Looking good on the ski slopes is one thing, but it is really important to choose the ski jacket that best suits the kind of skiing you will be doing, as well as the kind of conditions you will be skiing in! Here is our guide to choosing the right ski jacket, as well as the useful features to look out for when buying a ski jacket!
INSULATED OR SHELL JACKET?
A shell jacket is a little more versatile than an isulated jacket; it can be worn on it's own in warmer conditions (or more energetic periods of skiing), or they can be work with extra insulated layers underneath in colder conditions. An insulated jackets would be better suited for colder conditions, though wouldn't might include down or synthetic insulation. Down insulation can be less bulky than synthetic insulation, though it can lose some thermal properties if it becomes wet. Types of synthetic insulation available at White Stone include Primaloft, Thinsulate.
WATER REPELLENCY & BREATHABILITY
The ideal ski jacket should be able to keep snow out, while allowing moisture and excess body heat to escape. Shell ski jackets often include waterproof materials like GORE-TEX and DERNIZAX which boast very high levels of breathability and waterproofness. In numbers, 5,000mm is low waterproofing, 10,000 average, 20,000 high, is 28,000mm very high. High waterproofing can cut breathability , but top-end materials achieve the double. All of the jackets available at White Stone boats a high level of breathability
Insulated jackets with down insulation are not waterproof, though they usually have a water repellent coating to the jacket's outer fabric; this means that they will be ideal for cold, dry snow conditions - but definitely won't keep you dry in sleet or rain.
POCKETS
SEALED SEAMS
Many jackets will include seams that are taped, to make them waterproof. Some jackets will have all seams taped, others will have the more vulnerable (critical) seams taped, for example at the jackets' shoulders.
VENTILATION
Some jackets include zipped underarm or front vents to allow heat to escape without opening the front zip; these are sometimes mesh lined. Zip-vents are often two-way so they’re easier to use when the jacket is being worn. These can be very useful in warmer ski conditions or for more energetic or off-piste skiing.
MOISTURE-WICKING
Linings are often made of a material that’s designed to transport sweat away from the body fast, to help keep you dry. Wearing similarly technical baselayers with a jacket helps the process.
POWDER SKIRT
Most of the ski jackets at White Stone will have a powder skirt on the jacket's inside, near the waist. This is an elasticated banc which can be done up over pants to stop snow from getting in underneath the jacket. Sometimes these are removable, with popper fastenings.
ZIP FEATURES
Some jackets include zips that have a guard at the tip to reduce chin-scratch; while others include asymmetric zips for the same reason. Many of the performance ski jackets at white stone are fully water repellent (this is usually listed on product descriptions). The majority of the jackets include YKK zips which are renowned for being manufactured to a very high standard. Additionally, you will find many two-way zips at White stone (a feature of many Bogner jackets), which can be zipped/unzipped from both the top and bottom of a jacket.
HOOD
Many ski jackets have hoods that are removable, so that they don't fill with snow when not being used (i.e. if you are wearing a helmet. Other ski jackets include extra large hoods that can be worn over a ski helmet.
Many ski jacket hoods are adjustable via elastic pulls to stop them falling over your eyes. Some ski jackets
Thumb loops
To stop the wind whistling between cuff and gloves, you may find an internal stretchy cuff with a loop for your thumb to help it stay put.
Pockets
Extra details
Search and you may find, a goggle wiper in a pocket, a detachable and washable collar lining.
Recco
Some jackets contain a Recco reflector – a small insert that can be found by ski patrol using compatible detectors. Having clothing with Recco is no replacement for an avalanche transceiver if going off piste.
