Author Topic: Ski Jacket Recommendations  (Read 4066 times)

smackboy1

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Ski Jacket Recommendations
« on: October 27, 2011, 12:03:33 pm »
Help! Looking for recommendations for a new ski jacket. The number of brands and prices points are overwhelming: Salomon, Descente, Columbia, Patagonia, Kjus, Arcteryx, etc.. And that doesn't even include all the snowboarding jackets (I am not above wearing snowboarding gear). I live and ski in the mid-atlantic (NJ, PA, VT) and have a Whistler trip planned this year. I want something that I can continue to ski when it's wet outside. I prefer to keep it under $500, but if there is something about a jacket that puts it head and shoulders above the others, I would consider splurging. Current jackets are a 10+ y.o. Helly Hansen (works fine, but is a bit dated in the looks) and a 2 y.o. Salomon soft shell (doesn't keep out the weather as much as I would like). Any advice appreciated!
I'm not a ski instructor, but I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night.

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Gary

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Re: Ski Jacket Recommendations
« Reply #1 on: October 27, 2011, 12:19:01 pm »
WOW..so tuff due to the varying styles out there...

I think if you focus on waterproof and breathablility...fo r the $$$ you figuring on spending...20,000m/20,000m is a good place to start. Another important factor is whether you want insulated on shell...I prefer insulated that breaths and vents well...wind proof and warm works for me.

Things like zip pits,  # of pockets, their locations, hood that fits a helmet, but most of the jackets in the upper end price range are pretty well thought out in the useablility department.

I personally have been a fan of Spyder jackets this past 6 years or so...But Arcteryx makes some excellent products too.

If you check on Backcountry.com...y ou can get a pretty good eyefull of the styles out there and then narror down your choice from there.

Good luck...g
« Last Edit: October 27, 2011, 12:25:42 pm by Gary »

jim-ratliff

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Re: Ski Jacket Recommendations
« Reply #2 on: October 27, 2011, 12:21:17 pm »

I have to admit that I went back and bought a Columbia Titanium two years back and I'm not sure I'll ever spend the money on higher end or bigger name jackets again.  I've had Marker, Spyder, Killy, Kjus, Obermeyer, etc.  What I would consider mid brand, but don't think I see any value that the Columbia doesn't also provide.

But you are looking at the right time of year.  With jackets, I think it's all about getting something from last year at a great price or this years product at a good price.  Whoops, I am sooo wrong.  As Gary says, with Jackets it's ALL about color.  Whether or not it keeps you warm is just frosting on the cake. And if you have multiple pair of skis, then you may need multiple jackets to stay color coordinated?

I did buy a vest with a battery and heating elements last year with variable power switch in the pocket; when needed (like when stopped too long on a windy chair lift) it is just wonderful.  So I might look for similar technology if I were looking for a new jacket.
« Last Edit: October 27, 2011, 12:25:48 pm by jim-ratliff »
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midwif

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Re: Ski Jacket Recommendations
« Reply #3 on: October 27, 2011, 12:44:01 pm »
CHeck out Sierra Trading Post.
(sierratradingpost.c om)

I signed up for their daily Deal Flyer.
There are great deals to be had via this feature.
25-40% off the already discounted prices and free shipping on most orders >$100.

I sometimes order 2 or 3 "possibilities" knowing that 2 must go back.
They have recently added a restocking charge of about $5, which I don't find unfair.

They have a wide variety of brands with good descriptions and reading reviews gives great feed back on fit, features that work, sizing idiosyncracies etc.

Not that many of the higher end jackets, like Arctyerx, though.

L.
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Liam

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Re: Ski Jacket Recommendations
« Reply #4 on: October 27, 2011, 01:44:56 pm »
I recommend an orange jacket....it's the new black.

jbotti

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Re: Ski Jacket Recommendations
« Reply #5 on: October 27, 2011, 01:50:53 pm »
Agree on Sierra Trading Post. I bought a jacket for my brother this year and it was a $500 jacket and we paid $200. I bought a Marker jacket with Light insulation, Pit Zips, powder skirt and Gore Tex performance shell (solid water proof) for $159.

Here is a jacket that I would consider. This is Kjus like quality and with a 35% off coupon it's a great price (I can send you mine if you need one, current one expires today but they come once a week).

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/goldwin-speed-jacket-insulated-for-men~p~3640y/?filterString=newproducts~21%2Fsports-and-outdoors~d~4868%2Foutdoor-gear~d~2%2Fsnow-sports~d~22%2F&colorFamily=02

Here is another one. also great quality and a super price with the coupon:

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/ziener-toranaga-ski-jacket-waterproof-insulated-for-men~p~3644t/?filterString=newproducts~21%2Fsports-and-outdoors~d~4868%2Foutdoor-gear~d~2%2Fsnow-sports~d~22%2F&colorFamily=03

Here is a link to all their ski jackets.

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/mens-ski-jackets~d~407/

LivingProof

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Re: Ski Jacket Recommendations
« Reply #6 on: October 27, 2011, 06:01:16 pm »
I recommend an orange jacket....it's the new black.

Liam,
When I first met Gary, he was the "popsickle" man....his orange jacket just glowed through the Jackson Hole mist. He always was a ahead of his time, only he did not know it! My 5 year old Spyder is a little orange (if there is such a thing as "little orange"). The longer I own it, the more I like it....strange!

Smackboy,
Our friend Ron posted he just bought this Mountain Hardware jacket. Retail is $340, so not major $$$, and, MH has a new process called DryQ that is very waterproof. Plus MH has a great lifetime warranty, and, are now owned by Columbia (I think).

http://www.mountainhardwear.com/Men%27s-Kepler%E2%84%A2-Jacket/OM4151,default,pd.html

There are such great deals today, it's almost hard to go wrong, unless you hate the color 2 years from now.

Until today, I did not realize that John Botti likes jackets as much as skis. But he was stylin' by the side of the trail in the recent HH "Freeskiing" video. JB, I presume your coupons get an additional 35% off the allready discounted prices. Two nice jackets! Skiing in Big Sky Montana increases the importance of getting it right!

« Last Edit: October 28, 2011, 07:06:16 am by LivingProof »

smackboy1

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Re: Ski Jacket Recommendations
« Reply #7 on: October 27, 2011, 07:06:23 pm »
I recommend an orange jacket....it's the new black.

Great advice and tips, thanks.

2 years ago when I bought my Salomon soft shell I was told brown was the new black. This year I've been told black is the new black. It's so confusing  :o  I've decided brown is not me, I just look like a big cow pie on the snow - albeit a fast one.

Anyone have any experience with Patagonia? I've been strangely attracted to the green or orange jackets in the catalog.

Yay or nay on the puffy jacket for skiing? Do they have powder skirts and vents and things?

Kjus, I like the style, but it's hard to justify the extra coin.

I'm not a ski instructor, but I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night.

meput

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Re: Ski Jacket Recommendations
« Reply #8 on: October 27, 2011, 07:44:52 pm »
Listen up! LL Bean. For an insulated H2O, resistant that is warm (Sugarloaf at its worst), the North Ridge Sport jacket at $200. For a shell parka, the Ascent Gore-tex at $350 (I have the previous version made with tek2 material and is great. It only cost $200. The Weather Challenger 3 in 1 jacket appears similar and has a liner for $180). All of these jackets are this years models and therefore can be exchanged for a different size, returned etc. Don't forget LL Bean has its money back, no questions asked guarantee.

Gary

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Re: Ski Jacket Recommendations
« Reply #9 on: October 28, 2011, 07:36:49 am »
Mike, I'm honored my Jackson Hole glow so inspired you to go orange...u look marvelous!!!!

Coming in from Christy Sports is my new Lime Spyder Leader jacket...Lime Mikey....still glowing I am! That with the blue HH pants, I'm still looking like a Easter Basket! But hey, easy to see, avoidance colors....happy colors!

Always having fun with it but will be enjoying the better waterproofing and breathability this season.

G

LivingProof

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Re: Ski Jacket Recommendations
« Reply #10 on: October 28, 2011, 07:58:18 am »
Gary
So Lime is the new Orange, or, is it the new Black. So confusing! :'(  I will never compete in a  jacket competition with G or Lynn or JB, but, admit to having my fair share of shells and insulated outer garments. Life is too short to be cold and wet when having a good time.

Tennis Diva and I are off to Penn State football tomorrow and the forecast is 3 to 5 inches of snow during game day. My North Face Denali fleece liner has been zipped into the Blue (for PSU) North Face Expedition hooded Goretex Shell. I am ready for whatever Illinois or the weather throws at us. And, yeah, the ski gloves are packed too.

Gary

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Re: Ski Jacket Recommendations
« Reply #11 on: October 28, 2011, 08:48:46 am »
Hey Mike....I think Jim is on to something with electric heated vests...they also make the same in socks and gloves...and I might be going out on a limb here....but someones gotta make a heated pair of underwear!  :o

Safe travels Mike...travel on the roads for part of the trip might be dicey...enjoy the game and oh yeah...

One must have the appropriate flask with the appropriate liquid inside!  ;)

G

GreenTrails

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Re: Ski Jacket Recommendations
« Reply #12 on: October 28, 2011, 08:45:27 pm »
Check out TJ Maxx/Marshalls, some nice Marker jackets in there last week.  I'd skied in Marker stuff for years before donning the official patrol jacket.  The Patagonia stuff is nice as well, though in another league price-wise.

Like was mentioned above, nothing beats a good efficient pit zip on a powder day in the bumps.

HighAngles

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Re: Ski Jacket Recommendations
« Reply #13 on: October 30, 2011, 04:44:12 pm »

Anyone have any experience with Patagonia? I've been strangely attracted to the green or orange jackets in the catalog.


I have skied in Patagonia for years.  Their new line looks good for this year, but I've made the switch to Mountain Hardwear.  I just feel it's better value for the buck.  Both companies have rock solid warranties and stand behind their products.

HeluvaSkier

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Re: Ski Jacket Recommendations
« Reply #14 on: October 30, 2011, 05:00:52 pm »
I started skiing in only Halti gear a few seasons back and won't ski anything else now. They make good stuff.
All-Mountain: A common descriptive term for boots or skis that are designed to perform equally poorly under a variety of conditions and over many different types of terrain.