Top Summit Jackets of 2024 : Review and Comparison
Designed to keep you warm without adding bulk, this jacket is perfect for long days in the high alpine. Marmot paired Gore’s new ePE membrane with recycled polyester and PrimaLoft Black insulation for a light jacket that testers raved about.
The waterproof, breathable finish and Omni-Heat Infinity advanced thermal-reflective lining retain body heat for all-day warmth. The adjustable hood, drop back and snow skirt help block out cold wind and weather.
Columbia Men’s Highland Summit Jacket
The Highland Summit is a jacket built for all-day protection and performance on and off the mountain. The waterproof-breathable shell and Omni-Heat Infinity advanced thermal reflective lining keep snow out and warmth in. Ski-friendly details include multi-functional pockets and underarm venting. The helmet-compatible drawcord adjustable hood, chin guard and padded chin flap, polyurethane-coated center front zipper, adjustable comfort cuffs and drop tail hem help to ensure that you’re warm and protected on the slopes.
The jacket’s impressive warmth-to-bulk ratio comes thanks to Columbia’s Omni-Heat Infinity, a thermal lining made with tiny gold dots that reflect your body heat and help retain the heat you generate. The lining is also breathable and helps to regulate temperature so you don’t overheat as you work hard on the slopes.
In terms of fit, the Highland Summit is a good choice for those with a slightly larger frame. While it’s not quite as trim as the top-of-the-line models, it fits well and still allows for plenty of layers underneath. The hood, chin guard, and adjustable cuffs are all well-positioned to provide a snug fit without pinching or slipping.
While the Highland Summit is not as light or insulated as some of the other models on our list, it is very durable and will serve you well for many years to come. It also provides excellent value and is a great option for anyone looking for an affordable jacket that offers good protection and insulation.
The only major downside is that some reviewers weren’t happy with the look of the Highland Summit. It has a boxy cut that some older skiers weren’t fond of. However, if it looks good on you and has all the features that you need, it is an excellent option for skiing. Find exclusive deals with Columbia Coupon.
The North Face Men’s Cosmic Primo Jacket
The Cosmic Primo is a snazzy little shell that does everything a mountain jacket should do. It’s a great option for skiers who want to stay warm, dry, and comfortable while exploring the backcountry. The shell is made of Dermizax EV fabric and the seams are taped to ensure it’s fully waterproof.
Our testers were very impressed with how well this jacket protected them from snow and rain. The Cosmic was able to keep them dry even when they were skinning up, skiing down, or sitting on the lift. They also enjoyed how well the hood fit, and how easy it was to adjust when they were wearing a helmet.
One of the biggest factors in a good backcountry jacket is how breathable it is. The best ones are breathable enough to let your body heat escape while you’re climbing and hiking so that you don’t get overheated. This is very important, especially when you’re hiking in cold conditions or on a long tour. The best jackets have a high level of breathability and are lightweight so that you can hike for miles without overheating.
Several of our top jackets feature some type of breathable membrane, including the Orage MTN-X Glacier Light Jacket, Orage Spurr Jacket, and Cosmic Primo. The main difference between these is that the Orage MTN-X Glacier light jacket has a PFC-free Durable Water Repellent (DWR) while the others use traditional chemical-based DWR that will need to be reapplied over time.
The Orage MTN-X Glacier Light jacket is great for those who care about weight. It is made of an ultra-light 3-ply fabric that’s super durable and has great breathability. The jacket weighs a mere 900 g so it won’t add much weight to your pack and still offers excellent protection from the elements.
Another impressive aspect of the Orage MTN-X Glacier jacket is that it has a lot of pockets. The jacket has five outer pockets, two massive internal dump pockets, and a zippered inner pocket for all your gear. It also has a very catchable hood and fits multiple testers well, even with a helmet on.
Rab Men’s Kangri Jacket
The Kangri Jacket is a great option for people who need a lightweight, durable jacket for mountain activities like hiking, backpacking, and backcountry skiing. It uses a 3-layer Gore-TEX Active fabric to provide advanced comfort, optimized breathability, and minimal weight. It’s also a bit lighter than some of the other jackets on this list which is great for those who don’t want to carry too much gear on their back or who don’t need all the extra features that come with more expensive jackets.
The Rab Men’s Kangri Jacket is a good choice for hikers and backpackers who need a light, durable jacket that will hold up to the rigors of outdoor activity. It’s made from a durable Gore-TEX shell with a protective DWR finish that will keep you dry and comfortable in harsh weather conditions. The jacket is also lightweight and packs down easily, making it a great choice for hikers who like to pack light and fast.
It’s also a great option for backpackers who want a durable, breathable jacket that will keep them warm and dry on a multi-day backpacking trip. The jacket is a bit more breathable than some of the other jackets in this review, which will make it easier to wear in hot and humid conditions. The jacket also comes with a removable insulated hood that is easy to adjust and moves with your head, which is a nice touch.
Overall, the Rab Men’s Kangri Jacket is a great jacket for backpackers and backcountry skiers who need a durable, versatile jacket that will protect them from all types of weather conditions. The Gore-Tex Pro membrane is a bomber, keeping testers warm and dry in everything from cool summer nights to snowy backcountry ski days. The 60g Ventrix insulation breathes well, shedding damp base layers with ease, and the articulated hood fit multiple testers nicely whether they were skinning uphill or boot packing with skis on their shoulders.
The sole drawback of the Rab Men’s Kangri Jacket is its slightly higher price point, but with the robust fabric and exceptional durability, investing in this jacket becomes more economical over time. For those seeking a budget-friendly option, consider utilizing an Apparel and clothing Coupon to make this long-lasting jacket more affordable. It's an excellent choice for individuals who value quality and are keen on obtaining a durable jacket for numerous adventures ahead.
The North Face Men’s Verbier Jacket
The North Face is a company that has been around since 1977 and they know that outdoor adventurers need gear that can handle the rigors of the mountains. That is why they make the best mountaineering jacket that provides the perfect combination of protection and comfort. This waterproof jacket is made from Gore-Tex fabric and is also breathable, allowing you to stay comfortable and dry while in the backcountry. It is also lightweight, making it ideal for long mountain days.
This mountaineering jacket features a 3-layer FUTURELIGHT body that provides maximum protection without the extra weight. It also uses a helmet-compatible hood, Spectra ripstop-reinforced elbow panels, and pack-compatible venting to provide premium durability. It is perfect for skiers and snowboarders who love to explore new zones on the mountain.
Whether you are going for a fast downhill run or slogging through deep powder, The North Face Men’s Verbier Jacket is the right choice. This waterproof jacket comes with all of the essential features for peak performance, including a built-in back warmer and a pass pocket to keep your lift ticket safe in your pocket. It also has YKK AquaGuard zippers, which ensures that all of the pockets are fully sealed and waterproof to help keep your belongings safe.
Another feature that sets this jacket apart is its asymmetrical waist hem and articulated sleeves, which improve comfort and mobility. Its pit zips are a little hard to use, though, because they are angled backward and the end is too far back to work comfortably with gloves on. Another issue is that this jacket does not have a powder skirt, which may be an important aspect for skiers and snowboarders who want to stay dry and comfortable on the slopes.
The North Face Men’s Verbier Jacket has some issues, but it still performs well enough to be considered a great mountaineering jacket. It is not as light as some of the other models we reviewed, but it is still one of the best options for a waterproof hardshell jacket that can handle big mountain terrain. It is also very durable, with a ripstop chin guard and YKK AquaGuard zippers to prevent the shell from ripping.
Conclusion
After conducting an in-depth review and comparison of the top Summit jackets of the year, it is clear that each jacket has its unique features and benefits. It ultimately comes down to personal preference and specific needs when choosing the perfect jacket for your outdoor adventures. Consider factors such as insulation, breathability, waterproofness, and durability when making your decision. Happy exploring!
