Every item of clothing you need to wear when you go skiing should be chosen very carefully. Your ski jacket will not only keep you warm, it will also protect you to a certain extent from bumps and bruises if you fall down.
But while modern jackets are extremely well made, it can also be extremely confusing to work out which one is best for you. And as always, choosing the cheapest one won’t always be the best option.
First of all you need to be aware that it is worth every penny to buy a proper ski jacket. Some people try to get away with any old jacket, but you will soon find that they are not made for the conditions you will be experiencing. You might be surprised at the prices you will find ski jackets being sold for, but you can be sure that the more expensive ones are worth the price. They will generally have far more in the way of features than the cheaper ones.
A Selection of the Best Selling Ski Jackets
So make sure you hold any ski jacket you find up to the following points. They will help you to choose the best jacket for you.
What is a ski jacket for?
It may sound like a daft question, but your ski jacket is intended to keep you dry. There is obviously a big chance that it could snow while you are out skiing, and if that snow settles on your jacket you need to know that it won’t easily be able to soak through.
It should also be windproof, to help protect you against the weather conditions that could crop up on the slopes. Bear in mind that the slopes are always going to be quite exposed, and even though it might not seem that windy in the nearby towns and villages, that won’t be the case when you are skiing.
How waterproof is it?
You might think that waterproof is simply waterproof, but that isn’t the case. You will find that ski jackets are all given ratings for their effectiveness at repelling water, and this is worked out by using the pressure of water to figure out at what level the material becomes permeable.
This is done in millimetres. So for example, if you see a ski jacket that has a waterproof rating of 3000mm and another ski jacket that has a rating of 9000mm, you should opt for the second one of the two.
This is because the rating points to a much higher tolerance to water. It takes three times as much water before the ski jacket starts to be less able to repel it, compared with the first jacket.
Is it breathable?
The more waterproof a ski jacket is, the more it can withstand any water which lands on it. But that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t also be able to let moisture out. After all, skiing is a very active pastime. If you are sweating inside your jacket and that moisture is unable to go anywhere, you won’t find it very comfortable to wear for any length of time!
So make sure you look for a jacket that is breathable. It may consist of more than one layer, so compare different jackets to see which ones offer a higher degree of breathability.
What else should you look for in an ideal ski jacket?
There are plenty of features which may or may not appear on each individual ski jacket. It depends on how much money you want to spend, how much skiing you are going to do, and what you are looking for.
But here is an idea of what to look out for.
The importance of taped seams
Not all ski jackets have taped seams, and only a proportion of those that do have all the seams taped.
Basically the presence of taped seams means that you are much less likely to get any moisture coming through the jacket at all. If there is a place in which there is no taped seam, then that place could present a possibility of the elements getting in.
Sleeve cuffs
Buying a jacket that doesn’t have adjustable cuffs is a bad idea. It might be cheaper but if it doesn’t provide the exact fit you want, you will be left wishing you had bought something else.
You need to be able to do them up so they provide an exact fit, as this will prevent the elements from getting in. You can also loosen them off to get a bit of air in if necessary.
Hood (built in or zip off)
Not everyone likes a hood. Some people prefer to wear a beanie hat or something similar, so consider this when you are thinking about what jacket to buy.
If you aren’t sure whether you want one or not, it’s best to buy a ski jacket that has a hood that can be detached if necessary. You can then put it in a pocket and get it out if you feel you need it.
UV resistant
Some ski jackets will be made of material that is UV resistant. This means it will offer greater protection against the sun’s rays. The jacket will also look better and keep its colour for longer because of this.
Zips
We’re not just talking about the zips at the front of the jacket here – we are also talking about the zips that allow some air in when you need it.
The best jackets have them on the front and sometimes in the armpits. The aim is to give you a means to cool down if you are skiing hard for a prolonged period of time.
They are not as necessary if you are a beginner and you won’t be going on the downhill runs every day, but they are worth bearing in mind if you are more active than this.
Pockets
Perfect for popping your gloves in, or anything else you want to keep safe. Think about what you need to carry with you.
So you can see that a ski jacket is not just any old jacket! Make sure you choose wisely.