Favorite downhill ski gear (jackets/pants)

[dahliaclone]

Headed back to Tahoe to ski in early March and in desperate need of new proper ski jacket and pants. There are so many brands it's causing me anxiety. What are your favorite brands and products when it comes to ski jackets and pants?

Open to anything except crazy pricey like Arcteryx. Really like stuff in the mid-range from Patagonia, North Face, Helly Hansen, Stio, Montbell, but it's overwhelming.

 

[Gunnerclone]

That mid range stuff you listed is all the same **** pretty much. Get the colors you like.

If you do decide to blow it up and want something to probably last a lifetime Norrono is the good ****.

 

[dahliaclone]

That mid range stuff you listed is all the same **** pretty much. Get the colors you like.

If you do decide to blow it up and want something to probably last a lifetime Norrono is the good ****.

Never heard of them. Thanks for the info.

 

[cyfan21]

I got bib overalls from Scheels and a down northface jacket and this did the job for me.

 

[cyclonesurveyor]

I wear Patagonia pants (clearance) and the heavy REI jacket and does me well. cost me me $120 pre pandemic.

 

[cowboycurtis]

I have a Patagonia coat and Oakley pants that I’ve had for probably 10 years. Had North Face pants for a while that just wore out. You really can’t go wrong with a lot of brands that sell coats for $300-600 and pants around $200. Between my wife, 3 kids and myself we’ve had a lot of different stuff and they all get the job done.

Spend a little extra money on your helmet, gloves, socks, good base layers and if you have your own boots, buy good boots with a good footbed.

 

[enisthemenace]

I got bib overalls from Scheels and a down northface jacket and this did the job for me.

Last time I went to Scheels, all they had were black pants. If you’re anything like me, you need bright colors so people can find my ass

 

[Cy Hard]

Cheap pants, but Obermeyer jacket from REI that I wear all the time in the winter.

 

[boone7247]

I have a spider coat and Maker pants. Both light weight, vented and excellent for Tahoe Skiing. Tahoe you might be able to get away with a sweatshirt if you know you will be staying on your skis.

 

[JP4CY]

I'd check out Mountain Hardware.

My wife has been layering lately with prAna products and she really likes them.

 

[dafarmer]

SKIS

 

[GetAwesome]

Most brands now have their own proprietary windproof/waterproof tech like Gore-Tex (Helly Tech for HH, FutureLight for North Face, etc..). So you can't go wrong when the base price of the jacket is about $200 and up.

I recommend ditching the bulk/thermal layers in a jacket, and go lightweight with any brand of Gore-Tex shell meant for snow conditions. Then layer underneath as needed day-by-day with thermal/performance shirt layers you likely already own.

Fit and movability is most important to keep you happy on the slopes, so if you're internet shopping for gear, buy 3 or 4 styles/colors of jacket that catch your eye, try them all on at home, pretend you're ski jumping in the living room, pick one and return the others.

I've sworn by 686 and Helly Hansen brand gear for years, both pants and jackets.

I've always been able to find excellent deals on the sale racks at https://www.backcountry.com/ and https://www.evo.com/sale too.

 

[enisthemenace]

Try Kuhl gear, if you haven’t. I have a pretty nice jacket that didn’t cost too much. Was skeptical about it, but held up nicely last year. Will be taking it back out to Breck in a few weeks.

 

[pulse]

I got some Obermeyer pants a couple of years ago that are nice and warm when it gets into the single digits or below. Bought an Oakley jacket this year, but haven’t worn it yet.

 

[wxman1]

Paging @Triggermv

 

[GMackey32]

Check the-house.com. Sometimes they have good deals on last season's gear. Lots of good brands on there.

 

[pulse]

Since you’re going in March, I have a lighter Marmot jacket I like.

 

[1100011CS]

 

[Gunnerclone]

View attachment 108132

Don’t forget your K-State starter coat.

 

[Triggermv]

Most brands now have their own proprietary windproof/waterproof tech like Gore-Tex (Helly Tech for HH, FutureLight for North Face, etc..). So you can't go wrong when the base price of the jacket is about $200 and up.

I recommend ditching the bulk/thermal layers in a jacket, and go lightweight with any brand of Gore-Tex shell meant for snow conditions. Then layer underneath as needed day-by-day with thermal/performance shirt layers you likely already own.

Fit and movability is most important to keep you happy on the slopes, so if you're internet shopping for gear, buy 3 or 4 styles/colors of jacket that catch your eye, try them all on at home, pretend you're ski jumping in the living room, pick one and return the others.

I've sworn by 686 and Helly Hansen brand gear for years, both pants and jackets.

I've always been able to find excellent deals on the sale racks at https://www.backcountry.com/ and https://www.evo.com/sale too.

I've got a pricey Helly Hansen jacket I love, but if I didn't have that, anything 686 in my opinion is hands down the best anything for its price. Their stuff is incredibly cool looking and quality for a very affordable price. My pants are 686 and I adore them.