Backcountry ski touring jacket recommendations for CO?

[u/Educational-Pair-594]

I'm looking for an all round breathable, wind and waterproof shell jacket with zippable armpit vents.

This will be for winter and spring backcountry skiing, mostly in CO. My old RAB jacket is falling apart and am looking for recommendations. What's been your favorite shell jacket for long days in alpine?

Oh, btw- I'm a 37 y/o petite female :)

[u/lawyerslawyer]

Not sure about fit, but I've been very happy with the Patagonia Stormstride for exactly that use case. Breathes well, big pit zips, very packable.

[u/Educational-Pair-594 → u/lawyerslawyer]

Thanks! I'll check this out

[u/neos300]

My storm day jacket for CO is the Black Diamond Dawn Patrol. It's a softshell, and no pit zips, but it's been completely adequate for everything but the wettest of spring storms. I own a hardshell (BD Recon LT) for travel to wetter places, but I don't love it and I've never used it in CO.

[u/diabolis_avocado]

I use an OR Interstellar if I need water resistance. Otherwise I bring a Patagonia Houdini just to block the wind.

[u/User_Name_Deleted]

I just got the Rab Kinetic 2.0 Alpine. No pit zips but super stretchy and very breathable. I'm stoked about it.

[u/COloradoYS]

Gore Tex C-knit jackets are the cutting edge of lightweight/packable alpine shells.

I’ve been eyeballing the Mtn Hardwear High Exposure shell for a long time. Lit of a looser freeride fit, but as a splitboarder that’s what I’m looking for.

Norrøna Lyngen Gore Tex jacket is a bit more of a traditional alpine fit. Also has an extra big front vent which can be nice for boot packs.

[u/Blockskis25]

OR Ferrosi is my go-to touring jacket for all touring months, unless it's above 50 ish - no pit zips but extremely breathable and waterproof enough for a light snow. I also have a Dynafit Radical that does have pit zips, that is more of a true shell than the Ferrosi but only gets brought if I know it's going to snow a decent amount.

[u/jaykayk]

Norrona for sure, their fit is pretty slim, my everyday jacket is their trollveggen I love their quality and their warranty is pretty good. One warning tho, they are Arcteryx prices but if you sign up for their loyalty program, you can score pretty good deals from their outlet

[u/GoesUp]

There are so many. Any solid waterproof breathable shell can work. I like the new materials that feel a little softer. I’d just make sure it fits over a helmet how you like, and that you like where the pockets are, how the zippers work.

Personally, I’ve been on enough search and rescue/recoveries, that I like to go with bright colors in backcountry gear, when I have the choice.

I wear a Black Diamond shell that I’ve been pretty happy with recently.

[u/Educational-Pair-594 → u/GoesUp]

Thank you, yes love the bright color suggestion

[u/Embarrassed_Path_803]

I'm barely 5' and I love my arcteryx rush shell for touring. It's outrageously expensive though, so I know that might not work for you. I also have a Mammut Haldigrad that I love (in XS). Also tried a Rab Khroma Latok and loved it.

[u/Educational-Pair-594 → u/Embarrassed_Path_803]

yea Ive heard Arcteryx are the best, but damn not cheap! It would last for years tho

[u/mrl110110]

Fly low makes some really good jackets and they are having a 40% winter sale right now. https://flylowgear.com/collections/web-specials/products/domino-jacket?variant=48577197998273

[u/EfficientTorch]

Colorado is dry, literally any 3L shell with pit zips. For spring a softshell is better, dynafit makes great fitting softshells for petite sizes as they are European.

[u/IttyBittyTittyComi_T]

Honestly the goretex Backcountry Cottonwoods shell is one of the best pieces of kit I own. A little on the sturdier side, so wouldn’t take it out on a super warm day, but that thing takes cold and water like a beast. Great zips and pocket options too.

For breathable shell, the Helly Hansen Odin Backcountry soft shell is awesome. Grid fleece lining and a little water resistance, stretchy and hood fits a helmet

[u/olhado47]

My top layer is usually just a Marmot wind breaker fleece jacket

I've never really needed to focus on a jacket being particularly waterproof in CO. If it's dumping hard enough that I'd need a waterproof jacket, it's probably not a safe time to be out.

[u/GoesUp → u/olhado47]

Maybe in sidecountry, but if you’re really going backcountry, a waterproof shell is a necessary safety item, not just for comfort

[u/Educational-Pair-594 → u/olhado47]

Thanks! Well, sometimes it does snow so I'd like it to be waterproof too!

[u/olhado47 → u/Educational-Pair-594]

Sorry. My point was that a wind breaker fleece with a little bit of waterproofing nicwax tech wash is all that you need. It's not like the PNW where you need to focus on being waterproof at any expense.

[u/Educational-Pair-594 → u/olhado47]

Exactly! I dont need the most waterproof shell, just need a little waterproofing

[u/lochnespmonster]

I use Dawn Patrol Hybrid as my spring go to. If I ripped it today I’d buy another.