I'm trying to deceide between Spyder, North Face, and Columbia for a ski jacket. Any thoughts or opinions?

Question

I'm a once or twice a year skiier. Will be wearing the coat/jacket outside of the slopes as well. Any input would be appreciated.

Answer 1

Check out Cloudveil jackets as well...

Answer 2

I like Swix but out of the 3 North Face!!!!

Answer 3

Any of three three are excellent choices for skiing. Yes, the Columbia is the lowest grade and will be cheapest, but it is still a high quality jacket.  It will lose water-proofing earlier than the others, however; this is easily repaired with some wash-in waterproofing.  You stated you only skied a couple of times a year, with this in mind I'd steer you toward a Columbia.  They are a bit cheaper, quality is near same (all 3 brands are guaranteed against defects and will be replaced if necessary), and Columbia offers more casual-wear friendly styles. With a Spyder or North Face you will pretty much look like you're going skiing anytime you wear them. NF does make a few more casual styles, but you lose some performance features on them.

Answer 4

The Columbia is going to be your lowest grade jacket. Good around town but the water proofness wears off quickly. The North Face is normally a good coat. The parent companies sold the name a few years back and quality dropped sense then. They still are a good choice though. The Spyder jacket is by far the best quality out of the three. Along with the price tag, spyder has a life time warranty. Any problems just sent it back get it fixed or get a new coat. There are tons of good companies out there but out of the three I'd look at the spyder then North Face, pass on the Columbia.

Answer 5

All three are good quality jackets, price, fit, appearance are your choice.

Answer 6

Rip Curl or Oakley