Gone are the days when you had just one ski jacket. For many, especially those new to skiing, the choice of jackets and types can be overwhelming, so it's worth considering the answers to several key questions about the differences before making a purchase.

I've been skiing since the late 70s and in that time have seen fashions come and go, as well as advancements in jacket tech.

Over the last 20 or so years, I've ski toured in the uber cold temperatures of Siberia and Japan, where it's so cold you have to try not to work up too much of a sweat for fear of it freezing come the transition, through to late spring skiing above the Arctic Circle plus regular sorties from our base here in Serre Chevalier, when I'm often down to just a t-shirt on the ascent.

And then when we do get a dump of snow (which seems to be far less frequent nowadays), it's classic lift-served low altitude skiing in the forests here, which Serre Chevalier is renowned for.

I have to, almost embarrassingly, admit to having garnered quite a collection of jackets over that time, so I like to think I know what works and what jackets are suitable for the type of skier you are.

Firstly, let's break down the differences between the types of ski jackets and provide a guide to what kind of skiing they are best suited to.

Hardshell Jackets

Hardshell is an apt description: essentially a jacket that acts as a shell around your body, made from a hard, crackly (noisy) single layer of material, such as Gore-Tex, whose focus is primarily on keeping you dry not only from the outside environment (snow/rain) but also transferring moisture (sweat) from your body to the surface.

Incorporating fully-sealed seams, hardshell jackets often have waterproof two-way durable YKK® zips, providing necessary ventilation, usually from under the arms down the torso.

Single-layer membranes are not ideal for keeping you warm unless you are very active, generating heat, such as climbing a mountain. Hence, most waterproof cycling jackets are of this type, as they are light and theoretically keep you dry.

But, I've yet to find a hardshell jacket (or any layer) that keeps me dry on the inside when I'm working hard!

However, hardshells do require maintenance to keep the waterproof membrane efficient, with Nikwax products being recognised as the best.

For skiing, you'll find hardshell jackets often have practical pockets, sealed cuffs, and a helmet-compatible hood. Better jackets might also feature large mesh pockets on each side, on the inside, for storing climbing skins when doing multiple transitions, which is always a nice design touch.

As for how they are used for skiing on the mountain, the skier type is often one who will ski in the worst of conditions, is not phased by bad weather and actively enjoys stormriding in the forest. They, also, tend to be a more experienced skier.

When conditions are like that I use a Scott Ultimate GTX Jacket (below) and bib trousers.

 

However, a good hardshell jacket can also be just as well-suited to hiking in the Lake District, where you're probably far more likely to encounter inclement conditions. For my own part when back in the UK, a hardshell is a must for walking the dogs along the promenade on the South Coast when an Atlantic depression is blowing up the English Channel and lashing down with rain.

And really, this should be a factor to consider when investing in a good-quality jacket in that you can wear it away from the mountains and not just for skiing.

Here on Style Altitude we've reviewed various hardshell jackets, notably from Revolution Race and both the Ultra 3L Shell Jacket and Aries Pro 3L will give you a good idea of the features to look for in a hardshell. And, over the years I've had an excellent Rab Event hardshell (below) as well as from Outdoor Research, the jacket with the mesh pockets for skins

 

And in compiling this feature, I packed the various hardshells I have (top tip, fold and then roll the jacket, tucking it all into the hood), and there was quite a weight difference between them, with the Scott Ultimate nigh on twice as heavy as the lighter ones.

Whereas the Scott shell is far lighter and packable, making it easy to store in a backpack, especially on multi-day ski tours when you have to pack a jacket for all potential weather conditions. Below, I'm wearing the lightweight Scott shell jacket, while ski touring in Japan, which has enough room to wear a light down jacket underneath, as temperatures were well below -10°.

 

 

So do consider the layering you might typically use when it comes to sizing, as hardshells are often worn over an additional layer, which brings us to...

Softshell Jackets

A very quick description of a softshell jacket is basically to take all the design attributes of a hardshell but produce it in a more flexible (softer) fabric material, which while it is water repellent (light drizzle and snow), it will not keep you dry in a torrential downpour, with the areas around the seams seeing the first signs of water ingress. Still, they are much warmer than a hardshell, and the degree of warmth will depend heavily on the lining and thickness of the jacket.

The key factor is that they feel and are far more comfortable to wear, thanks to the material's stretchiness.

The big negative is that unless you are a total fair-weather skier, they are not best suited to all the extremes of a mountain environment, and while lovely to wear, and often with better kerb appeal, so they look good while lunching on the terrace, for the likes of ski touring they do not pack down as well as a hardshell, as they are bulkier.

As for breathability, they are meant to be better than a hardshell, and some will have zips for added ventilation, but again, I've never remained dry while exercising in them.

Often, a simple base layer is all that you need to wear under them, or even a t-shirt, but again, it will very much depend on the weather/temperature.

When the conditions are right, and I'm maybe just skiing the piste in the sun, I'll often choose a softshell. In fact, while this feature is about jackets, some of my favourite ski pants are soft shell.

However, they are almost surplus to requirements for many, especially if flying, as many will opt for a hardshell or an insulated jacket to actually wear when travelling, as luggage allowances will often dictate that other items of clothing will take precedence over a softshell. However, if driving, throw them all in :)

Insulated Jackets

When you think of a classic ski jacket, it is usually an insulated jacket, and the vast majority of piste skiers on their one week holiday will normally choose one, especially if flying out, as they can wear it, leaving room in their luggage for other clothing.

An insulated jacket ticks most boxes, depending on the quality. More often than not, you do get what you pay for. Most are water resistant to a certain degree but not all are waterproof, and like a hardshell when purchasing a jacket you should look at the shell material. Is it Gore-Tex or another recognised waterproof fabric, and again like hardshells the fabric should have the ability to breathe.

However an insulated jacket is exactly that, and under the exterior shell will be a lining to keep you warm, so really breathability is never going to be critical to the overall functionality of the jacket as most skiers will not be generating substantial body heat, though better quality insulated jackets will also feature ventilation zippers.

And it's the lining that can vary significantly between jackets, affecting the price point of one jacket compared to another.

The absolute luxury of a down lining is totally different from that of a polyester quilted filling, and the type of lining will also significantly affect the jacket's weight. I have one jacket that I often call my sleeping bag. It is insanely warm, so warm in fact that I very rarely ski in it, but if walking out to bars and restaurants (the hood is unbelievable) when temperatures are well below zero, it is my jacket of choice. More about that jacket here.

Often, come the spring, you see many skiers with insulated jackets skiing down with the jacket wide open, as it's just too warm (NB not a good look). If wearing an insulated jacket, the same layering rules apply as with any other jacket, so in spring, you might only need a very light base layer.

As for packability, at a stretch, you might be able to roll one up for the backpack, but you are better off wearing additional layers that you can then shed and put in the backpack.

North Face Chakal Ski Jacket Review

For a few days this season I have been skiing the piste wearing a North Face Chakal Jacket, which the North Face markets as;

'This jacket is built for a full day of "on-piste action," including resort laps, park sessions, and groomed runs. It aims to deliver protection, durability, and comfort for riders who want to explore every part of the resort without necessarily venturing into the backcountry.'

Skiing in the picture below, it was  -10° in the valley and  -15° or less higher up, though no wind. I just had a single thermal base layer and a puffer gilet and was toasty.

 

However, I would be more than happy to wear this jacket in the backcountry, even in harsh, demanding conditions, as it ticks more boxes than many jackets from well-known brands that cost considerably more. 

For sure, I wouldn't consider using it for ski touring due to its bulk, but for any other type of skiing, it's hard to beat.

Instead of Gore-Tex, it uses DRYVENT™, which is just as good to keep you dry. For insulation, rather than down, the material is HEATSEEKER™ Eco a polyester equivalent, along with underarm vents for warmer days; and a whole host of other features, such as a detachable hood that I'd like to see on some of my other jackets.

It's like the team at North Face had a brainstorming session to make sure the jacket has nigh on every conceivable feature you could wish for.

And cost-wise it's around a third less than many a hi-tech Gore-Tex down jacket.

It must be said that other brands, relatively new to the mountain, many from Scandinavia, such as Montec, Dope, and Revolution Race, are also producing excellent products at a sensible price point.

I've reviewed a number of Revolution Race Jackets and like I say they are excellent jackets.

RevolutionRace Ultra 3L Shell Jacket & Ultra Trekk-Touring Trousers

RevolutionRace Aries Pro 3L Shell Jacket

But the big brands, North Face included, and the likes of Arc'teryx, Patagonia and Norrøna lead the way in quality, design, R&D; and above all, the all-important kerb appeal, though in the likes of Val D'Isere, Courcheval and Verbier, it will be the lunchtime terrace appeal :)

And by comparison to the RevolutionRace jackets I've tested, this is a review of a premium hard-shell, the North Face Summit Verbier Gore-tex jacket.

And one thing to be aware of, there are also a few lesser-known brands, that you might find on the likes of Sportspursuit, who on screen seem to tick all the boxes again and are remarkably price competitive, but do carefully analyse the product description(s) as well as looking at that brand's website to determine their track record and whether they are actually sold online as well as through some of the larger online retailers.

There are a few omissions to the list of quality brands above, and really that is more to do with the fact that those brands may not like to be seen as catering to a piste skier, as yes there are varying degrees of snobishness/tribalism among the various mountain disciplines that is very much reflected in what you wear. Here on Style Altitude we have highlighted the look and styles of the various protagonists :)

So that leaves us with the last of the types of jackets, and ironically it is now, at least in the UK, the jacket that you see most in the high street being worn, and that is...

Down / Puffer Jackets

And cards on the table, these are my favourite style of jacket, as they are for me, the most practical very much based on what I do.

But firstly, what is the difference between Down and Puffer, apart from pricing?

Down is precisely that; it is, on the whole, a natural product comprising duck or goose feathers, though now there are many subdivisions, such as recycled down.

To confuse you more, down is actually the plumage, which is the much softer (fluffier) layer found under the tougher feathers on the bird's belly torso.

And then there are various categories of down identified by numbers, both referring to their fill weight and fluffiness (fill power). And it's those fill-power numbers you'll see in the product description, with the best being 900. Essentially, the fluffier the down, the better it traps air, which in turn warms, and then it retains that heat.

Millet (synthetic) down jacket

 

And as for weight, a 500 down jacket will need more volume (resulting in almost double the weight of down) to achieve the same warmth as a 900 down jacket, hence it will be bulkier.

There are many more variations, such as the differences between Goose and Duck, with Goose being the better insulator (it's fluffier), and the feather-to-down mix, referred to as the down-to-feather ratio, with 100 percent being completely down and 80/20 being 80 percent down and 20 percent feathers.

Puffer jackets, on the other hand, are filled with synthetic materials, notably polyester or recycled polyester, and some, I think, are as warm as down.

Elevenate down jacket 

 

Puffer jackets tend to be slightly heavier and bulkier, so they are not as packable as down jackets. They can also look more urban, but that is probably due to the lower quality of Chinese knockoffs.

So why don't people use them instead of insulated jackets?

The main reason is that most people know that, at best, they are only water-resistant and not 100 percent waterproof. Even top-of-the-range down jackets that contain hydrophobic down, which is down that’s been treated with a water-repellent coating, are not entirely waterproof. However, many will survive a light shower, and if it's snowing and very cold, the snow will slide off as you move around.

Although, I have seen heavy rain in spring in the resort and families of wet sponges walking into the restaurant :)

And again, you have to consider what the jacket is to be used for, so, for me, the devil is very much in the detail. A degree of water-resistance is essential. Still, lightness (c 350gr) and packability are key, as when ski touring on the up, the jacket is often in the pack. There is nothing better than on reaching the summit, it's out with the down jacket for the transition (getting ready to ski down).

Revolution Race puffer jacket

 

There are a few negatives to having a good quality lightweight down jacket; cleaning it, unless you have a tumble dryer, it can be soul-destroying as you put your lovely jacket in the washing machine and at the end take out this sodden, nigh on unrecognisable thing. It will eventually regain its shape; hanging on the outside line in the late spring sunshine with a breeze works to a degree.

They are also not as durable as an insulated jacket, and one of my favourite ever down jackets, my Jöttnar Fenrir has more or less been decommissioned after one too many combat skis in the forest trying to keep up with Ullr (pictured above) towards the bottom of the valley, skiing through bushes and brambles with him on the scent of boar.

Story of that day here.

And hot off the press, 10th Feb 2026

Yesterday I just took delivery of what, as soon as I opened it up, and tried it on, exclaimed that this is my new fav jacket, and not just for the looks and how it feels wearing it, but it ticks so many boxes.

It's the RAB Mythic Alpine jacket, coming in at an uber light 313g, helped by the 900FP hydrophobic goose down encased in a10D Pertex Quantum nylon ripstock shell, which allows the down to fully loft in the trapped still air, helping keep you warm; plus it has a DWR water repellent finish to shed light rain and snow.

A full review will follow shortly, once I've taken it out in anger a couple of times

Further Edit May 1st 2026

And here is that review, the jacket has had a really good work-out since I took delivery of it, must be 20 or so sorties now!

 

 

As you'll see in the video below, when ski touring in spring, you're often down to a t-shirt base layer. Even on the descent, I might only wear an additional layer, not even a softshell. In my gear collection, I have a number of these, which I refer to as.....

Hybrid Jackets

 

On the whole, hybrid jackets are light, gossamer single layer windproof jackets, enough to keep a brisk breeze from being too uncomfortable on the climb up, and roll up into fist-sized ball. So in my pack I'll still carry a down, one of these and another layer, as even though the forecast and weather might be for superb conditions, if anything should happen and you're waiting around for help you can still get cold very quickly.

 

So, in our team arsenal of clothing, some of our favourite brands are Elevenate (the crew highly rates their down jackets), and I have some Blackyak gear, whose slogan 'we don't do nice because neither do the mountains' aptly explains their design ethos to 'bring your own climate'.

Another of my favourite brands is Millet and nothing at all to do with the English brand back in the 70s :)

And here's a shout out for Dynafit gear, whose designs for women as well as men seem to tick all those all-important backcountry boxes for our female crew, and still looks good on the terrace.

Further jacket reviews over the past seasons:

The GTX Bec de Rosses and the GTX Brevent ski jackets from Elevenate

The High Five: Best New Ski Jackets for Winter 2024

Testing Times for What to Wear for Ski Touring

 

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