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Men's Ski Touring Jackets

Unlined and breathable. Hardshell when the weather could turn, softshell on settled days.

Guide

Men's Ski Touring Jackets

On the climb, what counts is how much water vapour the jacket lets out; on the ridge, whether it keeps out wind and snow. Warmth comes from the layers beneath and the insulated jacket in your pack.

Key points

No lining and a low RET value: up to 6 counts as very breathable.
Pit zips vent on the climb without you having to take the jacket off.
Chest pockets above hip belt and harness, hood over the helmet.
Try it with your pack: reaching for the poles, back and wrists stay covered.

Which jacket for which tour?

Use	What matters	Your jacket
Cold powder days	What mattersDry snow, wind on the ridge	Your jacketSoftshell over a thin midlayer
Uncertain weather	What mattersSnowfall, storm at the top	Your jacketThree-layer hardshell with pit zips
Spring and corn snow	What mattersWarm climb, early start	Your jacketLight windproof that packs small
Glacier tour or traverse	What mattersHarness, changing weather	Your jacketRobust hardshell, pockets above the harness

What to look for

Question	In short	Why
Hardshell or softshell?	In shortThe forecast decides	WhyA softshell stretches and lets plenty of vapour out but usually only shrugs off light snow. A hardshell is waterproof and windproof and comes along when the forecast is unsure.
How breathable?	In shortCompare RET values	WhyRET measures resistance to water vapour. Up to 6 counts as very good, up to 13 as good. Pit zips help too when it gets steep.
Which size?	In shortWith midlayer and pack	WhyPut on your midlayer and pack and raise your arms. Your back stays covered and the sleeves reach your wrists. Too roomy and it flaps in the wind.
What does a peaked hood do?	In shortVisibility in snowfall	WhyA stiffened peak keeps snow off your face. The hood should fit over a helmet and cinch down without one.

Frequently asked questions

When do I put the jacket on?

In sun and no wind, a base layer is often enough on the climb. The jacket goes on once the wind picks up or you reach the ridge. Start slightly chilly: after ten minutes uphill you'll be warm.

What goes underneath?

A merino or synthetic base layer, plus a thin fleece when it's cold. Cotton stays wet and chills you. The insulated jacket is for the summit and the descent.

How much does weight matter?

On long tours you feel every gram, as the jacket spends a lot of time in the pack. Light hardshells save weight but use thinner fabrics. Among trees and rock, a little more fabric on the shoulders pays off.

How do I look after the membrane?

Wash with a technical detergent, no softener, zips closed. Sweat and sun cream clog the membrane otherwise. If water stops beading, gentle heat as the label allows or a spray-on proofer helps.

Last updated: November 2026