The best women’s ski jackets for 2015/16
The best jackets for riding hard, touring and throwing tricks in the park
Read our ultimate guide to buying outerwear.
All-Mountain
1. Atomic Ridgeline Flex jacket, £300
New this season, this is an insulated shell ideal for the coldest conditions, featuring a brushed tricot liner for extra snugness. Insulation comes from Primaloft Silver, which will still work when wet. There’s a pant-compatible snowskirt, adjustable hood and YKK Aquaguard zippers.
2. Mountain Hardwear Sharp Chuter jacket, £155
Made for sunny days, this softshell jacket walks the line between breathability and warmth. A fleece-lined hood and collar keep the chill away from your neck while the tricot chin guard prevents rubbing. In among the many pockets are a media port, key clip and inbuilt goggle wipe.
3. Roxy Flicker jacket, £275
Compressible, breathable and hypoallergenic thanks to down-mimicking Thinsulate featherless insulation. Critically taped seams keep water out, and there’s a three-way adjustable hood and 3D stretch snowskirt. Best of all, it comes with a free neck warmer worth £22.
Freestyle
4. Animal Soren jacket, £180
A well-insulated jacket for colder days on the hill, backed up by a waterproof, breathable shell and fully taped seams. Animal have used ergonomic heat zone lining and fleece-lined pockets for extra snugness, but underarm venting allows good air flow. A powder skirt and built-in cuff stop snow from sneaking in.
5. Armada Gypsum jacket. £180
The jacket for aspiring freestylers, with a long fit for extra steeze. It works well all over the mountain too, thanks to its 10K waterproof/breathable construction, fully sealed seams and DWR finish. Extra points for the mesh lining, helmet-loving hood, pit vents, goggle pocket and wrist gaiters; plus, the powder skirt is easily stashed.
6. Dakine Linton jacket, £355
This features soft two-layer medium-weight Gore-Tex and is designed to fit close to the body, yet moves as you ride so you can still nail trick after trick. Primaloft Gold insulation offers low-bulk warmth, while brushed tricot lining feels great next to the skin. Extras include collar vents, wrist gaiters, two-way pit zips and powder skirt.
Freeride
7. Arc’teryx Lillooet jacket, £595
Built for ripping in cold conditions, the Lillooet uses Arc’teryx’s new Down Contour LT Technology to deliver low-bulk warmth. The pleated baffle construction keeps the down close to the body to maximise thermal efficiency. It’s backed up by a three-layer Gore-Tex shell, which is waterproof, windproof and breathable.
8. Haglöfs Skade jacket, £500
Named after the Norse goddess of skiing, the Skade was designed with the help of Scandi freeriders. The result? A slick, feminine jacket made with C-Knit Backer technology – comfier and more breathable than standard Gore-Tex – with an articulated fit and good venting.
9. Patagonia Untracked jacket, £420
Durable, comfortable and built for just about any on-hill eventuality you can imagine. The fabric of choice here is Gore-Tex Pro, one of the most waterproof, windproof and breathable fabrics in the industry, backed up by a DWR treatment so not a single drop of moisture can sneak its way through.
Backcountry
10. Arc’teryx Scimatar £480
Arc’teryx jackets have some of the best articulation we’ve come across thanks to their Ergonomic 3D patterning, ideal when you love earning your turns. The Gore-Tex Pro fabric is as tough as boots, yet light and packable. On the ski down you’ll be grateful for the powder skirt, storm hood and jacket-pant interface.
11. Marmot Trident jacket, £500
This offers no-compromise weather-resistance, yet is still very breathable thanks to the 3L Gore-Tex Pro. The cobra-style back features clever panel shapes that maximise the range of motion while maintaining a long, athletic fit.
12. Scott Explorair Jacket, £215
An affordable backcountry shell made with three-layer Toraydelfy fabric for great weather protection and breathability. Equipped with a powder skirt and helmet-friendly hood, pair it with a midlayer for cold days or wear on its own. The shoulders are seamless, so your pack wont get caught and there’s ample venting in the armpits.