Hey there ski lovers and welcome to my post where we will check out my three best ski jackets for men to hit the powder with this year. When it comes to personal temperature control, snow skiing provides quite a few challenges. I mean I have skied in everything from full thermals and suit all the way down to a pair of light tracksuit pants and a t-shirt.
However, in general, you will usually need something to keep you warm enough when on the slopes as well as around the village afterwards. And as you may have guessed, this is where a good ski jackets comes in. Additionally, when it comes to jackets, many are designed and made with the shape of either a man or women in mind.
So for those of you looking to get hold of a good ski jacket for men, I have had a bit of a look around and come up with three decent options below. Let’s check them out.
My three recommended ski jackets for men
I will review these in more detail below, but if you want to get moving without all the carry-on, my recommended products are listed here for your convenience:
What are ski jackets for men?
As the name suggests, ski jackets are overcoats or ‘parkas’ that specifically designed for skiing with increased breathability, mobility and weather resistance. These are typically waterproof or water-resistant, insulated, and equipped with valuable pockets and other snow-specific features.
As a result, ski jackets must include features associated with high levels of activity and exertion, as well as cold conditions and the possibility of coming into contact with snow that can melt against it.
Check out these: Ski Jackets for Women
What should you be looking for?
The following factors should be considered as you look around for a good men’s ski jacket for your winter sport needs.
- Type
- Jacket layers
- Breathability
- Waterproofing
- Durability
- Additions
Type
Ski jackets for men are typical of three kinds: shell, insulated and 3-in-1 as follows:
- Shell jackets – Shell jackets provide strong wind and moisture protection and are appropriate if you are into both backcountry and resort skiing. They are typically waterproof, windproof and at least moderately breathable because they are made of multiple layers of fabric laminated together. These jackets are however not insulated, so you may need to layer them with a baselayer for warmth.
- Insulated jackets – Jackets in this category combine a weather-resistant shell with built-in insulation, providing excellent protection against both moisture and cold.
- 3-in-1 jackets – 3-in-1 jackets with an outer shell and a zip-in insulated layer are trendy among casual skiers. The primary consideration is price. The versatility of three jackets in one, can work as follows – Wear the shell without insulation on warm spring days, zip the two together in the middle of winter, and wear the mid-layer (usually a fleece or synthetic jacket) daily.
Jacket layers
Two options are available for this factor: 2-layered and 3-layered. A two-layer jacket has a face fabric made of polyester or nylon connected to an inner liner that protects the fabric, is breathable, and provides comfort. These jackets are typically lighter in weight than three-layer jackets. Some also have an insulation layer and the outermost surface is typically waterproofed.
A three-layer jacket increases durability by sandwiching a waterproof/breathable membrane, often made by GORE-TEX, between a tough face fabric and liner. The outer fabric is sometimes treated to make it waterproof. These jackets are more expensive and provide more protection against harsh weather conditions.
Breathability
If you’re going to be sweating a lot while running, skiing or doing another activity, you’ll want to wear breathable base layers. Different technologies accomplish this by keeping external water out while allowing internal water vapor (i.e. sweat) to escape from the inside.
Breathability ratings are difficult to calculate as the temperature and humidity can affect how much we sweat however the amount of water vapor that can pass through a square meter of material in 24 hours (g/m2) is commonly reported as the breathability metric.
Look for a jacket with a breathability of 10,000 to 15,000 g/mm2 for high-output skiing. Backcountry and uphill skiers and athletes should look for 20,000 g/mm2 or higher breathability.
Waterproofing
Because the weather can be unpredictable and you don’t want to get wet from snow or rain, a waterproof jacket is ideal for skiing. The gold standard for waterproofness is GORE-TEX, a membrane integrated into various jacket designs whereas some brands produce their own waterproof/breathable fabrics.
The amount of water you can place on top of a fabric before it leaks between 5,000 and 20,000 mm or more is referred to as its waterproof ratings. The fabric is less breathable at the other end of the spectrum.
- 0 – 5,000 mm Resistant to light rain and dry snow
- 6,000 – 10,000 mm Waterproof against light rain and dry, light snow
- 11,000 – 15,000 mm Waterproof against moderate rain and dry, light snow
- 16,000 – 20,000 mm Waterproof against heavy rain and wet snow
- 20,000 mm above Waterproof against heavy rain and dense snow
Check out these: Ski Suits for Men
Durability
As we all know, skiing is a rough sport where everything from getting on and off the lift to hiking and riding off-trail can wreak havoc on equipment. Thus, the outer layers of ski jackets should be tough.
When it comes to measuring durability, fabric thickness is measured in deniers, or “D,” and a higher number corresponds to a more substantial build. Overall, resort skiers benefit from a burlier construction, and some of our favorites are 100D and higher. Jackets with about 80D are also a good compromise if you want a lighter setup for mobility but still want something tough.
Finally, backcountry shells are frequently the thinnest for weight savings, with popular jackets ranging from 40D to 70D.
Additions
Other potential additions include:
- Collar and hood: An ergonomic collar and hood are essential for protecting the face, head, and neck from the sun, snow, sleet, hail, wind, and rain. Pulling up a hood can help the body retain heat in cold weather.
- Pockets: These are useful for keeping your items as you ski.
- Drawstring cords: These are valuable in ensuring the ski jacket fits the user’s body contour.
- Powder skirt: These features prevent fluffy flakes from flying up and soaking your base layers or lower back. Some powder skirts are detachable, while others have attachment points for securing your ski pants.
- Sleeve cuffs: These extra layers of fabric are usually Velcro-closed, though some designs include additional snaps of varying widths. Many cuffs have an inner wrist gaiter. This item is made of a stretchy fabric with thumbholes to help keep the fabric from riding up over the top of the hand as well as protecting the top of your gloves.
Check out these: Ski Pants for Men
My three recommendations broken down
So based on the information above and my own experience, I recommend the following options:
1. GEMYSE Men’s Mountain Waterproof Ski Jacket
If waterproofness and insulation are your top priorities, my first recommended ski jacket will completely meet your needs. It is an insulated ski jacket designed to withstand the harsh conditions of skiing with extensive waterproofing throughout. See its specifications below:
- Brand: GEMYSE
- Type: Insulated
- Materials used: Durable fabric
- Waterproof: 10,000 mm
- Breathability: 5,000 g/m2
- Weight: 3.53 ounces
- Sizing: small – 3XL
Other inclusions:
- Adjustable velcro cuffs
- Internal windproof snap skirt
- Detachable hood
- Powder skirt
- Mesh pockets
- 25 color options
Why have I chosen it?
This ski jacket is constructed using durable fabric which guarantees you can use it repeatedly for years with a design provides that provides warmth and breathability making you feel comfortable conquering snow-filled slopes.
The jacket features a professional water-repellent coating which extends to the zippers and pockets as well. All in all, this is a great option for not only skiing but hiking and other winter outdoor pursuits too.
2. THE NORTH FACE Men’s Sickline Insulated Ski Jacket
My second ski jacket comes from a well known brand that delivers high-quality performance. It is a 2-layered skiing garment designed with a mechanical stretch for added protection and improved mobility. See its specifications below:
- Brand: The North Face
- Type: Insulated
- Waterproof: 16,000 mm
- Breathability: Not indicated
- Weight: 8 ounces
- Sizing: x-small – 2xl
Other inclusions:
- Underarm vents
- Helmet-compatible hood
- Snap away powder skirt
- Large interior pocket
Why have I chosen it?
This ski jacket is designed by pros which means it offers top-notch performance with overall protection that is based on its innovative construction. For maximum breathability, it has sealed seams and allows water vapor to escape. The Heetseeker Eco recycled insulation is also excellent at providing warmth, even in wet weather.
This ski jacket has a roomy fit throughout the body, allowing you to layer it with your favorite sweatshirts and other base layers for complete warmth in cooler weather. It is also designed with an internal secure-zip media pocket, two internal stretch goggle pockets and a zip wrist pocket with an integrated goggle wipe.
3. Helly-Hansen Men’s Alpha LIFAloft Jacket
This next option performs exceptionally well in every category with an extremely waterproof and breathable design manufactured for long lasting use. See its specifications below:
- Brand: Helly-Hansen
- Type: Insulated
- Waterproof: 16,000 mm
- Breathability: Not indicated
- Weight: 2.56 pounds
- Sizing: Small – 2xl
Other inclusions it has:
- Helmet-compatible hood
- Dual hand-warming pockets
- Chest pockets
- Goggle shammy
Why have I chosen this?
The jacket is even equipped with a removable hood for fair-weather skiing with armpit vents and unique air holes in the center of the back for extreme breathability. In the field, the jacket’s fabric offers weather resistance similar to Gore-Tex and uses fully sealed seams and waterproof zippers to keep water out.
Wind and snow are kept out of the sleeves thanks to skin-tight gaiters at the wrist openings and velcro straps and the hood provides excellent coverage and is fully adjustable as well.
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$69.98
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$208.17
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$357.50
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Conclusion
There you have it, my three best ski jackets for men. I would be pleased to know how this article helped you, and as usual, let me know of your experiences with them.
Also, please do not hesitate to comment below if you have any questions, concerns, or corrections or would like me to check anything else out for you.
Until next time.
Have fun
Paul
