Outdoor Research Skytour Ski Jacket Review
Weather Protection
Warmth
Comfort
Breathability
Durability
Sustainability
Best for
Backcountry
Waterproofing
3-layer AscentShell Air
Insulation
Uninsulated
Fabric
40D x 65D stretch nylon
Pros
Cons
Outdoor Research Skytour
For a breakdown of this season's top models, see our guide to the Best Ski Jackets.
The Outdoor Research Skytour provides solid protection from the elements—within its limits. It features a fully waterproof build with OR’s in-house AscentShell membrane, fully taped seams, and a DWR coating. During a day tour on Teton Pass with temperatures in the upper teens to mid-twenties and light to heavy snowfall, the Skytour performed admirably. The shell shed snow with ease, stayed dry throughout, and provided a comfortable barrier against the elements.
However, the jacket starts to struggle in wetter conditions. Unlike more rigid Gore-Tex shells, the softshell-like AscentShell fabric is more prone to soaking up moisture in heavy, wet snow. Over time, we noticed the outer fabric absorbing water and eventually feeling damp against our midlayer. Wind resistance is another weak point—while it held up fine on the relatively calm day in the Tetons, the air-permeable Skytour felt noticeably drafty on a midwinter chairlift with gusty winds and blowing snow. The thin fabric simply doesn’t provide the same impenetrable barrier as a sturdier ski jacket like the Arc’teryx Sabre.
That said, the design does include some nice protective touches. The longer cut provides good coverage, and the tall collar fully covers the top lip with enough room to tuck your face in when the wind picks up. However, the lack of a powder skirt does make it harder to seal out the cold (though the hem can be cinched with a drawcord on the right hip).
For most mid-winter to spring day touring, the Skytour is more than capable—especially in drier climates like the Rockies. It’s also sufficient for many resort days, but this isn't the best choice if you need bulletproof weather protection. Dedicated backcountry skiers in wetter regions will be better served by a Gore-Tex-equipped shell like the Arc’teryx Rush or Norrona Lofoten Gore-Tex Pro. And for those who split their time between the resort and backcountry, a crossover option like the Arc’teryx Sabre or Trew Gear Cosmic Primo will provide better all-around protection.
With its air-permeable construction and thin shell fabric, the Skytour offers minimal warmth. The tradeoff for its excellent breathability is that it doesn’t trap heat effectively, making it one of the least insulating ski shells we’ve tested. When transitioning in frigid temperatures or sitting on a chairlift, we’ve found ourselves needing more layers compared to a similarly thick but more windproof option like the Arc’teryx Sabre. That said, this isn’t a downside if you’re using the jacket for its intended purpose. Backcountry skiers and those who hike frequently at the resort will appreciate the Skytour’s ability to dump heat efficiently. But for low-output resort days, it requires extra insulation to stay comfortable in the cold.
The Skytour’s combination of a highly stretchy fabric (with 7% spandex) and a softshell-like interior makes it one of the most comfortable ski jackets we’ve tested. The added stretch is particularly noticeable at the elbows and lower torso, allowing for unrestricted movement when adjusting buckles, digging through a pack, or making kick turns on the skin track.
The interior lining is another highlight. Unlike the crinkly feel of some hardshells, the Skytour’s thin polyester backing is soft against the skin, wicks moisture effectively, and never feels clammy—even when working up a sweat. It also slides smoothly over midlayers, making it easy to add or remove insulation without fabric bunching. Finally, the jacket’s low weight adds to its barely-there feel. At just 1 pound 4.5 ounces, the Skytour Jacket is light and unrestrictive, making it a shell you can throw on and forget about—a high compliment for any piece of outerwear.
Breathability is another standout trait of the Skytour, putting it ahead of many backcountry shells that use less air-permeable fabrics. Outdoor Research’s AscentShell membrane has consistently impressed us with its ability to regulate heat, and the Skytour is no exception. We typically avoid wearing a shell on the uphill to prevent overheating, but on a tour in Teton Pass, we were able to keep the Skytour on without issue—even as heavy snow fell at times. The fabric allows a noticeable amount of air to move in and out, which is impressive for a waterproof jacket. Ventilation is further boosted by extra-large pit zips that extend nearly 17 inches—far longer than the 11- to 13-inch openings found on most ski shells. The massive zips run nearly to mid-torso and create a ton of airflow when fully open, making a real difference on high-output climbs.
We often reach for a non-waterproof softshell or wind jacket to prevent overheating while touring, but the Skytour is breathable enough to make us rethink that approach. If conditions are iffy enough that waterproofing is a priority, this jacket makes a lot of sense.
The tradeoff for the Skytour’s thin and stretchy build is that durability takes a hit compared to tougher hardshell alternatives. The fabric is undeniably light, with a 40- x 65-denier stretch nylon construction—far thinner than most resort-focused shells, which typically start at 75 denier and go up from there (for reference, Patagonia’s Storm Shift is a burly 150D). That extra thickness is reassuring when brushing against branches or handling sharp gear, whereas the Skytour requires more care to avoid snags and abrasion. It’s not fragile, but we’re certainly more mindful when moving through tight trees.
On the plus side, the jacket’s components are well-executed. The large-toothed, two-way center zipper has been a real highlight, functioning smoothly and reliably. There are also premium touches like coated zippers on the hand pockets. However, some minor cost-cutting is evident, particularly with the flaps covering the chest pockets and the pit zip closures, which feel less refined. That said, considering the Skytour is nearly half the price of top-tier Gore-Tex Pro alternatives like the Norrona Lofoten, it still delivers solid value for the money.
For those who are especially hard on their gear—whether from frequent resort laps or bushwhacking in the backcountry—the Skytour may not be the best long-term investment. In those cases, a burlier option like the Patagonia Storm Shift (for resort) or Arc’teryx Sabre (for crossover use) is the better call. But for backcountry-focused skiers willing to trade some durability for stretch, comfort, and breathability, the Skytour remains a compelling choice.
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Longevity
Choosing durable outdoor gear and keeping it in use for longer is one of the best ways to reduce environmental impact. Our proprietary longevity rating assesses factors like overall build quality, materials, fabric denier, component durability, and real-world performance. A green check indicates that we expect the product to be long-lasting relative to its peers, a yellow check mark indicates average longevity, and a red X indicates a product that may have a limited lifespan.
PFAS-Free DWR
Durable water-repellent (DWR) finishes can contain PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). These highly persistent “forever chemicals” are used in outdoor gear for their strong resistance to water, oil, and heat, but are linked to environmental contamination and a range of health concerns. A green check mark indicates the product uses a PFAS-free DWR, while a red X means the DWR contains PFAS.
PFAS-Free Waterproof Membrane
The membranes used in waterproof products such as rain jackets, ski jackets, and shoes can contain PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). These highly persistent “forever chemicals” are valued for their resistance to water, oil, and heat, but are linked to environmental contamination and a range of health concerns. A green check mark indicates the product’s waterproof membrane is PFAS-free, while a red X means it contains PFAS.
Recycled Materials
Recycled materials are prevalent in outdoor gear, with nylon, polyester, wool, and down among the most common, but the composition varies widely. A green check mark indicates the product is made with a substantial amount of recycled materials (100% recycled or the core fabric that makes up most of the product is recycled), a yellow check means it contains a moderate to small amount of recycled materials, while a red X means there are no recycled materials in the product.
Bluesign Approved
Bluesign Technologies, based in Switzerland, operates a third-party textile management system that ensures materials are manufactured to strict environmental, chemical, and worker safety standards. A green check mark indicates a product is either a Bluesign Product (contains at least 90% Bluesign-approved fabrics and 20-30% Bluesign-approved accessories) or features a significant amount of Bluesign-approved materials. A yellow check mark means it uses some Bluesign-approved materials but less than the aforementioned category, and a red X means there are no Bluesign-approved materials in the product.
Responsible Manufacturing
This criterion evaluates a brand’s commitment to fair wages, safe working conditions, and reducing environmental impact through certifications and programs like Fair Trade Certified, Fair Wear Foundation, Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production (WRAP), and the Fair Labor Association, while also recognizing brands that manufacture primarily in the U.S. or Europe under strict labor and environmental regulations. A green check mark indicates a brand meets our responsible manufacturing criteria, while a red X means it does not.
Recycled and/or Reduced Packaging
Packaging can add significant waste to outdoor gear purchases, so many brands work to reduce its impact by using recycled materials, incorporating Forest Stewardship Council-certified paper products, and minimizing plastic and paper use. A green check mark indicates a brand uses recycled or reduced materials across all of its packaging, a yellow check indicates moderate or limited use of recycled or reduced packaging, and a red X indicates the brand does not make either of these efforts.
Repair Services
Repair services extend the lifespan of outdoor gear and reduce overall consumption, though programs vary widely. Some brands offer comprehensive repairs for a range of issues, while others provide limited or no repair support. A green check mark indicates a robust repair program, a yellow check mark indicates limited repair services, and a red X indicates the brand does not offer repair services.
Resale and/or Recycling Services
Resale and recycling programs help keep outdoor gear in circulation longer and out of landfills, ranging from trade-in resale platforms that offer store credit to take-back initiatives that recycle products at the end of their usable life. A green check mark indicates a brand offers both resale and recycling programs, a yellow check mark indicates it offers one or the two, and a red X indicates it offers neither.
Carbon Footprint Tracking
This criterion evaluates whether a brand measures, reports, and works to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions using established frameworks such as the Higg Index, Greenhouse Gas Protocol, or The Change Climate Project. A green check mark indicates a brand publicly reports greenhouse gas emissions data, sets clearly defined reduction targets, and uses established tracking frameworks such as Higg or The Change Climate Project. A yellow check mark indicates the brand tracks emissions and outlines reduction goals but provides limited data, lacks science-based verification, or does not clearly report progress. A red X indicates the brand does not appear to track greenhouse gas emissions or provides so little information that its efforts cannot be verified.
Annual Impact Report
Annual impact reports provide transparency and accountability by outlining a brand’s sustainability efforts across areas such as material sourcing, greenhouse gas emissions, waste, water use, supply chains, and packaging. A green check mark indicates a brand publishes a detailed, brand-specific impact report that closely aligns with our sustainability criteria and leaves little room for ambiguity. A yellow check indicates a brand provides some relevant sustainability reporting but lacks detail in key areas or is covered only briefly within a parent company report. A red X indicates a brand does not regularly publish an impact report.
Pockets
For a streamlined backcountry ski jacket, the Skytour offers a generous amount of storage. The exterior layout includes two large hand pockets, two external chest pockets, and a pass pocket on the left wrist. Given the jacket’s touring focus, Outdoor Research could have pared down the design—perhaps cutting one of the chest pockets or even skipping the hand pockets—but in practice, the extra storage didn’t feel excessive, even if we didn’t fully utilize it.
Inside, there’s a zippered chest pocket on the left that’s large enough to fit a full-sized phone (iPhone 11) and a mesh dump pocket on the right hip, which is perfect for storing gloves or a hot water bottle on frigid days. Some touring shells offer dual mesh pockets for stashing skins—a helpful feature for keeping glue fresh between laps—but the Skytour makes do with just one. While it’s a bit tight, you can still squeeze in a set of low-profile skins if needed.
Hood
The Skytour’s hood is generously sized and easily fits over a ski helmet (tested with a medium POC Obex MIPS) while maintaining excellent mobility. It features two adjustment points—one at the back of the hood and another inside the collar—allowing for a snug fit even when worn without a helmet. This adjustability proved useful in windy conditions, keeping the hood secure without excessive flapping.
The hood also has a stiff brim, intended to help shield the front of a helmet from wet conditions. However, in practice, it didn’t add much protection and had a tendency to flip back while skiing. A slightly softer or better-shaped brim could have made it more functional, but overall, the hood’s fit, stretch, and adjustability make it a solid addition to the jacket.
Tester: 5’5” 140 lb.; 36" chest; 29" waist
Size tested: Women’s medium
The Outdoor Research Skytour runs roomier than many backcountry-oriented shells, which often have a slimmer cut. As someone who typically wears a women’s medium, I found the medium in this jacket to have a generous but comfortable fit. Outdoor Research lists it as a “standard” fit, which feels accurate—it provides ample space for layering without feeling overly bulky. I appreciated the extra room, as it allowed me to wear a puffy underneath without any restriction in the shoulders or chest. Length-wise, the hem drops well below the hips, offering excellent coverage. For sizing options, Outdoor Research offers the women’s Skytour in XS to XL and the men’s version in S to XXL.
Flylow Lucy ($420): A Durable Resort Alternative
If you like the idea of the Skytour’s stretchy material, another jacket to consider is the Flylow Lucy (the Malone is the men's version). Like the Skytour, the Lucy also uses a 3-layer construction with an in-house membrane to keep prices low. However, the Lucy features much heavier materials (100D vs. the Skytour’s 40D x 65D), which makes us more hesitant to recommend it for backcountry use. On the other hand, the stretchy, breathable, and durable design is great for active in-bounds skiers (and the removable powder skirt is a nice touch), and Flylow’s relaxed design style fits the part, too. To read more, see our Lucy Jacket review.
Patagonia Stormstride ($499): A Durable Resort Alternative
Patagonia’s Stormstride is a close competitor to the Skytour, designed for backcountry skiers seeking a balance of breathability and moderate weather protection. In comparing the two, the Skytour has a slight edge in comfort and mobility and is also significantly cheaper, undercutting the Stormstride by $70. Additionally, the Skytour includes hand pockets and a pass pocket on the sleeve (two items missing on the Stormstride), but its more feature-rich build adds weight. A final key difference is protection in wet conditions, where the Stormstride clearly comes out ahead—the Skytour is more prone to soaking up wet snow and sleet. For more, read our full review of the Patagonia Stormstride.
Norrøna Lofoten GTX Pro ($799): A Serious Backcountry Shell
For backcountry skiers who want a lightweight shell that doesn’t compromise protection, you can have your cake and eat it too with the Norrøna Lofoten GTX Pro. Even though the Lofoten does not incorporate any mechanical stretch, its thin fabric is impressively supple and mobile, and breathability is top-notch thanks to the Gore-Tex Pro membrane and massive vents on the chest and under the arms. On top of that, the Lofoten is significantly more wind and waterproof than the Skytour. You’ll pay a premium, but for backcountry skiers who want the best possible performance, the Lofoten is our top choice. For a deeper dive, see our Lofoten Gore-Tex Pro review.
A jacket that’s built for backcountry skiing, the Skytour is super-breathable, offers great freedom of movement, and is lightweight and packable with no extraneous features. However, the thin, stretchy face fabric will get overwhelmed in particularly wet and/or windy conditions.
Weather Protection
Warmth
Comfort
Breathability
Durability
Sustainability
In contrast to the rigid, crinkly feel of many hardshell ski jackets, the Flylow Lucy (and men's Malone) features a supple and stretchy shell, which is both comfortable and ideal for freedom of movement. However, Flylow’s in-house Tactic membrane is not as waterproof as Gore-Tex.
Weather Protection
Warmth
Comfort
Breathability
Durability
Sustainability
The Stormstride shell is fully backcountry-ready with a stretchy, light, and breathable construction. Its thin build exceeds expectations in wet conditions, but it's too drafty and delicate to rely on for heavy resort use.
Weather Protection
Warmth
Comfort
Breathability
Durability
Sustainability
Is the Skytour for You?
The Outdoor Research Skytour is an excellent choice for backcountry skiers who prioritize breathability, mobility, and comfort over outright weather protection. Its air-permeable AscentShell construction makes it one of the most breathable ski jackets we’ve tested, and the stretch-infused fabric provides fantastic freedom of movement for touring. That said, its thin, softshell-like build comes with tradeoffs—it’s not as windproof as a Gore-Tex alternative, struggles in heavy, wet snow, and isn’t the most durable option. But if your priority is breathability and you ski in drier climates, the Skytour is a fantastic lightweight touring shell that won’t hold you back on the skin track.
pray for snow
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