The 10 Best Backcountry Ski Jackets of 2026

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 $547.95

The basics: Designed with 3L Most Rugged GORE-TEX Pro 2.0, the Rush Jacket is one of Arc'teryx's most durable and strong ski jackets to date. GORE-TEX Pro 2.0 is the strongest GORE-TEX material available, and the Rush jacket combines that with a 100D face fabric for additional durability and protection. Waterproof, and windproof, the Rush jacket still breathes when you're working up a sweat going uphill ... learn more

2. Arcteryx Beta $399.95

The basics: The Beta is Arc’teryx’s most versatile Gore-Tex 3 layer hardshell jacket. With an 80D face fabric and Gore-Text ePE membrane, this light, strong, and PFC-free jacket delivers lasting waterproof, windproof, and breathable protection with a reduced carbon footprint. The C-Knit backer adds comfort and the low-profile StormHood adjusts with one gloved hand over a helmet. Articulated patterning ... learn more

3. Flylow Billie Coat $369.95

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. Picture Organic Welcome 3L Xpore JKT $194.95

Picture Organic Welcome 3L Xpore JKT ski jacket

The basics: Gear up for adventure with the Welcome Jacket, your ultimate sidekick for high-intensity ski touring and splitboarding! This eco-friendly marvel, crafted from recycled Circular polyester, offers lightweight breathability and protection that won't let you down. Featuring a 2K/2K membrane for top-notch waterproofing and PFC-free water repellent treatment, you can tackle the elements with ... learn more

5. The North Face GTX Hex $399.95

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

6. Mammut Stoney HS Hooded $399.00

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

7. Patagonia Powder Town $244.30

The basics: Hit the resort with confidence in the updated Patagonia Powder Town Jacket, a feature-rich shell that offers exceptional value and protection. This season, the jacket receives a significant durability upgrade with a rugged 150-denier face fabric, ensuring it withstands the wear and tear of countless days on the slopes. Built around a 2-layer H2No Performance Standard shell, it delivers ... learn more

8. Ortovox 3L Ortler $550.00

The basics: Whether on icy north faces, during stormy ascents or severe snowfall on the summit -- the Ortler Jacket is ready to tough it out if you are. This 3L hardshell is perfect for alpine tours where high breathability is a must, but so is waterproofing. The robust outer material provides protection in any weather, for any activity -- and is still ultra-light. The 3L Ortler Jacket weighs in at just ... learn more

9. Patagonia PowSlayer $579.95

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

10. Wild Rye Butterfield 3L $399.95

The basics: Finally, a ski jacket that gets you! Designed by women, for women, the Butterfield 3L Jacket from Wild Rye is the ultimate one-kit wonder for resort shredding and quick backcountry missions. Forget bulky layers—this shell boasts a powerful 30k/30k waterproof and breathable recycled Seawastex nylon, keeping you perfectly dry from deep-winter storms to spring touring sweat sessions. Its ... learn more

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The 10 Best Backcountry Ski Jackets of 2026

Don't dwell. Just get a good shell.

Best Backcountry Ski Jackets: Our Picks

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