What do you need to know when choosing the best winter jacket?

Having the right coat for your skiing vacation can make the difference between staying comfortable and warm or being cold and wet. What factor should you look for when buying a new coat?

When shopping for a winter jacket to wear out on the slopes I am looking for a shell that will protect me from the elements only, wind, rain or snow. I do not need to have the jacket provide any insulation. This is provided by other layers of clothing that I wear under the jacket.

First, select a jacket that extends below the waist. Most will have a elastic or draw cord at the waist level plus another along the bottom.

Both are very effective in preventing powder snow from getting up into your jacket while skiing. Cinching both of these draw cords is your first line of defense against the snow. Storm cuff around each wrist are also necessary to keep out snow.

One of the primary goals of your winter clothing is to allow moisture from sweat to be expelled out. When the inner layers start to get wet they loose their ability to keep you warm. This include being able to allow moisture from sweat to escape. Gortex works best for this. Gortex is a breathable membrane that allows moisture to escape but prevents water drops from entering. A winter jacket without gortex will not be as water proof and certainly will not keep you as warm.

Some companies like Arcteryx have patented a zipper that is sealed when closed. This is a great feature since it prevents any liquid from entering through this "weak link". Wind penetration is also eliminated. It seems like a small feature but after having an Arcteryx jacket you will notice this addition.

Your winter jacket is truly the most important article of ski clothing you will wear. Having cold feet or legs, although not comfortable, are not as critical as the core of your body. In a survival situation a proper winter jacket will be a life saving article of clothing.