Help Me Pick A Ski Jacket

[jyl]

Originally Posted by Shaun @ Tru6

Their web site is ambiguous but a little googling shows it is all made in China, etc.

Disappointing.

You’ve got experience in this stuff. What’s your guess on the cost of manufacture (materials, labor, freight) of a $600 list price HH ski jacket?

[Shaun @ Tru6]

Originally Posted by jyl

Disappointing.

You’ve got experience in this stuff. What’s your guess on the cost of manufacture (materials, labor, freight) of a $600 list price HH ski jacket?

This 10 years ago but the wool red plaid jacket with fleece lining was $18 to produce, we sold it for $40, stores would sell it for $90.

The resin coated parka was $40 to make, we sold it for $90, stores would sell it at $200. Lot of sewing and the fleece and resined fabric were expensive.

These were tiny production numbers for the boys boutique market.

A $600 retail jacket in today's market in high volume would probably cost $50 to make. Add customs, shipping, a lot overhead to that price.

[911_Dude]

I use Helly Hansen gear for sailing. Wouldn't get anything else for harsh outdoor wear.

[gtc]

Originally Posted by jyl

What is “hardshell” vs “softshell”? I don’t know the lingo anymore.

Anything that advertises breathability is probably a softshell. Think of the black fleece jackets with a smooth, tightly woven exterior that are pretty common these days. They can be treated to be water resistant, but will eventually soak through. These are ok for XC or alpine touring where you'll be sweating like crazy, but not so good for cold/wet days on the lift.

It also occurred to me that while bibs are super comfy and great for keeping snow from going down your pants, they might not needed if you're only planning on carving up groomers. Same goes for jackets with powder skirts.

One thing I noticed when shopping was that there was a lot of variability in fitment. I found 2-3 brands that are comfortable for me, and now I buy most of my stuff from them. So it would be good to go out and try on as many different jackets as you can before you commit to one.

[gtc]

Evo and REI both have a huge selection of ski jackets online to pick through... lots of good deals right now.

https://www.evo.com/shop/ski/jackets/shell/mens/size_m/construction-type_3-layer

https://www.rei.com/c/mens-downhill-ski-jackets?ir=category%3Asnow-clothing&r=category%3Asnow-clothing%7Csnow-jackets%7Cmens-snow-jackets%7Cmens-downhill-ski-jackets

[Ayles]

I have grown to love my Arc'teryx shell. After using it in blizzard conditions up at Schweitzer last winter I would definitely buy again. I got 20 years out of my last shell though so hopefully I get something similar out of my new one.

I am due for new pants and Stio are on my short list for coming ski season. I have a couple friends that swear by them.

https://www.stio.com/collections/mens-jackets-vests?f-category=Men%27s

[A930Rocket]

What happened to skiing with blue jeans and a down jacket? I guess things have changed since the 70s!😂