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.
FAQs
Most skiers and snowboarders just need an insulating layer on the top half of their body, a puffy jacket does the job perfectly.
Can a puffer be a ski jacket? ›
Skiing in a puffer jacket can be a viable choice for some skiers, particularly for casual skiing or in milder conditions.
What temperature is puffer jacket good for? ›
Temperatures below 10 degrees
A wool-lined coat like a puffer jacket or a winter coat would be ideal for these conditions. So, when should you pull that winter coat out from the depths of your closet? When it's below 10 degrees.
Is a puffer jacket a winter coat? ›
Puffer jackets and winter parkas are two excellent outwear options to keep you warm during winter season. They may look quite similar but with a few differences to mention so you can properly compare them and pick the perfect match.
Can puffer jackets get wet? ›
Depending on the material and the design, a puffer jacket can be waterproof, but this feature is not a common thing. However, at Columbia Sportswear, we have been working hard to offer you a range of water-resistant or waterproof puffer jackets to protect you from the water while you are outside.
Is a puffer jacket enough for snow? ›
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.
Can I ski in my North Face puffer? ›
You can, but chances are it's going to suck. The Nuptse isn't especially durable, so if you're wearing it without a shell on top your chances of it ripping in a fall are high. And if it rips the down is going to go everywhere. Speaking of down, the Nuptse isn't very water resistant.
Is 50 degrees too hot for a puffer jacket? ›
While a heavy puffer jacket or parka would be overkill on a 50-degree day, you'll likely still want a lightweight jacket option, like a Nike bomber jacket, to wear as an outer layer.
Are puffer jackets hot? ›
Puffer jackets, also called quilted jackets, have a signature quilted design with sections that are "puffy" between the stitching. They are filled with down insulation or synthetic fibers, both of which can provide a high level of warmth depending on how well they are made and the quality of the synthetic fibers.
What temperature is 700-fill down good for? ›
They're both rated to 20°, but the 700-fill bag will have used less down insulation to get there. So, with all other things being equal, that bag will be lighter than the one with 500 fill.
Parkas are typically better for people who live in extremely cold climates and aren't engaging in cardio activities. Puffers make good choices if you're hiking, snowshoeing, or walking around town in less extreme cold-weather climates.
Why is everyone wearing puffer jackets? ›
“Puffer jackets are rooted in functionality, so they have a purpose in consumer wardrobes, even as trends ebb and flow,” says Kayla Marci, analyst at retail intelligence platform Edited. Edited found that puffers are the second best-selling outerwear style in menswear this year, behind bomber jackets.
What to wear under a puffer jacket? ›
Puffer Coat Styling Idea: Pair It With Wide Leg Jeans
Wide-leg jeans are one of the year's biggest denim trends, and the perfect piece to balance out the Michelin Man-level of volume that comes with a puffer jacket.
What weather should I wear a puffer jacket? ›
Below 20°F: When temperatures plummet, heavy-duty puffers become your fortress against the relentless cold.
Are puffer jackets worth it? ›
For the travellers and avid hikers out there, a lightweight puffer jacket will keep you toasty when you need it, and will pack away oh-so-small when you don't. But if you're wanting a jacket for everyday use during winter, a mid-weight puffer is a classic for a reason.
Do puffer jackets go in the dryer? ›
If you've ever felt cold in your jacket or noticed the down is getting clumpy, Morningstar says the best way to fluff and de-clump a puffer jacket is to throw it in the dryer on the lowest heat setting along with two or three clean tennis balls.
What qualifies as a ski jacket? ›
Ski jackets come in a wide range of styles, and have key features that make them better adapted for skiing and mountain performance. Ski jackets often feature: A snow skirt to prevent snow from getFit & Sting into your midsection. Fabrics that can stretch without sacrificing durability or water resistance.
Can you ski in a Patagonia puffer jacket? ›
Additionally, I've used the Patagonia Nano-Air Hoody for a few years as a ski touring layer (how many Patagonia puffy jackets can you mention in one blogpost?), but find it to be too bulky, as well as being heavy for climbing or when you want to trim some weight on the insulating layer.
Can you use any jacket for skiing? ›
Ski or snowboard jacket: These are usually waterproof or water resistant, and insulated, with convenient pockets and other snow-specific features. A waterproof/breathable rain jacket over your fleece or wool top would be sufficient as well, though its slickness might lengthen any slides you make after a fall.
What kind of jacket do skiers wear? ›
Insulated Jackets
If you plan to be skiing or snowboarding in cold conditions most of the time, you might want to consider an insulated jacket. This type of jacket will feature an outer shell and a layer of insulation built-in, either of down or of synthetic insulation like Primaloft or Thinsulate.
