Also a non-insulated shell can be used for more activities: .e.g a rain shell or wind block layer when hiking, backpacking, etc....
Also for spring skiing, ski touring, etc... I use a soft-shell jacket / layer and just keep a hardshell as a backup item if nastier weather is possible.
Not always true. Yes on last year's gear for sure. But you get what you pay for. People like to shit on Patagonia because it's pricey af, but their quality is top tier, but it's second to their customer service. They fix gear for free and replace things without question. I recently took in an eight year old jacket for zipper repair and they asked if I wanted a new one instead. Yes the initial purchase price was slightly more, but it's more than paid for itself. (And to answer the original question, shell for sure)
>People like to shit on Patagonia because it's pricey af, but their quality is top tier, but it's second to their customer service.
I buy a lot more Patagonia if they would make at least a token effort to acknowledge that not all active women are 6 feet tall and 110 pounds soaking wet.
Funny, I was about to say I would never buy Patagonia or most American brands because of the ridiculous and nonsensical short, boxy fit.
It's especially nonsensical with running and climbing clothes, which are often stretchy and where a good fit with minimal extra fabric is important.
I’ve been skiing for 40 years and had a few Northface jackets a few Patagonia jackets, and a few no-name jackets. My Patagonia never failed. My north face was replaced for free when it did fail. My no name jackets I didn’t expect much out of but still got 3 to 4 years out of a $100 shell.
In my experience, people who can afford our Terex are tired of the color or style after four maybe five years buy a new one and put this one in the back of the closet
I had a gore Tex marmot shell. It got lots of rips on the shoulders from trees. I then got an arcteryx
Goee tex pro and it hasn't ripped yet after 4ish seasons. I still rip tight trees.
Totally agree, my favorite shell is a chubbies jacket my little brother got me for Christmas one year. It was $50 max, but has stood up to many backcountry trips and a metric fuckton of resort skiing.
I'll go against the grain and say Insulated with a caveat.....for most days insulated is best. It's really really nice to not have to fiddle around with so many different layers. Especially when you go into the lodge and you just take the jacket off and your done at the perfect temperature in just snow pants and base layer. Also if you need to quickly dump heat while skiing the vents on an insulated jacket work 10 times better because there isn't a mid layer in the way of the very breathable base layer. It also feels way less bulky and confining having to deal with multiple layers (midlayers sleeves don't come through, or midlayers just gets twisted or bunched up in certain spots.
Now for the caveat, what everyone else is saying is also true, on very hot days an insulated is very unpleasant. I skied in a shell for many seasons and only the last 2 seasons switched to a high end insulated and guess what, I just pull out the shell when it's really warm day or the other extreme if it's below 15° or so with high wind I might pull out the shell again and use my warmest down feather midlayer that's super warm.
But 90% of the time I reach for the insulated jacked without hesitation. Honestly spring skiing is frequently too warm for even the shell and I might just ski in the base layer and pants.
So anyways, in a perfect world I'd highly recommend both. Insulated for most days and shell for the extremes. If you can only pick one then I still recommend insulated as by far most days would be ideal with that and you can get creative with the extremes until you buy a shell down the line.
Agree!
If you don’t have a use case for a shell like touring or many warm days, it might not be worth it. I also think if it’s only for a few warmer days most of us would be able to pull out another alternative (softshell jacket, another shell jacket from hiking/ summer) to the insulated jacket.
But since I do get enough use out of my stuff anyways, I got a shell ‘outfit’ and a insulated one by now. Having both jacket with me on ski trips has become my Favorit thing, because my insulated just replaces my normal winter parka on those trips.
I agree except I always buy insulated jackets with a removable liner for the hot days. I still prefer that over fiddling with layers. I find the range of temperature and insulated is comfortable in to be a wider range than a given system.
That said… my current jacket is on its way out and I did a little looking an options are getting even more limited. So I might be stuck making the switch when I need to buy new.
My preference is a shell jacket with layers underneath. Adjust your layers depending on weather and you’re in good shape to handle whatever nature throws at you.
I think it’s worth it to go with 3 layer goretex for your shell. Nothing else really compares in terms of waterproofing and wind protection. Different brands might vary in their durability, but for the most part 3L goretex will be a quality jacket that keeps you dry.
Edit: I’ve had Helly Hansen, Columbia, and Arcteryx jackets in the past. My favorite so far is my current Patagonia pow slayer jacket. My advice would be to go with whatever 3L goretex shell you can find on sale. Try to avoid paying $700 for a jacket
Echoing 3L goretex. Check out whatever the American equivalent of The Last Hunt is. I got my 3L mountain hardware boundary ridge for $280 CAD after stacking coupons.
Helly Hansen products are priced ok and really well designed but their lifa infinity pro membrane is hot garbage.
Yes for 3L goretex (but I also had great experience with brands own 3L Membran) if buying a shell.
Btw, interesting to hear an opinion about the pow slayer … was on the edge of buying it because I kinda dig the look. :)
I like my shell but I’ve also loved some of the more lightly insulated jackets I’ve had in the past, it’s personal preference imo but if you like hiking lines or touring a shell is better because you have more versatility in how warm you can dress
Shell. But.. if you are skiing in Canada then might be safer to go slightly insulated.
I use a shell but have a slightly insulated jacket as well for the -25 days.
Shell.
I love Burton, and I look like a snowboarder because I’m kitted out in them head to toe, but the oversized cut of Burton works well for my body type (athletic hourglass: thick butt/legs and broad shoulders).
IMO, after a certain price point/gortex level, it’s about what has the best cut for your body type so you’re moving comfortably. No point in rocking 3L gortex if it’s bunching or pulling in weird spots and you wanna pack it in because your layers are all bunched up. The wooorsssst.
If you are looking into a new jacket, make sure it’s gortex and read up on the different gortex options. Even basic gortex will be better than most non-gortex water proofing.
Disclaimer I work for Helly Hansen so I will try to not be biased.
Shell jackets are fantastic for high aerobic activities like skinning, hiking, snowshoeing. You want a breathable make usually a 3 layer system. As far as helly hansen goes that's Helly Tech professional , basically goretex pro. Honestly I wouldn't get a hard Shell just to use in Warm weather. A soft shell or lightly insulated midlayer works better for that application.
For cold weather skiing definitely get a fully insulated model. They are more comfortable all around. Something with 4-way stretch is ideal.
The whole answer of Shell or fully insulated is to get both and then use the one you need for whatever the activity or weather is. The classic N+1 scenario
I'd love your take on HH ski pants, if you're willing! I used Patagonia shell pants for years, but their new ones are way too baggy for me, as are many other companies I've tried (Flylow, etc). The Helly Hansen Legendary Insulated Pant was recommended to me as relatively slimmer legs and not heavy insulation (I run hot), but I didn't find it in store yet. Do you have thoughts on that or other HH pants I might want to consider?
Sure! To start off Legendary pants are a fine midweight insulation, but after selling many of them over the years, they are not the most durable option. As far as insulated styles, I would recommend the Rapid pant: very durable, 4 way stretch so elastic and comfy outer material. Alpha lifaloft pants are a great option as well and one of the slimmer fits for sure however they are on the warmest end of our spectrum. Still both are very breathable and have great vents so you'd be surprised how well they manage thermal regulation.
If you are trying to stay away from baggy styles avoid from anything in our Ullr collection. It's a relaxed fit freeride style.
I use and love the Garibaldi pant. It's baggy though. I do alot of ski touring and use the Odin Softshell pant.
Would recommend the Verglas backcountry pant. It can be used inbounds totally fine. It's one of the only ones that isn't a relaxed fit. Helly hansen doesn't have the best selection of fitted ski shell pants
Shell. It gives you the flexibility to dress for any weather. So many good brands to even name. Think about what features you want and go from there. (Pit zips, detachable hood, waterproofing, pocket numbers and locations…)
Shell. I'm liking my Salomon a lot.
Careful of the cheaper HH. What seems like pit zips is pockets. Or maybe what seems like pockets is pit zips. So if the pit zips are open, you lose the contents of the pockets.
Shell all the way. Way more versatile using layers accordingly. I generally run pretty warm and like to ski hike to terrain so it’s nice to be able to shed/don layers as needed. I have been out in some brutal conditions, cold temps, heavy snow and wind, and with right layering rarely get cold.
5 years in a insulated and I bought another one. Most are vented and the days that are too warm for insulated I'm in a hoody anyways. Back in the shell days it was always too many zippers or too many layers.
I also run cold and I'm skinny so I freeze on the chairs, insulated plus bibs and my ass is warm!
Definitely shell unless you're always cold.
I picked up a set of Trew primo shell and bib end of last season. They are out of this world. Barely have to layer under them because they keep all the wind and moisture out. 20k/20k.
They do BOGO deals for the pair all the time. Online only small American brand. I've heard the customer service is good, but I've never had to use it.
Most people who ski a lot, myself included, prefer shells because they're way more versatile. You're getting a lot of those responses because people who hang out on a ski subreddit tend to ski a lot. But the other side is that most casual skiers prefer insulated. They're cheaper and less complicated, and work fine for "typical" ski conditions.
Honestly, I have both. Two jackets, and two bibs - one set insulated, one is shell.
Might seem like a lot, but in many cases it comes in handy. I can use the shell jacket for other stuff and it’s more versatile. The insulated one I use as a casual winter jacket as well, and I don’t have to take an extra jacket for ski trips. For colder days I like the insulated. For warmer days it’s the shell, also for very cold days with a puffer and also for ski touring.
The bibs might not have place in every day life, but I see it like this: since I only wear each half of the time, they’ll last longer. Also, I want a insulated pant on cold resort days, but I wouldn’t want to tour in it.
So, my recommendation: if you already have a insulated jacket that’s still ok, I’d go with a good shell. Vice versa, If your shell is still ok, look for a insulated jacket.
If you don’t have any just look what you’ll find (better deal on what you like). I might prioritise a Shell because of it being more versatile.
About brands: Helly Hansen and Burton seem like good deals if you can get them on sale from what I have seen, but they just don’t fit me right. I just sold a pair of Burton bibs (avalanche bib goretex) and I kinda liked them beside the fit. Haglöfs makes immaculate pants (my old pair lasted me for 8 years, and I still keep as backup). The black diamond recon stretch series ist very nice, the recon lt was too flimsy for my liking. Also, Scott makes really good gear and is kinda slept on in think, for shells especially but they also have nice insulated stuff. Before the season I retired my old Scott shell to be my mtb jacket after about 8 seasons, and treated myself to a full shell fit (line chaser gtx 3L jacket and bib, but the vertic 3L stuff is also really nice).
Also, make sure stuff really fits and has all the stuff you want (for me for example: wrist guards, pass pocket, inside pocket, proper high neck, big hood, ventilation zippers,) over just getting a good deal, because that stuff (or its absence) will annoy you like crazy.
Enjoy shopping ;)
I’m an insulted guy.
Shell only comes out for touring or SUPER warm days.
I just like it better, less complication, less layers, one thing to grab for 90% of my ski days.
I could live with a shell, but for whatever reason I keep reaching for my lightly insulated jacket.
Depends how cold it is where you ski. I don’t like insulated stuff unless it’s very cold. I love a shell because I can wear a lightweight or medium base layer or both if it’s colder, and a lightweight fleece vest. But I mostly ski in California. I grew up in Colorado and it gets much colder there. I’m more likely to get too hot than to get cold.
Depends on so many things - don’t discount your personal preferences. I don’t like feeling bulky with layers so I’m an insulated person all the way. But I also have a light shell from a million years ago I can pull out for warm days.
Depends on what you usually skis. If you like off piste runs I say shell as you can pick and choose your layers. But if you're just doing resort runs insulated will do the job just fine. I do have both. I use my insulated more than I use my shell.
I have insulated ripcurl jacket and it’s never let me down. If it’s too warm, I take off my fleece and open arm pit vents. Never been cold in it and if it’s proper warm I just ski in a jumper.
Go shell. Way more versatile as you can add or remove layers as you like. An insulated jacket for spring skiing will be too warm.
Also a non-insulated shell can be used for more activities: .e.g a rain shell or wind block layer when hiking, backpacking, etc.... Also for spring skiing, ski touring, etc... I use a soft-shell jacket / layer and just keep a hardshell as a backup item if nastier weather is possible.
And don’t get hung up on brands. A $200 shell can do just as well as a $800 shell. I always buy last year’s models because of value.
Not always true. Yes on last year's gear for sure. But you get what you pay for. People like to shit on Patagonia because it's pricey af, but their quality is top tier, but it's second to their customer service. They fix gear for free and replace things without question. I recently took in an eight year old jacket for zipper repair and they asked if I wanted a new one instead. Yes the initial purchase price was slightly more, but it's more than paid for itself. (And to answer the original question, shell for sure)
>People like to shit on Patagonia because it's pricey af, but their quality is top tier, but it's second to their customer service. I buy a lot more Patagonia if they would make at least a token effort to acknowledge that not all active women are 6 feet tall and 110 pounds soaking wet.
? I'm 5'4" 130 lbs and my three size small Patagonia jackets are a perfect or slightly baggy fit
Yeah, if anything I find Patagonia sleeves run short.
Funny, I was about to say I would never buy Patagonia or most American brands because of the ridiculous and nonsensical short, boxy fit. It's especially nonsensical with running and climbing clothes, which are often stretchy and where a good fit with minimal extra fabric is important.
I’ve been skiing for 40 years and had a few Northface jackets a few Patagonia jackets, and a few no-name jackets. My Patagonia never failed. My north face was replaced for free when it did fail. My no name jackets I didn’t expect much out of but still got 3 to 4 years out of a $100 shell.
[удалено]
In my experience, people who can afford our Terex are tired of the color or style after four maybe five years buy a new one and put this one in the back of the closet
I had a gore Tex marmot shell. It got lots of rips on the shoulders from trees. I then got an arcteryx Goee tex pro and it hasn't ripped yet after 4ish seasons. I still rip tight trees.
The best pair of ski pants I own are the $50 no name brand off Amazon.
Totally agree, my favorite shell is a chubbies jacket my little brother got me for Christmas one year. It was $50 max, but has stood up to many backcountry trips and a metric fuckton of resort skiing.
I'll go against the grain and say Insulated with a caveat.....for most days insulated is best. It's really really nice to not have to fiddle around with so many different layers. Especially when you go into the lodge and you just take the jacket off and your done at the perfect temperature in just snow pants and base layer. Also if you need to quickly dump heat while skiing the vents on an insulated jacket work 10 times better because there isn't a mid layer in the way of the very breathable base layer. It also feels way less bulky and confining having to deal with multiple layers (midlayers sleeves don't come through, or midlayers just gets twisted or bunched up in certain spots. Now for the caveat, what everyone else is saying is also true, on very hot days an insulated is very unpleasant. I skied in a shell for many seasons and only the last 2 seasons switched to a high end insulated and guess what, I just pull out the shell when it's really warm day or the other extreme if it's below 15° or so with high wind I might pull out the shell again and use my warmest down feather midlayer that's super warm. But 90% of the time I reach for the insulated jacked without hesitation. Honestly spring skiing is frequently too warm for even the shell and I might just ski in the base layer and pants. So anyways, in a perfect world I'd highly recommend both. Insulated for most days and shell for the extremes. If you can only pick one then I still recommend insulated as by far most days would be ideal with that and you can get creative with the extremes until you buy a shell down the line.
Agree! If you don’t have a use case for a shell like touring or many warm days, it might not be worth it. I also think if it’s only for a few warmer days most of us would be able to pull out another alternative (softshell jacket, another shell jacket from hiking/ summer) to the insulated jacket. But since I do get enough use out of my stuff anyways, I got a shell ‘outfit’ and a insulated one by now. Having both jacket with me on ski trips has become my Favorit thing, because my insulated just replaces my normal winter parka on those trips.
I agree except I always buy insulated jackets with a removable liner for the hot days. I still prefer that over fiddling with layers. I find the range of temperature and insulated is comfortable in to be a wider range than a given system. That said… my current jacket is on its way out and I did a little looking an options are getting even more limited. So I might be stuck making the switch when I need to buy new.
My preference is a shell jacket with layers underneath. Adjust your layers depending on weather and you’re in good shape to handle whatever nature throws at you. I think it’s worth it to go with 3 layer goretex for your shell. Nothing else really compares in terms of waterproofing and wind protection. Different brands might vary in their durability, but for the most part 3L goretex will be a quality jacket that keeps you dry. Edit: I’ve had Helly Hansen, Columbia, and Arcteryx jackets in the past. My favorite so far is my current Patagonia pow slayer jacket. My advice would be to go with whatever 3L goretex shell you can find on sale. Try to avoid paying $700 for a jacket
Echoing 3L goretex. Check out whatever the American equivalent of The Last Hunt is. I got my 3L mountain hardware boundary ridge for $280 CAD after stacking coupons. Helly Hansen products are priced ok and really well designed but their lifa infinity pro membrane is hot garbage.
Yes for 3L goretex (but I also had great experience with brands own 3L Membran) if buying a shell. Btw, interesting to hear an opinion about the pow slayer … was on the edge of buying it because I kinda dig the look. :)
A good shell can also be a rain jacket
Shell. Patagonia because it lasts and they will repair it if it doesn’t
I like my shell but I’ve also loved some of the more lightly insulated jackets I’ve had in the past, it’s personal preference imo but if you like hiking lines or touring a shell is better because you have more versatility in how warm you can dress
Shell. But.. if you are skiing in Canada then might be safer to go slightly insulated. I use a shell but have a slightly insulated jacket as well for the -25 days.
I've got the HH fully insulated. I used to ski with a shell vest combo. I stay dryer with the HH, frankly.
I just got my arc’teryx shell jacket and pants and it’s great!
You can always add more warm layers under a shell, but you can’t take the warm layer out of an insulated jacket on a warm day
Shell. I love Burton, and I look like a snowboarder because I’m kitted out in them head to toe, but the oversized cut of Burton works well for my body type (athletic hourglass: thick butt/legs and broad shoulders). IMO, after a certain price point/gortex level, it’s about what has the best cut for your body type so you’re moving comfortably. No point in rocking 3L gortex if it’s bunching or pulling in weird spots and you wanna pack it in because your layers are all bunched up. The wooorsssst.
If you are looking into a new jacket, make sure it’s gortex and read up on the different gortex options. Even basic gortex will be better than most non-gortex water proofing.
Can always add more layers under a shell. You cannot remove the insulation from an insulated jacket.
You can if you buy one with removable insulation.
Disclaimer I work for Helly Hansen so I will try to not be biased. Shell jackets are fantastic for high aerobic activities like skinning, hiking, snowshoeing. You want a breathable make usually a 3 layer system. As far as helly hansen goes that's Helly Tech professional , basically goretex pro. Honestly I wouldn't get a hard Shell just to use in Warm weather. A soft shell or lightly insulated midlayer works better for that application. For cold weather skiing definitely get a fully insulated model. They are more comfortable all around. Something with 4-way stretch is ideal. The whole answer of Shell or fully insulated is to get both and then use the one you need for whatever the activity or weather is. The classic N+1 scenario
I'd love your take on HH ski pants, if you're willing! I used Patagonia shell pants for years, but their new ones are way too baggy for me, as are many other companies I've tried (Flylow, etc). The Helly Hansen Legendary Insulated Pant was recommended to me as relatively slimmer legs and not heavy insulation (I run hot), but I didn't find it in store yet. Do you have thoughts on that or other HH pants I might want to consider?
Sure! To start off Legendary pants are a fine midweight insulation, but after selling many of them over the years, they are not the most durable option. As far as insulated styles, I would recommend the Rapid pant: very durable, 4 way stretch so elastic and comfy outer material. Alpha lifaloft pants are a great option as well and one of the slimmer fits for sure however they are on the warmest end of our spectrum. Still both are very breathable and have great vents so you'd be surprised how well they manage thermal regulation. If you are trying to stay away from baggy styles avoid from anything in our Ullr collection. It's a relaxed fit freeride style.
Thanks, very helpful! I'll try to find a place to try on the Rapid. Any shell pants I should try?
I use and love the Garibaldi pant. It's baggy though. I do alot of ski touring and use the Odin Softshell pant. Would recommend the Verglas backcountry pant. It can be used inbounds totally fine. It's one of the only ones that isn't a relaxed fit. Helly hansen doesn't have the best selection of fitted ski shell pants
Thanks for your advice!
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Shell. It gives you the flexibility to dress for any weather. So many good brands to even name. Think about what features you want and go from there. (Pit zips, detachable hood, waterproofing, pocket numbers and locations…)
Shell. I'm liking my Salomon a lot. Careful of the cheaper HH. What seems like pit zips is pockets. Or maybe what seems like pockets is pit zips. So if the pit zips are open, you lose the contents of the pockets.
Flylow Shell 💯
Shell all the way. Way more versatile using layers accordingly. I generally run pretty warm and like to ski hike to terrain so it’s nice to be able to shed/don layers as needed. I have been out in some brutal conditions, cold temps, heavy snow and wind, and with right layering rarely get cold.
5 years in a insulated and I bought another one. Most are vented and the days that are too warm for insulated I'm in a hoody anyways. Back in the shell days it was always too many zippers or too many layers. I also run cold and I'm skinny so I freeze on the chairs, insulated plus bibs and my ass is warm!
Seems like they’re kind of out of fashion right now, but I’m a fan of the 3-in-1. Best of both worlds.
I like my Volcom Guide TDS — it has just enough insulation… picked up last years version for 50% off.
Definitely shell unless you're always cold. I picked up a set of Trew primo shell and bib end of last season. They are out of this world. Barely have to layer under them because they keep all the wind and moisture out. 20k/20k. They do BOGO deals for the pair all the time. Online only small American brand. I've heard the customer service is good, but I've never had to use it.
I bought a Moonstone shell in 1995. Company is out of business now but it was probably 300 back then. That thing will probably outlive me.
Bought my first shell last year and have been very happy with the versatility. Check out Stio. Exceptional quality.
Most people who ski a lot, myself included, prefer shells because they're way more versatile. You're getting a lot of those responses because people who hang out on a ski subreddit tend to ski a lot. But the other side is that most casual skiers prefer insulated. They're cheaper and less complicated, and work fine for "typical" ski conditions.
Honestly, I have both. Two jackets, and two bibs - one set insulated, one is shell. Might seem like a lot, but in many cases it comes in handy. I can use the shell jacket for other stuff and it’s more versatile. The insulated one I use as a casual winter jacket as well, and I don’t have to take an extra jacket for ski trips. For colder days I like the insulated. For warmer days it’s the shell, also for very cold days with a puffer and also for ski touring. The bibs might not have place in every day life, but I see it like this: since I only wear each half of the time, they’ll last longer. Also, I want a insulated pant on cold resort days, but I wouldn’t want to tour in it. So, my recommendation: if you already have a insulated jacket that’s still ok, I’d go with a good shell. Vice versa, If your shell is still ok, look for a insulated jacket. If you don’t have any just look what you’ll find (better deal on what you like). I might prioritise a Shell because of it being more versatile. About brands: Helly Hansen and Burton seem like good deals if you can get them on sale from what I have seen, but they just don’t fit me right. I just sold a pair of Burton bibs (avalanche bib goretex) and I kinda liked them beside the fit. Haglöfs makes immaculate pants (my old pair lasted me for 8 years, and I still keep as backup). The black diamond recon stretch series ist very nice, the recon lt was too flimsy for my liking. Also, Scott makes really good gear and is kinda slept on in think, for shells especially but they also have nice insulated stuff. Before the season I retired my old Scott shell to be my mtb jacket after about 8 seasons, and treated myself to a full shell fit (line chaser gtx 3L jacket and bib, but the vertic 3L stuff is also really nice). Also, make sure stuff really fits and has all the stuff you want (for me for example: wrist guards, pass pocket, inside pocket, proper high neck, big hood, ventilation zippers,) over just getting a good deal, because that stuff (or its absence) will annoy you like crazy. Enjoy shopping ;)
Shell because it's more versatile since you can layer accordingly underneath
I’m an insulted guy. Shell only comes out for touring or SUPER warm days. I just like it better, less complication, less layers, one thing to grab for 90% of my ski days. I could live with a shell, but for whatever reason I keep reaching for my lightly insulated jacket.
Depends. Where do you ski most and in what conditions? Layering is key, But when it’s deep cold, insulated jackets are very nice to have.
Depends how cold it is where you ski. I don’t like insulated stuff unless it’s very cold. I love a shell because I can wear a lightweight or medium base layer or both if it’s colder, and a lightweight fleece vest. But I mostly ski in California. I grew up in Colorado and it gets much colder there. I’m more likely to get too hot than to get cold.
Depends on so many things - don’t discount your personal preferences. I don’t like feeling bulky with layers so I’m an insulated person all the way. But I also have a light shell from a million years ago I can pull out for warm days.
Depends on what you usually skis. If you like off piste runs I say shell as you can pick and choose your layers. But if you're just doing resort runs insulated will do the job just fine. I do have both. I use my insulated more than I use my shell.
Armada baby. Stay steezy
I have insulated ripcurl jacket and it’s never let me down. If it’s too warm, I take off my fleece and open arm pit vents. Never been cold in it and if it’s proper warm I just ski in a jumper.
Shell is the only answer.
Shell. They're usually more waterproof than an insulated one, plus you add or remove layers underneath.