Ski Jackets – A Columbia or Spyder Ski Jacket

Apparel technology is the hottest trend in world of winter sports, so when it comes to buying that new ski jacket, expect to shell out. That's right – soft single-unit ‘shells' are replacing the multi-layer hard shell jacket as the latest rage in popular, functional ski apparel.

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Soft Shell Technology

Major developments in fabrics used in traditional layering systems (your basic ‘hard-shell' outer wear) are giving rise of a whole new way to dress for the cold temperatures: the ‘soft shell' ski jacket.

A typical hard-shell jacket includes a base inner layer, and insulator and weather-resistant outer shell, and is still a sensible choice for skiers. But new innovations in shell-fabric technology are making options in this type of outerwear even better than before. New soft-shell technology has winter athletes discovering lightweight, breathable ski jackets made from cutting-edge fabrics (from laminated fleece to stretch-woven nylon) that work as an all-in-one jacket, a base layer, insulator and weather protector combined.

These single unit soft-shell pieces work in a wide range of temperatures and snow conditions, depending on the type of skiing you plan to do and the weather conditions you expect to face. When researching your new soft-shell jacket, ask plenty of questions or explore online the types of fabric technology that is going into the manufacture of this latest wave of ski wear. Hi Tech Hard- and Soft- Shell Fabrics

The foundation of the hard-shell jacket system is the outer shell, which protects the inner layers (and the wearer) from the weather while regulating your interior temperature as well. That's not so tall of an order when you consider that brainy new fabrics range from super-breathable to ultra-light, with all kinds of fiber technology that knows more about your body than you probably do! Some of the new shell-fabric offerings include:

Gore-Tex XCR (Extended Comfort Range), said to be 25 percent more breathable than the original version, yet still maintaining its legendary water resistance capacity. You'll find the new Gore-Tex in jackets from Patagonia and North Face, to name a few.

Triplepoint Ceramic with Dry Yarn uses yarn that has been pre-treated for water resistance before it is woven into fabric. Once woven, the fabric as a whole is again waterproof. No laminate is used in the fabric, so the garments produced are lighter in weight. It's not as breathable as some other new materials, but for sheer strength of water repellency, it is unmatched.

Some manufacturers are constructing breathable, waterproof shells that stretch – blurring the lines between hard and soft shell – the new high-tech, "stretch-wovens" are highly versatile jackets that can be worn alone or in layers.

High-performance, engineered fleece and pile materials are being used in technical sportswear. The distinguishing features of the new ‘superfleece' are wind and water resistance properties, offering strong protection of extreme conditions, particularly, harsh winds.

Last year's down jacket is still great choice for the slopes, but keep in mind that new technologies are affecting clothing options at every turn, and you may want to supplement your current ski apparel with a new high-tech jacket. Top brands in classic and innovative ski wear include Columbia, McMurdo and Spyder.

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