Ski Jacket Help

Hey everyone.

I need to pickup a ski jacket for this winter. I'll be using it for a ski trip in Europe and also just for day to day usage. I'd like to best the best possible Jacket I can for around 300 dollars.

Anyway back in the day I remember Columbia Jackets being all the rage (haven't bought a ski jacket in a really long time). So I checked out Columbia first.

Anyway I found this Jacket. Anyone have any comments on it in terms of skiing, quality and can I get something better (brand wise) for cheaper?

Thanks in advance

http://www.columbia.com/products/pr_...roduct_id=3310
http://www.sportmart.ca/store/2produ...QXW4L9USLD7JF6

PS: I should mention I'd prefer a 3 in 1 Jacket

thanks!

weird, was reading the features the top says Omnitech but the bottom says Omnishield. From what i remember Omnitech all seams are sealed, Omnishield only critical seams (the ones they think would likely get infiltration). If you have to get a Columbia jacket, get one that is Omnitech. I was at Sportcheck last week and they had last season's jackets on sale (Descent, Spyder, etc.). Now some of them were really good deals but some of them were just crap. Sportinglife should have some stuff too. I personally prefer Helly Hansen, Spyder or Rossignol.

From my experiences snowboarding, its not always how good your jacket is, but how you wear the whole thing. Good layering is key with winter sports.

Working from the inside out, never forget about good underlining. I would wear a good under lining, like HH's Lifa. Cotton long john type things are okay too, if you're just trying to start warm, but once you start moving and sweating, you need a good underlining to move all that moisture away.

I recommend going with a water-proof, breathable outer shell instead of ski jacket. This allows for much more flexibility than the traditional ski jacket.

Layer clothing as follows:

- undershirt
- turtleneck shirt
- sweater or fleece
- outer shell

add or remove layers as needed.

As for outer shell, a 2 ply or 3 ply Gortex (or equivalent) shell will work fine. MEC sells these. These shells work for motorcycling, bicycling, summer, spring and fall. If you add up the costs for having a separate jacket for all seasons, the outer shell is very economical.

You might want to try Winners for a ski jacket. It doesnt sound like a place for ski jackets but they get good stuff there.
I bought a k2 ski/snowboarding jacket there for around $180 and it was totally loaded with features. Waterproof YKK zippers, 3-in-1, vents, etc etc.

You might want to try the ski and snowboarding show coming this weekend in Toronto.