REI Co-op First Chair GTX Ski Jacket Review
Updated:
Nov 01, 2025The REI Co-op First Chair GTX ski jacket ($319) delivers above-average performance at a below-average price. Featuring a reliable 2-layer Gore-Tex construction, it keeps you dry in wet and stormy weather, although it feels less fortress-like compared to premium options and can be a bit drafty in strong winds. Additionally, the jacket’s hanging interior liner adds bulk, causing it to run warm for a non-insulated shell—backcountry skiers should look elsewhere. However, we appreciate the First Chair overall and recommend it for value-conscious resort skiers.
Weather Protection
Warmth
Comfort
Breathability
Durability
Sustainability
Best for
Resort
Waterproofing
2-layer Gore-Tex ePE
Insulation
Uninsulated
Fabric
Polyester
Pros
Cons
REI Co-op First Chair GTX
For this season's top models, see our guide to the Best Ski Jackets.
The REI First Chair GTX Jacket offers excellent wet-weather protection for the price. It features a well-respected 2-layer Gore-Tex build—with the latest ePE membrane—fully taped seams, and a medium-thickness shell that effectively blocks out the weather. I wore this jacket on a stormy day at Mt. Bachelor when temperatures were in the high 20s Fahrenheit, and I stayed dry the whole time. In particular, the zipper came up nice and high around my chin and kept my neck warm (this was extra important because I was not wearing a neck gaiter). The jacket effectively cut the moderate wind and snow, and the Gore-Tex fabric repelled moisture all day.
REI is relatively new to the ski jacket game, but the First Chair GTX checked all the important protective boxes: A DWR coating that keeps light moisture from absorbing into the outer fabric, a helmet-compatible hood that cinches at the back and sides, premium coated center zipper, two waist cinches, and large hook and loop straps that keep the cuffs secure and in place. The First Chair also includes a powder skirt with two sets of buttons to adjust the snugness—and you can button the powder skirt to the interior of the jacket, keeping it out of the way when not in use.
To be clear, this is not a premium ski jacket with top-of-the-line weather protection. In particular, the shell feels draftier and less fortress-like in strong winds and blowing snow. We found it reminiscent of a souped-up rain jacket rather than a full-on burly ski shell when the conditions really turned: It did the trick, but the jacket didn’t fully seal out the gusts. If you put a premium on protection, we recommend checking out jackets like the Patagonia Storm Shift and Trew’s 3-layer Cosmic line. But despite these complaints, we think most skiers will be perfectly happy with the First Chair. And they’ll also be pleased with the savings—the aforementioned Storm Shift costs nearly $200 more.
The First Chair is an uninsulated ski jacket, which means that it’s not designed for warmth on its own. But the 2-layer construction and additional fabric liner along the interior means it’s more insulated than many shells. Even still, I run cold, so I wore an insulated mid layer to keep me toasty on the day in the high 20s. As far as hardshells go, the First Chair’s warmer-than-average construction is a nice option for resort skiing and can help you stay comfortable on a gravity-oriented day. But it does make it less desirable for active uses like hiking to sidecountry terrain or touring (more on that below).
Comfort is where the First Chair’s budget ski jacket design shows a bit. There’s nothing particularly uncomfortable; rather, the jacket just feels more akin to a thicker rain jacket than a ski-specific hardshell. The thin polyester interior lining has a slippery, almost plastic-y feel without the soft touch of a jacket like the Patagonia Storm Shift and its fleece-like interior.
On the plus side, the shell fabric is more supple than most and offers great freedom of movement—I didn’t feel restricted while booting up, walking to the lift with my skis, and skiing. The collar has a patch of soft, fleece-like fabric right along the top, which provides a soft next-to-skin feel when you zip it all the way up. That same soft fabric also lines the inside of all of the exterior hand and chest pockets, offering a cozy experience for bare hands. Overall, the First Chair boasts plenty of comfort-boosting features but lacks the overall premium feel of a top-of-the-line ski jacket.
Despite its uninsulated design, the REI First Chair GTX is built for downhill use. Though it does include large 11-inch-long pit zips (which are hard to operate while wearing gloves), we found it too warm for hiking or touring. The 2-layer Gore-Tex build, which includes a separate polyester interior lining, adds extra bulk and thickness, limiting the jacket’s breathability. And unlike our Storm Shift and its zig-zag fleece interior that wicks moisture, the First Chair’s lining seems to seal in heat (and moisture).
All of these attributes can be positives when you’re lapping groomers, and we suspect most resort skiers won’t find anything to complain about. Still, it makes the First Chair less appealing for those who like to explore hike-to terrain or want a single shell for the backcountry and resort. Folks looking for that kind of crossover piece should consider jackets like the Flylow Malone Lucy (men's Malone), Black Diamond Recon Stretch, and Arc’teryx’s Sentinel (men’s Sabre).
The First Chair has a polyester shell that feels around average thickness for the resort space (REI doesn’t provide a denier number for the fabric). We expect ours to hold up over multiple seasons of heavy use, provided you avoid catching it on a sharp piece of gear or a branch when skiing through trees. It doesn’t feel as substantial as Patagonia’s Storm Shift super robust 150-denier shell.
The rest of the build is solid for the price. The large-tooth center zipper has a two-way zip and operates smoothly. One caveat: The zippers on the hand pockets and pit zips can be a little finicky and catch if you don’t have the right angle, but that was something we quickly learned to master.
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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
The First Chair boasts nine pockets in total—way above average for a ski jacket. The exterior alone has seven: two zippered chest pockets, two zippered hand pockets, two Velcro cargo-style pockets on the lower front, and a ski pass pocket on the left wrist. The interior has a zippered chest pocket on the left side and one drop-in mesh pocket that can fit ski gloves or ski goggles.
I appreciated the pocket design on this jacket, especially the velcro pockets on top of the zippered hand pockets. Though they stick out a bit from the jacket when holding items like a wallet, it means they’re super roomy. The inside of all the exterior pockets has a soft fleece-like lining, making it cozy for bare hands and also helped dry off the melted snowflakes on my phone from when I took it out. The left-side hand pocket also has a small clip to secure your keys (a handy feature!)
Finally, there’s a D-ring on the outside of the shell below the right-hand pocket. This can be used for a ski pass or temporarily for gloves, although its value is far lower than in the past as most ski resorts have moved to RFID cards.
Hood
The First Chair features a helmet-compatible hood that fits perfectly over my size-medium Anon Raider 3 ski helmet. The hood includes adjustments at both the back and the front to tailor the fit around your head: The rear adjustment cinches around the sides of your head, while the two front adjustments close the hood around your cheeks and forehead. This combination effectively keeps the hood in place even while skiing in windy conditions. Lastly, the hood has a small, semi-rigid brim that extends coverage over the front of your helmet (which is also nice if you wear the hood over just a beanie to keep moisture off your face).
Tester: 5’4” 145 lb.; 36" chest; 30” waist
Size tested: Women’s medium
I’m usually a women’s small/medium, and I went with the size medium in the First Chair, which fit me well. This jacket has a regular fit and can accommodate a base layer, a thicker midweight layer, and a Patagonia Nano Puff underneath. Without all those extra layers—for instance, in the spring or in warmer weather—the jacket would have felt a little roomy. It’s worth noting the women’s First Chair is offered in sizes ranging from XS to 3X. And the men’s First Chair is available in sizes S to XXXL and regular and “tall” variations, which extend the back length roughly 2 inches.
Coverage-wise, the First Chair has a slight drop hem, with a back length measuring 30 inches for the size medium—roughly average for ski jackets—and while it won’t give you full bum coverage when sitting on a lift, it’s good enough for protecting against the cold/wet.
REI Co-op Powderbound ($229): REI’s True Budget Offering
REI is known for value, and the First Chair and Powderbound show the two ends of this spectrum. While the First Chair is a solid mid-range offering, the Powderbound is the company’s true budget jacket, featuring a proprietary membrane, synthetic insulation, and a pared-down feature set. It’s not as protective in wet conditions and doesn’t have the same swag that the First Chair offers, but new or casual resort skiers will appreciate the built-in insulation and bargain-basement price tag. For a deeper dive, see our review of the REI Powderbound Jacket.
Trew Gear Astoria ($349): More Durable, More Style
For $20 more than the First Chair GTX, Trew Gear offers another nice mid-range ski shell in the Astoria (men's Jefferson). To start with the positives, this jacket is exceptionally durable, made from 200D X 320D nylon. (REI does not list the thickness of the First Chair, but we can confirm that it’s quite a bit thinner.) Add in the tall collar and long cut, and it’s slightly more protective from the elements than the REI, despite using in-house PNW waterproofing versus Gore-Tex. Given the similarity in price, the choice between the two may come down to style. The Trew Gear is unapologetically freeride (Trew Gear outfits snowboarders and skiers and targets both), whereas the First Chair has more classic REI vibes. For more, read our Astoria jacket review.
Patagonia Storm Shift ($499): Patagonia’s Leading Resort Shell
Both the REI First Chair and Patagonia Storm Shift are resort-oriented ski jackets that use PFAS-free Gore-Tex membranes, but the Storm Shift is by far the more premium offering. It tacks on a soft fleece liner, which offers a ton of comfort and a bit of warmth and is excellent at wicking moisture away from the skin. The Storm Shift also features coated zippers and a noticeably thicker shell, giving it a truly fortress-like feel in stormy weather. In the end, the Patagonia wins out in the metrics that matter, including weather protection, comfort, and durability (although the First Chair impressively is more sustainable). Whether that $180 price difference is worth it is up to you. For more, read our review of the Patagonia Storm Shift.
The First Chair provides Gore-Tex protection at an affordable price point, making it a smart pick for value-oriented resort skiers who get out on storm days or in warmer (read: wet) conditions. The First Chair is also surprisingly stylish and is fully PFAS-free, a substantial sustainability bonus.
Weather Protection
Warmth
Comfort
Breathability
Durability
Sustainability
For bargain-shoppers, the Powderbound is a match made in heaven. It’s certainly not flashy, but it’s a warm, comfortable, and overall functional ski jacket that costs just $229.
Weather Protection
Warmth
Comfort
Breathability
Durability
Sustainability
The Trew Gear Jefferson is a well-priced resort shell that stands out for its rugged durability and stylish, freeride vibes. It delivers reliable protection for cold resort laps, but can’t quite match the low weight, breathability, and mobility of pricier 3-layer shells.
Weather Protection
Warmth
Comfort
Breathability
Durability
Sustainability
Is the REI First Chair GTX for You?
The REI Co-op First Chair is hard to beat for the price: Its Gore-Tex fabric, fully taped seams, generous storage, and flexible build will keep you dry and comfortable while riding lifts all day in wet conditions. Its downsides are its relatively heavy, bulky build and lack of breathability, which means you’ll overheat quickly and feel bogged down when working up a sweat. But we suspect most resort skiers will be happy to overlook those nitpicks and instead appreciate this ski jacket's combination of style and features at a low price.
pray for snow
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