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Guide
Ski Touring Jackets
For ski touring you need a light, unlined jacket that lets plenty of water vapour out. You manage warmth with layers: a base layer and shell on the way up, plus an insulated jacket at the summit.
Key points
- Unlined and breathable: RET up to 6 is very good.
- Hardshell for any weather, softshell when settled.
- Pack an insulated jacket for summit and descent.
Which jacket for which tour?
| Use | Choice | Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Any weather, high alpine tours, wind on ridges | ChoiceHardshell (3-layer) | LimitBreathes less, stiffer |
| Settled high pressure, long climbs | ChoiceSoftshell | LimitNot waterproof |
| Changeable weather, day tours | ChoiceHybrid jacket | LimitNot waterproof everywhere |
| Summit breaks, cold descents | ChoiceInsulated jacket | LimitToo warm on the climb |
Types compared
Hardshell (3-layer)
Waterproof, taped seams, for any weather.
- Advantage: Keeps out snow and storms
- Drawback: Breathes less than softshell
Softshell
Stretchy and very breathable, for settled weather.
- Advantage: Very breathable
- Drawback: Not waterproof
What to check before you buy
| Question | In short | Why |
|---|---|---|
| How breathable should it be? | In shortRET up to 6 | WhyOn the way up you sweat for hours. RET measures how much a fabric holds back water vapour: up to 6 is very good, 6 to 13 good. For touring, the lower the better. |
| Lined or unlined? | In shortUnlined | WhyAn insulated resort jacket is too warm on the climb and gets wet from the inside. Touring jackets have no lining. Warmth comes from the insulated jacket you pull on at the summit. |
| Hardshell, softshell or hybrid? | In shortDepends on the weather | WhyA hardshell is waterproof. A softshell breathes better and stretches, but only keeps out wind and light snow. Hybrids combine both in different zones. |
| Which details matter on tour? | In shortPockets above the belt | WhyChest pockets you can reach with the hip belt on, a hood that fits over your helmet and underarm vents. A longer back stays covered when you stretch in a kick turn. |
Frequently asked questions
Can I wear my ski jacket for touring?
For a short skin up the piste, yes. But an insulated ski jacket is too warm on the climb: you soak it with sweat and get cold at the top.
How important is the hood?
Very, in wind and snow on a ridge. It has to fit over your helmet and adjust so it turns with your head.
Do I need a special jacket for uphill skiing at resorts?
No. For skinning up the side of the piste, a light softshell or hybrid jacket is enough. Check the resort's rules for uphill skiing: many only allow it at certain times.
How do I care for a touring jacket?
Wash it at 30 or 40 °C, as the care label says, with a little liquid detergent and no fabric softener.
Last updated: October 2026
What will you use it for?
Any weather
If you head out in snow and wind too, choose a 3-layer hardshell with taped seams and a hood that fits over your helmet.
- 3-layer
- Taped seams
- Helmet-compatible hood
Climb
For long climbs in settled weather, breathability comes before weather protection. A light softshell or hybrid jacket stretches with you and lets water vapour out.
- Light
- Very breathable
- Stretchy
Summit break
For the summit and cold descents, pack an insulated jacket. It is warm straight away and packs small in your rucksack.
- Synthetic or down
- Packs small
- Hood
Changeable weather
Choose accessible vents for changeable weather. Open them before a hard climb; keep a warm layer in your pack for stops.
- Accessible vents
- Room for layers
- Adjustable hood
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Brands we carry
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- adidas Terrex
- Atomic
- Bergans
- Berghaus
- Black Diamond
- CMP
- Craft
- Crazy
- Dainese
- Devold of Norway
- Dynafit
- Elevenate
- Fjällräven
- Grüezi Bag
- Haglöfs
- Helly Hansen
- Houdini
- Jack Wolfskin
- Karpos
- Klättermusen
- La Sportiva
- Lundhags
- Löffler
- Maier Sports
- Maloja
- Mammut
- Marmot
- Martini
- MAUL Sport
- Millet
- Mons Royale
- Montura
- O'Neill
- Oakley
- Orage
- Outdoor Research
- Picture
- Rab
- Rossignol
- Salewa
- Schöffel
- Scott
- Sportful
- Spyder
- Swix
- Ternua
- The North Face
- Uyn
- VAUDE
- Ziener
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