Ski Jacket Question

[TheRealMrsJohnSimm]

What ski jacket(s) do you own? What do you love/dislike about them?

I've had an O'Neill one with a zip-in fleece for the last 4 years and I want to replace it.

I have actually been very naughty and been out and bought 2 because I couldn't decide between them. And thought perhaps the wise women of Mumsnet could prevent me from receiving total bollocking from DH by assisting in the decision making and returning the loser!!

Jacket 1 is a Northface Decagon jacket here. It's lovely and bright but doesn't have any insulation - its just a shell. Cost £95 (with discount from Ellis Brigham)

Jacket 2 is a Nike ACG down filled jacket like this this but is turquoise & white and cost £79 from TK Maxx.

I am torn between thinking of the layering possibilities of Jacket 1 - poss more versatility but Jacket 2 is so snug and cosy

Any pros and cons you can think of would be appreciated!!

If you ever go skiing in March and its a bit warmer Jacket 2 may be a bit too warm.

Jacket 1 is designed for milder and wetter climates. Jacket 2 for very cold and very dry (although it says waterproof down doesn't perform well in the damp).

Where do you ski and when? If US and peak season then jacket 2, if europe and/or late season then jacket 1.

Agree that jacket 2 is great looking though.

I took a down jacket last year. The sleeves zipped off for hot weather. We had one afternoon of sleet and it really wasn't waterproof at all - if there had been bad weather all week I wouldn't have been able to ski in it. It does look nice, I agree.

So this year I am looking for one with a zip-in fleece....

1 more practical

2 looks gorgeous

I am such a cheapskate - age 14 Decathlon ski jacket (£15!!!)

Fluffles - we always ski in Europe. This year it will be Belle Plagne during first week of Feb.

I am just concerned that will have so many layers beneath Jacket 1 that it will be uncomfortable or that I will be cold. Cannot stand the cold!!

Jacket 2 is lovely but am concerned now with what you say about waterproofing etc.

aaarrrgghhh!!! Cannot make a decision!

Deffo jacket 1. Basically I have thermals, then a thinish fleece (you could have a slightly heavier one) and then a scarf which covers the zip area of my front and the jacket. I am always toasty. I had a two in one and I was always too hot, I only used the internal fleece once, I prefered to ski without it.

That said i bought a dirt cheap jkt from matalan (£25!!) which I hope is OK as my usual one s a bit tight I also bought these today as my feet are only a size 4.5 they were so perfect and cheap Can also be used when I am hanging about taking my girls riding early on a sunday am in this country!!

Thanks for the advice oh knowledgeable MNers

Have finally settled with Jacket 1 and returned Jacket 2. Took Jacket 1 back to where I bought it and got some serious layering advice from chap in store (as opposed to spotty teenager who sold it to me!). I will use the zip in fleece from my old jacket and a merino mid-layer (plus my base layer). I am very sensitive to cold so this should keep me totally toasty .