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Men's Alpine ski jackets
When skiing at an advanced level, every detail counts, including the equipment you wear. Ski jackets are not chosen at random; they must meet a series of precise technical criteria to offer performance, comfort and protection. This guide will provide you with detailed advice on how to choose the ski jacket best suited to your needs as an experienced athlete. Find our best men's ski jackets and our best women's ski jackets, as well as other skiwear.
Understanding essential technical features
The waterproofness of a jacket is measured in millimeters (mm) and indicates the fabric's ability to resist water penetration. For advanced skiers, a jacket with a minimum of 20,000 mm is recommended to cope with extreme conditions. At the same time, breathability, expressed in grams (g/m²/24h), is just as crucial. It enables perspiration to be wicked away, keeping you dry even during intense exertion. Breathability of at least 20,000 g is ideal.
Insulation can be provided by synthetic materials or down. Down jackets offer an excellent warmth-to-weight ratio, but perform less well in wet conditions. Synthetic insulations, on the other hand, retain their insulating capacity even when wet, and dry quickly. Your choice will depend on your sensitivity to the cold and the humidity generally encountered in your skiing environment.
A ski jacket for advanced athletes should offer excellent mobility. Look for models with ergonomic cuts, stretch inserts and pre-shaped articulations. The cut should also be adapted to your morphology so as not to impede your movements while avoiding snow ingress.
Additional technologies and features
For maximum protection, the jacket's seams must be fully sealed. Zippers must also be watertight to prevent water from seeping in during heavy snowfalls or contact with snow.
Ventilation zips under the arms or on the torso help regulate body temperature and increase comfort during sustained effort or ascent.
Pockets must be accessible, even with a harness or backpack. Details such as a ski pass pocket, a secure inner pocket for electronic devices and a removable snow skirt are assets for the advanced skier.
Select by type of activity
Alpine jackets are often more structured and designed for speed and aerodynamics, while freeride jackets generally offer greater robustness and freedom of movement for varied terrain.
For ski touring or mountaineering, opt for lightness and compactness, so that your garment can be easily stowed away without cluttering up your backpack during your adventures on the snowy slopes.
Buy from the best brands
Choosing a jacket from the best brands such as Ortovox, Helly Hansen or Patagonia guarantees not only quality, but also durability in the face of the rigors of the alpine slopes.
Investing in these top-of-the-range products ensures optimum performance while maximizing pleasure during your winter sports sessions!
Choosing the right jacket therefore requires careful consideration of the specific features you're looking for: high waterproofing combined with effective insulation without neglecting optimal comfort! Explore also our adjacent categories such as Men's ski touring jackets, Men's cross-country ski jackets.
