Buying Guide: Ski Jackets
Just as with equipment, it is important to choose a product based on what it will be used for – and that applies to your ski jacket too. Will you only be skiing on-piste? Or off-piste and ski touring? If ski touring is what you have in mind, a shell jacket that lets you dress in layers is clearly the better choice.
The big differences between jackets lie in the fit, water resistance, insulation and breathability. One of the most important things is, of course, that it fits well – try it on with what you normally wear underneath. That way you can feel that you have full freedom of movement, which matters, as this is a garment you will be moving around in.
A few things to consider
A major reason you get cold is the wind created by your own speed as you ski. That makes a windproof jacket one of the most important things to look for. Of course, different parts of the season call for slightly different things. On a warm spring day a lined hoodie may well be enough, but that will not work as well on a cold winter day. So for a ski jacket that will last the whole season, make sure it is windproof.
Another thing to think about is breathability and waterproofing. All the ski jackets in our range offer good breathability and waterproofing. Generally speaking, the slightly more expensive jackets have better membranes, giving both higher breathability and better waterproofing.
Many jackets have vents that can be opened, for example under the arms, so you can regulate your temperature throughout the day. It can often be really cold in the morning and then get considerably warmer as the day goes on, so it is nice to be able to vent a little extra in the afternoon.
So how much lining should your jacket have? As we said, it is a matter of taste. If you prefer to dress from the inside out and want a jacket that is very versatile as a result, a shell jacket is probably the better choice. A shell jacket often works brilliantly all year round. If, on the other hand, you feel the cold easily or do not want to bother too much with layering, a lined jacket is probably for you.
A powder skirt is another handy feature that most ski jackets have. It keeps the snow out if you fall and also helps seal the jacket so the cold wind does not blow in underneath. It keeps you warm and keeps the condensation out.
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Hydrostatic head and breathability – what do they mean?
Hydrostatic head and breathability are terms you have probably come across and may feel a little unsure about. As mentioned, they are something to keep in mind when buying a ski jacket – but what do they actually mean?
Hydrostatic head, or water column pressure, refers to how much water (measured in millimetres) 1 square centimetre of a material can withstand before the water gets through. The higher the hydrostatic head, the more water the material can handle, so the figure gives you an idea of how waterproof it is. Bear in mind that this applies to a garment that is new and unused. Over time your clothes wear, which means the hydrostatic head gradually decreases. To extend their lifespan, it is important to follow the care instructions, wash the garment when needed and re-proof it when necessary.
Here is a rough guide to hydrostatic head ratings
- Up to 2 000 mm: The garment is water-repellent, but not truly waterproof.
- 4 000 mm: Waterproof on shorter outings in light precipitation.
- 6 000 mm: Stays waterproof for a short period in heavy precipitation and a little longer in light precipitation.
- 8 000 – 12 000 mm: Copes with a few hours of heavy precipitation, or a really long time in lighter precipitation.
- Over 12 000 mm: Copes with long periods of heavy precipitation.
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More things to take into account
Wind plays a part too. When it is blowing hard, it pushes water through your clothes. Something else to consider is that sitting on, for example, a wet chairlift corresponds to a hydrostatic head of 5 000 mm. Kneeling, you can expect pressure equivalent to almost 18 000 mm. These are guide figures, as your weight naturally makes a difference.
Breathability tells you how well the material ventilates. It is measured as how many grams of water one square metre of fabric lets through in 24 hours, from the inside out. Generally speaking, 10 000 (g/m2/24h) is good and over 20 000 is really good.
As always, what you wear underneath matters – otherwise it makes no difference that your outer jacket breathes well. A good base layer and mid layer are a must if you want to get the full benefit from the clothes you are wearing.
Finding it hard to choose a ski jacket? Come in and try some on – our knowledgeable staff will help you choose! Can't make it to the shop? You are of course welcome to contact us by email or phone – we are more than happy to help!
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