Message #18019

[jbotti]

There are two things that are absolute musts for me in a jacket. Pit Zips and a powder skirt (preferably and adjustable one). Hoods are nice when it's windy and a removable hood is best. I ski mostly in Montana so I only buy insulated jackets. I also only buy 20/20 shells that are 100% waterproof and breathable although I am not sure I really need either in Montana (but I get this in case I end up suing the jacket in Tahoe). I find that most new jackets these days have a nice arrangement of pockets and most have plenty of pockets.

My all time favorite jacket is the Patagonia Primo Down Jacket. When I wear this with another layer of insulation (like a down sweater or a nano puff jacket) I am good down to zero F with only a light weight base layer on. If it gets any colder I can throw on a mid weight sweater layer (like a smart wool top) and that gets me another 10 degrees F.