The 10 Best Backcountry Ski Jackets of 2027


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Skier Meredith Drangin wearing one of the best backcountry ski jackets

Don't dwell. Just get a good shell.

Good layering always ends with a good ski jacket. For backcountry skiing, having a high-quality jacket makes a world of difference when transitioning at the top of a line in gnarly weather. We ask our backcountry gear to balance a lot: keeping us warm and dry, while keeping us cool as we climb uphill. We recommend lightweight, but highly waterproof shells. These shells have high-end waterproof fabrics that regulate your body temperature inside the shell while keeping wind, snow, and cold temps out. We compiled a list of our personal favorites and customer picks for the best backcountry ski jackets for all your ski adventures. Get after it.

Want to learn more about waterproofing and breathability? Read our expert's guide to ski clothing tech.

Best Backcountry Ski Jackets: Our Picks


1. Arcteryx Rush $800.00

Arcteryx Rush ski jacket
The basics: Designed with 3L GORE-TEX Pro ePE, the Rush Jacket is one of Arc'teryx's most durable and strong ski jackets to date. The updated Rush jacket emphasizes efficiency for touring without sacrificing comfort. A new, roomier, fit allows easier access to additional zippered pockets and uses less fabric. It’s waterproof and windproof, and still breathes when you're working up a sweat going uphill ... learn more

2. Arcteryx Sabre Jacket $750.00

Arcteryx Sabre Jacket ski jacket
The basics: Specifically created for on area snow and off area exploration with design and features optimized for big mountain skiing and freeriding. Has relaxed fit, with updated style lines.Always with a focus on streamlining function to its essence without compromising performance, Arc'teryx optimized the Sabre Jacket with features to handle the vertical aspects of big mountain skiing. The helmet ... learn more

3. Flylow Billie Coat $351.93

Flylow Billie Coat ski jacket
The basics: The Billie Coat is a staple in the Flylow line. It's a gloriously versatile hardshell designed to keep you riding through the storm. Equipped with tough and light Surface 3-layer hardshell fabric, this jacket has enough breathability to get you up a bootpack with ease. A durable water repellent coating ensures you'll stay as dry as Moab in ... learn more

4. Patagonia PowSlayer $559.93

Patagonia PowSlayer ski jacket
The basics: Shred the steepest lines and deepest powder in the updated Patagonia PowSlayer Ski Jacket, the ultimate storm shell for dedicated explorers. This season, Patagonia integrated the cutting-edge 3-layer GORE-TEX Pro ePE fabric, delivering the highest levels of waterproof, breathable, and windproof protection in a package that's remarkably lighter and softer than ever before. Designed with a ... learn more

5. Norrona Lofoten Gore-Tex Pro Jacket $999.00

Norrona Lofoten Gore-Tex Pro Jacket ski jacket
The basics: The iconic Lofoten Gore-Tex Pro Jacket is a hardshell made for freeriding, but works perfectly for general ski/snowboard activities on and off-slope as well as general outdoor activities like trekking and mountaineering. With GORE-TEX® PRO fabric, this jacket is produced with the world-leading environmentally responsible membrane for durable waterproofness, optimized breathability and total ... learn more

6. Norrona Lofoten Gore-Tex Pro Jacket $719.93

Norrona Lofoten Gore-Tex Pro Jacket ski jacket
The basics: The iconic Lofoten Gore-Tex Pro Jacket is a hardshell made for freeriding, but works perfectly for general ski/snowboard activities on and off-slope as well as general outdoor activities like trekking and mountaineering. With GORE-TEX® PRO fabric, this jacket is produced with the world-leading environmentally responsible membrane for durable waterproofness, optimized breathability and total ... learn more

7. Mammut Stoney HS Hooded $399.00

Mammut Stoney HS Hooded ski jacket
The basics: Mammut's best-selling and most versatile all-mountain Stoney Hard Shell Hooded ski jacket is now also their most responsible. Redesigned from the ground up, the latest iteration of this much-loved shell delivers the exceptional performance and protection for which the Stoney is renowned while minimizing environmental impact. An optimized pattern reduces material waste, while the use of a ... learn more

8. Helly Hansen Emiko Shell $390.00

Helly Hansen Emiko Shell ski jacket
The basics: The Helly Hansen Emiko Shell Jacket is perfect for riding every part of the mountain, from terrain park to side country, to groomers (even for life in the village!). Crafted with Helly Tech Professional technology, this 3-layer shell offers waterproof and windproof protection and breathability in wet and wintry conditions. Inspired by Japanese design, the jacket features a relaxed, boxy fit, ... learn more

9. Helly Hansen PowderQueen 3.0 $465.00

Helly Hansen PowderQueen 3.0 ski jacket
The basics: Serious skiers need serious jackets and that's where the Helly Hansen Powderqueen 3.0 Jacket comes in. Made using HellyTech Performance 2-layer construction, this relaxed fitting jacket is essential for anyone who dreams of spending more time on snow. Articulated sleeves and large underarm vents provide easy movement and temperature regulation when the going gets tough. The Melange ripstop ... learn more

10. The North Face GTX Hex $399.93

The North Face GTX Hex ski jacket
The basics: Hit the slopes with The North Face GTX Hex Ski Jacket, a modern take on the classic Mountain Jacket. This jacket features Gore-Tex 2L fabric with a PFC-free finish to keep you completely dry in any weather. Stay comfortable and organized with an array of features, including a ski-helmet compatible hood, underarm vents with a powermesh lining to keep snow out, and a ton of pockets for all ... learn more



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