Men's 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 seams on your jacket should be fully sealed to prevent water ingress during falls or in heavy snow. What's more, zippers must also be waterproof to ensure you stay dry in all conditions.

Ventilation zips under the arms or on the torso not only ensure effective regulation, but also increase comfort when climbing or working hard on the slopes.

Easy access to pockets is essential: look for those that are accessible even with a harness or rucksack on your back! Details like an integrated ski pass pocket and a secure inner pocket for your electronic devices can come in very handy during your sessions on the slopes.

Select by type of activity

Jackets designed specifically for downhill skiing are often more structured to optimize speed and aerodynamics, while those intended for freeriding generally offer greater freedom thanks to their robustness adapted to varied terrain.

And don't forget weight: if you're into ski touring or mountaineering, opt for lightweight models that compress easily without taking up too much room in your bag! This will make your travels much easier, while keeping all those essentials well protected from the elements!

Buy from the best brands

Some brands stand out in this category thanks to their recognized expertise: discover Ortovox, famous for its products combining innovative technology & modern style; Helly Hansen, long synonymous with superior quality; and Haglofs, whose every piece bears witness to a passion for outdoor sports! Each of these brands offers a range of models to suit different levels of practicality!

Choosing the right jacket is not only a question of aesthetics, but also of balancing functional protection with optimum comfort! So be sure to carefully consider all these recommendations before finalizing your purchase, as they will directly influence your overall experience on the slopes!

And don't hesitate to explore our adjacent categories such as Polar Fleece and Technical Underwear, which are the perfect complement to your sports equipment!