What makes a good ski jacket?

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We know how difficult it is to choose a ski jacket for you and your children. We have done our research and put in what we already know to give you the best possible idea of what to search for when looking for a perfect ski jacket - don’t just assume that tons of padding is the way to go!

The more expensive a ski jacket is, the less the thickness of a ski jacket should actually matter. Usually the more expensive ski jackets tend to be made to feel and appear a thinner material, but this is made up for by the amount of time that has been spent on the technology and the design of the ski jacket. The features of adults and children’s ski jackets really do depend upon the brand.

Taped seams are 100% essential - think when you're stitching - every stitch you make creates a tiny hole in the material? Well, you may not realise it, but that is what allows water to flow in! A little bit of an exaggeration, but this is one of the most important elements when it comes to waterproofing in ski jackets. It involves taping every single seam on the jacket (regardless of where it is situated), to make sure that there is optimal waterproofing! It also adds valuable strength and makes your ski jacket last a lot longer.

In a ski jacket, snow gaiters are extremely useful when it comes to preventing snow from getting up the bottom of the ski jacket or up the sleeves, should you fall over. These usually come with zips, poppers or Velcro to make it easier to loosen to get the snow out.

Air ventilation and breathability are absolutely essential when looking for a good ski jacket for you or your children. You need to look out for zippers in the sleeves and underarms which prevent sweating by wicking moisture away from the skin, they are great for Spring skiing or if you really work hard on the slopes.

Look for insulation! The best ski jackets have three layers especially designed for cosiness and warmth - not ones that are just layers and layers of padding, but ones that are layers and layers of specially designed fabrics and materials. A bit later on I will tell you all about the three different layers in a ski jackets and their uses.

Weatherproofing is a necessity when it comes to ski jackets. You need to have waterproofing and windproofing features otherwise the ski jacket will not last very long at all! Further on in this blog I will also give you an idea on what the best unit of waterproofing to look out for is and why.

One of the most important factors of ski jackets is the use of technology within them. When it comes to waterproofing, you must always check the label! Manufacturers typically describe the waterproof breathability of fabrics using two different units:

·       Millimetres (mm) – measure how waterproof a fabric is. The higher the number, the higher the waterproofing.

·       Grams (g)/square metre (m2) – measure of how breathable the fabric is, expressed in terms of grams of water vapour that can pass through a square metre of the fabric from the inside to the outside.

Waterproof Rating (mm)	Resistance Provided	What it can withstand
0-5000	No resistance to some resistance to moisture	Light rain, dry snow, no pressure
6000-10,000	Rainproof and waterproof under light pressure	Light rain, average snow, light pressure
11,000-15,000	Rainproof and waterproof except under high pressure	Moderate rain, average snow, light pressure
16,000-20,000	Rainproof and waterproof under high pressure	Heavy rain, wet snow, some pressure
20,000+	Rainproof and waterproof under very high pressure	Heavy rain, wet snow, high pressure

It’s also really important for you to stay warm on the slopes.. That’s why you need to consider the different elements and layers included in clothing insulation – its not just padding!

For optimal insulation in a ski jacket, there are three different layers which all have their own importance:

• The first layer near the body is for hygiene. The role of the first layer, such as polyester, is to get rid of sweat so it does not remain in contact with the skin;
• An outer close-knit or closely woven layer of polyester or merino wool, as a wind breaker, usually thin — if there is a risk of bad weather this should be impermeable, the ideal being a textile that stops water droplets but allows water vapour to pass so as to remove evaporated sweat (a textile like this is said to "breathe");
• And between the two, a thick layer of fleece traps the air and prevents contact between the skin and the wind-breaking layer.

The RECCO® Rescue System is a technology which has been used by ski resorts and mountain rescue teams for a while now, all just to keep everyone safe on the mountain if you ski off-piste. 

The RECCO® Rescue System has two uses - RECCO® detectors and reflectors.

The RECCO® detectors are used by ski resorts and mountain rescue teams which send out a search signal after a bad accident on the mountain or an avalanche. But to have a built-in RECCO® reflector, you need to do your research! They can only come in specific ski clothing, such as Trespass ski jackets. The reflectors then bounce back a directional signal which then directs the rescuer straight to the reflector and the person/people in harm. This one thing is what can make the best possible ski jackets around. 

May Johnson, November 2013