The Best Ski Jackets of Winter 2024 (with all the technical terms explained)

Iain and Al pick the best new ski jackets for winter 2024, plus we explain the difference between waterproofing, breathability and taping. We also look at the increased use of recycled materials in jackets and the phasing out of PFCs.  This Special Episode of The Ski Podcast has been made possible by Ellis Brigham - the winter sports specialists.   They have 16 shops around the UK where you can find all the kit you need for this winter. Alternatively, simply go to their website at ellis-brigham.com to buy online now. SHOW NOTES Listen to our Best Skis of Winter 2024 episode Listen to our Best Ski Boots of Winter 2024 episode Waterproofing (2:45) Breathability (3:45) How important is taping? (5:00) The difference between 3-layer and 2-layer jackets? (6:00)            Why a ‘powder skirt’ isn’t for powder (9:00) What is ‘Recco’ (and why it’s not a replacement for a transceiver) (10:00) Sustainability in ski jackets (11:15) What is DWR? (11:30) The danger of PFCs (12:00) Increased use of recycled materials (13:45) Al recommends NikWax for cleaning your technical clothing (15:45) Listen to our special episode on Picture Organic Clothing (29:00)   THE BEST SKI JACKETS OF WINTER 2024 (17:00)   Spyder Vanqysh GORE-TEX Insulated Men's Jacket, £750 (17:30) The Vanqysh uses a Gore-Tex membrane, delivering dynamic stretch for freedom of movement. It has PrimaLoft Gold insulation, include a Recco reflector, removable helmet compatible hood and removable powder skirt and a good selection of pockets and stowage. The North Face Summit Verbier GORE-TEX Jacket (men and women), £629 (19:15) A technical 3-layer shell for freeride type skiing. The face fabric is 100% recycled polyester and your your foul-weather protection is provided by the Gore-Tex membrane.  Schöffel Misurina Women’s jacket, £500 (21:00) A flattering cut with removeable hood and powder skirt, which uses a stretchy Venturi waterproof/breathable membrane and has Responsible Down Standard down insulation paired with recycled PrimaLoft Gold Eco insulation with a 45% recycled material content.  Patagonia Women's Snowdrifter Jacket, £400 (23:00) This 3-layer jacket uses Patagonia’s H2NO membrane and is completely PFC free, made using 100% recycled polyester fabric in a mono-material. You get a Recco reflector, fixed powder skirt, large helmet compatible hood and a range of pockets. If you want a technical shell but want to focus on being environmentally friendly it’s hard to beat. Picture Men’s Stone Printed Jacket, £350 (26:00) This uses Picture’s DryPlay membrane, a PFC-free DWR treatment, and recycled materials. It’s fully taped and has the same waterproof and breathability ratings as jackets costing around twice as much.  There are links above to all the boots we mentioned here today, all of which are available at Ellis Brigham - the winter sports specialists. They have 16 shops around the UK where you can find all the kit you need for this winter. Alternatively, simply go to their website at ellis-brigham.com to buy online now – however, please note that we do not recommend you buy ski boots online. Please do go to a store and get fitted properly.  I enjoy all feedback about the show, I like to know what you think, especially about our features so please contact on social @theskipodcast or by email [email protected]  If you like the podcast, there are two things you can do to help:    1) Review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify – it genuinely helps other listeners find us 2) Subscribe – so you never miss an episode   You can follow Iain @skipedia and the podcast @theskipodcast