yes
Powder Skirt: Yes
Best Use: Resort
What we liked: bang for the buck, size availability, everything you need without additional flourishes, higher quality construction and materials than other budget jackets
What we didn't like: zipper against chin, boxy fit

Based in Aspen, Obermeyer has been building mountain clothing for seven decades. They know what the average skier needs (and what they don’t). The Foundation is Obermeyer’s most popular men’s model. Plus, there’s a Tall Version in addition to the standard sizing that goes up to 3 XL — among the best offering of sizes of any ski jacket we considered.

Why did we choose the Foundation? It packs the most value for the most skiers, plus solid quality into its competitively low price point.

Obermeyer Foundation Insulated Jacket

Obermeyer Foundation Ski Jacket

Three men ski on top of mountain

Other Ski Jackets we Considered

Best Backcountry Ski Jacket Runner-up: Arc’teryx Alpha SV

Arc’teryx Alpha SV

Type: Hardshell
Insulation: None
Sizes: XS-XXL
Pockets: 3 (2 hand pockets, 1 chest pocket)
Waterproofing: 28k 3L GORE-TEX Pro
Pit Zips: Yes
Powder skirt: No
Best Use: Backcountry

If you couldn’t tell from our comments above, we are also huge fans of the Arc’teryx Alpha SV. It’s been in the game long enough to prove that it holds up to some of the nastiest weather you will find while skiing. Ultimately for the average backcountry skier, the Outdoor Research Skytour AscentShell (see review above) checks all the necessary boxes in a more packable and more breathable package.

For the average Joe, the Alpha SV may be overkill. We’re confident that if you need that level of weather resistance and durability, you know who you are.

Arc’teryx Alpha SV


Outdoor Research Hemispheres II

Type: Hardshell
Insulation: None
Sizes: S-XXL
Pockets: 5
Waterproofing: 28K - 3-Layer GORE-TEX C-Knit
Pit Zips: No, but they are vented and a poncho-style zipper runs up the sides of the jacket
Powder skirt: No
Best Use: Everyday, Backcountry

The Outdoor Research Hemispheres II won our Best Backcountry spot in our Best Women's Ski Jacket guide. We think the men’s version of the Outdoor Research Hemispheres II is a solid jacket, too.

But for some reason, the men's version doesn't have the same ubiquitous awesome reviews as the women's version. It also doesn’t have the same ubiquitous positive reviews as the Skytour, which won our Best Backcountry pick (see full review above). That's why we chose the Skytour for the men's winner instead.

The Hemispheres II is one of Outdoor Research’s premium products, so it runs about 1/3 more in price than the Skytour. But as a premium product, it’s not as durable as the Arc’teryx Sabre, our overall winner (see full review above).

Outdoor Research Hemispheres II Ski Jacket


Columbia Whirlibird V Interchange 3-in-1

Type: 3-in-1
Insulation: Thermarator synthetic
Sizes: S-6XL
Pockets: 4 (shell), 2 (liner)
Waterproofing: Omni-Tech
Pit Zips: Yes
Powder skirt: Yes
Best Use: Resort

The Columbia Whirlibird IV Interchange 3-in-1 jacket was a contender for Best Budget Ski Jacket, but we ultimately decided that you get a lot more of a ski jacket for the price if you go with the Obermeyer Foundation instead (see our full review above). It's also a 3-in-1 jacket, but we also think you get more out of the Patagonia Powder Town 3-in-1 (see full review above).

One benefit of the Whirlibird is that it’s available in Big sizes and Big and Tall sizes. We still think the Whirlibird is a good option if the Obermeyer isn’t available in your size.

Columbia Whirlibird V Interchange 3-in-1


Spyder Chambers

Type: Hardshell
Insulation: 60g synthetic 3M Thinsulate™ Insulation
Sizes: XS-XL
Pockets: 3 (2 hand pockets, 1 chest pocket)
Waterproofing: 20k 2-layer GORE-TEX
Pit Zips: No, but has an Underarm Ventilation System
Powder skirt: Yes
Best Use: Resort

The Spyder Chambers was in the running for Best Active Ski Jacket. Ultimately, we went with thePatagonia Powder Town 3-in-1 (see our full review above) because of its versatility and Patagonia’s excellent warranty and repair program. We also renamed the category to encompass 3-in-1 jackets only.

Spyder Chambers Ski Jacket


Camel Crown

Type: Hardshell
Insulation: High pile fleece lining and cotton padding
Sizes: S-3XL
Pockets: 5 (2 hand pockets, chest pocket)
Waterproofing: 10000mm/H2O
Pit Zips: No
Powder skirt: No
Best Use: Everyday

Another candidate for Best Budget Ski Jacket, the Camel Crown ultimately was not enough jacket to keep up with the Obermeyer Foundation (see full review above).

True, the Camel Crown is about half the price of the Obermeyer. But the waterproof level is only 10000mm/H2O, and breathability is 3000 g/m²/24 hours — inferior to the Obermeyer. See our section on minimum waterproofing requirements for a ski jacket for more on why we don’t think that will be enough for most skiers.

If you’re looking to save even more money than you would by going with the Obermeyer, we recommend renting your ski jacket instead.

Camel Crown Ski Jacket


The North Face Thermoball Eco Snow Triclimate

Type: 3-in-1
Insulation: 11 g/ft² ThermoBall™ Eco | 60 g/m² Heatseeker Eco
Sizes: S-XXL
Pockets: 6
Waterproofing: DryVent 2L
Pit Zips: Yes
Powder skirt: Yes
Best Use: Resort

We liked the The North Face Thermoball Eco Snow Triclimate design but ultimately thought that the Patagonia Powder Town 3 in 1, which won our best Active Jacket (see full review above), uses higher-quality fabrics. The customer reviews of the Patagonia are higher than the Thermoball, too.

Still, the Eco Thermoball has 100% post-consumer recycled Primaloft insulation, outdoing Patagonia at its own environmentally-friendly game (the insulation on the Powder Town is 100% recycled). But Patagonia comes with a repair program and an Ironclad Guarantee).

The North Face Thermoball Eco 3-in-1


Norrona Lofoten GORE-TEX Pro

Type: Hardshell
Insulation:
None
Sizes: S-XXL
Pockets: 4
Waterproofing: 28K - GORE-TEX Pro
Pit Zips: Yes
Powder skirt: Yes
Best Use: Everyday

Norrona is a respected European brand that is newer in the American market. They make top-tier outerwear, and the Lofoten Gore-Tex Pro is a worthy all-around ski jacket on par with the Arc’teryx Sabre, our overall winner (see full review above).

Ultimately, we chose the Sabre because it has withstood the tests of time and widespread testing. However, after a couple of seasons under our belts testing the Lofoten (both men’s and women’s) in a variety of scenarios, it’s clear that the quality is on par with Arc’teryx. We still love the style and features of the Sabre as an excellent all-around shell, but you’d likely not go wrong in choosing the Lofoten either.

Norrona Lofoten Gore-Tex Pro


Helly Hansen Alpha LifaLoft

Type: Ski jacket
Insulation: LifaLoft synthetic
Sizes: S - XXL
Pockets: 8 (including an insulated electronics pocket)
Waterproofing: Helly Tech Professional
Pit Zips: Mesh-backed
Powder skirt: Yes
Best Use: Resort

The Helly Hansen Alpha LifaLoft is the ski jacket most people think of when they think "ski jacket." It’s a standard classic from skiing's early days in the US. The Norwegian company has been around for 144 years, making The North Face look like a child in the field. Helly Hansen is known for their ski gear in particular.

This hardshell is one of the brand's most popular ski jackets. It not only strikes what reviewers call a near-perfect balance between insulation, breathability and stretch, but it’s also chock-full of smart features, like comfy wrist gaiters, an insulated collar and a removable hood. The wind- and water-proof shell is effective at keeping bad weather out, so we can enjoy more days on the slopes.

We also give the Alpha bonus points for its classic and understated looks. We’re looking forward to testing it this season and will report back what we find.

Helly Hansen Alpha Lifaloft


Patagonia SnowDrifter

Type: Hardshell
Insulation: None
Sizes: S - XXL
Pockets: 5 (including a media pocket)
Waterproofing: 3-layer H2No
Pit Zips: Yes
Powder skirt: No
Best Use: Backcountry

Another strong contender for a backcountry hardshell, we were intrigued by the stretchiness of the shell fabric of the Patagonia SnowDrifter. It’s made with Patagonia’s 3-layer proprietary H2No waterproofing technology, which performs noticeably better than the 2-layer H2No in their Powder Town 3-in-1 jacket.

And as we’ve come to expect from Patagonia, we love the environmental impact. The DWR is PFC-free and 100% recycled polyester.

But ultimately, the Skytour won out for the Backcountry category. The comfort, fit, and breathability of the Skytour just can’t be beat.

Patagonia SnowDrifter


What Is A Ski Jacket? And Why Do I Need One? Can I Use A Rain Jacket To Ski?

The author and friends on a chair lift

The author and friends on a chair lift. Photo courtesy Matt McDonald.

Like we said — ”ski jacket” means different things to different people. It’s kind of like how everyone wants a “good all-mountain ski,” right? But distilling the ski jacket market into three categories proves helpful. Most jackets fit into one of these categories: resort, backcountry, or every day. Wondering which one is right for you? 

Resort

If you spend all of your time skiing off chairlifts and milking your Ikon Pass for all it’s worth, aim for a resort jacket. 

Backcountry

If you’ve become obsessed with the “earn your turns” craze and never want to ride a chairlift again, aim for a backcountry-specific jacket. 

Every Day 

If you go to ski resorts some or most of the time but supplement that with hike-to adventures in bounds or backcountry adventures out-of-bounds, prioritize an everyday jacket with more of a balance of weatherproofing and breathability. 

While it may sound nitpicky, each of these categories exists! Moreover, some of the best companies in the world make products that are purpose-built to fill them.


Types of ski jackets


Do I Need a Waterproof Ski Jacket?

The author taking a selfie while skiing (not recommended!)

The author taking a selfie while skiing (not recommended!) Photo courtesy Matt McDonald.

Short answer: yes. But not in the same waterproof way that you need a rain jacket. Frozen water is still water, so when you ski, you will have a better time if you are protected from the elements by a waterproof material. On the flip side, though, you don’t typically have to deal with rain or downpours when you ski. That allows for a different standard when it comes to waterproofing for ski jackets. 

Gore-Tex is widely accepted as the cream of the crop as far as waterproof/breathable membranes go. A Gore-Tex Pro Shell jacket, for example, will automatically protect you from the elements better than most competitors. Many companies, though, offer jackets built with their own proprietary materials. We recommend you evaluate these products based on your unique ski needs and environment.


How Is Waterproofing In Ski Jackets Measured?

The author skiing in wet conditions. The amount of waterproofing your ski jacket needs depends on where you’re skiing and in what conditions you plan to be out

The author skiing in wet conditions. The amount of waterproofing your ski jacket needs depends on where you’re skiing and in what conditions you plan to be out. Photo by Keagan French.

A standard expression of waterproofing measures the amount of liquid (water, snow, rain, sleet) in millimeters (mm) that can be suspended in a one-inch square tube before liquid starts to infiltrate the fabric. This measurement tests both general water repellency as well as performance under pressure.

Higher numbers mean more water-resistant fabric. A fabric rated 20k for waterproofness resists approximately 66 feet of liquid stacked up in that 1-inch square tube before any seeping occurs. It sounds abstract, but measuring your waterproof jacket through this lens will give you a good idea of how it will protect you from the elements.

Here’s how Powder7 breaks down waterproofing for skiers:

0-5,000 mm waterproofing

Minimal protection in inclement weather.

10,000 mm-15,000 mm waterproofing

Reasonable protection in drier climates like Colorado and Utah when resort skiing is the name of the game.

20,000 mm-plus

Sufficient weather protection for skiers who adventure in extreme conditions in a variety of climates, ranging from New England to the Pacific Northwest. For hardcore skiers, 20K is usually the benchmark. Gore-Tex fabrics offer higher ratings.

In addition to waterproofing in the fabric, check for the waterproof zipper. Your electronics will thank you.


Do I Need An Insulation In A Ski Jacket?


Skiers taking shots off of a ski

Resort skiers enjoy some post-ski time fun. Photo courtesy Matt McDonald.

What to look for in a ski jacket

No matter the category of ski jacket you’re looking for — every day, resort, or backcountry — you want a ski jacket that is purpose-built for, well, skiing.

Regardless of how you ski, skiers tend to prioritize the same features in ski jackets, like pockets, warmth, comfort, weather resistance, a helmet compatible hood, and powder skirts (aka snow skirt). The best men’s ski jackets are going to be excellent on all these basics — regardless of whether it's a budget winner or a top-of-the-line jacket.

Plenty of budget products have saturated the market that are built cheap for multiple outdoor purposes. But what’s that expression — a Jack of All Trades is a master of none? We think you can find a ski jacket to meet your needs that is intended to function specifically as a ski jacket — even if you're a budget shopper.

Make sure the jacket you’re looking at checks the boxes that are specific to your skiing needs. And — bonus points — if you’re serious about skiing, make sure the product is made by a quality manufacturer that will stand by their products. In the event of a warranty issue, this will make your life much easier.

Breathability

Backcountry-oriented skiers prioritize breathability, stretch, comfort, weather resistance, and weight. 

While having breathable outerwear is most important for backcountry skiing, it’s great to have at the resort, too. Waterproof shell jackets will often also offer breathability both through the shell material itself as well as through venting (ex/ pit zips). Insulated jackets are typically not as breathable as shell jackets, and that’s because retaining warmth is prioritized. 

If you primarily ski the resort and often find yourself on a chilly chairlift, opt for a jacket that prioritizes warmth over breathability. If you’re heading up the skin track or boot pack, working up a sweat before you’re rewarded with the downhill, select a shell with optimal breathability.

Pit Zips

Whether you’re looking for an insulated resort jacket or a lightweight shell for ski touring, pit zips are great for helping vent sweat when you start to heat up.

Waterproofing

Waterproofing is a crucial part of a good ski jacket. Some jackets will have a water-resistant fabric treated with a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) for added protection. Others will be made with fully waterproof shell materials, like GoreTex or similar. 

In general, waterproofing is more important for backcountry skiers, as they don’t have the option to retreat to the lodge when the weather rolls in. But it’s still an essential consideration for resort skiers. You don’t want to miss out on a powder day because your outerwear won’t keep you warm and dry!

Helmet-compatible/adjustable hoods

When the wind rips and the temperature dips, it’s nice to cinch an adjustable hood over your helmet for extra warmth. Adjustable hoods are also better for folks with big hairstyles. For that reason, we love jackets with helmet-compatible hoods. 

Adjustable cuff

Adjustable cuffs secure the jacket sleeves over (or sometimes under) mittens or winter gloves to stop cold air and snow from sneaking in. 

Pockets

Pockets are often a personal preference for ski clothes, but we love a jacket with just the right amount of well-placed pockets. Hand pockets are essential with all but the most minimal jackets, and we appreciate chest pockets for storing ski passes and easy-access essentials. 

Inclusive sizing

Columbia is one of our favorite brands for inclusive sizing and plus-size options for women’s ski clothes, though all the jackets in our review are offered in at least up to an XL.

Durability

Durability is essential in a ski jacket, especially if you get out often. While this is not always the case, higher-priced jackets are often constructed with better materials, making them more durable. And typically, a thicker, heavier jacket will often be more durable than an ultralight one. 

What’s most important to consider here is your priorities and how often you’ll use the jacket. Durability will be a top concern if you’re a die-hard resort skier that laps the resort every weekend. However, if you only ski a few times a year, you won’t put as much wear on the jacket and can get a good life out of a less expensive, less durable coat. 

Our advice: If you ski a lot and it’s within the budget, it’s worth splurging on a quality shell. It will last longer and perform better, meaning you’re less likely to replace it. That probably means less money spent and less in the landfill in the long run.

Powder skirts

Many ski-specific jackets include a powder skirt. This layer of fabric snaps around your waist inside the jacket; it’s designed to keep snow from getting underneath your outer layers. These can be very helpful, but with many ski-specific designs leaning toward longer hems and folks now often sporting bibs instead of pants, they’re not always necessary. Whether or not a powder skirt is a priority depends on personal preference.

Insulation

Whether or not you want your ski jacket to be insulated depends on a combination of personal preference and what type of skiing you do most often. Dedicated resort skier? An insulated ski jacket will keep you warm on the lift ride and cut the chill on the way down. Prefer to earn your turns? That insulation will be a sweaty sauna on the uphill, so opt for a non-insulated shell that you can layer under if necessary.

Suppose you ski in a wide variety of temps and conditions. In that case, a non-insulated jacket offers more versatility, but you also need to have multiple other layering options on hand. 

Pant attachment systems

Some jackets have small hooks or other attachment systems that hook to compatible pants. Often, these are brand and style specific (meaning you’d need the matching jacket and pants to benefit from this). This feature can be handy but also finicky and unnecessary. Overall, while it can be nice and is liked by some skiers, we don’t consider it a necessary feature when testing or selecting jackets for ourselves.

Recco technology

A lot of outdoor apparel features RECCO technology these days. Essentially, this is a reflective technology built into the jacket that aids search and rescue efforts. It’s a nice feature but not essential. The primary and most important reason we don’t think it’s essential: RECCO is not a replacement for an avalanche transceiver. More often than not, RECCO technology is helpful in body recovery. If you are backcountry skiing and traveling in avalanche terrain, it is crucial that you get out with reliable partners and that you all have an avalanche transceiver and are trained on how to use it.


How should a ski jacket fit?

A well-fitting ski jacket is crucial for comfort, mobility, and performance on the slopes. Here's how a ski jacket should fit:


Layering under a ski jacket

Properly layering under a ski jacket is essential for staying warm, comfortable, and dry while skiing. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to layer effectively:


How to care for your ski jacket

Cleaning and maintenance tips

Ski jackets are an investment. Taking proper care of your ski jacket will help you get your money's worth. Here are some cleaning and maintenance tips to extend the life of your ski jacket:

Spot Cleaning

For minor stains or spots, start by spot-cleaning your ski jacket. Use a soft cloth or sponge with lukewarm water and a mild detergent specifically designed for technical outdoor gear. Gently scrub the stained area and rinse thoroughly.

Machine Washing

Most modern ski jackets are machine washable. However, it's crucial to follow the care label instructions found inside the jacket. Use a gentle cycle with cold water and a mild detergent. Never use fabric softeners or bleach, as they can damage the jacket's waterproof coatings.

Drying

After washing, allow your ski jacket to air dry. Hanging it up in a well-ventilated area is a good practice. Avoid direct sunlight or high heat sources, such as radiators or heaters, as excessive heat can harm the fabric and seam tape.

DWR Replenishment

Over time, the Durable Water Repellent (DWR) coating on your ski jacket may wear off. To restore its water-repellent properties, use a DWR spray or wash-in treatment, following the manufacturer's instructions. This helps water bead off the surface instead of soaking into the fabric.

Proper storage

Proper storage of your ski jacket during the off-season is essential to maintain its performance and longevity. Here's how to store your jacket correctly:

Clean and Dry

Before storing your ski jacket, make sure it's clean and completely dry. Even small traces of moisture can lead to mold or mildew growth during storage.

Hanging

Opt for hanging your jacket in a cool, dry place. Use a padded hanger to prevent shoulder dimples and maintain the jacket's shape. Consider storing it in a garment bag or a breathable storage container to protect it from dust.

Avoid Direct Sunlight

Keep your ski jacket away from direct sunlight, as prolonged exposure can cause colors to fade and weaken the fabric's integrity. A dark, cool closet is an ideal storage location.

When to replace your ski jacket

While ski jackets are designed to withstand harsh conditions, there comes a time when you should consider replacing yours. Here are some signs that it may be time for a new ski jacket:

Wear and Tear

Inspect your jacket for visible wear and tear, such as fraying seams, damaged zippers, or torn fabric. If repairs are extensive, investing in a new jacket may be more cost-effective.

Loss of Insulation Efficiency

If your jacket no longer keeps you as warm as it used to, or if you find yourself layering more to stay comfortable, it might be a sign that the insulation has degraded over time.

Damaged Seams or Waterproofing

Check the seams and waterproof coatings for signs of damage. If you notice water seeping through, it's time to consider a replacement for adequate protection on the slopes.


FAQ


How we researched and tested

Treeline Review uses a unique three-point model to come to our conclusions

  • meta-review of experts/outdoor media;

  • customer reviews; and

  • personal experience/testing to pick our winners.

From that analysis, we found 20 of the most popular men’s ski jackets.

Then we cross-checked those models against everyday user reviewers from retailers like Evo, REI Co-op, and Backcountry. Customer reviews revealed long-term durability issues that sometimes aren’t covered by outdoor media. They also gave us an idea about how these items perform in different conditions and on skiers of different heights and weights beyond what we can learn from our own personal testing.

We crosscheck customer reviews against Fakespot, which analyzes customer reviews for veracity and flags fake reviews.

Lastly, after finding the models that meet all our criteria so far, we tested the most promising on backcountry and resort skiing in Colorado, Utah, Oregon and beyond. 

Where we did most of our testing in Colorado, ski season lasts for almost 6 months. We've had 4 full seasons of constant use, with testers getting in more than 60 days a year of skiing. It's important to write about durability in the long haul because we want the gear we recommend to serve you for many years of use.


About the author & Why you should trust us

The author, Matt McDonald, on a bluebird day.

The author, Matt McDonald, on a bluebird day. Photo by Mindy Lundy.

Treeline proudly maintains objectivity and healthy cynicism in its reviews.

This writer, Matt McDonald, has written for various outdoor-industry publications like Outside, Freeskier, Powder, Mountain, and various smaller outlets in the outdoor and travel space.

He works by day at Powder7 Ski Shop in Golden, Colorado, and skis 60-90 days per season.

Recently, he’s skied in far-flung places like Alberta, Hokkaido, the Yukon, Chile, and Argentina, in addition to domestic haunts like Colorado and New England.

He’s also the author of Treeline Review’s Best Ski Helmets story.