There are few pleasures in life as satisfying as strapping on topflight gear. It’s the athletic equivalent of evening wear. You suit up, feeling prepared for whatever the mountain wants to throw at you. You tune in to get the weather report: In the right gear, it hardly matters. That’s confidence, looking good and feeling better. But technical doesn’t have to be flashy, and that might be our favorite aspect of this year’s best ski and snowboard jacket: the combination of technical features with a streamlined, almost understated, look.
What, exactly, makes this jacket such a winner?
Performance and comfort. The 100% recycled polyester lining wicks moisture while allowing proper sliding against the layers underneath, so as not to restrict your movement in any way. The DWR treatment on the outermost layer of the jacket keeps out wind and weather, which allows Patagonia to use a 100% polyester (45% recycled on this layer) shell for maximum breathability. That’s the trick, pushing moisture (namely sweat) out of the jacket without allowing the elements in. And this is the best we’ve seen it done.
Attention to Detail
For extra ventilation, and on the fly core temperature adjustment, you have pit zips that many riders will wear down during runs to avoid overheating. The jacket also has a powder skirt that loops into Patagonia’s snow pants to minimize invasion as well as a helmet-compatible hood. All seems are welded, not stitched, for optimal durability and waterproofing. You get two roomy handwarming pockets and another one up on the left chest that also includes an electronics pocket that keeps your gadgets protected and dry.
The high neck is effective without being “too noticeable.” Velcro the sleeves over your gloves in the morning and after every hot choc/apres and you’re good to go.
