If you have an upcoming trip to the slopes and you’re wanting to buy your first soft shell ski jacket, you’re in the right place.
We have done the research for you so all you need to do is check out our “Best of” list below, spend some time at your favorite store testing them out, then grab your wallet and head out the door! We hope this simplifies your shopping experience and leads to you picking up a jacket you’ll be happy with for years!
Enjoy.
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Outdoor Research Men's Ferrosi Hooded Jacket | Best Overall |  |
1. Outdoor Research Men's Ferrosi Hooded Jacket
Pros:
- Outer and inner softshell fabrics to keep you dry
- You can fit a lot of layers under this jacket
- Main zippered pockets have water tight zippers
- It comes with a removable zip-in insulated vest
- Has offset chest pockets
- It’s extremely lightweight
- Its hood is big and has a soft fleece lining
- Venting zippers
- Two-way zippers on the front
- The pockets have interior storm flaps
The Ferrosi convertible soft shell jacket is great for walking, hiking, climbing as well as skiing.
It can keep you dry thanks to both the softshell outer and inner fabrics.
The jacket is also very lightweight.
2. Arc'teryx Men's Gamma Lt Hoody
Pros:
- This is a fantastic defense against the harsh weather conditions that you may encounter
- It offers 39.5 oz of 800 fill power goose down
- The shell fabric is very durable and lightweight
- The zippers are quite functional
- It is reasonably priced
- It is very lightweight despite the amount of insulation
- It offers a pretty roomy fit with its 100% N40p-X3 nylon fabric
- The fit is unisex
- There is soft insulation present on the inside
Cons:
- It is not a stretchy fabric
- The collar is not very high and protects the chin rather than the neck to the chin
- It lacks hand pockets
- It is not fully taped
- There is no internal stash pocket
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are soft shell jackets good for skiing?
Yes, a soft shell jacket is an extremely versatile and comfortable option for your next skiing trip. They work great in a wide range of temperatures, as they are insulated with the perfect amount of lightweight, high-loft microfiber. Soft shell jackets are also highly water resistant and windproof, and they can be worn with a variety of base layers for maximum comfort and protection. Plus, they look great!
Are soft shell jackets good for winter?
The soft shell jacket works better for skiing than any other jacket I have tried. A “regular” ski jacket would probably be several times heavier and about the same price as a soft shell. When you are on the piste on a cold sunny day, you don’t want a winter coat, but rather a thin comfortable jacket which will keep the wind off and wick away moisture. I find that soft shell does this the best.
What is the best softshell mens jacket?
The best softshell jacket for you will depend on your needs and the activities you’re doing. If you’re looking for a jacket that’s waterproof you should choose one with Gore-Tex. If you want a jacket that has more breathability, look for one with a durable and waterproof membrane. If you want a jacket that has more stretch, go for a partially waterproof jacket. If you want the best softshell jacket, look no further than the Patagonia Alpine Houdini Jacket, The North Face Venture Jacket or the Arc’teryx Squamish Hoody.
What are soft shell jackets good for?
Soft shells are perfect for skiing, water activities, layering, and using as a windproof shell on chilly days. They are very similar in design and function to hard shell jackets, except that they are typically made from a more breathable and lighter material than their hard shell counterparts, and the zippers are made from more water resistant materials than the zippers on hard shell jackets.
Conclusion
When trying to decide the best softshell ski jacket, it is important to consider the functionality of the jacket as well as the aesthetics. Many jackets are highly functional, but not very fashionable. With this in mind, we went through all the jackets and put together this list of 6 jackets that are comfortable to wear, fashionable, and will keep you dry and warm even in the windiest of conditions. Our list ranges from the lowest price to the highest price. So no matter what your budget is, you'll be able to find a jacket that you'll love.
Our Recommendation
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Outdoor Research Men's Ferrosi Hooded Jacket | Best Overall | |