10 of the best men’s jackets 2014/15

Introducing Fall-Line’s most wanted men’s jackets of 2014/15

1. DAKINE
LEDGE II JACKET
£170

The guys at Dakine have been clever with their insulation on this jacket, using 100g Primaloft sport in the body, but just 60g in the sleeves and hood, resulting in a great compromise between bulk and warmth. 

2. HELLY HANSEN
SUPREME JACKET
£650

Take your mind off the steep asking price a sec; this soon-to-be iconic offering from Helly combines classic Scandinavian design with just about every bit of technology the company could find, and it’s a good ’un. The new Helly Hansen Professional outer fabric is light and mobile while offering first-rate protection from harsh Nordic weather. Then there’s the PrimaLoft Gold insulation down blend that gives you all the benefits of high-grade goose down and synthetic insertion to make one toasty jacket. But, fear not, the H2Flow and laser-cut vents help keep you cool when the mercury climbs. Clever. Of course, it comes with all the trimmings, including a snowskirt, articulated arms and pockets galore. 

3. MAMMUT
TRIFT 3L PARKA MEN
£490

This loose fit parka shows off Mammut’s jacket-making pedigree with every feature. Three-layer Gore-Tex makes it ideal for playing in the deepest of powder while 2-way arm vents are a blessing when you’re riding hard. Fancy hiking up to that juicy-looking cornice? Climbing skins can be stored in the jacket, while a lift pass pocket on the wrist is ideal for inbounds fun. It’s finished off with all the zips and whistles (or, in this case, goggle pockets, detachable snow skirt and preshaped sleeves). 

4. SCOTT
BELMONT JACKET
£285

The Belmont is packed with useful features. The strategic use of Thinsulate in cool areas offers low-bulk temperature regulation while fully-taped seams, a full interior wind flap and detachable hood ensure protection from the elements. The shoulders are designed so your pack won’t get caught and underarm venting makes it easy to cool down when you’re riding hard. 

5. ARC’TERYX
CADEN JACKET
£520

The Caden is top-of-the-line Arc’teryx. It is a shell equipped with new New N80p-X Gore-Tex Pro, which is more breathable and waterproof than previous editions. The fit allows room for layers underneath. The hood is helmet-friendly and there’s a big interior mesh pocket, waterproof outer zipped pockets and a powder skirt.

6. ARMADA
STEALTH GORE-TEX 2L
£300

Rip everything from powder-filled couloirs to epic tree lines with this Gore-Tex shelled jacket which’ll keep the cold out and condensation levels down. The Reactive hood system includes a quick-release tab, while mesh-lined pits and powder skirt enhance comfort. 

7. ATOMIC
RIDGELINE 3L JACKET
£350

We were pretty excited when we heard Atomic was making its first foray into the world of outerwear. And the Ridgeline jacket has not disappointed in any way, shape or form. It’s beautifully crafted from weatherproof and breathable 3L Pertex Shield fabric, and cut to sit off the body. Basically, it has every feature you’d expect from a serious ski outfitter, as have the Ridgeline pants also featured. 

8. EIDER
SPENCER JACKET
£460

Designed for freeriders with weather-defeating yet highly breathable Gore-Tex and venting to offload heat. A removable snow skirt and AquaGuard zippers ensures snow doesn’t sneak in when chest-deep in powder and there are plenty of easily-reached pockets for stashing your stuff in. 

9. HAGLÖFS
VOJD JACKET
£600

This is the last jacket Haglöfs made with the late, great Swedish extreme skier Andreas Fransson before he moved to Salomon, and it’s one of the reasons we named Haglöfs the Outerwear brand of the year. It’s well thought out at every step of the design process. DWR Gore-Tex Pro makes it breathable, durable and waterproof while micro-taping saves weight and further increases breathability. If that wasn’t enough, long pit zips make this one of the most boot pack / hard-riding compatible jackets we’ve found. 

10. MOUNTAIN HARDWEAR
MINALIST JACKET
£400

Minimal fuss, maximum technology. This modernised ski shell has all the assets you need for a heavy day’s riding, with a drop hood, removable powder skirt, zippered neck gusset and internal stow pockets. Dry.Q Elite fabric prevents clamminess. 

For more jackets and general kit inspiration, check out our 2014/15 Gear Guide