Whether you are a skier or snowboarder, choosing the right jacket is the key to a successful day on the mountain. Some of the most important things that you need to consider when buying a ski jacket are: breathability, waterproofing, windproofing, seams, hood, pockets, fit, layers and insulation. There are plenty of offerings out there, but with so many brands, materials, styles and colors, it’s hard to figure out what to choose. That’s why we decided to compile a list of 10 of the best ski and snowboard jackets available in 2017 so that you will have an easier time picking out the perfect jacket.
Contents
- The North Face Corefire Down Jacket
- Burton [ak] GORE‑TEX® 3L Hover Jacket
- Mountain Hardwear CloudSeeker™ Jacket
- Patagonia Men’s Nano-Air® Light Hoody
- Helly Hansen Sailing Jacket
- Alpha IS Jacket by Arc’teryx
- The North Face Chakal Jacket
- Columbia OutDry™ Ex Diamond Down Insulated Jacket
- Airblaster AB/BC Jacket
- Thirtytwo Echelon Jacket
The North Face Corefire Down Jacket
The first windproof ski jacket for men on our list is the Corefire Down, which is a GORE WINDSTOPPER® ski jacket with two types of warm insulation that is capable of providing complete wind protection. A relaxed ergo fit that allows you the maximum range of motion is also a part of the deal, as is the 550 goose down insulation for warmth. There are also underarm vents that regulate temperature, as well as snap-away powder skirt, which doesn’t allow snow to get inside. Other highlights include secure-zip chest pocket and hand pockets, a helmet compatible hood, internal mesh, media and goggle pockets, and jacket-to-pant integration.
Burton [ak] GORE‑TEX® 3L Hover Jacket
You’ll always feel warmed to the core with this GORE‑TEX® 3L Hover Jacket by Burton. Made out of GORE-TEX fabric, this lightweight ski jacket for men offers better breathability, windproofing and waterproofing while keeping you cool during activity and warm during cool-down. It boasts fully taped seams with Gore-Seam® tape, as well as powder gasket cuffs, and an internal welded media pocket and dump pocket that can be used for storage. Moreover, the removable waist gaiter with Jacket‑to‑Pant Interface and the neck gasket collar make sure that you will remain warm. Other highlights comprise YKK® matte water-resistant zippers, internal abrasion resistant tape on critical wear zones, and StormForm fulltime contour hood with drop construction and cohaesive embedded cinch.
Mountain Hardwear CloudSeeker™ Jacket
The CloudSeeker™ Jacket is perfectly suited for skiing and snowboarding, as it features a waterproof, breathable, seam-sealed lightweight stretch 3L construction, as well as a removable powder skirt with pant integration. Available in three different colorways named Grey Ice/Manta Grey, Fresh Bud and Zinc, this Mountain Hardwear ski jacket for men flaunts a fully-adjustable helmet, and flow-through vents near back of upper arm that prevent overheating, while the RECCO® avalanche rescue reflector guarantees an enhanced safety. As for storage, this product features two large harness and pack compatible hand warmer pockets, one large left chest pocket, one interior goggle stash drop pocket and an interior zip media pocket.
Patagonia Men’s Nano-Air® Light Hoody
Available in Campfire Orange, Navy Blue and Paintbrush Red, the Nano-Air® Light Hoody won’t let you down on those cold mountain days, and that’s because it features a 40-g FullRange™ insulation and a light yet durable 100% nylon ripstop shell and plain-weave liner that offers sufficient warmth and breathability. What makes this men’s ski and snowboard jacket special is the fact that it doesn’t have seams across the shoulders and back, increasing stretch and keeping abrasion to a minimum. It also features an exterior left-chest zip pocket, a stretchy hood, and adjustable cuffs.
Helly Hansen Sailing Jacket
This new and improved version of the most iconic Sailing Jacket from Helly Hansen was created using 2 ply fabric construction with a Durable Water Repellent finish, while the shell is 100% Helly Tech®, which is a waterproof, windproof and breathable fabric that keeps you dry and warmed in all situations and weather conditions. The jacket’s other important features include an adjustable hood, hand warmer pockets, an adjustable hem, and a fleece collar.
Alpha IS Jacket by Arc’teryx
The first Arc’teryx offering on our list is the Alpha IS Jacket, which is an single-layer piece with GORE-TEX® outer that provides great waterproof, windproof and breathable protection. This product was created using a hydrophobic DWR treated ThermaTek™ synthetic insulation complemented by an additional layer of Coreloft™ Continuous 65 insulation, thus offering warmth and comfort. The e3D Ergonomic 3-Dimensional patterning is great for mobility, while the Cohaesive™ hem adjusters help create a secure fit. With a total of four pockets (two outer and three internal), this piece benefits of plenty storage space for the basics. Available in Black and Magma, this jacket also features gusseted underarms, an adjustable helmet, and Velcro® cuffs.
The North Face Chakal Jacket
This men’s jacket from The North Face that you’re admiring right now is named Chakal, and it impresses with a retro-inspired design, and with a varied insulation that is 100g at the core, 80g in the sleeves and 60g in the hood. Tipping the scale at 1085g (38.27oz), this men’s waterproof ski jacket boasts polyurethane (PU) coating that ensures waterproof protection and moisture permeability.
Furthermore, this men’s snowboard jackets with wrist gaiters also includes welded ventilation detail under the arms, secure-zip wrist pocket with goggle wipe, internal pockets, and a snap-away powder skirt that secures your ski pants near the front zipper.
Columbia OutDry™ Ex Diamond Down Insulated Jacket
The Columbia OutDry™ Ex Diamond Down Insulated Jacket is a great choice if you enjoy winter activities. Being part of the Titanium line, it is one of the warmest ski jacket for men of this brand. This product was created using 800-fill power goose down insulation combined with OutDry™ Extreme technology, offering exceptional breathability as well as waterproofness. Its main features include fully seam sealed, hood with peripheral adjustability, chest and goggle pocket, adjustable snap back powder skirt and adjustable hem. There are also underarm vents, and adjustable sleeve cuffs that help you keep the snow out, which is always nice.
Airblaster AB/BC Jacket
With a design that allows your body to breathe, this piece features fully taped seams, a tailored fit, and very breathable shell combined with effective layering for an extra touch of versatility. Its powder skirt with pass window is removable, so you can wear this jacket even around town. It boasts lycra wrist gaiters, as well as mesh lined underarm vents for a plus of ventilation. Storage is taken care of thanks to six storage pockets, and there’s even an internal pocket that can serve as a place to stash your gloves or goggles. Last but not least, we should mention the various colorways. These include Night Jungle, Black, Red Dawn, Royal Blue and Willow.
Thirtytwo Echelon Jacket
We end the men’s jacket list with the Thirtytwo Echelon. With a beautiful military design that adorns the entire piece, this camo snowboard jacket for men was created using an infinite 4-way stretch fabric, which keeps you warm without sacrificing flexibility. When it comes to insulation, you get the most warmth at the body and slightly less in the sleeves. Its lycra wrist gaiters stop snow from getting up your sleeves, while the hood provides extra protection.
