The Rab Microlight Down Jacket for women is a comfortable, lightweight, and fairly durable jacket that provides a great warmth-to-weight ratio. The material won’t stay dry very long in prolonged precipitation, so it’s best to wear under a waterproof shell in snow and rain, although if it does get wet, the hydrophobic down treatment will help maintain some warmth. This jacket is good for those who want to bring a good amount of warmth without a lot of weight.
The Mountain Hardwear Stretch Ozonic Jacket for women is a lightweight, durable, and comfortable layering option that is well-suited for those who want a breathable, but protective, jacket. This is a good jacket for those who are active outdoors, especially during light precipitation.
The Columbia Bugaboo II Interchange Hooded Jacket for women is a weather-protective, stylish, and versatile jacket that is well-suited for everyday use at the ski resort. Despite not being the best option for prolonged exposure to wet weather, it can withstand basic rain and snow for a day on the mountain. The main issue with this jacket is the inner fleece liner sticking out beneath the other layers, causing some irritation and bunching while wearing. We would recommend this option for those who want a warm and protective jacket.
The Arc’teryx Alpha SV Jacket for women is a heavy-duty, protective, and breathable option that is well-suited for those who are going to be in tough conditions, and especially alpine athletes who need mobility and ample weather protection. Despite a more technical pocket placement and being pretty expensive, the price point is worth it for the freedom of movement, burly fabric, articulated patterns, and ventilation offered.
The Burton Jet Set Jacket for women is a temperature-regulating, protective, and adjustable layering option that is well-suited for snowboarding. The length, ability to layer comfortably, and mobility all contribute to making this an active-wear jacket that can effectively protect against wind and wet weather on the slopes.
The Arc’teryx Covert Cardigan for women is a warm, comfortable, and stylish layering option, that is well-suited for casual use around town. Despite providing warmth and having some technical features, like hand-warmer pockets and a microfleece-lined collar, the cardigan isn’t really constructed for high performance. The lack of a hood, no water-resistance, non-breathable material, and a fit that inhibits a full range of motion means this layer is best for casual and indoor use, or for layering underneath a technical shell during light activity.
The North Face Thermoball Hooded Insulated Jacket for women is a compressible, wind-resistant, and comfortable layering option that utilizes synthetic insulation to provide warmth even when wet. The ability to easily pack this jacket makes it a good choice for layering on cold days, since you can easily wear this under a shell. This jacket isn’t as cozy as others on the market, and its breathability is only average, but for a synthetic layer, this is a solid choice.
The Backcountry Silver Fork 750 Hooded Jacket for women is a nice looking, adjustable, and compressible layering option that is well-suited for those who want an easily-packable jacket for various occasions. The ability of this jacket to provide warmth without being too poofy or too bulky enhances the versatility. The issues with the sizing and the sleeve length will deter some active users who need a sleeve length that fully covers, but for those who want a casual layer, this is a nice choice.
The Arc’teryx Covert Hooded Fleece Jacket for women is a warm and stylish jacket. However, the high price point and bulk should be considered since you can find less expensive jackets that perform similarly well. With that said, this is a very stylish and warm jacket that looks and works great around town.
The Volcom Shadow Insulated Jacket for women is a warm and stylish jacket that is well-suited for long days at the ski resort. The longer fit prevents snow from getting in, but some may not like the length for some activities. Although the weatherproofing may not keep out the wettest of storms, the warmth and style of this jacket make it a great pick in all but the worst Mother Nature can throw at you.