Types of Winter Jackets to Keep You Warm

Types of Winter Jackets to Keep You Warm

Posted by Matt Gahman on Thursday, November 14, 2024

You need the best winter jacket to stay insulated during the chilly months of the year. At Buckman’s Ski and Snowboard Shops, we have a wide selection of winter jackets. Depending on your taste and preference, you can choose from our favorite fleece, down, insulated or shell jackets. Our collection includes lightweight jackets suitable for the rain or heavy jackets with insulated layers perfect for the snow.

Types of Jackets for Winter

At Buckman’s Ski and Snowboard Shops, we carry various colors, looks and brands. Each of our jackets is suited for all your winter activities, including those snowy and rainy skiing and snowboarding adventures. Our jackets include:

Down Insulated Jackets

When you're out on the mountain, you want the right clothing that will keep you warm and feeling great. Skiing and snowboarding bring unique conditions that other athletes don't have to worry about — cold temperatures, moisture and wind chill. Using the right equipment and wearing the right stuff will keep you comfortable during those conditions.

One big part of your ski attire is your jacket. A down ski jacket is a good one to consider. These coats have lots of benefits and come in lots of different styles and colors. You'll definitely be able to find just the right one after you decide that down is the best way to go.

Benefits of Down Jackets

You've probably heard of down before, but do you know exactly what it is? Down is the fluffy, light under-feathers of geese and ducks. These feathers go underneath the outer waterproof feathers to keep the birds warm when they're flying high and swimming in chilly water. Down is used in outerwear and for other purposes, too, like bedding.

Our true down jackets have real feathers responsibly harvested from geese or ducks, while our synthetic down jackets use replicated feathers that do not actually come from birds.

There are many advantages to using a down winter jacket when you're skiing or snowboarding:

• Warmth: The biggest plus of a down jacket, of course, is that it'll keep you warm. The feathers in a down jacket create little air pockets that retain heat, keeping the wearer very warm. Between your blood pumping while you're outdoors and your coat, you'll never be cold on the mountain again.
• Weight: With a feather interior, you'll have a light jacket. They also pack small, especially mid-layer down jackets. The feathers can compress, and most can be rolled up small and stored in a jacket pocket. Unroll the coat and give it a quick shake to get the down feathers to “fluff” back up.

Synthetic Insulated Jackets

Synthetic insulation consists of artificial materials like poly-fibers that mimic natural down materials used in down insulation. Some brands have also developed their own types of synthetic insulation to cut down on bulk while still providing superior warmth compared to traditional synthetic insulation.

Benefits of Synthetic Insulated Jackets

If you want to go without some of that extra layering and stick to as few articles of clothing as possible, choose an insulated jacket. It has the typical waterproof outer shell, as well as an inside layer built right into the jacket.

The type of jacket you choose for your skiing and snowboarding adventures comes down to personal preference, but there are several benefits to wearing an insulated jacket. For example, if you ski or board in freezing temperatures, you'll probably want to use an insulated jacket for added protection and warmth. Even in higher temperatures, some people get cold faster than others. If you think you might get too chilly going up the lift and coming down the hill, choose an insulated jacket to make sure you stay at the right temperature.

Buying an insulated jacket is a cost-effective solution, too. When your coat already has a protective inner layer, you don't have to wear as many layers under it. This advantage can save you from having to buy extra clothes to get entirely geared up.

Which Type of Insulated Jacket Should You Choose?

Down and synthetic insulated jackets have their own unique advantages and disadvantages.

A down ski jacket will be warmer than a synthetic jacket. They will also be more lightweight and able to pack down smaller than synthetic insulation. The downside to down jackets is once the down insulation gets wet, it loses its power to insulate. The feathers compress and no longer hold warmth. Also, down tends to take a bit longer to dry than synthetic insulation.

A synthetic insulated jacket has most of the same benefits as a down jacket. It will be slightly heavier than a down jacket, though. The main reason that skiers and snowboarders choose a synthetic option over down is the price difference and its ability to insulate even when wet.

Insulation works by trapping your body heat, keeping your core toasty even if it is frigid outside. Both down and synthetic insulation are incredibly effective at keeping you warm. Whichever insulation you get with your jacket, you know it will keep you warm in cold weather.

Fleece Jackets

Fleece jackets make the perfect mid-layer. With lots of different options available when it comes to thickness and warmth, you can find the right fleece jacket to best suit your needs while you're skiing or snowboarding.

When you're looking for a new fleece jacket, Buckman's Ski and Snowboard Shops has a wide selection to help you find the perfect one. Check out our inventory!

Benefits of Fleece Jackets

When you buy a fleece jacket from Buckman's Ski and Snowboard Shops, you'll immediately feel a difference. Fleece jackets are made from a soft blend of fabric that will keep you feeling comfortable. There are lots of benefits to owning this type of jacket, too! Here are a few of them:

• Warmth without bulk: Wherever you wear it, whether it's on its own or as a layering piece, your fleece jacket will keep you warm without adding any extra bulk. This is helpful while you're on the mountain because you won't have a limited range of motion.
• A multipurpose jacket: Unlike some of your other apparel, you can use your fleece jacket other times aside from when you're skiing or snowboarding. A fleece jacket's versatility makes it an excellent piece for all kinds of different occasions.
• Different weights available: Depending on your preferences, you'll find fleece jackets in light, mid and heavier weights.

Shell Jackets

If you’re looking for a versatile jacket you can take through the bitter cold of mid-winter and ride in during warm spring conditions, a shell jacket is a great choice. Shell jackets are just the waterproof shell of the jacket. They do not have any insulation but provide excellent protection from snow, rain and wind when out on the mountain. Some shell jackets may have some fleece lining to provide warmth, but most who are looking for a shell jacket know that layering is the key to staying warm.

During the cold months, skiers and snowboarders tend to layer with warm base layers and an insulated mid-layer under their shell jackets. In warmer conditions, some might only wear a base layer and their shell. Shell jackets allow for versatility throughout the entire season, unlike insulated jackets that can potentially be too warm in preseason or spring-like conditions.

Softshell Jacket

Softshell jackets are a cross between hardshell jackets and fleece jackets. They are made with stretchy fabrics and fleece to keep you comfortable while protecting you from the harsh winds and snow. Their mobility and breathability also contribute to their comfortability.

Other benefits of a softshell jacket include:

• Comfort: Softshell jackets have a soft and stretchy material. Additionally, most softshells come with a fleece lining, which provides the body with softness and warmth.
• Mobility: Softshells offer protection with stretchy fabrics that move with your body instead of restricting it. They do not use a waterproof membrane like hardshell jackets, making them quieter as you move.
• Air permeability: Softshell jackets use a waterproof coating rather than a waterproof membrane like hardshell jackets, allowing for better breathability and temperature regulation.
• Price: Softshells are typically less expensive than hardshells because they have a different purpose.

What Is the Best Type of Jacket for Winter?

Finding a good winter jacket keeps you warm as a snowboarder or skier. At Buckman’s Ski and Snowboard Shops, you'll find high-performance jacket options to keep you protected from low temperatures, wind and snow.

We have great choices of different types of winter coats, including insulated, fleece and shell jackets. Insulated jackets, either down or synthetic, use your body heat to trap heat and keep you warm. We also have fleece jackets that make great layering pieces to provide extra warmth to insulate you from harsh winds and cold temperatures. Our collection even includes shell jackets to provide you with ultimate protection from the elements during your winter and fall activities.

We carry jackets from different brands, which can come in varied colors and styles to suit your unique needs. These jackets are made with comfortable materials, including insulating technology and fleece, so you keep the dreary weather away and enjoy a comfortable and fun winter expedition.

Shop Winter Jackets at Buckman's

At Buckman’s Ski and Snowboard Shops, we stock the best quality types of winter jackets so you can make the most of your winter activities. Our wide selection and quality customer service gives us the experience to help you get the jacket you need!

Browse our collection today for the best jackets and outerwear to keep yourself warm this winter and fall!

Categories: Ski & Snowboard Apparel