I am about to buy a new jacket or shell for skiing and boarding and am finding there is a ton of different ''features'' in the jackets, half of which l know nothing about. What are things that are pretty crucial (l do both boarding and skiing) and some nice to have things (e.g., l know l want some kind of cord organizing loops for an mp3 player).

A waterproof inner pocket will be good for the MP3 player. Most higher end jackets should have something like this by now. My HHansen jacket has one with a little mark saying its specifically for phones/gadgets.

Having a waistband that is elastic & snaps up is the best way to keep snow out of ur jacket. l am not talking about the 80s style jackets that came tight at the bottom, l am just talking about an inner band that keeps snow from flying up into ur jacket. When u look at a jacket u will see what l am talking about.

Another thing to keep u dry is the little sock things on the sleves of the jacket. There is usually room for ur thumb & fingers to go through (like a glove) & they keep snow from going up ur arms in case u loose a glove or have some seperation.

Enjoy the hills!

wrist and waist gaters. l think they are the best inventions since sliced ham. l just bought a new coat and l made sure it had the wrist gaters so that l wo not get snow down my gloves.

Also check the waterproof/breatability rating. l do not quite understand the rating myself, but l do know that the higher the number the better!