One of the most important things to consider while skiing is keeping yourself warm and dry. If you aren’t both of them, then the freezing cold can easily take the fun out of skiing while adding pain and discomfort to it. Of them all, a ski jacket is the most significant contributing factor to how comfortable and warm you’re on the slopes. However, ski jackets can get incredibly expensive. Luckily, that doesn’t mean you won’t find get a quality ski jacket for a reasonable price. Finding an affordable ski jacket is a breeze, as plenty of options on the market don’t cost you an arm and a leg! You’ll be surprised to find how many amazing features the best ski jacket under 200 or even 300 USD offers you!
Even if you’re an avid backcountry skier, you’re sure to find a well-built, warm, and waterproof jacket at a very reasonable price. In fact, most budget skiers go for 3-in-1 jackets, which offer a sort of all-in-one functionality. It comes with a shell and a discrete insulating layer that can be zipped into the shell. So, you get two jackets which can be used in different weather conditions for the price of one. To that end, here are the 13 best affordable ski jackets, many of them under 200 USD!
Columbia Bugaboo Interchange II
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We begin our list with one of the most versatile jackets ever – the Columbia Bugaboo Interchange II. What makes it versatile? For one, Bugaboo has been in Columbia’s line for many years, with updated revisions being launched every year. Moreover, it’s an interchange jacket, so you can use the inner layer as well as the outer jacket separately! So, it’s no surprise that Bugaboo also features on the list of best Columbia fleece jackets for men. There’s a lot to like about this best affordable ski jacket. To begin with, the inner fleece boasts an Omni-heat reflective material sans adding any weight. Plus, the outer has an Omni-Tech waterproof breathable membrane that keeps water from seeping in. If that wasn’t enough, it’s moisture-wicking as well!
Furthermore, the jacket boasts a removable hood that’s large enough to fit over your helmet. You’ll also find large zippered hand pockets for stashing quick-access stuff or your hands for warmth. Rounding up everything is a little key ring holder for attaching important stuff like an ID card or a room key. If you’re hunting for the best ski jacket under 200, you won’t be disappointed by what this jacket brings to the table!
Pros
- The waterproof coating allows you to ski with confidence despite the weather.
- This jacket feels extra warm and comfy thanks to the fleece inner lining.
- We also love how breathable this jacket is.
Cons
- Though not a deal-breaker, it’s worth noting that there are no inner pockets.
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Eddie Bauer Sandstone Shield
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An excellent breathable, waterproof, and lightweight option, the Eddie Bauer Men’s Sandstone Shield is seen by many as the best ski jacket under 200. The jacket boasts amazing waterproof qualities thanks to the StromRepel DWR outer. It keeps water beads from seeping into the jacket. Adding to the waterproofing abilities are the YKK zippers and the taped seams. In addition, the jacket can effectively block the wind and keep your neck warm when you zip the collar up all the way.
Moreover, the four-way stretch fabric results in a snug and athletically-fitting jacket. So, if you don’t like looser jackets, this is the one for you. Considering its price tag, this affordable ski jacket sure comes with a hell of a lot of extras. You’ll even find massive mesh-backed pockets where you can stick half your arm in for warmth! What’s more, you’ll also find an adjustable and helmet-compatible hood, an adjustable hem, and even Velcro cuffs.
Pros
- Looking for the right option is easy as the jacket is true to size.
- Despite being warm, it’s still pretty lightweight.
- It has plenty of extra features despite its affordable price tag.
Cons
- Some people find the sleeves a bit too long.
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Outdoor Research Refuge
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Another affordable ski jacket ideal for playing, hiking, climbing, and skiing in the snow is the Outdoor Research Refuge. The jacket boasts an exterior shell made of water and wind-resistant ripstop polyester that keeps you always dry and warm. Plus, the mechanical stretch allows you to move any way you want and doesn’t deter movement. The water-resistant synthetic VeticalX insulation on the inside even adapts to your body temperature thanks to the ActiveTemp treatment. So, you won’t overheat in warm climates and won’t freeze in colder ones.
Besides the above, this best ski jacket, under 300 USD, possesses a lot of other technical features, including tricot linings, zippered pockets, and stretch fabrics. The front zipper baffle prevents the cold air from sneaking in. Plus, the zippered pockets are climbing harness-friendly, making it perfect for stashing your hands in for warmth. If that wasn’t enough, you should know that the left-hand pocket even doubles up as a stuff sack! Pretty amazing, isn’t it? For a closer look at the jacket, check out this review video by Enwild!
Pros
- Though budget-friendly, this jacket still offers lots of extra functional and technical features.
- The zippered pockets are well-placed and easily accessible.
- This jacket has superb body temperature-adaptive insulation.
Cons
- Some buyers say the sleeves can ride up when the elbows are bent.
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Outdoor Research San Juan
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Are you looking for the best ski jacket under 200? Then look no further than Outdoor Research San Juan! As you can guess, this jacket is literally inspired by the snowy and dry Colorado Rockies. So, if you’re going skiing at the best ski resorts in Colorado, then this jacket is perfect in every way! It keeps harsh UV rays, light rain, winds, and dry snow at bay. While it’s not waterproof or insulated, it has excellent breathability and weather resistance. Also, the 75D double weave polyester is durable and has an amazing, breathable shell.
There’s a lot more to like about the jacket, though! For instance, it comes with a helmet-compatible and fully-adjustable hood! Additionally, you’ll also find two zip hand pockets and two chest pockets that can help you stuff everything from quick-grab necessities to your hands. Meanwhile, the drawcord at the hem and elastic cuffs stop the snow, water, and air from blowing into the jacket. For such an affordable ski jacket, it sure is perfect for all your outdoor skiing pursuits.
Pros
- This jacket has amazing wind resistance.
- It’s an ideal option for mild-weather skiing.
- The hood is helmet-compatible and can be adjusted easily.
Cons
- Unfortunately, it’s not insulated and waterproof.
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Columbia Cushman Crest Interchange Jacket
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If you’ve been looking for the best ski jacket under 300 USD, the Columbia Cushman Crest Interchange Jacket answers your prayers. The waterproof jacket is made from advanced materials with air-permeable protection, rendering it extremely breathable. On the inside, it features synthetic insulation that keeps you warm and dry. What’s more, the interior lining has a metallic dot pattern that retains heat. No matter how cold the winter gets, there’s nothing that can stop you!
However, we think the standout feature is Columbia’s Omni-Heat management system which is primed for outdoor performance. Additionally, the jacket also offers a plethora of handy features such as a whole lot of pockets – think zippered hand pockets, goggle pockets, PU-coated chest pockets, etc. Underarm venting and a snapback powder skirt are valuable additions, as is the drawcord on the hem and adjustable wrist cuffs. So, if you’ve spent a lot on your other ski gear and still want a high quality, the Columbia Cushman Crest is worth buying.
Pros
- This handsome jacket is available in many colorways.
- It comes with plenty of useful pockets for your smaller essentials.
- Many people are fans of its sleek and stylish design.
Cons
- Though cozy and warm, it’s not the warmest option.
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Camel Crown Mountain Snow
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The Camel Crown Mountain Snow Jacket finds a place on this list because it costs you less than 100 USD! However, don’t think that it skimps on the quality. Perfect for budget-conscious people, this jacket boasts a 100% polyester shell that’s completely waterproof, scratch-resistant, and windproof. Moreover, it has an inner fleece lining that’ll keep you warm and cozy at the same time. The pockets are certainly a blessing, as they allow you to carry all necessities you might need on the mountain.
Additionally, you’ll also find a number of useful and nifty features in the jacket. To begin with, there’s a removable hood that’s not only large enough to fit over your ski helmet but also removable. Talk about convenience! Even a brim or awning stops snow or water from getting on your face and into your eyes. Secondly, the jacket has elastic cuffs, stretchable thumb holes, and a hand warmer for a sleeve end. Finally, you’re going to love the fit and the colorways available with the jacket.
Pros
- This jacket is available in a wide array of different shades.
- It’s true to size, so you don’t have to go up or down a size.
- The warm lining can retain the heat effectively.
Cons
- While everything about this jacket is amazing, the zipper can be a bit hard to use.
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Columbia Last Tracks
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One of the best waterproof ski jackets is also considered by many the best affordable ski jacket under 200 USD. Yes, we’re talking about the Columbia Last Tracks Jacket. This ultimate budget-friendly ski jacket has great features, specs, and style, making it a go-to jacket for the skiing season. For one, the jacket boasts a waterproof build with an Omni-Heat reflective liner and 80-protectslation. This proprietary tech provides protection against all kinds of harsh elements while keeping the jacket both breathable as well as waterproof. It keeps you dry and comfy and wicks moisture at the same time, keeping you sweat-free. Meanwhile, the sealed critical seams further prevent water from entering in from the seams.
The icing on the cake is the presence of handy features such as a removable storm hood, a snapback snow skirt, and adjustable cuffs that keep the powder from entering the jacket. Furthermore, the sleek, non-bulky design means the jacket is perfect for skiing and apres-ski later. Considering its price, there’s no reason not to get this jacket! For the full features and information about this jacket, check out its official website!
Pros
- Even though it’s cheap, this jacket still offers plenty of features.
- It’s exceptionally warm, making it the ideal option for skiing in harsh weather.
- It’s lightweight and not bulky.
Cons
- Some people are bummed that there are no pit zips.
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Camel Crown 3-in-1 Ski Jacket
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Most Versatile. The Camel Crown 3-in-1 Ski Jacket is one of the most versatile budget ski jackets on the market. What’s more, the cost of this ski jacket is extremely mindblowing! It costs you less than 100 USD! If that wasn’t enough, the jacket is a 3-in-1 one, so you’re g different jackets for the price of one, actually. If that isn’t a bargain, then we don’t know what is. The jacket’s outer shell is both windproof and waterproof, with the water beads rolling off the jacket easily. Plus, the soft inner lining is 100% fleece, offering top-notch insulation for when the mercury drops.
What you’ll also like about the jacket is the main zipper, that’s smooth and seamless. And with a storm flap covering, it keeps the jacket waterproof. Plus, the hood is detachable, giving you a super customized experience. Rounding up everything is the placement of the pockets and the wonderful moody colorways that the jacket comes in, which include Black, Grey, Blue, Red, and many others.
Pros
- This affordable ski jacket is available in a wide range of color options.
- You can find tons of pockets, both internal and external.
- It’s both windproof and waterproof.
Cons
- The quality of the zippers can be improved.
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Wantdo Women’s Mountain Waterproof Ski Jacket
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The Wantdo Women’s Mountain Waterproof Ski Jacket is not just an affordable ski jacket, but it’s also featured among the best waterproof skiing jackets for women. It checks off all the right boxes when it comes to what features an excellent ski jacket has, along with an amazing price that’s affordable enough for most! To begin with, it features a water-repellent polyester shell aligned with a PU membrane that makes the jacket as waterproof as it gets. At the same time, it’s breathable and windproof too. It basically has all the effectiveness of a pricier jacket at half the price.
What’s more, the jacket features many other high-quality features, such as an adjustable and detachable hood and an internal drawcord at the hem. That’s not all! You’ll also find multiple internal pockets and external zippered ones and a spot that makes wearing your earphones on the slope easy!
Pros
- We love the presence of the numerous internal and external pockets.
- It’s windproof but still highly breathable.
- It’s available in countless different colorways.
Cons
- Though comfortable, wearing this jacket may make you look big and bulky.
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MOERDENG Waterproof Ski Jacket
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Most Popular. The Moerdeng Waterproof Ski Jacket is an excellent choice for a budget ski jacket that also happens to be waterproof. The sacks in a plethora of features for an absolutely wallet-friendly price. The jacket features a polyester outer that’s waterproof, windproof, and stain-resistant. Plus, the fact that it comes in more than 10 color choices is a huge plus point for many, especially for those who want bright and vibrant ski jackets. At the same time, the jacket’s inner retains heat extremely well and wicks moisture, keeping you warm and dry on the slopes.
The zippered closure with the storm flap effectively stops the water from seeping in. Moreover, the adjustable hood is large enough to fit over a helmet and keeps the water and snow away from your face. Finally, the adjustable cuffs and stretchable glove holes help keep the hands warm as you zip down the slopes.
Pros
- This affordable ski jacket is perfect for all weather conditions.
- It’s not only waterproof and windproof but also stain-resistant.
- It’s available in an array of colors and designs.
Cons
- The pockets are on the thinner side.
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Burton Jet Set
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The Burton Jet Set is one of the best Burton women’s snowboard jackets. In addition to that, we also think it’s arguably the best ski jacket under 200 USD for women! The jacket features breathable and waterproof Dryride two-layer fabrics for the outer. That, along with the helmet-compatible hood and stand-up collar, offers lots of protection from the powder and the rain. Besides being soft inside and out, the jacket has long sleeves and a long torso. Not to mention, it can easily be layered with another jacket or snow shirt underneath!
Despite having tons of insulation to keep you warm, the jacket still has a very flattering fit that’ll earn you lots of compliments. The best part? The insulation is made from 40% recycled content! Meanwhile, the mesh-lined pit zips help with ventilation, while the mesh keeps all the unwanted snow out of the jacket. What’s more, the hand pockets lined with microfleece lining keep your hands warm, while the other pockets are great for stashing your valuables and necessities. Rounding up the features are the powder skirt and ski pass pocket.
Pros
- The zipped fleece hand pockets are great for keeping your hands warm.
- There are plenty of functional pockets!
- The jacket is available in plenty of different colors.
Cons
- Those who run cold might find it slightly less warm.
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Columbia Alpine Action Omni-Heat Jacket
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Best Insulation. Another best ski jacket under 200 USD on this list is the Columbia Alpine Action Omni-Heat Jacket. The jacket seems to have everything going for it, starting with its thick, water-resistant shell. Its outer has a Durable Water Resistant (DWR) coating that effectively keeps the moisture out. Meanwhile, the sealed seams work well in tandem with the outer, keeping you dry on the slopes. On the inside, the Omni-Heat technology with silver dots wicks moisture, keeping the inside of the jacket dry as well.
If you’re a shorter person, we think you’ll love the short hemline of this jacket! It does a great job making you appear a bit taller, giving you a better proportion. Furthermore, the cozy 100-gram insulation on the inside of the jacket will retain the warmth effectively. You’ll find lots of pockets for headphones, iPods, ski passes, phones, goggles, etc. Rounding up the features is the powder skirt, which stops the snow from sliding into the jacket from beneath. Need more convincing? Check out what All Outdoors Guide has to say!
Pros
- This jacket is exceptionally warm and perfect for extreme winters.
- Despite all it has to offer, it’s extremely affordable.
- We love the addition of wrist gaiters.
Cons
- The hood might be a bit too small for some.
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Marmot Aegis Jacket
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Best Value for Money. Marmot is one of the high-end brands when it comes to ski jackets. This is why it’s pleasantly surprising to find that it also produces a high-quality yet affordable ski jacket in the form of the Marmot Aegis Jacket. Not only is the jacket breathable, but it’s also waterproof, too – and all this for a price of under 200 USD! The jacket is constructed from a durable hardshell, which features the brand’s proprietary PU MemBrain waterproof material. That, combined with the taped seams, keeps makes the jacket the perfect companion for zipping down the snowy slopes. Also, the waterproof zippers and the storm flap on the main zipper keep the jacket thoroughly waterproof.
There’s a lot to love about the jacket, such as its fleece-lined hand pockets. The jacket also has an adjustable hood that goes nicely over your ski helmet and keeps snow and water away from your face. What’s more, this best ski jacket under 200 even rolls away into a cushy collar when not in use, making it quickly accessible. The number of pockets and Velcro adjustments on the cuffs round up this jacket’s features.
Pros
- Although warm, this jacket isn’t heavy at all.
- In addition to being warm and waterproof, we also find it super comfortable.
- It’s one of the more affordable options from a high-end brand.
Cons
- It’s a bit too long for some people.
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Our Verdict!
Looking for the best affordable ski jacket has never been easier! Every ski jacket above may be cheap, but they pack a lot of amazing features that allow them to compete head-to-head with the more expensive options. But to make your decision-making process easier, we’ve categorized some of our picks based on the following criteria:
- Best Value for Money: Marmot Aegis Jacket
- Best Insulation: Columbia Alpine Action Omni-Heat Jacket
- Most Popular: MOERDENG Waterproof Ski Jacket
- Most Versatile: Camel Crown 3-in-1 Ski Jacket
How To Choose The Best Affordable Ski Jackets?
There are a lot of things to consider while buying ski gear, whether they’re high-priced or budget options. Don’t be fooled into thinking that your list of considerations for buying is any less with budget jackets. Even with them, you need to know that they’ll keep you warm and dry and do the job. So, what do you need to look for while buying budget-priced ski jackets?
Are you still looking to complete your budget ski gear? Check out the best budget ski googles and best ski helmets under 100.
Types
Broadly speaking, ski jackets are classified into soft shells, hard shells, insulated/non-insulated jackets, and 3-in-1 jackets. Softshells, as the name suggests, are stretchable and soft jackets perfect for resorts or backcountry where the weather is milder. That’s because they’re just water-resistant, not waterproof. On the other hand, hard shells are completely waterproof, reasonably breathable, stretchy, and perfect for backcountry skiing. Insulated hard shells have some kind of in-built insulation between the outer and inner liner. Finally, non-insulated ones are more versatile as they’re lightweight and can be used for layering.
Comfort, warmth, and fit
Whether expensive or affordable, a ski jacket must be well-fitted, warm, and comfortable. Firstly, decide whether you prefer a jacket with a snug or a looser fit since that is incredibly important during skiing. So, make sure you try out a few different options to see which one fits you best. Moreover, it needs to offer protection from harsh elements such as snow, wind, water, sleet, etc. At the same time, it shouldn’t restrict your movement and also allow you to move easily and freely. So, look for features such as a waterproof shell, detachable and adjustable hood, soft inner lining, and many pockets.
Accessories
If you’re skiing at a resort, you’ll need to hold on to your ski pass and ensure you don’t lose it or get wet. So, if you plan to ski at a resort, look for ski pass pockets while buying ski jackets. If you’re going in deep powder, then a RECCO reflector strip will make it very easy to spot you in case of bad weather or accidents. Powder skirts that are integrated with the jacket prevent snow from sliding up into the jacket in case of a tumble. You can also check for pit zips or vents, helmet-compatible hoods, thumb holes, and wrist gaiters.
What should I wear to ski on a budget?
The best affordable ski jacket, of course! That’s why we’re here today! By having one, you’ll be protected from the harsh weather, and you can finally be able to ski with fewer things to worry about!
Are ski jackets necessary for skiing?
Yes! While you can wear other warm coatings for skiing, they won’t offer you the same wind resistance, water resistance, breathability, and durability as a high-quality ski jacket.
How much should I pay for a ski jacket?
It depends. Luxurious ski jackets can cost you 1,000 USD or even more. But there are many amazing affordable options on the market, too. You’ll be surprised by how good the best ski jacket under 300 USD is!
