Let's be honest there is no such thing as bad weather just bad gear. While a hardshell is something that most skiers with experience run to for many reasons once you give a hardshell a try its hard to go back to insulation jackets. One of the biggest draws for hardshells is the customization of temperature control. Layer them up on those cold pow days or layer them down for basic skin protection on those spring days the versatilely of a hardshell can not be understated.
When shopping for a hardshell, it is important to note the utility of the jacket and what your alpine missions entail. The options below offer something for everyone, from extreme high alpine goals to your best in-bound days. Check out She-Shredz best women's hardshell ski jackets 24/25 below.
AKOVA: Women's Legacy Hardshell 2.75L
About: Looking for a light weight jacket that moves with you instead of against you? Look no further than AKOVA Women's Legacy Hardshell. AKOVA went a different direction using Torain® and PFC-free (C0) materials. With comfort and function as a vocal point it's easy to see what AKOVA prioritized, skiing without thinking of your gear. Outfitted with Recco® rescue technology powder days will be the only thing on your mind when its deep. Add that to the fully compatible hood its easy to see why AKOVA is making a splash in women's gear.
Why We Like It: One word comes to mind when you think of all of AKOVA's line up: Movement. With their choice of using Torain® material instead of traditional Goretex it creates a material that moves with you instead of against. Add that with the eight pockets (yes eight pockets, lets be honest we can never have too many pockets) that are functional, and even can hold a large bladder for water. It's easy to see why AKOVA is quickly making a name by standing out with traditional tech and features. Sprinkle in the fact that they are PFC-free materials what's not to love?
Want to learn more? Stay tuned for She-Shredz exculsive sit down with AKOVA's hard charging ladies coming soon!
STRAFE OUTERWEAR: W's Meadow Jacket 3L
About: A true one and done jacket. Whether you're a resort girlie, backcountry badass, or touring savant this jacket should be on your radar. Built to last with YKK AquaGuard® (Coil) zippers and snaps with full length interior windguard. And unqiue features like a magent snap closures the Meadow jacket is made to get you riding and fast.
Why We Like It: Personally we found the magent snap closure to be a pleasent surpise when we tested the Strafe Meadow Jacket. Couple that with large inteior pockets, this jacket is made to charge hard. Strafe has an execellent reputation for durability for those who are looking for a jacket for more than a season or two. The quick dry thumbhole cuffs are a nice surprise for those who like to utilize this feature.
Want to learn more? Check out She-Shredz full in depth review of Strafe Outerware Meadow 3L Jacket.
Where To Buy: https://www.strafeouterwear.com/collections/womens-jackets/products/meadow-jacket?variant=39984559161416
MAMMUT: Haldigrat Air HS Hooded Jacket Women
About: For those of you who haven't heard of Mammut let us introduce you to one of the most durable ski and gear brands around. Mammut focuses on high level objective athletes and their products show. The Haldigrat Air HS Hooded Jacket is the ulimate freeride hardshell for those big mountain ski women pushing lines. Besides being ridiclously reliable (we have personally tested Mammut gear in 100 plus days without fail) they are practical in design. With design features for those on the most extreme alpine pursuits the Haldigrat Air HS has what you need.
Why We Like It: One of our favourite features is the built in saftey pocket for a beacon with easy access. For those of you who play in the bc you know that if you ever have to do a search fumbling for your equipment is the last thing you want to have on your mind. This coupled with the durability of taking whatever you throw at it (including your body on that accidental yardsale) it's easy to see why pros flock to Mammut. With 2 climbing harness- and backpack-compatible front pockets with cross-over access, anyone on an high alpine objective can quickly appreciate what bells and whistles Mammut prioritized.
For sizing, we recommended going a size up in your typical size for those who are larger chested or want more freeride motion.
Where To Buy: https://www.mammut.com/us/en/products/1010-30390-50589/haldigrat-air-hs-hooded-jacket-women
FLYLOW: Billie Coat W
About: The Billie Coat from Flylow is a staple, think of the Billie as your one and done. With three layers of hardshell fabrics you're not getting soggy. With the Billie coming with PFAS-Free DWR (Durable Water Repellent) and waterproof zippers its hard to say no to staple. A removable powder skirt for those days where the tide is a lower than you want but able to be reconnected for when its time to press send.
Why We Like It: We love Flylows Bluesign Certified and PFAS-Free materials. Being climate catious while making sure you are having a day to remember is a win win no matter how you look at it. With four large external pockets for easy access and helmet compatible hood it's an easily a classic that checks off most riders needs for an everyday hardshell jacket. Perfect for the ski girl who is both in-bounds and on the skin track.
Where To Buy: https://flylowgear.com/collections/womens-ski-and-snowboard/products/billie-coat?variant=48577205240001
Comments