

Type: Insulated (80 & 60g PrimaLoft Black) See the Men's Arc'teryx Sabre See the Women's Arc'teryx Sentinelīest Insulated Jacket for Resort Skiing 2. It delivers an unbeatable combination of comfort, build quality, weather resistance, and mobility.


Those who tour exclusively likely will want a more backcountry-specific piece like Arc’teryx’s own Alpha SV (for high-alpine adventures in harsh conditions) or Outdoor Research’s Skytour (when stretchiness and staying cool are most important), but you won’t find a better all-rounder than the Sabre. At about 1.5 pounds, it’s fairly heavy and doesn’t compress very small to throw in a pack, and the liner inhibits breathability a bit even with the pit zips opened up. Where the Sabre comes up short is for extended backcountry use. All told, the Sabre is an extraordinarily well-rounded ski jacket that’s ready to handle anything from Arctic blasts of wind and snow on the lift to quick tours. Additionally, the fit is great for active use: generous enough for layering but without extra bulk. Arc’teryx also nailed the features with easy-to-use pit zips, a highly adjustable and helmet-compatible hood, and six smartly designed pockets. Its premium 3-layer Gore-Tex construction is burly and offers phenomenal weather protection, while a soft-touch liner adds a little extra warmth and boosts mobility and comfort. What we don’t: A bit heavy for serious backcountry use.Īrc’teryx dominates the high-end jacket market, and their men's Sabre and women's Sentinel is an all-time favorite shell for those who ski both the resort and backcountry. What we like: Premium build quality, fit, and performance. Best Budget Ski Jacket: REI Co-op Powderboundīest Overall Ski Jacket 1.Best 3-in-1 Ski Jacket: The North Face ThermoBall Eco Snow Triclimate.Best Backcountry Ski Jacket: Outdoor Research Skytour.Best Insulated Jacket for Resort Skiing: Helly Hansen Alpha 3.0.Best Overall Ski Jacket: Arc’teryx Sabre.And for more on outerwear, see our article on the best ski pants. For further guidance, see our ski jacket comparison table and buying advice below the picks. We’ve included all three in our picks for the best ski jackets of the 2023 season below. Budget-seekers like the all-in-one functionality of a 3-in-1 jacket, which comes with a separate insulating layer that can be zipped into the shell. Some people prefer a shell for the versatility, and some prefer a bit of insulation to keep the cold at bay. This depends on the specific kinds of skiing you enjoy most-bracing against a Nor’easter on a lift in Maine is far different than skinning up a sunny ridgeline in the North Cascades. Choosing the right ski jacket is all about managing the conditions that you might encounter on the mountain.
