womens ski-touring products

A purpose-built backcountry shell that delivers exceptional breathability and protection, but relies on a lighter, more delicate fabric. It’s premium and expensive, with a sport-focused build that favors weight-conscious backcountry tours over heavy resort use.

The Lofoten Gore-Tex Pro Shell is a ultra-light, weather-protective ski shell with Gore-Tex Pro that blocks severe weather while allowing movement. It features internal wrist gaiters, a powder skirt/pants integration, and a close, adaptable fit, but offers limited warmth and few pockets; it’s expensive and highly specialized for maximum weather protection rather than everyday warmth or feature-rich skiing.

Norrona Lofoten Gore-Tex Pro - Women's is a premium backcountry shell built for uphill performance and weather protection. It uses Gore-Tex Pro for durability and breathability, offers features like a removable powder skirt and a rescue pocket, and breathes well for long ascents; warmth comes from layering since there is no built-in insulation.

Built for serious backcountry skiers, the Lofoten Gore-Tex Pro is a lightweight, 3-layer shell that delivers top-tier weather protection and standout ventilation with extra-long pit zips and a chest vent. It’s expensive and overkill for resort days, and its lighter face fabric means durability could be a concern, but for big, unpredictable conditions it’s among the best.

The Thorium Hoody is Arc'teryx's durable midweight down jacket designed as a standalone outer layer for sub-freezing conditions. It's heavy and not packable, but it delivers excellent warmth and features—such as a long hem, helmet-compatible StormHood, five pockets, and a two-way zipper—that suit serious winter use like mountaineering, backcountry skiing, and snow camping.

The Arc’teryx Thorium AR Hoody for women is a rugged, comfortable down-insulated jacket built for dry outdoor use. It delivers strong warmth for its weight and solid durability, with practical features like a durable plastic zipper and a dedicated stuff sack; however, it can be slow to dry in wet conditions and is best used in dry climates.

The Beta SL is Arc'teryx's lightweight, high-end rain jacket offering top-tier weatherproofing with a minimal weight and compact packability. It excels in wet conditions and can double as a ski shell, but it comes at a premium price and has a fit that may require careful size selection; maintenance to preserve the DWR is also a consideration.

The Arc'teryx Beta SL is a high-end 3-layer Gore-Tex hardshell rain jacket designed for backcountry use in wet conditions. It delivers superb weather protection and durability with a relatively light weight and packable profile, but it's stiff and pricey, making it best suited for serious backcountry hikers rather than casual day hikers.

Premium, waterproof three-layer Gore-Tex rain shell that prioritizes weather protection and mobility for demanding wet-weather adventures. Helmet-compatible hood, sealed zippers, and a tailored fit deliver full range of motion, but breathability is limited and price is high.

The Arc'teryx Cerium SV Hoody for women is an exceptionally warm, lightweight down jacket designed for severe cold conditions, like ice climbs and long ski tours. It delivers extraordinary warmth for its weight with a StormHood and high-loft 850-fill down, but is best kept for selective, high-intensity cold outings due to limited daily durability and a high price.

The Patagonia R1 Pullover Hoody is a long-standing, versatile midlayer fleece that balances warmth, comfort, and durability for a broad range of mountain activities. After more than a decade of field use, the reviewer still regards it as a top all-around fleece, especially for cold-weather mountain travel, with excellent weight-to-warmth and strong layering capability; drawbacks include being too warm for high-output movement in milder temps and a style more suited to technical use than everyday wear.

The Patagonia R1 Air Full-Zip Hoody is a versatile lightweight fleece that blends stretch comfort with midweight warmth and strong breathability. It excels as a mid-layer for travel, camping, and active pursuits, with a soft interior and fitted hood that traps warmth during movement. Drawbacks include a slim fit that may not work for all body types, limited wind resistance, and a lack of thumbholes.

The R1 Pullover is Patagonia's highly versatile, breathable, and compressible lightweight fleece jacket, a go-to layer for alpinists and backcountry skiers. It excels in high-output activities and fluctuating temperatures, packing down small, but is not very wind resistant and isn’t as warm or durable as heavier fleeces, making it less ideal for casual wear around town.

The Patagonia R1 Air Full-Zip Hoody is a lightweight, highly breathable fleece designed for high-exertion cool-weather activities. It excels in comfort, breathability, and layering, making it a versatile layer for hiking, bouldering, ice climbing, and backcountry skiing, though the chest pocket is tight and the hood can be fiddly to use when fully zipped; some may notice odor.

The Patagonia R1 Hoody is a lightweight, highly breathable fleece that excels as a versatile mid-layer for active use. It offers an athletic fit that moves well and layers easily for climbing, running, hiking, or skiing, but it isn't very warm when stationary and offers limited weather protection.

The Patagonia R1 Air Full-Zip Hoody is a standout technical fleece that blends breathability with warmth and stretch for versatile backcountry use. Its hollow-core zigzag fabric delivers excellent heat retention during rests and remains breathable during activity, making it a strong choice for ski touring, climbing, and cool-weather hiking. Note that the updated fit can feel a bit baggy and the fabric can lose softness with repeated washing, but it remains a top all-around fleece.

The R1 Full Zip Hoody is a versatile technical fleece that delivers exceptional breathability and thermoregulation for alpine and backcountry use, serving well as a mid-layer under a shell or as a standalone layer in milder conditions. It’s lightweight, durable, and packable with a helmet-compatible hood and clever pocket design, but it’s not weather-resistant on its own and can be pricey; Patagonia has discontinued this style as of 2022.

The Patagonia R1 Hoody is a high-performing technical fleece layer designed for active cold-weather pursuits. Breathable and lightweight, it excels as a mid-layer for rock climbing, backcountry skiing, and cardio-heavy hikes, with a fitted balaclava-style hood and thumb loops. However, it's not very warm and offers limited wind and water protection, so pair it with a shell in harsher conditions.

The Capilene Thermal Weight Bottoms for Women deliver exceptional warmth and breathability in a midweight base layer, thanks to soft Polartec Power Grid fabric and a gusseted crotch for mobility. They excel for high-output cool-to-cold backcountry activities like skinning uphill and climbing, though the see-through fabric may wear less durable over time and odor can linger.

These pants deliver top-tier weather protection and a superb, close-to-the-skin fit, with a comfortable fleece-brushed liner. They ventilate well for uphill travel and pair nicely with layering for backcountry or resort skiing, though they come at a premium price and have a lean feature set.

The Arc'teryx Sabre Pant is a high-end Gore-Tex shell ski pant, uninsulated with a light flannel backer, designed for resort and backcountry use. It offers fortress-like waterproofing, good breathability, and a durable, minimalist build, though fit can be polarizing and the price is high.

The Sabria Pant from Arc’teryx is a durable, versatile hiking pant with four-way stretch and a discreet waistband adjuster that sits well under a harness. It’s breathable and comfortable in warm weather, pairs with a base layer in cooler conditions, and features a DWR finish for light moisture; however, pockets are small, the fit is snug, and it has been discontinued by the brand.

A technical, weather-resistant 3L Gore-Tex shell designed for resort and backcountry skiing. It delivers top-tier weather protection, durable construction, and a refined fit, with thoughtful pockets and helmet-compatible hood, but it's expensive, relatively bulky for backcountry, and not warm on its own.

The Arc'teryx Rho LT Zip Neck is a warm, durable synthetic base layer with a cozy fleece interior that excels for cold-weather layering and a range of activities from camping to trail running and ski touring. It layers easily, includes handy pockets, and is built for longevity, though it is not the most breathable and has a boxy updated fit.

Norrona's Lofoten Gore-Tex Pro Pants deliver top-tier weather protection with a seam-sealed Gore-Tex Pro shell and a unique modular bib option that can zip together with the matching Lofoten jacket to form a near-one-piece suit. They are highly weather protective and well-vented, but they are expensive, uninsulated, and the bib can be snug on heftier frames.

These pants deliver bombproof weather protection with a stiff three-layer Gore-Tex shell and strong wind and water resistance, making them ideal for extreme alpine conditions. They include a removable bib for added support and substantial venting via full-leg zips, but the thick fabric limits breathability and the overall cost is high.

The Arc'teryx Atom Hoody for women is a soft, lightweight insulated jacket with a helmet-compatible hood. It excels in comfort and breathability and serves well as a versatile midlayer or standalone piece in milder cold, though it’s thin for very cold days and not the strongest wind shield.

The Arc’teryx Atom Hoody is a versatile synthetic midlayer that balances warmth, breathability, and mobility for backcountry and everyday wear. It excels in comfort and fit with stretchy side panels and soft fabric, but its warmth and weather protection aren’t top-tier, so it’s best as an active, all-rounder layer under a shell or for shoulder-season use.

The Arc'teryx Atom Hoody is a lightweight, breathable insulated mid-layer designed for high-output winter activities. It uses Coreloft Compact insulation with stretch fleece side panels for mobility and breathability, though it's not the warmest option and lacks a stash pocket; best as an active mid-layer rather than a standalone outer layer.

The Arc’teryx Atom AR Hoody for women is an exceptionally warm insulated jacket built for cold conditions, with heavy Coreloft insulation and a wind- and weather-resistant shell. It excels in warmth and comfort but is bulky and less breathable, with small hand pockets; best suited for long cold expeditions, alpine missions, and resort winter activities rather than high-output use.

The Atom AR Hoody is one of the warmest insulated jackets tested, built with dense Coreloft insulation to trap heat while still fitting well for layering. It excels as a warmth layer for cold days, skiing, or belay duties due to its comfortable fit and weather-sealing, but it's heavy and not highly breathable, and the price is steep for a non-waterproof shell.

Patagonia SnowDrifter is a stretchable backcountry jacket with a knit liner that prioritizes breathability and comfort for warm, dry days; offers more storage and a thicker fabric but lacks the same level of Gore-Tex-like protection as heavier resort shells.

The Patagonia SnowDrifter is a lightweight, softshell-like ski jacket designed for comfort and breathability in dry backcountry days. It uses a 50D stretch polyester shell with a knit backer, making it supple and highly mobile, but it lacks the weather protection and durability for sustained wet conditions or resort use. It’s best for backcountry travelers who value comfort and low weight, with caveats around pockets, hood fit, and sizing.

The Alpha SV Jacket is a burly, weatherproof hardshell built for severe alpine conditions. It offers exceptional durability and weather protection with smart design details, but comes at a premium price and a stiffer fabric that can limit mobility.

The Gamma Lightweight Hoody for Women is an ultralight, athletic-fitting softshell that breathes exceptionally well and blocks wind, making it a versatile all-conditions layer for climbing and hiking. It offers UPF 40+ sun protection and a DWR-treated outer that sheds light rain, with a StormHood and No Slip Zip for practical protection and secure fit. It’s lightweight and compressible, but not designed for heavy rain or high warmth.

The Arc'teryx Gamma Hoody is a versatile midweight softshell designed for climbers, hikers, and skiers who want a breathable, durable layer for four-season use. It features a helmet-compatible hood, two exterior chest pockets, and a streamlined fit, delivering solid mobility and all-around functionality. It is water-resistant but not waterproof, with PFAS-free DWR, and while it's versatile, its water protection lags behind heavier shells, making it best for dry-to-mild wet conditions and steady effort rather than heavy rain or alpine storms.

The Arc'teryx Gamma Hoody is a feature-rich technical softshell with excellent mobility, wind resistance, and breathability, making it ideal for alpine climbing, mountaineering, and windy hikes. It balances weather resistance with mobility and is durable, though it is relatively heavy and pricey compared with lighter softshells.

A simple, lightweight backcountry ski bib with a stretchy upper and minimal pockets. It delivers strong weather resistance and ventilation, but has a few fit quirks and limited warmth, making it best suited for backcountry touring rather than resort skiing.

Patagonia Triolet - Women's is a durable 3L Gore-Tex hardshell that emphasizes weather protection and mobility for mountain days. It excels for alpine climbing, ski mountaineering, and trekking thanks to a helmet-friendly hood, waterproof chest pockets, and effective venting, while offering strong value compared with pricier jackets. Its shorter back length and heavier weight limit use in extreme weather and long descents.

Durable synthetic base layer tested for skiing, hiking, climbing, and snow play, offering a strong warmth-to-wicking balance and fast drying. The high-rise, comfortable fit with flatlock seams layers well under other layers and moves well with activity. A noted drawback is that the fabric tends to hold odor after use.

The Patagonia M10 is the lightest hardshell jacket GearLab tested and excels for backpacking thanks to its ultralight weight and tiny pack size. It sacrifices weather protection and breathability for minimalism, has a very small hood and limited features, and Patagonia has discontinued the model. Best as an emergency or dryer-climate shell for backpackers and climbers who prioritize weight over all-weather versatility.

The M10 Storm Women's hardshell is ultralight and packable for fast alpine missions, using a three-layer H2No waterproof/breathable shell with a long cut for mobility. It delivers strong weather protection for its weight and remains comfortable during movement, but the thinner fabric trades durability and warmth in extreme conditions and it lacks underarm vents for heat management.

The Patagonia Storm10 is a very lightweight 3-layer hardshell designed for milder climates and high-output aerobic activities. It’s exceptionally breathable, lightweight, and packable, making it ideal for rain and warm-weather use, though it offers limited wind and cold protection and durability. The hood fits a helmet but is a bit snug, and there are no pit zips with a chest pocket that’s tight to stuff into.

A featherweight hardshell designed for alpine climbs, prioritizes mobility and packability with a lean feature set. It delivers waterproof protection and a helmet-compatible hood, but its ultralight design sacrifices wind protection, pockets, and vents for weight savings, making it less ideal as an everyday rain shell but a strong choice when weight is at a premium for alpine objectives.

Patagonia's M10 Storm Jacket is a lightweight, packable 3-layer hardshell designed for fast-and-light alpine climbing. It provides excellent rain and wind protection for its thin fabric, with surprising stretch and comfort, and packs down to a small volume. The trade-offs are no armpit zips and no hand pockets, which limit ventilation and casual versatility.

Patagonia's Untracked Women’s Shell is a burly, weatherproof three-layer Gore-Tex jacket with a relaxed fit designed for resort skiing and quick backcountry missions. It’s uninsulated, so you’ll need to layer underneath, and it provides excellent ventilation and ski-specific features, though it is pricey and adds some weight for longer tours.

The Arc'teryx Rho Bottom is a lightweight, versatile long underwear bottom designed for multi-sport use. It features a high-rise waistband, a stash pocket, and a comfortable, stretchy fit that works well worn alone in cool conditions or layered under ski gear; it’s not the warmest option for the coldest months and is priced at a premium.

The DAS Light Hoody is a lightweight synthetic insulated jacket with PlumaFill insulation that offers strong weather resistance and warmth for mountain adventures. It is packable, helmet-friendly with a storm-ready hood, and performs well for ski touring and cold-weather climbing, but it trades breathability for protection and comes at a premium price.

The DAS Light Hoody is a warm, weather-protective insulated jacket built around a wind- and water-resistant shell with 65 g PlumaFill insulation. It’s lightweight and packable with a generous hood and long coverage, making it a strong four-season choice for skiing, climbing, and outdoor adventures. Drawbacks include a fragile shell and limited breathability, and it doesn’t compress fully into its pocket as claimed.

Patagonia's DAS Light Hoody is a top-tier synthetic insulated jacket designed for alpine climbing, delivering excellent warmth-to-weight, weather protection, and durability in harsh mountain conditions. It features a helmet-compatible hood, two-way front zipper, and chest pocket, with 65g PlumaFill insulation and a durable Pertex Quantum Pro shell; however, breathability is limited and it comes at a high price, making it less suitable for casual wear or high-output activities.

The Capilene Thermal Weight Zip-Neck (Women’s) is a warm, breathable midweight base layer with a long zip neck for venting and a slim fit that stays close to the skin for heat retention. It excels in warmth and breathability and dries quickly, but reviewers note odor retention and that the thumb loops are not high quality, with the layer not being a true thermal weight.

The Arc'teryx Rho Hoody for Women is a high-quality synthetic base layer designed for cold-weather performance. It features a balaclava-style hood and trim fit for efficient warmth, quick-drying comfort, and durable construction, making it versatile for layering in winter activities. It is pricey and breathability isn't ideal for high-output workouts, but it excels as a standalone cold-weather layer for snow sports and alpine pursuits.

Storm Shift is Patagonia’s premium Gore-Tex resort pant, offering exceptional durability and waterproofing with a 2-layer Gore-Tex shell, large pockets, and a refined fit. It’s uninsulated, so warmth relies on layering, and it stands out for protection and build quality, though it’s a higher-priced option.

The Patagonia Storm Shift Ski Pant is a premium resort shell pant built with Gore-Tex 2-layer protection and a burly 150D shell. It offers top-tier waterproofing, durability, and comfort for all-season resort days, though it's bulky and less breathable for high-output touring.