Snow Jacket · Backcountry / Touring Snow Jacket

Do I really need 20,000+ g/m² breathability, or is that overkill?

For true backcountry touring with sustained uphill travel, 20,000+ g/m² is not overkill—it is the minimum recommended rating. During a 2-hour skin track climb, your body can produce over a liter of sweat. If the membrane cannot move that moisture fast enough, it condenses inside the jacket and freezes when you stop. This is not a comfort issue; it is a safety issue. For casual resort riding, 10,000–15,000 g/m² is perfectly adequate.

Related gear types

If this answer nudged you toward a different style, these guides compare specs and trade-offs.

Shell Snow Jacket (Hardshell)

$200 – $900

common

Uninsulated waterproof-breathable jacket designed for layering in variable conditions.

No insulationHigh waterproof ratingSuperior breathability

Softshell Snow Jacket

$100 – $400

niche

Stretchy, breathable jacket for high-output riding in mild to moderate conditions.

Stretch fabricHigh breathabilityDWR water resistance

Anorak / Pullover Snow Jacket

$150 – $500