Best Winter Jackets For Outdoors - Preface

Winter jackets general information

Photo courtesy State of Alaska Tourism / Matt Hage

Winter jackets are an indispensable part in any of the outdoor activities in cold conditions, be it mountaineering, expedition, skiing, snowboarding, ice climbing, hiking through the wild country during winter season or may be just for wandering around. Here goes some of the best winter jackets which are considered as best by both pros and even by novice if they ever tried them on. Down jackets are not prominently featured in this list may be because they are not that appealing due to their poofy fit. The list is not really in any particular order except for the first came in to mind first featured sense. As a thumb rule one may need to consider functionality, simplicity, fit, finish and over all build quality as more important than features all over the jacket. I like my jackets simple and functional that work well for a variety of outdoor activites. The thing is that the best outdoor jacket is the one you feel most comfortable and doing what you intend to do while wearing it! As for the "best" is simply a matter of personal taste, style, value and of course how warm you burn and where you will be going.

As for the various fabrics and membranes, there are many variations like Gore-Tex (which is the most common one), eVent, Cloudburst, Dermizax and manufactures own fabrics. Dermizax is used by Spyder, Kjus and Phenix. Unlike GoreTex or Event, Dermizax is stretchable, which allows them to make tighter-fitting garments and for colder climates. Cloudveil uses Cloudburst fabric is a variation of Dermizax and is a  solid polymer membrane unlike GoreTex or eVent. Dermizax is about 25% less breathable than Gore-Tex and Gore-Tex itself is only half as good as eVent on the breathability front. Arcteryx is one manufacturer known for their GoreXCR/ProShell products. eVent is the best lightweight breathable fabric now. So if you are buying  a jacket for hiking in moderate climates go for eVent. It may be too lightweight and more importantly too breathable ie. too cold for skiing and for very low temperatures. Gore-Tex comes handy in conditions like this, but Dermizax is not that far off either. The trouble with porous membranes is that dirt and sweat that clogs the pores resulting in reduced breathability. Solid membranes do not clog and they can be washed a lot easier. Washing the eVent fabric will keep the membrane clean and the pores open. Gore-Tex solves this problem by putting  a thin layer of a solid membrane over the porous membrane - they loose some breathability by doing that, but in return they don't have to worry about pore clogging. Gore-Tex SoftShell is not a true soft shell, it is regualr Gore-tex with a soft lining; it is very comfortable, warm, and quiet.

If one is inclined to do alot of back country skiing or heavy hiking, resort ski jackets may not be enough as the heavy duty can put alot of stress of on the shell and after awhile things will start crapping out and is pretty useless thing to carry around. Mountaineering jackets are geared towards that end and they tend to lasts longer. A traditional ski jacket is useless for mountaineering as they may be too heavy, not nearly packable enough, and doesn't work so well under a heavy pack or with outer layers like a down jacket at rest breaks. If you're only going to get one jacket; actually no one jacket can literally do everything, then you want a hooded waterproof softshell. If you're going to be doing mountaineering in the rainy area you definitely need a hardshell. Softshell is probably okay for mountaineering in a drier climate, but you wouldn't want to regret it on the midway up.

Technical outerwear refers to an overall level of refinement to any outerwear garment that means it will fit a little closer, have good range of movement (gusseted crotch etc) and be pared down to the essentials (no goofy add-ons like stowable hoods, 3-in-1 liner zippers, retro buttons, etc.) Technical fits is more suited for slim/athletic built people. For an average user, durbaility is actually more important than the intricate tech specs. Highest wateproof membrane may not be a necessity most outdoor activities. Probably most people buy it assuming they might need the extra protection at sometime unless you are spending your entire days in the backcountry where you never have access to shelter. Better gears are needed to keep the body warm & dry under serious conditions though.

Selection of outdoor wear also depends on the location, altitude and overall climate at that place. In places with limited vertical altitude and milder climate, one can generally suit up at the bottom with what's useful at the top even if it's windy out there. If you are at an area with significant vertical, and Alpine, it's handy having something that's more than just good. One can go out with the eVent for warm conditions and Gore-Tex Soft Shell for everything else and can layer up under the shell jacket if it's really cold outside. Shell keeps the wind/moisture off and layering keeps the body warm. Insulated jacket and a couple thermal fleeces beneath it can be good enough for sub-zero temperatures. Wearing the highest rated tech jacket is like having an Armadillo under your arms and can be intimidating ;)

As for the buying part, get something you know will work for where you go outdoors and will last a good number of seasons. All major manufacturers make jackets that meet this crtieria, some better than others and generally the higher end offerings from them are really good in terms of most of the desirable qualities. It all comes down to how much you want to spend and what works for you. Find what works for you and go with it!

Patagucci - Caveat emptor