Skiers thrive in cold weather and sub-zero temperatures. They love it when they scrape all the snow on their windshield. It is essential to stay warm in the icy-cold weather. Being prepared by having a breathable base layer and sporting a puffy based on the temperatures should suffice the need of the skier to be warm provided they wear a ski jacket. This blog post is a guide to help you find the best ski jacket for wide hips.
Ski jackets nowadays have witnessed breakthroughs in fabric and there is a lot of competition in the marketplace. These durable and comfy ski jackets should protect you irrespective of whether you are skiing in sunny or stormy conditions. Also, if you are in a ski area or someplace outside, it is important to stay protected from harsh elements. While skiing you might encounter harsh sunshine, chill winds, damp snowflakes, and hail.
What are the best ski jacket for wide hips?
Ski jackets will keep you warm and dry for longer periods in the mountains. So, whether you are alpine skiing at a resort or planning to explore the backcountry you should find a perfect fit based on your requirements. Ski jackets can also be used for a variety of other winter activities like sledding, snowboarding, or winter hikes. The below-listed ski jackets are ideal to use whether you are a newbie or a seasoned pro.
Best ski jacket for wide hips overall – Arc’teryx Beta Insulated Jacket Men’s
Product Dimensions : 1 x 1 x 1 inches; 12.38 Ounces
Arc’teryx is a high-performance outdoor equipment brand. Known for leading innovations in snowboarding and mountain technologies. This ski jacket is the best way to experience the alpine. It is designed for being versatile, durable, and for weather protection. It helps you to discover whatever the mountains have got to offer. The Arc’teryx Beta Insulated Jacket features Coreloft Continuous insulation. It also gets a sustainable and waterproof breathable 40D GORE-TEX fabric, and it is a jacket that is well-suited for cold conditions.
Compatible with helmets, the StormHood adjusts to optimize your peripheral vision. It also has pit zippers ventilated and an embedded RECCO reflector which helps in search and rescue operations. This ski jacket also gets die-cut Velcro cuff adjusters to reduce bulk. This ski jacket has an embroidered logo and an articulated patterning for unrestricted mobility. It has got two hand pockets with watertight zippers and one internal dump pocket. It has a sleeve pocket with a zip and zippered internal security pocket.
What I liked
- This jacket is insulated with high-quality synthetic insulation which is known to provide warmth in cold conditions.
- Constructed with Gore-Tex Pro fabric, this jacket is waterproof and breathable.
- This jacket has a comfortable fit which allows for easy movement, and the jacket has a soft and cozy feel.
What I disliked
- It is significantly more expensive than other ski jackets.
- It is heavier than other jackets.
- The Gore-tex pro fabric is breathable and it does not have optimal ventilation for high-intensity activities.
- This jacket has limited color options.
Best for women overall – Outdoor Research Women’s Super-Alpine Down Parka
Product Dimensions : 4 x 4 x 2 inches; 4 Ounces
Established in 1981, Outdoor Research has created some of the most fascinating apparel, accessories, and equipment for users to thrive in the outdoors. They build products for outdoor enthusiasts and the military. Driven by passion, innovation, and curiosity they have emerged as ambassadors in the outdoor community. The super alpine down parka for women is a warm parka and it has insulation that will keep you warm in the coldest conditions. It is well suited for winter and snow, and it has Pertex quantum pro which comes with a polyurethane coating that makes it waterproof. It also features internal storm flaps which help in giving extra protection.
This jacket also has a helmet-compatible hood which can be used with ski helmets of any size. It also has a quilt-free hood which is adjustable and comes with a Hood Lock and a tall front collar to keep you warm. This jacket also features an internal storm flap with zippered pockets and an elastic drawcord hem which comes with a stuff sack for easy storage.
What I liked
- Filled with 800-fill goose down, it provides excellent insulation and warmth in adverse colds.
- It is made with a waterproof and breathable Gore-Tex shell which keeps you dry and comfortable in wet conditions.
- This jacket is constructed with high-quality materials and it is built to withstand harsh conditions.
- This jacket has a soft, fleece-lined collar and chin guard with adjustable cuffs and a hood. This helps in providing a comfortable and customized fit.
What I disliked
- This jacket is pricier compared to other jackets in the market.
- It is bulky and uncomfortable for travel and commuting.
- The sizing of the parka can be difficult to get right.
Best ski jacket for wide hips affordable – Flylow Men’s Knight Jacket Waterproof Breathable Ski and Snowboard Coat
Package Dimensions: 14 x 10 x 3 inches; 1 Pounds
Performance and functionality are at the very core of Flylow’s design philosophy. Their products preserve and protect users in wild snow-covered places, and their products are durable making them last for many seasons. Made with 100% polyester, this ski jacket is rugged, breathable, and water-resistant. Its uses heavy-duty fabric which protects you while you are skiing. It features waterproof seams and has a durable water-repellent coating which helps in preventing melted snowflakes to enter this ski jacket. With its long and relaxed cut, it protects the user from elements and it looks good. It has zippered underarm vents along with an interior pass pocket. It also features three exterior pockets, a powder skirt, and a helmet-compatible hood.
What I liked
- This jacket is made with a waterproof and breathable membrane which keeps you dry even in wet conditions.
- It is insulated with 60-gram synthetic insulation, which provides warmth without the addition of any bulk.
- Built with tough, abrasion-resistant fabric it can withstand any wear and tear while skiing.
- This jacket has many features like – a helmet-compatible hood, multiple pockets, and underarm vents for regulating temperature.
- This jacket has a stylish design that looks good both on and off the slopes.
What I disliked
- It is pricier than other jackets in the market.
- Sizing is not precise and you might order a size up.
- This jacket does not have a built-in powder skirt.
- It is only available in limited color options.
- This jacket does not come with a RECCO rescue system.
Best for women affordable – Volcom Women’s Bolt Insulated Snowboard Ski Winter Hooded Jacket
Package Dimensions : 17.56 x 14.21 x 3.86 inches; 1.74 Pounds
Volcom is a ski lifestyle brand known to create durable, and stylish clothing for all occasions. This Bolt-insulated ski jacket for women keeps the cold on lockdown. It is slim and contoured for feminine coverage. It is constructed with a V-science 2-layer and gets 80 g of insulation to keep you warm and cozy in wet and cold conditions. The critically taped seams and patented Zip tech jacket to the pant interface enhance waterproof protection. It features a hidden toggle cinch hood which makes it easier to carry the extra coverage when you are on the move. It also gets a super suede chin guard which is soft on the inside.
What I liked
- Being insulated, this jacket keeps you warm in adverse colds.
- Built with water-resistant materials, this jacket is waterproof which is useful while you are in the snow.
- This jacket can withstand any terrain and weather conditions.
- It has a stylish design and it can look and feel great on the slopes.
What I disliked
- It is pricier compared to regular jackets.
- It is bulky which can restrict movement.
- It does not have adequate breathability which can cause you to sweat and become uncomfortable.
Best ski jacket for wide hips 3-in-1 – Columbia Men’s Whirlibird Iv Interchange Jacket
Product Dimensions : 28 x 18 x 5 inches; 2.74 Pounds
Columbia Sportswear is a trusted American company that provides outerwear, sportswear, and footwear. Made with 100% nylon and polyester, this jacket has an ultimate body heat management system. It is purposely designed for the outdoors and gets a zipper closure. It gets an interior lining that comprises a metallic dot pattern which helps in retaining heat and the breathable fabric dissipates moisture. The OMNI-TECH provides air-permeable protection and it is waterproof and breathable which helps in keeping the elements out. The best thing about this ski jacket is that it is an ideal multiple-use winter jacket. Equipped with a zip-in interchange system which makes it easier to configure for differing winter conditions. It is a 3-in-1 solution featuring a waterproof outer shell, an inner windbreaker jacket, and Thermarator insulation which can be worn separately for optimum protection. It also gets reflective elements and an adjustable hood which will keep you dry and comfortable.
What I liked
- This jacket has a 3-in-1 system which makes it versatile and it can be changed for differing weather conditions.
- The outer shell of the jacket is waterproof and breathable and it keeps you dry even in wet conditions.
- The inner jacket is insulated which will keep you warm in severe cold.
- This jacket has adjustable cuffs and a drawcord adjustable hem, which allows for further customization.
What I disliked
- It is on the pricier side.
- It is bulkier than other jackets since it is a 3 in 1 jacket. Some users have expressed issues over its durability.
Best 3-in-1 for women – Columbia Women’s Whirlibird IV Interchange Winter Jacket, Waterproof & Breathable
Product Dimensions: 21 x 16 x 4 inches; 1 Pounds
This is an all-inclusive women’s ski jacket, it can be used for different weather conditions. It is a feature-loaded multiple-use winter jacket that uses the famous 3-in-1 design. It gets a waterproof and breathable outer shell and an inner windbreaker that can be worn separately or zipped for protection against mother nature’s elements. The outer shell keeps rain and snow out, and the inner jacket has been made with the brand’s Omni-Heat technology.
Even in super cold and super wet conditions, the zip interchange system acts as a versatile solution. Also, the waterproof outer shell has underarm venting and an adjustable hood which comes with drawcord adjustments. There are pockets for every need which include – a ski pass pocket, a pocket for goggles, zippered chest and hand pockets, and an internal security pocket. The interior jacket is designed with the brand’s silver dot technology which provides natural body heat and increased comfort. This product is available in multiple colors, patterns, and sizes.
What I liked
- This jacket follows a 3-in-1 design which makes it highly versatile.
- This jacket is insulated and it has Omni-Heat thermal reflective lining and this reflects body heat back to warm you up.
- It has a breathable design that keeps you comfortable even after physical activities.
- This jacket has adjustable cuffs, a drawcord hem, and an adjustable hood which gives a comfortable and customized fit.
What I disliked
- It is pricier than regular ski jackets.
- Although built with high-quality materials, some users have reported issues with zippers.
- The size may not be as per someone looking for a fitting look.
- The jacket is heavy and not ideal for those looking for something lightweight to ski.
Best ski jacket for wide hips warm insulated – THE NORTH FACE Men’s Aconcagua Insulated Jacket
Product Dimensions : 4 x 4 x 2 inches; 4 Ounces
For over fifty years, The North Face has provided the best gear for athletes and modern-day explorers. This ski jacket uses recycled polyester and is machine washable. It combines both natural and synthetic insulations which help to maintain comfort and body heat in every condition. It provides superior warmth as it uses 550 fill goose down. This product has 200 grams of heat seeker Eco and polyester insulation in the hood, yoke, pockets, and underarms. Made of 100% recycled polyester and it has advanced wind wall protection coated with durable water-repellant (DWR Finish). It is a 100% windproof jacket that keeps you warm and comfortable the whole day. It gets a flattering shape and offers ample mobility and its reverse coil center zip keeps your items safe and secure.
What I liked
- Due to its 550-fill goose-down insulation, the Aconcagua insulated jacket is designed for premium warmth.
- It is made with soft and comfortable fabric which is comfortable on the skin.
- Built with high-quality materials it is designed to last long-term usage.
- It is stylish and comes in various color options.
What I disliked
- This jacket is not completely waterproof which means it is not the safest bet in wet conditions.
- It has limited ventilation which means while you exert a lot, you will tend to sweat.
- It is a high-quality jacket with a high price tag.
- Due to its insulation, it is not the most packable option.
Best warm insulated for women – THE NORTH FACE Women’s Metropolis Insulated Parka III
Product Dimensions: 22 x 15 x 6 inches; 1.8 Pounds
This is a full-length coverage jacket that has 550-fill-down insulation. This jacket offers waterproof performance which protects you in wet and cold conditions, it is certified with the Responsible Down Standard (RDS), which helps you stay warm in chilly weather conditions. Constructed with nylon, it has a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) finish. It has a flattering shape and offers enough mobility to give full protection. It also gets a snap-away hood and a down cocoon brim along with a VISLON center front zip and adjustable elastic cuffs.
What I liked
- This jacket will keep you warm in cold conditions as it is properly insulated with 550-fill goose-down insulation.
- It has a soft taffeta lining which is comfortable against the skin.
- It has a sleek and stylish design.
- This jacket features a detachable hood with faux fur trim, and this keeps your face and head warm in cold and windy conditions.
- Built with durable materials, it can withstand wear and tear.
What I disliked
- It is pricier than other jackets in the market.
- Weight is sacrificed for warmth and comfort making this jacket bulky.
Best ski jacket for wide hips backcountry – The North Face Men’s Clement Triclimate Jacket
Product Dimensions : 27 x 16 x 4 inches; 4 Ounces
This ski jacket has the necessary features and flexibility to be of use in the backcountry. It has a breathable and waterproof shell along with an insulated zip-in liner jacket. If it is the superior warmth that you need, you can wear the shell and inner jacket to protect yourself from extreme cold and wet conditions. If the conditions are warm and wet, you can just wear a shell jacket. Comprising of a DryVent Shell and insulated with 70% recycled Heatseeker Eco insulation this jacket locks you in warmth without overheating. You can also layer sweatshirts with this jacket as it has a roomy fit throughout the body.
What I liked
- It is a 3-in-1 jacket which means it can be worn as a waterproof shell, an insulated liner, or both at the same time.
- It has an outer shell that is made with DryVent technology which makes it waterproof, windproof, and breathable.
- Its inner liner is made with 100g Heatseeker insulation and it provides warmth in adverse cold.
- This jacket has an adjustable hood, cuffs, and hem which gives a customizable fit.
- Built with high-quality materials like a tough nylon fabric for the outer shell and a durable polyester fabric for the inner liner.
What I disliked
- This jacket is on the pricier side.
- It is on the bulkier side and it is not suitable for high mobility.
- The sizing is not accurate.
- It has limited color options.
Best ski jacket for wide hips backcountry for women – Helly Hansen Womens Alphelia LIFALOFT Ski Jacket
Product Dimensions : 15 x 20 x 3 inches; 2.05 Pounds
Helly Hansen is known for its products that keep you protected in the harshest environments. Since 1877, it is a brand trusted by pro skiers and outdoor enthusiasts. This is a stylish, lightweight, and super-warm women’s ski jacket constructed with LIFALOFT insulation which provides highly aerobic and long lasting-usage. It uses breathable and waterproof designs and it features Durable Water Repellency treatment (DWR). This ski jacket features fully-insulated LIFALOFT insulation, LIFE POCKETS, Laser cut exterior air ports, RECCO, a detachable powder skirt, a helmet-compatible hood, detachable hood, and dual hand-warming pockets making it ideal for backcountry usage.
WHat I liked
- This ski jacket features fully-insulated LIFALOFT insulation which provides adequate warmth.
- Constructed with waterproof and breathable fabric, this jacket keeps you dry in wet conditions.
- Built with high-quality materials, this jacket can withstand the rigors of skiing.
- Designed with comfort in mind, this jacket has adjustable cuffs, a removable hood, and a high collar to keep you warm.
- This is a stylish jacket and comes in a range of colors.
What I disliked
- It is a pricey jacket.
- Sizing of the jacket is small, it is recommended to get a size up.
- Users have reported that ventilation could be better.
- It does not have many pockets, so it might not appeal to skiiers who carry a lot of gear.
- There is no insulation on the sleeves, so it could be cold on chilly days.
Best ski jacket for wide hips for the split board – JONES Snowboards Men’s Mountain Surf Anorak Jacket
Jones is an innovator of high-performance ski and winter backcountry adventures. This ski jacket offers high performance and a perfect fit. It features a relaxed cut with a body-mapped fabric layout which comes with two partially recycled polyester fabrics. The hood and arms are made with rugged and abrasion-resistant waterproof and breathable ripstop fabric. It has a torso where temperature regulation is critical and the fabric used is finished with a PFC-free DWR treatment which protects you from storms and harsh conditions. It also gets a large zippered dump pocket which is the perfect place for storing your phone or gloves. This jacket features zippered pit vents and a side zip which is perfect for usage in any terrain and weather conditions.
What I liked
- The waterproof and breathable layer keeps you dry and comfortable in wet conditions.
- Built with durable materials, it is well-suited for the outdoors.
- It has a stylish design and a lot of color options.
- It has a large kangaroo pocket to store your belongings.
- It has an adjustable hood and hem which offers a customizable fit.
- Built with eco-friendly materials, it is a sustainable choice.
What I disliked
- Limited color options.
- It is pricier compared to other similar jackets.
- It comes in limited sizes and may not accommodate all body types.
- Some users have expressed that is not very suitable in adverse climatic conditions.
- It does not have pit vents which may cause discomfort during strenuous activities.
Best for split board women – Burton Prowess Snowboard Jacket Women
Package Dimensions : 19.69 x 16.45 x 3.82 inches; 2.18 Pounds
This ski jacket is made with recycled polyester, nylon, and spandex. It has a zipper closure and it is machine washable. It has the perfect fit which means it is not too tight or baggy, and it features a DRYRIDE two-layer fabric that is waterproof and breathable providing outstanding weather protection it has fully-taped seams that provide excellent performance in foul weather.
This ski jacket gets Thermacore ECO insulation which is lightweight and soft and offers superior warmth-to-weight performance using bluesign. It has mesh-lined sleeve vents which improve breathability and it features media and goggle pockets, a mesh dump pocket, and low-dump Sherpa fleece-lined collar providing warmth. It gets an attached contour drop hood which optimizes comfort, fit, and performance. Standard features in this jacket include – Pit zips, glove loops, and a pocket key clip.
What I liked
- This jacket is waterproof and breathable, making it ideal for skiing in wet conditions.
- It uses Burton’s Living Lining technology which keeps you warm in cold conditions.
- It has a modern and fashionable look.
- It has multiple pockets, a helmet-compatible hood, adjustable cuffs, and a hem for a customizable fit.
- It is made with recycled materials.
What I disliked
- It is pricier than competitors.
- It tends to wear out quickly near the elbow region.
- The sizing runs small, you might want to order a size larger.
Factors determining best ski jacket for wide hips –
Insulation –
If your ski jacket does not offer insulation, you can use a mid-layer and a base layer in chilly or cold conditions. Ski jackets without insulation will have waterproof and breathable layers which should keep you from getting exposed to snow burns. If you are deciding whether the jacket you get should feature insulation or not, you should consider the ambient temperatures of where you ski, if that area is cold and windy, you should opt for jackets with insulation to get warmth in such a scenario.
If your jacket has insulation you don’t need to wear a mid-layer. Insulated jackets are a necessity in freezing conditions, and they are good to have in the backcountry where you might be exposed to wind after sweaty climbs. It is important also to understand that depending on flannel-to-down filled panels, or synthetic proprietary fabrics, the level of insulation will vary in different ski jackets.
The number of layers –
The number of layers indicates the protectiveness and heftiness of the jacket. For instance, a ski jacket with two layers of fabric is breathable and comfortable. They tend to be less hefty than three-layer ski jackets. Their outermost fabric is waterproof, and they tend to be more affordable than pricier three-layer jackets as they might opt out of the insulation.
On the contrary, three-layer jackets are more durable and feature a waterproof/breathable membrane and they usually get GORE-TEX which would be sandwiched between a face fabric and the liner. In harsh weather conditions, triple-layer jackets offer higher protection. So, based on the conditions of your usage, you can deduce the required robustness of your ski jacket.
Waterproof –
If your jacket is not waterproof, you are at a greater risk of getting wet in snow or rain. GORE-TEX is a chief standard measure to determine the waterproofness of your jackets. Being waterproof estimates the amount of water that can be stayed on top of a fabric before it starts to leak.
It is important to understand that a highly waterproof jacket is not necessarily breathable, so having a perfect mix of breathability and waterproofness should get you through general rain and snowfall.
Breathability –
Having a breathable ski jacket enhances the overall output while skiing. For general usage, try and get jackets that offer breathability in the range of 10.000 to 15,000 g and if you wish to explore the backcountry or go uphill a jacket with 20,000 g or more should suffice the need for breathability.
Ventilation –
Proper ventilation helps in maintaining the body temperature while skiing. If you tend to ski in warmer conditions, jackets with underarm zippers or meshes in the front are a great feature to have.
Collar and Hood –
Protecting your upper thorax regions including the – face, head, and neck against mother nature’s elements is important. Having an ergonomic collar and hood also helps in retaining the body temperature in chilly and cold conditions. Many jacket collars have an interior chin guard and helmet-compatible hoods. This helps provide extra protection and warmth to your face and neck while skiing in a snowstorm.
Sleeve cuffs and Powder skirt –
Protecting your lower back and inner wrist from fluffy flakes are made possible through sleeve cuffs and a powder skirt.
Pockets –
Apart from the two exterior pockets found in most ski jackets, pockets/pouches on the chest and arms also help to store necessary items in the backcountry. These pockets come with zip closures and might be compatible with a backpack belt or harness for mountaineering. Interior pockets in the jacket also provide additional storage and might have a mesh construction with an elastic band on top.
Fit –
Depending on whether you need a streamlined fit or a roomier fit, brands have size charts catering to the requirements of male and female skiers. You should be able to choose your jacket as per your unique body shape and size.
Weight –
When it comes to storing jackets in a pack, a non-bulky jacket will be a handy option. Also, if the weather is not harsh, having a lighter layer is sufficient for skiing and carrying in backpacks. However, it is advised not to compromise on the warmth and comfort features over a little additional weight.
In conclusion, there are a plethora of options in the market, and going through individual product descriptions is dizzying. So, this blog post should be able to give you useful insights on the best ski jacket for wide hips. After extensive research and analysis, I have come up with this list for helping you get the perfect ski jacket. The listed ski jackets are amongst the best in the pipeline and it is going to be hard to find better jackets for the specified categories.
