1. Cloudveil Spacewalk
Take your favorite soft shell and stuff it with PrimaLoft fill and you'll have the Spacewalk, a jacket high on performance and low on mountain-geek vibe. The Schoeller-Dynamic shell is abrasion-resistant and stretchy (but not waterproof), and pit zips allow maximum ventilation during ascents. $289; cloudveil.com

2. Westcomb Chimera
When soggy conditions prevail in the Pacific Northwest, don the sleek Chimera and stay on the slopes—cozy in its waterproof, highly breathable eVent shell and cinchable, stowaway hood. Polarguard insulation and integrated thumb-loop storm cuffs complete the weather-beater package. $449; westcomb.com

3. Sierra Designs Chockstone
The Chockstone costs a fraction of what you'd typically pay for a waterproof, insulated jacket, and the lightweight construction is versatile, not cheap. It's warm enough for in-bounds riding yet breathable enough for snowshoeing, plus it packs into a chest pocket. Demerit: Hem doesn't cinch. $140; sierradesigns.com

Jens Mortensen