Ski Jackets - Be Prepared When You Hit the Slopes

A ski jacket is an absolute must when engaging in outdoor sporting activities like skiing and snowboarding. Your everyday winter jacket will not provide you with all the protection you need from the elements. It will not give you the maximum amount of flexibility, either. Ski jackets are designed specifically with the active skier in mind.

First of all, you need to be able to move comfortably while wearing the jacket. If your motions are restricted, then you won't be able to do any activities. A thin jacket is the best choice. Plan on wearing a few layers of clothing underneath the jacket and wear them when trying the jacket on to ensure it fits over the layers. Lift your arms above your head, bend over and twist your body around to be sure the jacket fits properly. It should not ride up when you move, nor should it be so tight that it constricts your blood flow. The jacket should not be too heavy either or you will feel like you are weighed down.

The next thing you need in a skiing jacket is protection from the elements. It should be waterproof, or at least water resistant, wind resistant and warm. The best ski jackets will have all of those. There are different materials to choose from. Goose down will provide a high degree of warmth with a minimal amount of bulkiness and weight. Gore-Tex is very lightweight. It is also waterproof on the outside, while keeping you dry from perspiration on the inside. Nylon is strong and flexible but not as warm or breathable. A jacket with a zip-out lining is the best choice because temperatures can fluctuate from day to day or even throughout the day.

Because you often work up a sweat when skiing, breathability is important. Some jackets will have ventilation zippers under the arms that can be unzipped to allow air to flow. The sleeve should have an elastic wrist or zippered gusset cuffs to keep out the cold and wind. An adjustable draw cord at the waist allows you to make it tighter to keep out the cold or loosen it if it gets too hot. A zippered hood that can be removed when it is not needed, a zip-up front that extends past the neck for extra warmth and a chamois fleece-lined collar with a chin guard, will all help to prevent chafing around the neck and keep out the cold.

Some extra features to consider are things like pockets with Velcro or zipper closures to keep items safe while allowing you to easily retrieve the contents inside. You can also have glove or mitten clips on the outside of the coat, and a ski-pass pocket or ski-pass D-ring for quick access to the ski-lift. The latest development in ski jacket technology provides an internal music player pocket with a window and cable ports, to listen to music while on the slopes.

Finally, choose your favorite color or a color that goes with your existing ski pants, boots, hat and gloves. While there are skiing jackets in all price points, you want to shop around to find the best one for your specific needs and that fits into your budget. The right ski jacket will fit properly, while keeping you warm and dry on the slopes.

If you enjoyed this article and found it helpful, be sure to check out my other articles on hybrid golf clubs and baseball cleats.