Best Mens Tall Ski Jackets For Big And Tall Skiing Die-Hards!

Skiing is a fun winter sport for competition and recreation. And as tall guys, nothing is more vital for us than the best mens tall ski jackets.

Let’s face it; the winter weather is not the friendliest. You have to worry about the cold snow, the strong wind, and even wetness.

But with a weatherproof and insulated ski jacket, nothing scares you when you glide through the snow.

Remember, however, that it’s not just about finding a functional ski jacket but also one that’s comfortable, safe, and, if you are like me, a stylish one too.

You can only find such combinations if you know what you want, and that’s where this buying guide comes in.

I’ll take you through the things you need to look for in a ski jacket. I’ll even discuss the various types of ski jackets for your consideration.

In a rush? Below are five hot ski jackets for tall men like you!

5 Best Mens Tall Ski Jackets

What to Look for in the Best Mens Tall Ski Jackets

Like I mentioned earlier, getting a good ski jacket goes beyond finding a functional choice.

Here are the general considerations:

a) Jacket Size

This is probably the trickiest part since all ski jacket manufacturers have their sizing guides. Below, however, is a general men’s ski jacket guide you can use as a reference.

Jacket Size	Chest (inches)	Shoulder (inches)	Sleeve (inches)
Medium (M)	45.4″	19.5″	26.6″
Large (L)	48.8″	20.1″	27.6″
X-Large (XL)	52.0″	20.7″	28.8″
XX-Large (2XL)	55.9″	21.3″	29.5″
XXX-Large (3XL)	59.8″	22.2″	30.5″
XXXX-Large (4XL)	63.8″	22.8″	31.5″

b) Jacket Fit

When it comes to picking a ski jacket’s fit, you usually have three options:

• Slim fit: This option suits technical skiers more, considering it reduces wind drag and offers you more control downslope.
• Loose fit: This option suits boarders and ski freestylers more as it offers more mobility.
• Regular fit: Lastly, this is the middle ground between the other two. It offers you both mobility and wind resistance, though in average proportions.

c) Waterproofness

Not all tall ski jackets are waterproof. Hardshell ski jackets (to be discussed later), for example, are not waterproof.

For a ski jacket to be waterproof, it must be treated with an effective Durable Water-Repellent (DWR) and feature taped seams.

Overall, DWR technology is a coating treatment that makes garments water-repellent. And without the tape seams, water can leak into the jacket.

So, DWR technology alone only makes the jacket water-resistant but not waterproof as it could get wet if the seams are not tapped. That, however, can happen after prolonged exposure to snow or water.

You can generally know a waterproof jacket through the water seams, DWR technology, and the waterproofness rating.

Here’s a simple waterproofness rating chart to guide you.

Rating	Resistance Level
2,000mm	Water-resistant
3,000mm	Waterproof
5,0000mm	Highly waterproof
10,000mm	Extremely waterproof

From the table, you are better off with a ski jacket with a 3,000mm rating going forward as that guarantees waterproofness.

Let me now talk about the seams taping for big and tall ski clothes;

Usually, the seam taping can either be:

• Fully taped: Here, all seams are moisture-protected to allow you to stay dry in the snow as much as you want.
• Critically-taped: Here, only the most critical seams are moisture-protected, especially around the collar and shoulders. So, you are only protected when you don’t spend a lot of time in the snow.

d) Insulation Type

Choosing between an insulated and a non-insulated jacket generally depends on the weather and preference.

Some big and tall ski jackets have no insulation, which means they are just shells. Their advantage is that they are more breathable and waterproof, thus the best for warm weather.

When it comes to insulated jackets, you usually have these options:

• Fleece insulation: Fleece doesn’t just keep you warm, but it’s also lightweight and is generally excellent when the weather is not too cold.
• Down insulation: Down jackets are the thickest, and that makes them the warmest. They are, however, the least waterproof.
• Synthetic insulation: This type of insulation employ materials like Primaloft and Thinsulate to offer you warmth even when the ski jacket is damp.

Overall, an insulation rating of about 50-100g suits the spring and fall more while 100-200g suits the winter.

e) Breathability

Sweating is normal in skiing, and your jacket should allow sweat to escape. The jacket should be breathable while also forming a barrier against water and strong wind for that to happen.

You can generally tell a breathable ski jacket from its Moisture Vapor Transmission Rate (MVTR). Usually, the higher the MVTR rating, the higher the breathability.

For example, you are much safer with a 5,000-10,0000g rated jacket than a 20,0000g rated option as the latter is likely to make you feel colder.

An option with a rating that’s less than 5,000g, however, is less breathable.

f) Fabric Technology

There are so many technologies that ski jacket manufacturers employ, all playing different roles.

For example, the RECCO system is a rescue technology that enables rescuers to pinpoint where you are when you need rescuing. Jackets with this technology have reflectors.

There is also Gore-tech, a weatherproof technology that guarantees absolute dryness irrespective of the weather condition.

Overall, expect to pay more for Gore-Tech tall snowboard jackets than others.

Don’t forget about DWR technology which I discussed earlier.

g) Jacket Features

Also, consider these essential jacket features:

• Multiple pockets: It’s easy to lose small valuables like keys, wallet, and phone when skiing. That’s why having a jacket with multiple pockets is a good idea.
• Underarm vents: The importance of underarm vents is to facilitate breathability around your arms, and that keeps your arms dry and comfortable.
• Jacket hood: Keeping your head warm is essential when the temperature drops, and that’s why you need a hooded jacket.
• Powder skirt: Unless your ski jacket has a secure fit around your hip, snow can get underneath and make you uncomfortably cold. A powder skirt design ensures that doesn’t happen.
• Cuffs: Depending on preference, you can go for snug fit cuffs to fit snugly with gambit gloves or those that open wide and lock to use with under-cuff gloves.
• Waterproof zippers: High-end ski jackets usually come with waterproof zippers to prevent water from seeping through and wetting you.
• Wrist gaiters: Snow can also enter through your sleeves and make you cold and uncomfortable. Wrist gaiters help to prevent that. Moreover, they allow your ski gloves to fit comfortably.
• Lining: Lining influences your comfort. Options like satin and fleece make you feel warmer during the cold weather.

Types of Tall Mens Ski Jackets

Essentially, there are three categories of men ski jackets as follows:

• Shell ski jackets
• Insulated ski jackets
• 3-in-1 ski jackets

1. Shell Ski Jackets for Tall Men

Shell ski jackets usually come in two options; hardshell and softshell.

a) Hardshell Ski Jackets for Tall Men

Hardshell ski jackets usually feature a windproof and waterproof layer that protects you from just about anything. As a result, these jackets are the best for backcountry skiing.

Though they are less insulated, their outer layer forms a protective coat against cold weather.

The major downside is that they are not as ventilated as their softshell siblings.

Their advantage over softshell, however, is that they are easily packable.

No option suits taller men better than the Arc’teryx Beta AR Jacket (Amazon Link).

This ski jacket is uncharacteristically insulated and waterproof to keep you warm and dry. It’s generally lightweight and comes in a regular fit.

b) Softshell Ski Jackets for Men

Softshell ski jackets typically come treated with Durable water-Repellent (DWR). They are water-repellent but not waterproof, as it’s the case with their hardshell siblings.

As a result, they are not the best for gliding on heavy snow. You cannot do backcountry skiing with a softshell jacket alone unless you throw a hardshell on top.

The advantage of softshell ski jackets is that they are softer and stretcher. Though they are not waterproof, they don’t soak up immediately when they come into contact with snow, thanks to their DWR coating.

The other downside is that they are less wind resistant. They are, however, the most breathable, making them the best for warmer days. Furthermore, they are cheaper.

A fantastic pick for tall men is the Mountain Warehouse Exodus Softshell Jacket (Amazon Link).

This long ski jacket comes in an adjustable fit and is available up to size 3XL.

Overall, it’s the perfect demonstration of water resistance, breathability, and wind resistance.

2. Insulated Ski Jackets for Tall Men

Insulated ski jackets are what their name suggests. They feature an insulation layer that keeps you warm.

These jackets usually come in two options: down (puffy) and synthetic.

a) Down (Puffy) Insulated Ski Jackets for Tall Men

These jackets are generally warmer and lightweight, suiting the coldest weather. They are also packable, thanks to their puffiness and lighter weight.

They are, however, not the best for warmer weather. The other downside is that they lose their insulation effectiveness when wet. So, they are only best for cold but dry areas.

In general, there is no better choice for taller men than the Hard Land Men’s Down Jacket (Amazon Link).

This down jacket is packable, lightweight, and windproof. It‘s also weather-resistant and comes hooded for maximum warmth.

The puffy jacket is available up to size 4XL.

b) Synthetic Insulated Ski Jackets for Tall Men

These best mens ski jackets are less costly than puffy options and generally feature a Thinsulate or Primaloft layer.

Unlike puffy options, they work well in wet conditions, though they aren’t as warm.

Overall, they are best for cold and humid conditions.

One fantastic choice for tall men is the Spyder Men’s Leader Jacket (Amazon Link).

This insulated jacket is also waterproof, fully taped, and abrasion-resistant.

3. 3-in-1 Ski Jackets for Tall Men

Lastly, we’ve undoubtedly the most versatile ski jackets on the market. Form their name; these jackets offer you three ways of wearing them.

You can wear only the shell (outer layer) when the weather is mild or the inner layer when it’s warm. And when the weather is freezing, you can do both.

So, they are your all-season choice, and nothing suits the description better than the Camel Crown Waterproof Ski Jacket (Amazon Link).

This big winter jacket is breathable, fully-taped, wear-resistant, windproof, and insulated. It’s generally good value for money.

FAQs

1. How Thick Should My Ski Jacket Be?

The easiest way to judge a ski jacket’s thickness is by looking at its insulation rating. Winter ski jackets have an insulation rating of about 100-200g, while spring and fall options have 50-100g.

2. What Color Ski Jacket Should I Get?

Stick to more solid colors like navy blue, black, or forest green if you are a more serious skier. But if you are a recreational skier, you can go for any color.

3. Should Ski Jackets Be Tight Or Loose?

Your ski jacket should have a snug fit but not too tight to keep warm and allow you to move freely. Having full-range movement is essential when skiing, and your jacket should allow that.

4. Is A Water-Resistant Jacket O.K For Skiing?

Overall, water-resistant jackets are the best for skiing as they promise to keep you dry. However, don’t forget about breathability, as the sweat needs to escape as much as the jacket needs to keep you warm.

5. Is A Puffer Jacket Good For Skiing?

Puffer jackets are thick and well insulated, making them the best for the coldest weather. Their only downside is that they lose their insulation effectiveness when wet.

Relevant:

• Big and Tall Snowboard Jackets
• Best Men’s Tall Ski Pants

Closing Thought:

Generally, no skiing clothes beat a ski jacket in comfort, safety, and warmth. So, get one today to improve your skiing experience.

You can consider the mens tall ski jackets that I have shared above as they are among the best.