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When it’s time to layer up for winter adventures on the slopes, no layer may be more important than the one that goes on last: your ski jacket and ski pants. A quality set keeps you dry, warm, and frankly, looking pretty dang fly. It’s a definite upgrade from a hoody and jeans, which, no shade if that’s what you’ve got (we’re huge advocates of not letting a lack of expensive gear keep you from getting outside), but we fall way too often and get cold way too fast to wear clothing that’s not waterproof.
But we also know good ski wear is important to get right in the name of mobility, comfort, and convenience. Plus, we want gear that lasts, fits our riding style, and comes from brands that care about the environment as much as we do. If that’s you, too, then check out these 5 sustainable ski jackets and pants (that are also perfect for snowboarding) that’ll have you stoked to hit the slopes.
And if you’re not sure where to start with other snowboard gear, check out this article with deets about everything you need as a beginner boarder. And if you need help deciding between ski pants and ski bibs, read this.
The 5 Best Sustainable Ski Jackets and Pants
Backcountry Crestcruiser Insulated Pants and Jacket: The Budget-Conscious Superstar
Who said you can’t get a feature-rich, comfy and warm ski kit for less than $300 per piece? Thanks to Backcountry, you definitely can. The minute we put on the Crestcruiser Pants and Insulated Jacket (we tested the women’s ski pants and jacket), we were smitten. Fabric was flexible and not noisy at all, materials were soft, the layers were super cozy without being bulky or stiff, and there were a surprising number of features on both the pants and jacket.
On the jacket, a powder skirt kept snow out when we fell, there are plenty of zipper pockets (including a lift pass pocket on the sleeve, two exterior hand pockets, interior drop pockets for gloves, and a zippered chest pocket), and two-way adjustable bungees in the hood. There are also pit vents. Underneath there is plenty of room for layering a bulky sweater or thin insulated jacket without the outer jacket feeling oversized or overly bulky. In fact, we found a perfect balance of fit, freedom of movement, and layering versatility.
The pants also have plenty of pockets, including two zippered hand pockets and a Velcro thigh pocket and back pocket, which we loved when ditching our jacket while walking around the lodge or into the grocery afterward. There’s a Velcro-adjustable waistband, wide ankles with plenty of room to go over snowboard boots and bindings (with an adjustable shock cord), and a high-backed waist to help keep snow from getting down our pants in fresh powder. These lightly insulated ski pants felt slightly more insulated and wider in the legs than other options and fit better over snowboard boots. Plus, mesh-lined inner thigh vents kept our legs from getting too hot when we were working hard.
Several colors and patterns are available (Egret pictured). The only downside (and it’s personal preference): the Backcountry logo is very prominent.
Sizing: Women’s XS–XXL, Men’s S–XXL.
How it’s sustainable: We appreciate that Backcountry as a brand is making more affordable options out of recycled materials to reduce plastic waste. These are made of recycled materials, including the insulation, are PFAS-free, and materials are OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 Certified.
Pros
- Several colors available
- Warm
- Soft
- Flexible
- Comfortable
- More affordable
Cons
- Loud logo
Picture Organic Clothing NAIKOON Jacket and TESTY Bibs: Stylish, Functional and Sustainable (for Men)
We love Picture Organic Clothing’s snowboard jackets and pants for how versatile, well-made, durable, feature-rich and functional they are. And the NAIKOON (men’s ski jacket) and TESTY (men’s ski bibs) are no exception (there is also women’s versions of each, they’re just named differently: the HAAKON Jacket and Brita Bib).
The jacket was a hit right away. A nice long drop hem is perfect for beginner boarders who spend a lot of time on their butts in the snow, but also more experienced riders who like to shred powder. That extra length insulates, but also keep the snow out. The sleeves feature wrist gaiters to keep snow out of our sleeves and two extra large sections of fabric on the top inside of the jacket by the face are soft and non-abrasive on skin when the jacket is fully zipped.
We loved all the pockets: there are five on the outside (four on the front plus one pass pocket on the sleeve) and two on the inside (one zipper, one drop). It has a bungee in the hem and two in the hood, a powder skirt, Velcro-adjustable cuffs, pit vents, and a Thermal Dry System on the interior back to help sweat dry faster when skinning or uphill hiking to snowboard down. The front pockets are a bit awkward for using as hand pockets since the opening is on the top, not the side, but that’s a minor grievance. Everything about the jacket feels high quality and well made.
Same goes for the bibs, which look extra serious, like we should be trekking to a winter worksite. They have stretch panels on the sides of the waist and Velcro-adjustable shoulder straps, which is unique. There are two zipper pockets on the thighs that we found useful, but less so the zipper pocket on the chest, which isn’t large enough for most phones. It did fit a protein bar, though. The front zipper is two-way for easy access during pee breaks, but only if you pee standing up; neither the men’s nor women’s version features a drop seat so bathroom break become difficult at best and impossible at worst. Picture does have other bibs that offer bathroom access. The ankles are gusseted via snap closures and can be widened for more wiggle room with bulky snowboard boots, but they do feel a touch less insulated than some other options.
But our favorite feature that’s in many Picture pants and bibs? A drawstring cord that extends up the leg so shorter skiers and riders can cinch them up so the pants don’t drag when walking around the lodge or parking lot. We found they fit well and offered enough adjustability to make riding plenty enjoyable. Plus, Picture gear tends to be available in some interesting colors, so if you like to stand out, this may be the brand for you.
Sizing: Women’s XS-XL, Men’s S–XXL
How it’s sustainable: These Picture Organic Clothing products come with a lifetime repair warranty, are PFAS-free, circular (they’re made of recycled materials AND they can be recycled at the end of their life), and they are OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 Certified. Plus, the brand as a whole is committed to more sustainable operations.
Pros
- Adjustable leg length
- Lots of pockets
- Lifetime repair warranty
- Warm
- Comfortable
- Durable
Cons
- Less size inclusive
- No drop seat so bathroom breaks are difficult
Patagonia Insulated Powder Town Pants and Jacket: Simple and Straightforward, Timeless not Trendy
Patagonia is well known far and wide for making quality, sustainable apparel for all types of outdoor adventure. And these are no exception. Though it’s worth noting: while this ski wear is the simplest and most straightforward kit without a ton of stylish or trendy patterns and colors and few bells and whistles, it’s not the least expensive kit on this list. The pieces aren’t flashy, but they get the job done (and you won’t be embarrassed to rock your insulated jacket and pants on the slopes five seasons from now).
The jacket has four pockets on the outside (two hand, one chest, one pass pocket on the sleeve) and two on the inside (one drop, one zipper). The hood is adjustable two-ways via a bungee and there is a bungee in the hem, plus a powder skirt. The cuffs are adjustable via velcro. The interior is a mostly uniform layer of fabric and synthetic insulation. That means it’s nice and cozy on cold days, but didn’t breathe or as well or dry as fast when we were working hard, so expect to use those pit vents. We certainly did on days that involved hiking or skinning to ride. As a result of that insulation, the jacket felt a touch warmer, but also supremely comfortable.
The pants didn’t fit as well, though, and didn’t have a high back, so on a powder day, falls meant we often felt snow creep into the back of our pants. But there are thigh vents (though they’re oddly toward the back of the thigh where snow can get in when we fell), zippered hand pockets, and an additional pocket on the front of the thigh. Fabric on both the pants and the jacket don’t feel as burly and durable as others we tested, but are soft and pliable, which means they’re simultaneously less crunchy and offer more freedom of movement.
There are velcro adjustments on the waist of the pants, but they’re on the inside of the band, which is unique. It did make them a touch harder to adjust on the fly. There’s also not much distance between the waistband and the crotch, so they have to be worn relatively low on the waist. They do have soft-lined hand pockets, though, and are nice and warm.
Sizing: Women’s XXS–XXL, Men’s S–XXL.
How it’s sustainable: All materials including insulation are made from recycled materials, all are PFAS-free, Fair Trade Certified™, fabrics are bluesign® approved, plus the brand is committed to sustainability.
Pros
- RECCO reflector included
- Flexible materials
- Warm
- Timeless style
- Flexible materials
Cons
- Not many pockets
- Simple but expensive
Jones MTN Surf Bibs and Jacket: A Durable and Sustainable Snowboard Kit
Jones as a brand is committed to making ski clothing and snowboards as sustainably as possible and their MTN surf collection for men and women is no exception. Especially given that snowboarding, not skiing, is their focus, we were excited to take an insulated jacket and bibs riding in the mountains of Northern Utah. Both felt bomb-proof, which given how often we wipe out (we’re still beginners, OK?), is a welcome feature.
The jacket was an immediate hit. It has four pockets on the outside (two hand, one chest, one pass pocket on the arm) and three inside (two drop, one zipper). We loved the combo of pockets, all of which were large enough for phones and snacks and the drop pockets were perfect for bulky mittens. There’s also a powder skirt, pit vents, bungee in the hem, and two-way adjustable hood. It’s insulated, but doesn’t feel overly insulated, though we certainly got warm during an uphill hike to ride. The arms were wider and longer than other options and the hem came down plenty far, which we liked.
As an added benefit, the jacket has emergency guides printed on the fabric. Inside there are tips for conducting avalanche rescue and on the sleeve is printed (very subtly) the five red flags of avalanche danger. So yes, these pieces are geared more toward those chasing perfect runs in the backcountry than groomers, though it’s perfectly suitable for both. The jacket was the largest of the bunch, though, perhaps too large for an extra small. So if you like your snowboard jacket roomy, this may be the one for you. I don’t recommend sizing up if you like to layer, though; there’s plenty of room to do so in your regular size.
The bibs were more fitted, but roomy enough for a baselayer or fleece pants underneath. The ankles were snug over our snowboard boots, but not so snug we couldn’t tug them up and down. The snowboard bibs have two pockets on the thighs, one back pocket, and two on the chest: a large zippered drop-in pocket and a smaller zippered one to the side that we didn’t use very often.
There are belt loops, but the easily adjustable elastic shoulder straps kept our pants in place just fine (the men’s snowboard bibs have velcro adjustment in the waist). Thanks to two 2-way side zippers that extend from the top of the bibs almost to the knee, we were even able to go to the bathroom in the backcountry with ease.
We were fans of the color combos and design of the color blocking, too. There’s even an Anorak version of the jacket available if that’s more your style. The material both the bibs and jacket are made of is a bit crunchy and loud compared to other jackets and pants we tested, but does feature a touch of mechanical stretch. That said, it does all feel ultra durable and should last for many seasons of hard use, so it’s hard to complain.
Sizing: Women’s XS–L, Men’s S–XL
How it’s sustainable: Made of 100% recycled materials and insulation, Bluesign and Oeko-Tex® certified materials, 1% For The Planet and POW member, plus the whole brand is committed to sustainability.
Pros
- Stylish
- Durable
- RECCO equipped
- Limited lifetime warranty
- Designed for snowboarding
- Bold colors
Cons
- Loose fit
- Not size inclusive
Helly Hansen Elevation Infinity Shell Bib & Verglas Infinity 2.0 Shell Jacket: For Uphill People and Ultimate Versatility
Prefer a non-insulated shell to insulated snowboard pants and jackets? Sometimes we do, too (check out our argument for shell vs insulated jackets here). Especially when skinning up or hiking into the frontcountry or backcountry to ride. Because frankly, insulated apparel just gets too dang hot when you’re working hard. On bluebird days when temps aren’t far from freezing, we sometimes get too warm in insulated jackets when at a resort, too. Plus, a shell is more versatile: wear it hiking, snowshoeing, as a bomb-proof rain jacket, cross country skiing, mountaineering, or for any activity when you need more layering freedom and versatility.
So if you prefer to layer for hard-earned fun so you can shed items to regulate your body temperature and stash them away easily when not in use, we love the Helly Hansen Elevation Infinity Shell Bib and 3-layer Verglas Infinity Shell Jacket 2.0.
The jacket is simple: it has two extra tall, harness-compatible hand pockets on the outside, an adjustable helmet-compatible hood, a bungee in the waist, pit vents and Velcro-adjustable cuffs. That’s it. But it’s breathable, ultra protective in all sorts of weather, and will absolutely keep you safe you from the elements.
We like to pair the jacket with bibs, especially since it doesn’t have a powder skirt. But we do love the bibs. They’re long, but the shoulder straps are adjustable and the women’s version features a long zipper down the side that makes bathroom breaks easy. There are three zipper pockets on the thighs and a large pocket on the chest, plus zippers on the outside of the thighs that function as vents.
Maybe our favorite feature: the material both are made of is not only supremely durable and hard-wearing and guaranteed to last for years, but it’s designed to be waterproof as-is, meaning no retreating or re-waterproofing is ever necessary.
How it’s sustainable: Made with a 100% inherently hydrophobic LIFA membrane, 100% recycled polyester shell, PFAS-free.
Pros
- Lots of colors available
- Better for high-output activities
- Versatile
- RECCO equipped
Cons
- Stiff material
- Expensive (mostly the bibs)
Bottom Line
Choosing a ski kit–insulated ski pants and a ski jacket–is a big decision. Quality options are expensive, there are tons of brands and colors and styles to choose from, and they’re all a little different. So consider the features you want, prioritize fit and function, and choose a jacket and bibs or pants that are still going to work as well and look as good 10 years from now as they did on day one.
Which ones will we be shredding in most? Find me in my Backcountry Crestcruiser Jacket and Jones MTN Surf Bibs. Josh will be riding in his Picture Organic Clothing jacket and bibs until there’s no snow left on the slopes.
Finally, if you’re on a budget, consider buying used on sites like Geartrade and REI Re/Supply. You can often score great deals on gently used gear. So gear up (don’t forget gloves and a gaiter) and wander on already!
Looking for more snowboarding or snow-related articles? Check out our posts on snowboarding at RED Mountain Resort!
Alisha is a freelance outdoor journalist and photographer based in Ogden, UT. She loves backpacking, hiking, mountain biking, kayaking and snowboarding (even though she’s terrible at it). She’s also pretty sure she’s addicted to coffee. alishamcdarris.com