If you’re as passionate as we are about skiing, you probably count down the days until the lifts start running like a kid waiting for Christmas. And this year, more than ever, skiing and snowboarding are some of the best ways to travel and experience some adventure while continuing to be Covid-conscious. With a new ski season comes new terrain, new challenges, and — if you’re in the market for it — new gear.
When picking your ski jacket, it’s important to think about what type of skier you are: Are you a casual rider in a dry, moderate climate who only hits the slopes a few times a year? Or do you ski every chance you can get, no matter how cold and snowy the forecast? We believe that the most important factors in your choice should be the type of jacket (insulated or shell), level of waterproofing, and fit.
Insulated Versus Shell: Ski jackets fall into two main categories: insulated jackets and shells. An insulated jacket offers extra warmth for colder climates, which is especially beneficial on the chairlift. But insulated jackets can make it harder to control your body temperature when you warm up, which is why we mostly prefer shells. A shell has no insulation, so they are much more breathable and easy to regulate temperature. When paired with appropriate layers underneath, a shell is much more versatile than an insulated jacket. But we understand that layering can be a lot of work and thought, so shells aren't for everyone.
Waterproofing: Generally speaking, the more waterproof a jacket’s fabric, the more it will cost. Jackets are rated on a scale: 5,000g/m2 at the low end to 20,000g/m2 or higher. Of course, many companies bypass this rating scale with proprietary technologies. For example, Gore-Tex operates under its own set of rules, with no rating scale but rather a general promise to “keep you dry.” We usually recommend a jacket with a higher waterproof rating, but we understand that not everyone needs (or can afford) utmost protection from the elements. DWR (durable water repellant) coatings add an extra layer of protection, but DWR isn't enough by itself for a ski jacket, as the coating eventually wears off over time. Taped seams and zippers are additional features that keep water from penetrating vulnerable spots.
Fit: “Athletic-fit” jackets are a bit more form-fitting and shorter around the waist, and could also be considered “standard” or “classic.” Alternatively, freestyle-oriented jackets run longer and baggier, which leaves space for extra layers underneath and is less restricting on your mobility. The correct fit can be a fashion statement, too, so be sure you choose something that makes you look and feel untouchable for your next trip down the snow-covered runway.
Additional features: A wide range of additional features can make or break your ski jacket. A hood is a necessity for windy chair lift rides. Underarm vents let out heat when you're working overtime. Powder skirts keep snow out of your plumber's crack. Wrist gaiters keep snow from getting under your gloves. A lined collar feels soft on your face, while an offset neck zipper keeps it from rubbing your chin wrong and from getting stuck in your beard. The list goes on.
How We Chose
This year, we’ve had the opportunity to personally test (most of) these men’s ski jackets. We wore them on multiple days with variable weather conditions — from warm and sunny to cold, wet, and windy. Whether you’re a casual or technical skier, check out our reviews of the top men’s ski jackets to help you ride with confidence, have more fun, and crush new terrain in warmth, comfort, and style.
Overkill for mellow resort days or moderate climates
There's no better feeling than skiing first tracks in untouched powder. Sometimes you get lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time when Ski Patrol drops the rope, but sometimes you have to wake up at sunrise and brave the storm. Whatever the case, you'll need a jacket that's as courageous as you are, such as the Stoker.
We rode most of last season in this jacket's predecessor (the Sawtooth), we've skied a few early season days in this shell, and we are thoroughly impressed. It's pretty dang stout: A three-layer Gore-Tex construction (rated at 28,000/m2) repels the wettest snow, blocks the coldest winds, and even wicks away body heat.
We love the fit, feel, and style of this long, loose (but not baggy), freestyle-oriented shell. A well-rounded design includes fully sealed seams and zippers, a stretchy, removable powder skirt, a helmet-compatible hood that adjusts two ways, a chest pocket for your phone, and underarm vents to let some cool air in when you're hiking.
If you're serious about skiing or snowboarding and know how important a quality jacket is, then Mammut should definitely be on your radar. This brand makes dependable, high-performance jackets with clean styling that easily blurs the line between resort and touring gear, and their top-quality construction justifies the investment-level price tag.
We've been able to spend a few days in the Mammut Aenergy Air HS jacket, and we can’t sing its praises enough. It’s a waterproof (15,000g/m2), breathable, three-layer shell (without insulation) that is super effective at regulating temperature when paired with the proper layers underneath. We never found ourselves freezing or sweating, which means every day lasted a bit longer, and the stoke was always higher.
The Aenergy shell has all the little details and extras that you'd expect from a league leader like Mammut, including fully taped seams, two-way underarm vents, and easy-pull zippers. The Pertex Air material is lighter, softer, and more pliable than most shells, with less of a crinkly feel and sound. So if you prefer to layer up (we do) over rocking an insulated jacket, this shell is ready for nearly any conditions and adventures that winter may bring.
If avalanche forecasts, 3 a.m. wakeup calls, and sunrise skiing are a part of your regular routine, you'll need an impenetrable jacket. Luckily, Black Diamond makes super technical gear that is also pretty darn stylish. The long cut and relaxed fit look just as good with a pair of sneaker boots on the town as it does over your bibs.
The Mission is a three-layer Gore-Tex hardshell with fully sealed seams that thrives in wet, harsh conditions. It has a robust feeling that gives us confidence that we will be shielded from high winds and whipping snow when braving a blizzard for fresh turns — yet it breaths just as well as some lighter, more stretchy options.
Black Diamond cuts no corners with this do-it-all jacket. It's equipped with two large underarm vents, a stretchy powder skirt, internal pockets big enough to house your skins, and adjustability at the cuffs, hem, and hood. If you need one jacket for the resort and backcountry, spring days, and mid-February freezers, this workhorse jacket was meant to be used and abused for the long haul.
4
Best 3-in-1
The North Face ThermoBall Triclimate 3-in-1 Jacket
If you need a bit more warmth and versatility from your ski jacket, the 3-in-1 ThermoBall from The North Face is a solid contender. On warmer days, wear just the outer shell. But on colder days, zip the included down jacket into the outer shell for a super warm combination. Heck, you can even wear the down jacket separately, hence why it’s called a “triclimate” jacket. Genius.
This standard-fit jacket doesn't claim to be the most waterproof option out there, but water beads off this jacket like you'd expect from a North Face ski jacket, thanks to two-layer DryVent Shell with DWR coating. The ThermoBall insulation is made from 100% postconsumer recycled polyester to reduce environmental impact, too.
With additional features like a helmet-compatible hood, powder skirt, and internal goggle pockets, this is another option with solid value. It's a well-built, affordable ski jacket for the weekend resort rider from an industry-leading brand.
This is Backcountry's lightest, sportiest jacket for high-output skiing, both up- and downhill. The Notchtop has a three-layer Gore-Tex shell, which is super waterproof. But the active fit of this jacket isn't restrictive — it boasts a killer amount of stretch and breathability for vigorous endeavors.
When we spend the day in the backcountry rocking the Notchtop, we are constantly amazed at the number of ventilation options — including full-length underarm vents, plus laser-perforated vents under the secondary zipper and front storage pockets — which effectively keep us from overheating better than any other setup we've tried. And we always appreciate the pockets that are designed specifically for an avalanche beacon and radio.
If you're into the type of skiing that makes you sweat — whether skinning uphill or bombing moguls like an Olympian — the highly breathable Notchtop shell should be a contender.
700-fill down is much more insulation than any other jacket
Great for dry days, but performance may suffer when wet
There are many times when different is better, and this is absolutely one of those cases. Fjallraven's Expedition Down Lite jacket is much different than the other jackets in this review, but it's plenty effective at providing warmth and protection for brisk days on the mountain.
Fjallraven calls this the "lite" version compared to their heavyweight Expedition down jacket. But when compared to most other down jackets, which are typically lighter and more packable, this baby is hefty and toasty for most (dry) days at the ski resort. 700-fill down is ample insulation, a DWR coating helps shed light moisture without interfering with breathability, and a snap-over flap covers the front zipper to prevent drafts from reaching your core.
There's no pass-specific pocket, as is common in many ski jackets. But there are plenty of storage options to secure your essentials, including two large exterior pockets with both top and side access, plus a zippered internal pocket for your goggles, wallet, or phone. Dare to be different than everyone else wearing shells.
Electrospun fabric truly is lighter and stretchier
No powder skirt
If half of your days are spent riding lifts and cruising down groomers at your local mountain resort, and the other half is spent skinning wherever your feet will take you, the Carbide offers more than enough comfort, protection, and breathability at a reasonable price.
Like many others in this review, the Skytour is a three-layer shell that's perfect when matched with the appropriate base- and mid-layers. We're pretty stoked about the stretchy AscentShell fabric, which is electrospun to be lighter, stretchier, and more breathable than traditional fabrics.
The Skytour has clean lines, a two-tone colorway, a lower profile, and a fit that falls between active and freestyle — all styling that will keep you from standing out like a lost tourist.
Looking for an insulated, active-fit jacket with simple styling that won't cost you an arm and a leg? You're in luck, because Columbia makes solid gear for the skier on a budget. The Last Tracks is an update on one of their tried-and-true winter jackets.
Columbia's Omni-Tech waterproofing technology (no official rating) makes the outer shell plenty waterproof for skiing — it could even keep you dry in a downpour. Meanwhile, the synthetic insulation and Omni-Heat thermal reflective lining keep your body warm when you're riding the chairlift.
The Last Tracks also comes with plenty of features that are typical of more expensive options, like a removable hood, powder skirt, drawcord hem, and dedicated pockets for your ski pass and goggles, so you never (or less frequently) misplace those crucial elements again.
Helly Hansen has been making top-notch ski gear for what seems like ages, so it's no surprise that it continues to excel. The latest Alpha is a waterproof insulated jacket that'll help keep you toasty. It's rated at 15,000/m2 waterproofing, and it features Helly's H2Flow venting system, which sheds hot air so you won't overheat.
A few years back, Spyder made a departure from their slim-fitting, European ski racing style with this badass new Sanction Gore-Tex ski shell. Everything about this jacket was designed to keep you warm and dry when you're raging the mountain — the Gore-Tex laminate and DWR treatment keeps moisture outside, while the three-layer weave and underarm vents expel heat when you warm up.
We love the long, loose fit of this freestyle-ready ski shell for windy days at the resort just as much as we do for backcountry booter sessions. The outer fabric is abrasion-resistant to hold strong, no matter how many double ejects and yard sales you put it through. And it has all the features you'd expect from pricier competitors, like underarm vents, a helmet-compatible hood, seam-sealed zippers, and media pockets.
Water reservoir lets you hydrate without a bottle or backpack
Too warm for early season
Skiers know the struggle of trying to choose a jacket among hundreds of options. So 686 has simplifyed the process with their Hydrastash lineup of jackets, which is a unique feature that no other brand is offering.
The aptly named GLCR Hydrastash jacket features an integrated water reservoir near its powder skirt to help you stay hydrated on and off the slopes. The .75-liter Hydrastash reservoir is barely noticeable to you or anyone else, except when you need a sip of H2O to replenish. Leave your backpack in the car, ski more freely, and stay hydrated while doing it.
The GLCR is warm, waterproof (20,000/m2), and has a semi-loose fit that we love. Body-mapped insulation helps hold warmth where you need it without adding bulk. And all the details are covered, including a dedicated goggles pocket, a fleece-knit inner collar, connection points for a seamless fit with your ski pants, and a media pocket with audio cord outlet and tangle-free headphone loops.
Andrew BettlachAndrew has been contributing to the outdoors and fitness content on BestProducts.com since 2017; he's a nature lover, peak-bagger, skier, and general good-time haver who lives in Colorado, knows where all the fresh snow is, and what gear you should be wearing for staying warm or looking fresh.
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