Jacket Question

I am going to be buying my first jacket shortly, but before I do I have to ask a question: The particular jacket that I am looking at has no insulation. Is this going to pose a problem? Should I look for an insulated jacket? Thanks.

Get a starter jacket, they are by far the warmest and most styling jackets available.

*First of all, ignore Krp, he's pulling your chain, and has a tendency to be a jackass some times, yet we still love him.

It is common for skiers to use shells as opposed to heavily insulated jackets, for ski conditions that don't merit heavier insulation.

My preferred daily use jacket is a shell with a nice down vest under it for colder days.

The most important thing to look for is the technical ability of the jacket material.
Wind/Water Resistant

Hope this helps.

Like TC, I'm firmly in the shell jacket camp. I can then add layers as needed based on the weather in which I'm skiing, and remove a layer if it starts to warm up later in the day.

I like a base layer (e.g., Capilene) with a zip-T over that. On colder days, I'll add a fleece jacket on top of that - usually 100wt for all but the coldest days. And then my shell.

A jacket with no insulation is called a shell. It is made to go over the insulating layers and protect you from the wind and/or rain. Many people prefer to layer because you can change them for varying conditions. Some people prefer insulating jackets rather than a shell and mid layer because it's easier.

CJ

I must say, I have purchased a heavy down jacket this season to compliment my shell, for those brutal days.

I agree with TC. It's really about the system used for best comfort.

Shells are 1 part of a very versatile system when done right. Here is my system that works in wide ranging conditions. IMHO, the key is a personalized (everyone has different comfort levels) system that allows adjustments to account for the colder chair lifts vs. warmer runs.

Shell
Arcteryx Beta AR jacket - Waterproof, breathable,helmet compatible hood and pit zips for temp regulation.

Middle layers based on temps
Cold-MH compression jacket -primaloft insulation (thin and warm)
Cool-Patagonia R1 fleece - Thermal pro heavy weight fleece
Warm-Lightweight Polartec 100 fleece

Baselayer
Icebreaker wool or Patagonia Capilene

I mix and match pieces based on temp and who I am skiing with. Skiing with the family requires me to move up to a cooler option vs. skiing solo.

I know it is more info than you asked for, but the point would be an uninsulated shell with seperate insulation layers is very flexible.

Alot of this depends on personal preferences, your local climate, your own personal charachteristics, how active you are while skiing, etc...

Skiing is an athletic activity. If you are over insullated you will overheat, sweat a ton, and dehydrate. That will be really bad.

If you DO get an insullated jacket, you will probabbly want to wear just a tech Tee underneath, make sure the insulated jacket has vents.

Most people go with a shell and then layer underneath. It should be wind proof however, Water resitance is usually good enough for a ski jacket, unless you ski in the rain or heavy snow.

I would say that just about ever outdoor colthing company has a $100 waterproof breathable rain jacket. IF you find one that fits well that will be more than sufficient for a ski shell.

I dunno, the Starter jacket still seem like the best option. Plus, it looks great with jeans!