10 best ski jackets and snow gear for men
Heading to the snow this winter? Here’s our roundup of the best jackets for skiing, snow boarding and everything in between.
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We might be famous for our hot summers but every Aussie knows our winters can still pack a punch.
This is especially true if you’re planning on heading to the snow this year with a snow jacket a necessary purchase before hitting the slopes.
Read on for our round up of the best snow jackets you can buy this winter, as well as our top tips for purchasing one.
DO I NEED TO WEAR A SNOW JACKET WHEN SKIING?
Look, there’s no-one on the slopes that will turn you away if you’re not wearing a snow jacket, but you’re probably not going to be as comfortable.
Unlike, say, your typical puffer jacket, snow jackets are specifically designed to be worn in the snow, very cold weather and for winter sports like skiing, snowboarding and mountaineering.
A good snow jacket will have features that make your time outdoors more enjoyable too, such as pockets to store your lift pass or a snow skirt to keep snow out.
BEST OVERALL MENS SNOW JACKETS
Yuki Threads Blackbomb Jacket, THE ICONIC, $449.99
This is THE ICONIC’s best-selling snow jacket and has all the features you would want for any outdoor winter sports.
The waterproof jacket has a recycled nylon shell, DWR (durable water repellent) coating and a hood that’s three-way adjustable.
It also has a range of handy features like goggle and lift pass pockets to make your next snow trip easier, while the lime green colour will make you easy to spot.
Styper Men’s Snow Insulated Jacket, Kathmandu, $399.98
This is Kathmandu’s best-selling mens snow jacket style. Waterproof and windproof, this jacket has polypropylene insulation, a two way front zip, snow skirt and a storm flap.
One shopper who purchased the jacket for a Queenstown, New Zealand, ski trip said it “kept me kept me warm and dry the whole time”.
“I was looking for a cost effective wind, waterproof and warm snow jacket with good accessories for storage and lift passes,” another five-star review reads.
“This jacket exceeded my expectation and when I found myself in a blizzard I was able to wear the hood over my helmet, keeping me even warmer and protected from the elements.”
Columbia Men’s Timberturner Insulated Snow Jacket - Maroon/Red/Grey, Catch, $129.99
Columbia is one of the most popular brands for outdoorswear and this snow jacket is an absolute steal for $129.99.
Made from a nylon shell and polyester lining, the jacket uses thermal-reflective Omni-Heat technology to keep you warm.
Other features include adjustable wrist cuffs, a zippered wrist stash pocket and a drawstring bottom to keep snow out and warmth in.
Quiksilver Mission Snow Jacket, Myer, $279.99
100 per polyester, this lightweight snow jacket is waterproof with 10K Quiksilver DryFlight technology and uses WarmFlight technology to keep you warm, while also staying breathable.
It also has a three-way adjustable hood and a tuck away powder skirt system.
Burton Melter Jacket, Surf Stitch, $249.99
Made from nylon ripstop fabric with polyester mesh inserts this jacket is made with bluesign® approved materials, meaning it has only used products that are made from safe chemicals that aren’t harmful to the planet.
It also has hand-warmer pockets, a back vent, ski pass pocket and a pocket-access hem cinch.
BEST PREMIUM MENS SNOW JACKETS
The North Face ThermoBall™ Eco Snow Triclimate® – Men’s, THE ICONIC, $700
This jacket may be more expensive then the other ones on the list, but it has a range of features that give you great bang for your buck.
The waterproof jacket has a breathable, seam-sealed DryVent™ 2L shell and an inner jacket that will keep you warm even when you’re wet.
Other features include a helmet compatible hood, secure-zip chest and hand pockets, internal goggle pocket, powder skirt with gripper elastic and underarm vents.
Volcom Mens BL Stretch Gore Jacket – Red, Volcom, $650
This ski jacket bills itself as being ultra waterproof thanks to its two layer GORE-TEX fabric and has a V-Science breathable lining to keep you warm.
Other features include goggle clips, super suede chin guard, fully tapered seams, drop tail fit and Lycra hand gaiters.
BEST BUDGET MEN’S SNOW JACKETS
WED’ZE Men’s Ski Jacket 180 in grey, Decathlon, $44.50 (RRP $89)
At well under $100 this basic ski jacket is an absolute steal. With a 100 per cent polyester lining, this jacket is waterproof thanks to its 3000mm-rated coating and partially-taped seams.
It also has six pockets, breathable fabric and an adjustable jacket hem, with five-star reviewers saying the jacket is “good for beginners” and suitable for Australian snow conditions.
DLGJPA Men’s Mountain Waterproof Ski Jacket, Amazon Australia, from $113.37
This multipurpose jacket is perfect for snowy weather and sports like skiing, snowboarding or mountaineering.
It’s both windproof and waterproof, with an average rating of 4.6 stars out of more than 2,300 customer reviews.
“If you’re looking for a sensible solution to staying warm, and cozy this winter, without spending a whole lot of money, this may be the one coat that has all the advantages you’re looking for,” one five-star review reads.
WED’ZE Ski-P 100 Men’s Downhill Ski Jacket, Decathlon, $49 (RRP $69)
This insulated ski jacket is designed to be breathable while keeping you warm with a layer of extra-thick recycled wadding.
It’s also waterproof thanks to its 3000mm-rated coating, has elasticated cuffs and four pockets for ease of storage.
Five-star reviews say the jacket offers “value for money” and is “simple yet effective” for wear in the snow.
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CAMEL CROWN Men’s Mountain Snow Waterproof Ski Jacket, Amazon Australia, from $146.08
This is no ordinary jacket. Not only is this ski jacket waterproof and windproof but it also has five pockets and is ergonomically designed to move with the body.
With 1985 five star reviews shoppers say it runs small, however, one five star reviewer said it kept them “exceptionally warm and dry in the snow flurries”.
WHAT IS THE BEST MATERIAL FOR A SNOW JACKET?
You should look for a material that’s waterproof, wind resistant and warm enough to wear in the snow while still being breathable.
Popular materials for a snow jacket are:
•Polyester
•Nylon
•Polypropylene
WHAT FEATURES SHOULD A SNOW JACKET HAVE?
At the very least you want to make sure the jacket is waterproof, windproof and has some kind of insulation.
Other features to look out for include:
•Underarm vents
•Snow skirt
•Lift pass pocket
•Snow goggles pocket or clip
•Adjustable hood
•Waterproof zips
Need more winter outerwear? Check out our roundup of the best mens puffer jackets here or shop our edit of women's trench coats.
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