We know when you’re spending long days on the slopes it’s imperative to have a warm and durable jacket to keep you protected from the elements. Here at SKIS.com we stock a wide array of mens ski jackets and mens winter jackets designed for all-weather protection. Our buyers work hard to bring unique styles from the best brands so you can find the perfect winter weather companion. ..Read More
Mens Ski Jackets – Types:
3-in-1 Jackets: 3-in-1 jackets are the most versatile of the bunch. These jackets are designed as a layering system, they feature an outer shell, a zip-in liner and the two jackets combined to create a waterproof, breathable and insulated jacket. Typically the outer shell of a 3-in-1 jacket is constructed with a waterproof, breathable material or membrane such as GORE-TEX, although most brands like Columbia and The North Face use their own technology. The zip-in liner on a 3-in-1 jacket can be constructed out of fleece, a soft shell or an insulator jacket. You can find a wide variety of 3-in-1 jackets on the mens ski jackets sale page.
Insulated Jackets: Insulated jackets are designed for ultimate warmth; this is what makes them incredibly popular. Insulated jackets are constructed with a layer of insulation between the outer shell and the liner. They come in a variety of different styles and use a variety of insulations. The most popular types of insulation are down and synthetic. Down insulation is the warmest, however synthetic insulation is better used during activities where you may sweat (down doesn’t have the ability to insulate when wet, synthetics do). Many brands are now using both down and synthetic insulation in jackets, this is called body mapping. Synthetics are placed in high perspiration areas, like under your arms or in areas like your shoulders or hood that are bound to take the brunt of snowfall or light rain. Down is placed in the core of the jacket and in the sleeves where more warmth is needed, allowing you to have the best of both worlds.
Insulator Jackets: Insulator jackets are lightweight down and synthetic jackets that are designed to be worn as a midlayer for additional warmth in cold weather. Insulator jackets usually have a DWR (durable water repellant) finish so that they can withstand light rain and snow without soaking through to the insulation. SKIS.com carries a variety of insulator jackets that are the perfect companion for shell mens ski jackets.
Shell Jackets: Shell jackets are designed for complete protection from wind and water and have no insulation. Typically shell jackets are used so that you can create your own layering system, and they are constructed out with either a GORE-TEX membrane or the brands own waterproof technology. These jackets can be worn with an insulator jacket in cold weather, or with lighter layers in more mild conditions. Our mens ski jackets sale page carries tons of different styles to accommodate everybody.
Softshell Jackets: Softshell jackets are go-anywhere, do-anything jackets. Perfect for throwing on off piste, or underneath your shell mens ski jacket – softshell jackets are often designed with a DWR (durable water repellant) finish to resist light rain and snow, and feature a soft fleece backer for next to skin comfort. Softshell jackets are also perfect for cross country skiing as it is a highly aerobic activity. SKIS.com offers a large selection of Softshell jackets on our mens sale ski jackets page.
Jacket Fit:
When you’re on the hunt for the perfect jacket its imperative that it fit correctly. Our ski jackets sale page has narrowed it down for you by fit: Slim, Regular and Relaxed, making it easy to choose the right jacket for you!
Slim Fit Jackets: Slim fit jackets are designed to sit closer to the body. They are often tailored at the shoulders, body and waist. These pieces offer an active fit, and are form fitting.
Regular Fit Jackets: Regular fit jackets are designed to fit true to size. These jackets are often tailored just below the waist and offer a standard, flattering fit.
Relaxed Fit Jackets: Relaxed fit jackets are designed to offer a little more room than a standard or regular fit jacket. They often offer more room in the shoulders and chest making them ideal for layering.
Jacket Length:
The length of your jacket is important when you’re searching for the perfect one. Our ski jacket sale page has the length narrowed down for you by: Cropped, Hip, Thigh, Knee and Full length so you can find the length that suits you best.
Cropped Jacket: The hem on a cropped jacket sits at waist length or higher, accentuating the waist for a flattering fit.
Hip Length Jacket: The hem on a hip length jacket sits right at the hip bone or 1-2 inches below, offering an athletic and tailored fit and style.
Thigh Length Jacket: The hem on a thigh length jacket sits 3-4 inches below the hip, offering full bottom coverage and a tailored fit allowing for additional protection.
Knee Length Jacket: The hem on a knee length jacket sits just above the knee or right on the knee, offering bottom and thigh coverage and a more tailored fit for a flattering silhouette.
Full Length Jacket: The hem on a full length jacket sits just below the knee or lower. A full length jacket can be ankle length and provides full coverage and a more tailored fit for a flattering silhouette.
Insulation Types:
There are several different types of insulation, and a huge selection of mens ski jackets and mens winter jackets to accommodate everyone. Below are the most popular types of insulation.
Down: Down is the warmest of the bunch and has the best warmth to weight ratio of any insulation out there. However, down doesn’t have the ability to insulate when wet like synthetics. Down weight usually ranges from 500-900 fill power (the lower the number the loftier the down, the higher the number the lighter and more compressible the down) typically the higher the fill power, the higher the quality of down that is being used. Most brands use white duck down or goose down, which is a byproduct of the food industry – ensuring responsible down standards are being practiced.
Synthetic: Synthetic insulation is often treated for water and odor resistance making it ideal for performance activities, it’s also able to maintain its insulating properties when wet. Synthetic insulation is constructed of fine-filament polyester that creates air pockets that trap warmth, mimicking down. Most synthetic insulation is weighted in grams, and most mens winter jackets use between 50g-200g of insulation. The lower the number, the lighter weight the jacket, the higher the number the thicker the insulation.
Fleece: Fleece is often used more as an insulator, and it provides lightweight warmth in mild to cool weather conditions. Fleece is also weighted in grams, so the higher the weight the warmer more wind resistant the fleece is. Some fleece has a DWR (durable water repellant) finish, allowing light rain and snow to bead up and off the material.
Waterproof/Breathability Ratings:
When manufacturers are describing the waterproof/breathability of a jacket they typically use two numbers. The first is measured in millimeters (mm) and that is a measure of how waterproof a fabric is. This rates how much water can be resisted per square inch of the jacket. The higher the number, the more waterproof the fabric is.
The second number measures how breathable the fabric is. This is typically measured in grams, and how many grams of water vapor can pass through a square meter of fabric from the inside out in a 24 hour timespan. Once again, the higher the number the more breathable the fabric is.
0-5,000mm/g (DWR) – Fabric with 0-5,000mm offers zero to little resistance to moisture and works well for light rain, dry snow and no pressure conditions.
5,000mm-10,000mm/g – Fabric is waterproof and rainproof under light pressure, and will keep you dry in light rain and average snow conditions.
10,000mm-15,000mm/g – Fabric is waterproof and rainproof, except under high pressure. A waterproof rating of 10,000mm-15,000mm is good for moderate rain and average snow conditions.
15,000mm-20,000mm/g – Fabric is waterproof and rainproof, even under high pressure. This waterproof rating will keep you dry in heavy rain and wet snow conditions.
20,000mm/g + Higher – Fabric is waterproof under very high pressure making it ideal for heavy rain and wet snow conditions.
Other Features:
Critically-Sealed Seams: Jackets that feature critically sealed seams are strategically taped in areas with high moisture build up, like the shoulders and neck. Taping these seams ensures no moisture can find its way into your jacket as long as you don’t spend long periods of time out in rain or snow conditions. This offers adequate protection from the elements.
Fully- Sealed Seams: Jackets with fully sealed seams feature seam tape over all stitching and provide complete protection in areas that are prone to moisture build up. Fully taped seams are the best options when looking for the best mens ski jackets, because it allows you to be outside in the most extreme conditions.
Underarm Venting: Sometimes when you’re out on the slope things start to heat up, that is where underarm venting or pit zips come into play. These zips typically have a mesh backer and are designed to be opened up when things start to heat up on the mountain, allowing you to cool down and regulate your body temperature for comfort.
Wrist Gaiters: Wrist gaiters are ideal for holding your sleeves in place, and often make it easier to slip gloves on and off. They also help trap warm air inside of your jacket, keeping cool air and snow from creeping up your sleeves.
Powder Skirt: A powder skirt is essential if you’re going to spend extended periods of time out on the slopes. They are stitched around the waist and create a seal between your ski pant and your jacket ensuring that no snow or cool air finds its way in.
Water-Resistant Zips: Waterproof or water resistant zippers are designed to help keep moisture from seeping into your jacket or pockets for convenience.
Columbia Mens Ski Jackets:
SKIS.com stocks a number of different Columbia Mens Ski Jackets. Everything from insulators to 3-in-1 jackets, ensuring we have something for everyone and every activity. Some of our Columbia jackets are also mens winter jackets, so you don’t have to worry about having a ton of ski specific features that you don’t need. Columbia also stocks a ton of different items like fleeces, base layers, ski pants and more.
