Everyone owns a puffer jacket of some sort at the moment. It's the must have fashion item of the decade. I love mine. It's definitely my go to item on a cold Melbourne morning. Its also the most asked about clothing item in our store for those who are looking to save a little money on snow gear. Everyone wants to know, can I wear my puffer jacket at the snow? The short answer is yes. We are all for saving you money but there are a few things you should consider first before hanging that technical ski or snowboard jacket back on the rack.
We can't deny that the puffer jacket is warm. Their down or synthetic fluffy insulation stitched between quilted pockets traps in your body heat keeping the wearer warm and toasty.
We know they look great!
They are generally lightweight, compressible and therefore easy to pack
but...
Most brands are not waterproof and therefore the down or insulation gets wet and heavy quickly when it is raining or snowing.
Once the insulation is wet it can take a long time to fully dry out
The high warmth of the puffer jacket can make you sweat when you are doing physical activity. If the jacket lacks sweat-wicking technology or breathability your own sweat can end up making you wet and cold.
The zips and fabric joins are not generally taped or seam sealed. What this means is that cold air and moisture can enter the jacket via any stitched joins potentially making you damp. Technical snow gear is seam sealed meaning that any joins have been internally covered with a fully waterproof tape stopping any moisture or water from seeping in.
Puffer jackets don't have a powder skirt. Powder skirts line the bottom inside of a snow jacket and act as a barrier to cold air and snow entering underneath your jacket. These are particularly useful if you are expecting to slide, play or fall in the snow as they stop snow going up your back.
There are many more features of a good ski or snowboard jacket that I could mention but I wont go into them here. We should also note that there are many different brands and quality of puffer jacket so you should always look into the features that your jacket offers.
In short, my opinion is that your puffer will keep you warm at the snow as long as it doesn't get wet. It will be ideal for a little snow sightseeing on a nice winters day but if you are planning to spend a full day, weekend or week at the snow (rain, snow or shine), skiing or snowboarding then you might want to look into buying a purpose built jacket that is durable, waterproof, breathable and fast drying. If the weather turns bad you wont regret your purchase.
You can find lots of quality affordable snow gear at our store www.backtotheslopes.com.au.
I'm no stranger to the world of snow gear, and I've spent enough time navigating the snowy terrains to share some insights. First and foremost, the puffer jacket craze is undeniable. I get it—it's fashionable, versatile, and a staple in cold weather wardrobes. Now, let's delve into the nitty-gritty details of wearing your beloved puffer jacket in the snow, drawing from my firsthand experiences and knowledge.
Puffer jackets, with their down or synthetic insulation snugly stitched between quilted pockets, excel at trapping body heat. That's a win for warmth, and they're undeniably lightweight and easy to pack—ideal for those chilly Melbourne mornings or impromptu snow adventures.
But, and it's a big but, most puffer jackets aren't waterproof. Once the rain or snow starts falling, the insulation can quickly become a soggy burden, taking its sweet time to dry out. And trust me, a wet puffer jacket is not your best friend in the cold.
Now, let's talk sweat. The high warmth of a puffer jacket can turn into a liability during physical activities. Without proper sweat-wicking technology or breathability, you might find yourself damp and shivering. Technical snow gear, on the other hand, is all about seam sealing. Every stitch is covered with waterproof tape, ensuring no cold air or moisture sneaks in.
Powder skirts, a crucial component of snow jackets, are absent in puffer jackets. These skirts act as a barrier to cold air and snow, preventing an uncomfortable icy surprise up your back—essential if you plan on sliding, playing, or falling in the snow.
I won't delve into the exhaustive list of features a good ski or snowboard jacket offers, but the takeaway is clear. If you're planning more than a brief snow sightseeing jaunt, investing in purpose-built, durable, waterproof, breathable, and fast-drying gear is wise. Trust me; you won't regret it if the weather takes a turn for the worse.
And hey, shameless plug time—you can find quality, affordable snow gear at our store, www.backtotheslopes.com.au. Stay warm, stay dry, and enjoy the snow without any fashion-related regrets!
