While snow cat or helicopter skiing you need the right jacket to stay warm and dry
Having the right coat for your skiing vacation can make the difference between staying comfortable and warm or damp and cold.
When shopping for a jacket to wear in the deep powder 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.
The very first thing to look for when selecting a winter jacket is to look for one that is longer then waist length. This will prevent any snow from getting in when you crash. Also look for a draw cord at the waist level as well as along the bottom. This will provide the extra protection you need to stay warm and dry.Face it, a jacket full of snow can end your fun quick.Storm cuffs around both wrists will also be appreciated on those really "deep" powder days.
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.
All you want from you outer wear is protection from the elements This will keep your insulating layers of clothing dry, which in turn, will keep you warm. Gortex works best for this. Gortex is a membrane that allows water vapor to exit 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.
Winter jacket technology keeps improving and clothing designers look for better ways for their products to perform their jobs. Arcteryx has developed and patented a sealed zipper that, when closed, will repel water and wind preventing them from entering the garment. This small feature doesn't seem like much but on a cold, windy day it will have a dramatic effect.
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.
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