Jackets

From snowheads

Ski and Snowboard jackets are essentially the same (aren't they?) the main differences are fashion related.

Jackets come in two main types: shell-only and insulated. You can probably tell from this that the main difference is in how warm they are.

When you're considering which one to buy these are the things you need to think about:

Where will you be using it? 

Will it be particularly wet or cold? Or could it be quite mild? (in which case you may not want too much insulation).

What are you wearing with it? 

Do you want to wear a fleece underneath?

How waterproof is it? 

This depends on several things:

• The waterproofing material
• Does it have taped seams? All over or just on 'critical joints'
• Are the zips waterproof? Or are they covered up?
• Is the hood waterproof?

How breathable is it? 

again, this depends a lot on the material but it also depends on what else you're wearing.

What features does it have? 

Features

This deserves a seperate section as there are loads of things that are worth keeping an eye out for in a jacket.

Powder skirt 

Almost essential if you really do ski in deep powder - but very useful for keeping the snow out when you fall too.

Underarm vents 

These can keep you cool when you're working hard.

Lots of pockets 

Sounds obvious but dead useful

Pass pockets on the arm 

Can be useful depending on the pass system

Offset zip 

Comes up the middle of your chest then swerves off to the side so it isn't digging in your chin.

Recco Transponder 

Useful if you don't have one in any of your other kit.

Accessible wallet pocket 

It can be useful to get to your money without undoing your main zip.

Pocket for your mobile/radio/mp3-player 

This keeps your electronics inside your jacket and can help reduce the effect of cold on your battery.