| A good ski jacket is of utmost importance for all | | | | concentrate on skiing. Number one in importance is |
| snow sports. A jacket should protect the wearer | | | | finding a jacket that fits correctly. Decide what your |
| from the elements while not being cumbersome or | | | | style is; not everyone will have the same |
| uncomfortable. There are many choices when it | | | | preferences. You may be comfortable in a thick, |
| comes to ski jackets, so following are some tips for | | | | down jacket; you may choose a parka which has a |
| choosing the right one. | | | | removable inner lining and a shell. Skiers that are |
| Many factors affect the durability and comfort of ski | | | | looking for higher speeds and manoeuvrability |
| jackets. For instance, durability comes from good | | | | probably want less material in order to be |
| quality materials and proper manufacturing. This is | | | | aerodynamic. An artic jacket with a hood is for |
| why buying well-known brands makes sense. Also | | | | extreme cold weather uses. The other important |
| check to make sure seams are reinforced, zippers | | | | feature to get when buying a ski jacket is warmth. |
| are of high quality and the material will not rip easily. | | | | The thickest jacket is not always the best choice; |
| As far as comfort, a jacket is truly comfortable if it | | | | rather one with a very tightly woven material that is |
| keeps the wind and water out, allows you to easily | | | | guaranteed to be waterproof is your best bet. |
| cool down and allows freedom of movement. | | | | A great material that is both waterproof and |
| Remember you will be layering underneath a jacket, | | | | breathable is Gore-Tex, which is a patented |
| so choose one that allows plenty of room. | | | | micropourous fabric. It withstands heavy wear and |
| Breathability in a jacket will lead to comfort. You | | | | tear. The other amazing thing about Gore-Tex is that |
| must be able to cool down and release the moisture | | | | is comes with a warranty. However, Gore-Tex can |
| the body creates. A ski jacket needs to be able to | | | | be expensive. |
| ventilate through the fabric; some jackets even offer | | | | Quality ski jackets do not have to be outrageously |
| zipper spots. Some ski jackets are made of | | | | expensive. It is a good idea to stay with reputable |
| synthetics, which dry quickly and are each to wash. | | | | brands. A less insulated ski jacket is often less |
| They are waterproof. Natural fibres are usually | | | | expensive, but if you are skiing in cold weather, you |
| comfortable, but can be harder to keep dry. For | | | | may be willing to pay for the extra insulation. Often |
| cross country skiers or those who get very warm | | | | buying something like Gore-Tex is well worth the |
| while exercising a jacket shell may be enough, | | | | expense because it will last for such a long time. It |
| especially if you layer well underneath the shell. For | | | | makes sense to spend money on quality material |
| those that are sensitive to the cold or will do more | | | | rather than fancy trim or wild colours and styles. Pick |
| extreme skiing, an insulated jacket is best. A high-fill | | | | basic colours and styles that will last year after year. |
| goose down is extremely warm. Special laminates and | | | | Some details to take into consideration - a hood, |
| weavescan make 100% waterproof jackets. It can | | | | taped seams, a collar, venting zips, cuffs, the lining, |
| sometimes be difficult to find materials that are both | | | | accessible pockets and a snow skirt. Look for options |
| waterproof and breathable. | | | | that will keep you warm, comfortable and dry. |
| Being comfortable on the slope means you can | | | | |