Skiing and snowboarding are a blast, but the weather can be a little harsh on your body when you’re enjoying it outdoors. That means you’ll need the best ski jacket you can find in order to stay comfortable, warm, and protected. How do you find one, though? There are a ton of options available and it can be pretty difficult to figure out which jacket is the best for you.
Luckily, the review experts at The Better Gear have created this list of the best ski jackets in 2022 and considered all of the features required to make your time on the slopes just a bit more comfortable.
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Columbia Mens Columbia Men's Alpine Action Winter Jacket | Best Overall |  |
| Wantdo Men's Mountain Waterproof Ski Jacket Windproof Rain Jacket Winter Warm Snow Coat | Budget Pick |  |
| Outdoor Research mens Men's Hemispheres Jacket | Upgrade Pick |  |
1. Columbia Mens Columbia Men's Alpine Action Winter Jacket
Pros:
- Stylish
- Very warm
- Designed to keep you warm in harsh winter weather
- Waterproof and breathable
- Reflective trim
- Stylish design
- Includes a removable hood
- Has a drop-in pocket for you to keep your items dry and weather-proof
- Has a two-way zipper
- The Omni-Tech design means it’s stretchy and breathable
Cons:
- Slightly bulky
- Has a Velcro flap on the inside of the collar
- Some customers didn’t find it warm enough for very harsh weather
Omni-Tech Shaped, Black, XX-Large.
2. Helly-Hansen 65551 Men's Alpha 3.0 Jacket
Pros:
- The waterproofing is extraordinary
- It is uber-comfortable with… an articulated fit and multiple stretch panels
- Offers ample amount of pockets
- A certain level of wind, water and snow protection
Cons:
- Lots of seams
- No helmet-compatibility in the hood configuration
- No pit-zips meant venting could be difficult in the high heat and humidity
- The sizing is way off
3. The North Face Carto Triclimate Jacket
Are you looking for the perfect jacket to take out on the slopes this winter? Then look no further than the North Face® Carto Jacket. This jacket is made of a waterproof and windproof material that will keep you warm and dry on the coldest of days and high up on the mountain.
4. Wantdo Men's Mountain Waterproof Ski Jacket Windproof Rain Jacket Winter Warm Snow Coat
Pros:
- Its price point is a great value
- Keeps the cold out and the heat in
- Its hood is adjustable
Cons:
- The zipper is a bit noisy
- It’s a small fit
- The hand pockets could be a bit deeper
When it comes to staying warm and dry while skiing, nothing comes close to the Wantdo Men’s ski jacket. It features an adjustable nylon waist cinch belt, two-way YKK zippers, and a waterproof and breathable 3 layer design with a filling of Avocado fiber.
Another important feature that this ski jacket has is an adjustable bonus hood. This is an extremely useful feature because it keeps the face and ears of the wearer covered at all times.
Lastly, its waterproof membrane shells also work to prevent sweat and moisture from building up on the inside.
5. Flylow Men's Higgins 2.1 Jacket
Pros:
- This jacket is excellent, It kept me dry and comfortable in anything February and March could throw at me over 5 days last season! I've skied in the PNW and Colorado this year and am still loving it!
- It isn't really a con for me, but this jacket fit a little snug in the hips for someone who usually wears a large.
The Higgins 2.1 jacket is a 3 layer soft-shell jacket that was designed with ski and snowboard applications in mind. With fully-taped seams this jacket will keep the moisture outside where it belongs.
It features a compressed-cuff which allows you to use the jacket as a gaiter. this is a handy feature when you are crusing the hill and want to keep your hands dry.
The 2 zippered hand-warmer pockets provide ample storage room for your gloves and lift pass.
6. Spyder Women’s Captivate Gore-Tex Ski Jacket
Pros:
- Keep you warm with synthetic insulation
- Heat is locked in with waterproof, breathable Gore-Tex fabric
- Good range of colors for various ski conditions
- Features a functional pocket design
- Zip security pocket on the inside
- Zippered cuffs for extra warmth
- Zippered hand pockets and a banded hem for extra warmth
Cons:
- The winter jacket is semi-heavy, at 4 pounds 13 ounces
- The length of the jacket is relatively short
- There is no insulation lining in the hood, which can be a bit thin
- You’re not getting a lot of features for the price, but that’s what you get with Spyder
The Spyder Women’s Captivate Ski Jacket is ideal for snowy cold days that you want to stay warm during. This jacket comes with GORE-TEX Fabric for waterproof protection. It also features a breathable, high-stretch membrane.
The liner is made of 100% polyester with an opening that’s soft to the touch. This jacket has a drop-down powder skirt to keep snows out.
7. Arc'teryx Sabre Ar Jacket
Pros:
- Waterproof and breathable
- Jackets have an athletic fit
- Weather proof
- Short, comfortable sleeves with adjustable cuffs
- Adjustable hoods
- Solid zippers
- Thumb loops
- 3-layer nylon shell
- None of the materials in this jacket use PFCs
Cons:
- There is no room for any extra insulation layers
- If you’re going to wear a pack, remember to wear a vest
The Arc'teryx Sabre Ar ski jacket is one of the best skiing jackets you can buy. It comes with modern construction and fabric designs to help you withstand the harshest of weather conditions.
If you’re buying a jacket like this one, you want it to be just as durable and reliable as the outdoor gear that you already use.
With its three-layer nylon shell and elastic-free design, this jacket will allow you to move freely, while keeping you warm and dry from the chest down. The shoulders and arms provide extra coverage from the cold.
8. Gore Wear X7 Partial Gore-Tex Infinium L/S Shirt XC Ski Jacket Mens Sz L Red/Chestnut Red
Pros:
- It has very efficient, comfortable ventilation that is quiet
- The waterproof liner and insulation layer allow you to stay warm and dry in extreme conditions
- Pre-curved, stretch back panels that ensure B fit
- High performance technology
- It has a removable protect liner
- It has very efficient, comfortable ventilation
- Comfortable and can be used in any temperature
- Large hood adjustments
- Adjustable elastic wrist
Cons:
- Not compatible with any other L/S Gore-Tex garments
- Pricey
9. Spyder Boy’s Challenger Ski Jacket
Pros:
- This is a high-quality jacket
- The jacket has a lot of layers and is very warm and cozy for the harsh winter
- The jacket is also extremely waterproof
- The pockets are decent size and thus have enough room for the kids to store even their gloves and hat
Cons:
- It is not available in various sizes so it may not fit all kids
- The jacket comes in limited colors
The Spyder Boys’ Challenger Ski Jacket is a kid’s ski jacket that comes as a full zipped jacket with full fleece fill insulation on the inside. The outside layer is made from nylon and has a water-resistant finish.
The jacket is extremely warm and cozy. The outside is made of a nylon material with water-resistant finish. The inside is filled with a very soft fabric that is great for winter.
The jacket also has velcro closure.
10. Outdoor Research mens Men's Hemispheres Jacket
Pros:
- Lightweight
- The ArcTeryx is waterproof thanks to its polyester fabric
- Breathable
- Seam sealed with a waterproof rating of 20,000 mm waterproof rating
- Multiple storage pockets that are placed intelligently for easy access while wearing a pack
- The zippers are nice and waterproof as well
- Made from a fabric called Gore-Tex Paclite
- If you want a more durable version of this product check out the Tenaya model
If you are looking for an all around, all seasons, do anything, put it through the ringer, type of jacket, you need look no further than the ArcTeryx Men’s Mentor AR Jacket.
This jacket has it all. It’s one of the best designed, best performing products in the industry.
This jacket comes with an extremely lightweight weighing in around 2 lbs and has a water resistance rating of 20 000 mm. The face fabric is a laminate of soft-shell material and a breathable membrane.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the best ski jacket to buy?
If you are around 5'9" and a size 40" chest, you probably need a large ski jacket. Or, if your chest measures about 41" and you are around this height, you might want to consider a medium. If you are one of those people that like to go with the bigger jacket size, a large would be your best bet.
Your ski jacket should also be able to be stored on your ski rack mounted to the roof of your vehicle, let alone on your body. You want to make sure you can ski and snowboard wearing everything you need but that are still able to be small enough to fit on your body or in your storage area. The better the jacket is able to be controlled in all situations, the more your experience is going to be positive.
Which arcteryx jacket is best for skiing?
Arcteryx is a huge player in the ski and snowboard gear market! From jackets to pants to helmets, this brand has you covered. Most of their designs are subtle and minimalist which is what you want when you’re skiing. They have some unique features that are really cool. I love their ski pants with the crampon patches for looking stylish while hiking and the helmet with the ski goggle attachment to keep your goggles secured!
But the real question is what Arcteryx is the best for skiing? The answer is it really depends on what you’re looking for in a jacket. Some are lightweight and designed specifically for skiing, while other jackets are more technical and built for additional protection.
I’ve listed my Top 10 Arcteryx Jackets as they relate to skiing in 2022. Here’s a breakdown of each:
What is the best brand of ski clothing?
Are Helly Hansen ski jackets good?
Helly Hansen clothing makes some of the best ski jackets on the market. If you’re in the market for a new ski jacket, Helly Hansen is a brand to consider. Helly Hansen is a leading producer of more than just ski gear, they make some of the most stylish and durable gear you can find. Whether you’re looking for a solid and practical jacket or one that’s got a bit of style, Helly Hansen has you covered. Let’s take a look at the best Helly Hansen ski jackets you’ll find in 2022.
Conclusion
In a sport where the weather can be very unpredictable and the temperature takes strange fluctuations, having a great ski jacket can really make all the difference to the quality of the skiing experience. It will keep you warm and protected from the elements so that you don’t have to worry about freezing, no matter if you’re facing off against the arctic winds of the north face, or if there is a sudden unexpected flurry of snow in mid-summer.
Our Recommendation
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Columbia Mens Columbia Men's Alpine Action Winter Jacket | Best Overall | |
| Wantdo Men's Mountain Waterproof Ski Jacket Windproof Rain Jacket Winter Warm Snow Coat | Budget Pick | |
| Outdoor Research mens Men's Hemispheres Jacket | Upgrade Pick | |