Post by ron on Sept 22, 2014 12:32:16 GMT -7
I recommend gore-tex, a hood that fits over your helmet, and red. Everything else is a luxury!
(he says, while laughing at himself)
I am a fan of Prima-loft One for insulation (although I hear PolarTec has an "alpha" product that is excellent but am not sure if it is in ski jackets yet). Prima-Loft is in a lot of manufacterers -- in fact I'm pretty sure that is the insulation in my cold weather green jacet.
I'm surprised by your need for a hood over the helmet (but I seldom choose to ski in the rain and never actually need to). We wear Smartwool beanies or a full balaclava under our helmets and have never needed anything warmer.
Red??? Maybe required in some situations, but I am currently in sky blue with plaid pants and/or grass green with plaid pants yet to be purchased.
A hook on jacket or pants for the old style lift ticket wicket is almost a requirement. Every time I go to Elk I have to figure out where to put the damned thing so that the lifties can see it. Much easier to just point at my chest so the Vail lifties know where to aim the electronic scanner (which then displays my face on their little gizmo).
Hey gang, a couple of things
Alpha is available in Rab jackets, and You can buy their STRATA insulating layer in both hoodie and non-hoodie on STP now for as low as $84. I love this layer. Its designed for high output wear, not for standing around insulation. It breathes extremely well. I own both versions. I will wear this under a shell for days that are below or near zero.
www.sierratradingpost.com/rab-strata-jacket-insulated-for-men~p~7932r/?filterString=s~strata%2F&colorFamily=01
My favorite layer for days of 20* and down to 10* is the Marmot Variant which is also at STP, The variant has light quilted insulation on the front with Polartech Powerstretch on the arms and back where you dont need insulation.
www.sierratradingpost.com/marmot-variant-jacket-insulated-for-men~p~5078j/?filterString=s~marmot-variant%2F&colorFamily=10
Hoods: when its stormy uber cold and the winds are blowing at 25-30mph, you will love your hood; especially on the lifts where you are exposed. I also wear mine when its snowing very hard; they do a great job of keeping snow from getting into your helmet, going down your back and it even helps with vision.
OR jackets are fantastic values. Bomber and well made.
Gore-tex. Although you don't need 100% H2O-proof for western skiing, the Gore work better overall oddly due to the fact it doesn't breath as well as some of the newer materials. Event and similar, just breath too much and on cold days, they can let too much heat dissapate.