What to Look for in Men’s Ski Jackets
Ski Jackets
It’s time to go get a ski jacket and it’s easy to see that it’s a jungle out there. Everybody and their brother seems to own an outdoor apparel company selling ski jackets of all shapes and sizes. Here are some tips on things to look for when checking out men’s ski jackets.
You should first think about what kind of skier you are. People who ski in rough conditions are going to get more of a workout than the casual downhill skier going down groomed runs. If you ski in the back country, then you’re going to demand more out of your ski jacket and you are also more likely to dress in more layers so that you can adjust to the changing conditions and make your body comfortable.
If you dress in layers and want more flexibility when it comes to cooling off, then your ski jacket is probably just going to be a shell layer. A shell ski jacket is thin and is just meant to keep the snow and any water out as well as block the wind. It won’t insulate too well but that’s what the other layers are for. Even though it’s thin, it may have some features like vents, pockets and a hood. Of course you will want to make sure it’s waterproof. A draw cord at the bottom will help snow from coming up and ending up inside your jacket. The draw cord is an important feature for sure.
More commonly, men will get the insulated ski jacket, which can eliminate a mid layer or two of clothing. These jackets are nice because they can also be used off of the slopes in colder climates – so they can have a dual purpose.
What Kind of Ski Jacket Should I Buy?
One of the things I first look for are vents. You want to see where they are and if they have the mesh inside or not. I prefer vents without mesh because vents with mesh can sometimes get caught in the zipper and then it’s either stuck open or closed or half closed until you have a chance to take it off and fix it. And it’s not like much of anything will get in, except maybe some snow. Check out the location of the vents, too. With the jacket on, is it easy to open and close (zip and unzip) each vent?
The next thing is the size. I usually wear a large but I went for an extra large when I got my North Face ski jacket so that I’d have some extra room. You need the extra room for your gut, if you have one – no, just kidding… or am I? You need the extra room for your mid layers and you want to make sure you can easily move, which brings me to my next point.
As you try the jacket on, move around in it. Make sure the ski jacket isn’t restricting your movements. You need to be able to turn your upper body and move your arms around easily. Try some ski-type movements in the store and watch people’s reactions… no, check out how it feels and if you’re comfortable.
I always check out where the pockets are. I think this is important because you’re going to be carrying some stuff with you. Things like money, gum, keys, your wallet, a handkerchief or other items. A lined pocket where you can put your hands is also nice. A lack of pockets or pockets in the wrong places can be a big deal. I’d rather get a jacket with pockets in the right place so it’s easy to find things and so I don’t have to think about it.
Check out the seams and material being used. See if the seams are stitched or stitched and taped. The latter is better because it keeps wind and moisture out. The material should be waterproof both outside and in. You also want a website that’s easy to clean, so read the labels before plopping down a couple hundred dollars on a good ski jacket.
I also like adjustable cuffs. With adjustable cuffs, you have the option to tighten them up around your gloves or else tighten down the cuffs so they can fit inside your gloves. It’s a great option to have when it’s cold, snowy and windy out.
Brand and Style
Good brands mean good jackets. Enough said.
For style, think about how long you will want to keep this jacket and how much money you have. If you go for something really cool and trendy, then you might find yourself ditching it after a season or two since it will have gone out of style. Styles change, remember. Something more neutral and not so trendy will withstand the test of time and you’ll be able to use it season after season.
How to Shop for a Men’s Ski Jacket and Get the Best Price
You want to save money and get the best ski jacket, right? Well, the bad news is that you’re going to have to visit a few local sporting good or ski equipment stores and try some on. Another option is to borrow jackets from friends and see how those fit. Once you find one that you like, go home and start your search on the Web to find the best price. Make sure you know the brand and name or model number of the jacket. That’ll help you search faster and make sure you get the same one. Some brands like the North Face can have a number of “black ski jackets” so that kind of search just won’t work.
Shopping online is great because you can price shop many different retailers. Online shops could also have a lower overhead since they may not have a retail space that they need to rent and their costs should be a bit lower. Or if you want to help your local store out, buy it there.
When purchasing online, think about a few things. First, make sure it’s in stock before you place your order. Second, find out the shipping time to where it will be delivered. You may need to make arrangements if it’s going to be shipped to your home when you are at work. Some workplaces allow you to get items shipped there, so maybe do that if you can.
Conclusion
It may take a little work but finding the best men’s ski jacket is important. You want one that fits well, can also be worn with a few base and mid layers, it should withstand the elements, have features like a hood and adjustable cuffs, be easy to take care of and be the right price. Going cheap in a ski jacket is not recommended. You get what you pay for remember. Get one that will last for years and you will actually save money since you won’t be buying several cheap ski jackets (which is also more work for you doing the shopping). Have fun checking out ski jackets, guys!
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