Cross Country Ski Jackets – Best Backcountry Jackets

Cross-country skiing is undoubtedly a thrilling and exciting activity and in a lot of instances, gives you the ski experience of a lifetime. If you are an explorer and would like to discover new sceneries and views that are not easily accessible by walking, then cross-country skiing can be an excellent choice for you. It also doubles up as an intense full-body ski workout, which gives you another good reason to take this type of skiing up either as a hobby or a passion.

Having said that, any skiing buff will tell you the importance of wearing the appropriate and right ski clothing and gear whilst skiing, given the physical exertion, difficult ski terrains and rapidly changing weather you can expect to encounter.

What to Wear?

With the above backdrop, any new decision to purchase cross country skiing sportswear that you plan to buy before that very exciting or challenging ski trip must be well thought out. There needs to be detailed research and a thorough and comparative review of different brands and types of XC ski jackets that are available in the market.

Nordic Skiing – Layers

Cross-country outing ought to be comfortable. To achieve this, it is recommended that you have multiple layers of light ski clothes as opposed to one thick layer of a cross country ski clothing. This ensures that the new customer gets more warmth and also provides for better flexibility during skiing. The science behind wearing several skiing layers is that there are more space and air in between your body and the outermost layer, which eventually provides your body with more insulation from cold wind/wave (bearing in mind that the body temperature goes up and down pretty quick depending on whether you are skiing uphill or downhill skiing). The flexibility is achieved by reducing or increasing the layered ski garment depending on your body temperature, whether it is high or low. As a rule of thumb, the innermost/base layer should be a tight fit followed by a full zipper fleece and finally cover by an outer layer fabric that is breathable and waterproof. This is what we describe as your classic three-layer method of layering for Nordic skiing – an absolute basic preparation for any avid skier before setting out on the adventure.

Outer Layer: Jackets – The Last Layer

The outer layer jacket forms one of the most important aspects of ski clothing. As mentioned earlier, given the ups and downs in the weather (and hence the body temperature of a skier), it is crucial to ensure that the last layer item has exceptionally good breathability quality. It is commonly stated that an outer layer made up of softshell is the ‘go-to’ choice for most skiers to deal with most of the skiing conditions. A softshell ski jacket is generally manufactured with a tightly woven material that is treated with a water-repellent solution, enhancing its durability and providing cover for the skier from rain or light snow. However, please bear in mind that a softshell ski item won’t be good for heavy rain or snow conditions. For such unexpected weather, you will need to separately pack a waterproof hardshell cross ski jacket (breathable too), which you will need to wear instantly when the weather changes.

Best Men Cross Country Ski Jacket

Buying your sports skiing gear includes, first and foremost, a cross country jacket. The options to choose for shopping are endless (whether you are purchasing it from a physical ski store or looking for options to shop online). Always keep in mind that you cannot take chances by compromising on the pricing and quality of the jacket you are looking after. After all, the whole point is to give you a comfortable and enjoyable skiing experience that you need, and at the same time ensure that you stay protected from adverse weather conditions. Here are some of the coolest jackets that we have shortlisted for you, to make your decision making a tad bit easier.

Swix Evolution Gore-Tex Infinium Men’s Softshield Jacket

Swix has developed a fantastic jacket using advanced technology that offers a performance par excellence. This jacket is specially designed to keep you comfortable on the coldest of days.

Talking about the construction first, it is made using premium GoreTex fabric, so there is no question about the durability. The beautiful combination of polyester and nylon makes this jacket a go-to choice for skiers out there.

The high-end build is coupled with a fine design that helps you keep up your style game while enjoying comfort during skiing. With some exceptional details and a great fit, this jacket helped me ace performance-based activities. I also loved how stretchable the jacket is since it allowed me to move more freely.

There is a zipper at the front that goes up to the neck to offer maximum protection against the chilly blowing wind. Some other notable features include the inner layer that offers enough insulation and the middle layer that is breathable. You won’t feel any discomfort due to excessive heat, and your body temperature would stay normal.

Additionally, the water-resistance makes it an ideal choice for use in all weather conditions. It will keep you dry all day long. I found the length alright, while the two zipper pockets improve the overall experience. You can literally carry some of your essential accessories with you on skiing.

One thing that makes this jacket stand out from the rest is the one-year manufacturer’s warranty that comes with it. This really played a key role in enhancing my trust in this jacket.

Overall, this jacket is all about versatility, functionality, as well as durability. You can literally count on it for your outdoor activities in freezing temperatures.

Pros

• Elastic knitted center for flexibility
• A long-lasting jacket that can endure harsh conditions
• Reflective details with an attractive design
• Zipped pockets for easy storage
• The lightweight build makes it portable

Cons

• There is no hood
• Available in one color only

Salomon RS Men’s Softshell Cross-Country Ski Jacket

Next in line is this incredible winter wear from Salomon. This company has been offering quality products for customers for the last few years. The best thing is its ability to keep the temperature maintained no matter what activity you are doing.

The Softshell fabric is a three-layer material that helps in regulating the temperature. The inner layer is soft against the skin and keeps you safe from outer elements. The mid-layer acts as an insulation that offers wind protection and is still breathable. This helps in removing excess heat from the body, thereby ensuring thermoregulation in all weather conditions.

Finally, the outer-layer ensures complete water resistance, making it a functional choice for skiing. You can wear it in all weather conditions, be it rain or snow. One of the most notable features is the form-fitting fit that is stretchy as well. You can literally carry out any activity wearing this jacket without feeling restrictive. Similarly, the long arm length covers the body part completely so you can perform flawlessly in colder temperatures.

The polyester material makes it relatively lightweight, allowing me to easily carry it along on my trips. You will also love the two pockets that can accommodate your extra accessories. In fact, they have zippers for safe storage.

Overall, this is an extraordinary piece that tends to last long. From the high-end build to the nice design, and from weather-resistance to proper ventilation, this jacket covers everything, and I love it!

Pros

• The softshell material is durable and soft against the skin
• Stretched cuffs for an ideal fit
• Stunning details that give you a great look
• Water-proof functionality makes it capable of withstanding extreme weather
• Zipper pockets for storing accessories

Cons

• Low wind resistance
• No hood available

Rossignol Poursuite Men’s Cross-Country Ski Jacket

Next in line is the most lightweight skiing jacket on the list. Rossignol needs no introduction when it comes to skiing gears. The company has made a distinguished name for itself for providing some incredible options to customers.

This poursuite jacket is no less than the other models from the company. Ideally designed for men like me who love skiing, this piece is manufactured using Soft-Shell fabric and 100% polyester. The contents make the jacket capable of enduring extreme weather conditions seamlessly.

You will fall in love with the details and design at the very first sight. The jacket has an athletic touch that gives you the perfect vibe for a skiing adventure. Putting on this jacket and taking it off is a breeze, and you will be ready to hit the slopes in no time.

When it comes to functionality, the inner layer ensures complete insulation while the middle one is breathable. It allows the removal of excess heat, thereby maintaining the temperature of your body. Moreover, the moisture-wicking technology helps in quick evaporation, which helps in skiing all day long without any discomfort.

Thanks to the water-resistant outer-layer, I didn’t have to worry about getting wet due to the rain or snow. Plus, the stretchy jacket acquires the shape of your body, making the jacket functional as well as stylish.

So, if you are looking for a jacket that is the perfect combination of comfort and style, then you must get your hands on this jacket from Rossignol. You won’t regret the purchase.

Pros

• Lovely aesthetics will enhance your appearance
• Portable and high-quality build
• Lightweight and windproof jacket
• Highly breathable design to prevent sweat
• Great fit as per your body’s contours

Cons

• No pockets available

Craft Storm Thermal Men’s Cross-Country Ski Jacket

Cross-country skiing requires proper gear to make the most of the experience. This incredible jacket from Craft Store is surely a great choice for your next skiing adventure. The company is internationally acclaimed for improving the lifestyle of its customers.

The jacket is incorporated with some exceptional features that work brilliantly together to ensure a performance unlike anything else on the market.

Talking about the build first, it is made using imported shell fabric that is padded throughout the jacket for superior insulation. The high-quality construction is complemented by a sporty design that gives you an athletic feel. Its straight-line zipper covers the neck properly and, therefore, saves you from blowing wind.

Being elastic, the jacket is super functional, which makes it an ideal pick for skiing. It provides enough warmth, regardless of the weather conditions. Moreover, the incorporation of a breathable membrane allows excess heat to escape. Its fit is amazing, and there is no way for wind to get in. The incorporation of a good mid-layer helps you combat rough weather.

Thanks to the water-resistant front, I was able to use this jacket in extreme weather conditions without worrying about any damage. It also kept me warm and dry in snow showers. Additionally, the non-hood model provides great freedom of movement.

So, if you are looking for a ski jacket that ensures comfort and style while keeping you warm in freezing temperatures, this product is just the right choice.

Pros

• Manufactured from high-end imported material
• Durable build and elegant design
• Water-proof and insulated lining keeps you dry and warm
• Available in different colors to choose from
• Breathable jersey for thermoregulation

Cons

• Lacks any pocket
• Stiff fabric

Craft Men’s Sharp Jacket

Craft Men’s Sharp jacket is made up of imported soft fabric comprising 87% Polyester and 13% Elastane. It has a straight line zipper with a closure that fully covers your neck region.

The ski jacket is super functional as it is elastic, has a breathable back and a windproof front (VentAir wind fabric WP 8000/MVP 10,000) with mesh lining.

The jacket has solid features that are evident from its four pockets, soft and comfortable collars and reflective texture. The cuts, de-bossed panels and taped details give the ski jacket a neat and contemporary look.

There is minimum embossing of the brand logo and solid texture which makes it an elegant looking cross country jacket, which will generally appeal to any age range.

Size & Pricing

This cross country jacket is easily available in purchase stores and on the internet for a price range of $88.78 – $151.10, depending on the size and colour you opt for. The available sizes include small, medium, large, x-large, xx-large. The color options to choose from are black, maritime/white and dark grey melange/black.

Swix Men’s Keltten Hybrid Jacket

This Swix Men’s Keltten provides effective insulation to the chest area, shoulders and upper sleeves for windy and chilly weather conditions. This insulated part of the jacket is also water-resistant hence, assisting you in retaining your body’s proper normal temperature on the coldest of days.

The remainder of this hybrid jacket is made out of the pure softshell, keeping in mind performance-based activities. The material of the jacket has a great texture which is stretchable and breathable and provides moisture protection by drying swiftly. This ensures that you stay warm and comfortable throughout your outdoor activity.

The cross country skiing jacket is ideal to wear and use in those low light/heavily overcast conditions since it has reflective detailing on it, which provides for more visibility of the skier and safer too.

Size & Pricing

This cross country jacket is available on the internet for a sum of $189. It is available in varying sizes such as medium, large, x-large and xx-large. It comes in a bright and funky Olympian blue color.

Craft Men’s Pursuit Jacket

Craft Men’s Pursuit Skiing Jacket is manufactured with the breathable 3L wind and water-resistant material and new Fuseknit technology, which aims to bolster this high-performance ski sportswear. This is the ideal cross country skiing jacket for you when you are cruising through the ski slopes and winter weather, which keeps you comfortable, warm and dry throughout your excursion.

This cross country jacket is designed by a Swedish manufacturer who generally understands the skiing sport the most. The jacket is well-engineered with a seamless and jacquard knitted back and undersleeves, an ergonomically-shaped collar and zippered side pockets, which are neatly hidden to give it a plain, clean and neat look.

It can be ideal pairing wear with a cross-country ski pant. The design is crafted to aid you to achieve your optimal ski performance.

The functionality of the fabric is brilliant as it doesn’t allow light rain, wind, and snow to pass through and can be your ideal outer layer or mid-layer in chilly conditions when skiing, depending on your choice of layering and weather conditions.

Size & Pricing

This contemporary jacket has an online price of $144.89 and readily available in three solid colors: asphalt black, blaze black, and tofu black.

Top Women Backcountry Ski Jackets

Generally, sportswomen consider multiple factors when buying a backcountry ski jacket. These would include the right warmth and protection from adverse weather, the value of the skiing product, styling and look and the general feel of the jacket with pragmatic and functional features.

Here is a batch of backcountry ski jacket that we have selected for you to consider. After all, variety is what most women need whilst shortlisting and buying Nordic ski clothes.

Swix Romsdal Down Women’s Cross-Country Ski Jacket

Swix is the name of a solid and reliable garment. This cross-country ski jacket is a wonderful choice for women who expect maneuverability and style.

The jacket features a polyester shell with a combination of nylon and spandex for the inner layer. The high-quality build is capable of serving you in the long run without compromising on the performance. This jacket offers an athletic fit, making it suitable for women of different ages.

The pre-shaped sleeves are specially designed for keeping the wind out while allowing free movements during any outdoor activity. Since the jacket is stretchable, I was able to put it on and take it off without any struggle.

Another great thing is the incorporation of pockets that are secured by zippers. They are large enough to accommodate some essential accessories for you during skiing. Moreover, there is a hood available to keep your head safe and warm all the time.

While the jacket is lightweight and can be easily carried around, its outer layer prevents the water from seeping in. This feature makes it extremely helpful in harsh weather conditions such as snow showers. So, you can make the most of your skiing adventure without getting wet at all.

The incorporation of a long front zipper saves the wearer from the blowing wind. So, whether you are looking for durability or high-end performance, this jacket won’t disappoint you ever. You will love how versatile this item is as you can use it for various recreational winter activities, be it skiing, mountain climbing, or trekking.

Pros

• Lightweight and stretchable jacket
• A zipper for proper closure
• Nice color with fine details
• It comes from a reputable brand
• Great value for the money

Cons

• A very basic design
• Water-resistance is merely sub-par

Bjorn Daehlie Women’s Softshell Cross Country Ski Jacket

Last on the list is this amazing women’s jacket from Bjorn Daehlie. This model packs a punch that makes it a popular choice among customers.

First of all, the impeccable blend of wool, polyester, and spandex makes this jacket long-lasting. With proper maintenance and care, this jacket will last you through many seasons. Plus, since it is stylish, it is a good choice for women who like to ace their style game.

It has a good fit and enhances your overall appearance to a great extent. Thanks to the three-layer softshell, the jacket offers complete protection from the blowing wind, thereby keeping you safe all day long. Meanwhile, the inner wool lining is meant to offer enough warmth in colder weather.

With the stretch panels, maneuverability is no problem. Moreover, the presence of tiny holes on the back ensures ventilation and thermoregulation. This way, you will remain comfortable no matter how hard the activity is.

Other than being user-friendly, this model is machine washable as well. You can even take a few necessary things in the pockets. They are even zippered to prevent things from falling out. The versatility of this jacket makes it an ideal choice for cross-country skiing as well as hiking.

The jacket is even backed by a one-year manufacturer’s warranty to ensure reliability. Overall, this cross-country ski jacket is an all-around performer.

Pros

• Made of breathable and high-quality material
• Suitable for various outdoor activities
• Slim-fit and a one-year warranty
• Can withstand extreme weather conditions

Cons

• No insulation available
• Lacks air vents

Swix Women’s Keltten Hybrid Jacket

This cross country hybrid jacket gives you great mobility along with a super fitting and the much-needed warmth expected from a winter jacket.

It is a softshell jacket coupled with synthetic insulation which is an ideal combination for winter weather activities anywhere in the world. The panels on the side and the back of the jacket are stretchable which allows for complete mobility to the skier to enjoy, particularly during heavy physical movement such as sharp maneuvers or downhill skiing at great speed. The padded front of the jacket ensures that you keep your upper body warmth at all times and this is also ensured by the straight collars which help protect your neck from strong winds.

Features

The jacket is no short of pockets with one zip pocket on the rear side, a media pocket and two side pockets (also zippered) which help you keep your hands warm whilst on the move. As part of its design, it also has reflective patches that are ideal for low light or heavily overcast conditions to ensure you stay visible to others and improves your safety.

The softshell fabric is applied with durable water repellent (DWR) which avoids the light rain and snow to penetrate the jacket.

Although specifically designed with cross country skiing in mind, this hybrid jacket can come in handy in other sports too such as cold-weather cycling, running outdoors or snowshoeing. Hence, this is a great multipurpose jacket that you can use and enjoy in multiple conditions and avoids the need to spend extra money on an additional one for other sports that you may be interested in.

Size & Pricing

This crossbred skiing jacket is available in multiple sizes such as x-small, small, medium and large and comes with a reasonable tag of $180.00. It is available in two different colors namely black and turquoise melange.

Camel Crown Women’s 3in1 Ski Jacket

If you are planning a skiing trip, why not do it in style? This ski jacket from Camel Crown is specially designed for women looking for both style and comfort. It is equipped with a number of features that make it stand out from competitors.

The jacket features a high-quality build with warm inner fleece and a waterproof shell, which acts as a windbreaker. Similarly, the design is not only attractive but practical as well. Its flexibility is also commendable; it allowed me to move freely and carry out outdoor activities without any restriction.

One of the most prominent features is the three-in-one design that makes it a valued purchase. While the inner fleece provides enough warmth in freezing cold temperatures, the shell seals the blowing wind. Both features work hand in hand to save you from the cold in winters.

You can use this jacket anytime, regardless of the weather situation outside. Whether it’s raining or snowing, this jacket keeps you dry by keeping the water out. Moreover, you don’t have to worry about the stains as well, all thanks to its stain-repellent technology.

Being equipped with a long zipper and elastic cuffs, this jacket proves functional in keeping the wind out. In fact, there is a hood that can be adjusted as per your desire. The incredible heat retention property makes it a good choice for a number of winter activities, including skiing, rock climbing, cycling, hiking, as well as camping.

The best thing is you don’t have to pay huge bucks as it comes with a reasonable price tag.

Pros

• Versatile and durable in performance
• Stain-repellent and highly suitable for use in extreme weather conditions
• Inner fleece keeps you warm
• Highly suitable for various winter outdoor activities
• Elastic cuffs with hooks for proper coverage

Cons

• Some complaints about the wrong size
• The hood can be difficult to remove

Salomon Icerocket Women’s Cross-Country Ski Jacket

As mentioned above, Salomon never fails to surprise its customer with some fantastic products. From quality to performance, this jacket outshines in all aspects.

The build is composed of two stretchy materials, i.e., polyester and polyamide, for enhanced durability. It embodies two layers that ensure complete insulation and warmth while you are outdoors.

When it comes to aesthetics, this jacket has a sporty feel to it, making it suitable for all types of outdoor activities. Thanks to the articulated sleeves, you can easily move your neck and shoulder whenever you want. While the fit is amazing, there is no way for the air to get into the jacket.

The jacket is also equipped with an adjustable hood for a customized fit. You can also remove it if you want. There are pockets available with zippers for safe storage of your accessories during skiing.

One of the most notable features is the air vents that allow the removal of excess heat and moisture, thereby keeping your body’s temperature normal in all conditions. Plus, it is not only easy to wear, but you can also machine-wash it to get rid of all the stains.

While the lining is breathable, the outer layer helps you go through harsh weather conditions without getting wet. You can, therefore, use this jacket for an unforgettable outdoor experience.

Additionally, this jacket is available in different colors so you can choose one as per your taste. Being lightweight and extremely functional, this jacket is a must for skiing, snowboarding, and other snow sports.

Pros

• High-loft insulation to protect you in winter
• Offers unrestricted neck and shoulder movement
• Handwarmer pockets with a water-repellent exterior
• Air vents for thermoregulation
• Slim fit gives you a nice look

Cons

• No cons reported yet

Craft Women’s Pursuit Primaloft Cross Country Skiing

This Swedish manufactured cross country skiing jacket is ideal for all activity types. The puffer jacket is water repellent and has a removable hood to suit the weather and wind conditions (which can be folded and zipped conveniently). The fabric is lightweight, thermal layered microfiber which is guaranteed to provide warmth and comfort in cold, wet and chilly conditions. It has a big zippered chest pocket which is ideal for safely and securely storing and easily accessing your personal belongings while you are on the move. It is crafted to assist you in achieving high performance.

This type of product is 3″ high and 12″ wide. It has a well breathable 3L material with a front upper body padding which (along with the hood) keeps you warm and comfortable. It also has an elastic rib at the bottom with side pockets that can be closed with a zipper, making it a perfect choice for those snowy days, when you need to keep your palms warm.

It is made out of polyester fabric to keep you dry from rain and snow and act as insulation from windy weather while skiing, hence making it an ideal outer layer jacket. This cross country ski jacket pairs well with Craft’s cross country gear such as shelter gloves and skiing tights.

Size & Pricing

You may buy it around $124.98 – $144.98, and this ski jacket is available in multiple bold colors such as black, touch/black and P Jungle/Logan. There is a range of sizes available such as XS, small, medium, large and x-large for you to choose from.

Craft Women’s Spirit Anorak Jacket

This cross country jacket for ladies can easily be used for multiple purposes such as a training jacket, sportswear or a day to day wear jacket.

Spirit Fuseknit Anorak has imported woven fabrics, attention to right details and a lot of thought into its designing and making. This jacket has a three-layer softshell with brushed textured ski clothing inside at the front and seamless material at the back and sleeves which provides multiple benefits to its skier such as protection from wind, comfort and regulating the body heat. The elbow and shoulder areas have rib-knitted panels which provide improved mobility and flexibility to the wearer to enjoy.

Features

The jacket also features a knitted hood (for additional protection and a very chic look), fairly big sized kangaroo pocket and two zipper pockets for extra and secure storage.

The negative aspect of this cross country jacket is that it has a limited size and it only comes in a single black color.

Make sure you keep yourself warm and well-protected from the extreme weather. After all the planning and excitement for the cross country ski trip, you don’t want to get sick, do you?