If you are shopping for one insulated jacket to carry you through winter, you usually end up stuck between two worlds.
You want something warm enough for chairlift laps and cold Midwest wind. But you also want waterproofing that does not fold the second the forecast turns into freezing rain and slush.
In the video, Zach breaks down four insulated shell jackets that all solve that problem in slightly different ways. If you are deciding what to wear for resort days, Midwest storm cycles, or just staying warm from hill to house, this is the lineup.
Featured jackets:
And yes, this whole comparison is coming from a dirt bag kid from Toledo, Ohio who still cannot believe he gets to talk gear for a living.
What counts as an insulated shell jacket?
All four jackets here aim for the same end goal: warmth plus weather protection in one piece.
Where they differ is:
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Waterproofing level (GORE TEX vs brand membranes)
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Insulation feel (synthetic warmth vs down warmth)
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Fit and style (snowboard roomy vs more trim and technical)
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Resort features (pockets, powder skirt, media pass, helmet hood)
If you ride mostly resort, you will probably prioritize pockets and comfort. If you earn your turns or do higher output missions, you will care more about breathability, cut, and weight.
Burton Reserve GORE TEX 2L Insulated Jacket: storm proof value with a classic snowboard fit
Zach’s take: full GORE TEX, storm ready, warm, and priced well for what you get.
This is the jacket for the rider who wants that traditional snowboard cut without giving up technical protection.
Why you will like it
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Full GORE TEX for legit waterproof performance
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Synthetic insulation that stays reliable in wet conditions
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Roomier snowboard fit for comfort and layering
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Pit zips for dumping heat on park laps
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Helmet friendly hood
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Tons of storage for a full resort day
Who it is for
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Snowboarders who want the classic roomy look and feel
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Midwest storm days and long resort days
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Anyone who wants durable warmth and dryness without paying top tier Arc'teryx money
Shop it here: Burton Reserve GORE TEX 2L Insulated Jacket
The North Face Freedom Insulated Jacket: the price focused warmth machine
Zach’s take: this one is all about warmth and value. Resort leaning, feature rich, and a strong pick if price is driving the decision.
This is the jacket you grab when the forecast says cold and you know you will be doing lift served laps, not skinning for a line.
Why you will like it
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DryVent waterproof membrane for variable conditions
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Heavier Heatseeker insulation for maximum warmth
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Media pass and resort friendly pocket layout
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Lots of storage
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Solid hood
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Comes in at a very approachable price for an insulated resort jacket
Who it is for
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Resort skiers and snowboarders who want to be very warm
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People who want a solid jacket while staying price conscious
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Anyone who is not planning high output backcountry days
Shop it here: The North Face Freedom Insulated Jacket
Patagonia Insulated Powder Town Jacket: the eco story that still crushes Midwest winter
Zach’s take: this is the recycled, fair trade, feel good option that still holds up in wet cold Midwest conditions.
Patagonia does not hide what they are about. This jacket leans into that same story with recycled materials and responsible manufacturing, while keeping the feature set practical for everyday winter use.
Why you will like it
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Recycled fabrics and recycled insulation
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Made in a Fair Trade Certified sewing factory
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H2No waterproofing, not GORE TEX level, but plenty for Midwest conditions
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Regular fit that works for the widest range of people
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A true daily driver vibe: trail to town, hill to house, bar to wherever you ended up
Who it is for
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Anyone who wants a jacket that just handles winter without being overly precious about it
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Midwest skiers and snowboarders who want warmth and waterproofing, plus the Patagonia ethos
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People who want a versatile coat that looks normal off the hill too
Shop it here: Patagonia Insulated Powder Town Jacket
Arc'teryx Beta Insulated Jacket: the most technical, most versatile, last insulated shell you buy
Zach’s take: the Beta Insulated is basically the Beta jacket on steroids. GORE TEX outside, warmth inside, and built for the person who actually goes hard.
This is not a snow specific jacket. No snow skirt. It is an all around winter weapon that can do resort days, cold weather missions, and still look clean around town.
Why you will like it
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GORE TEX shell with Arc'teryx level build quality
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Pit zips and lightweight feel
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750 fill down interior for serious warmth
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Great for someone who splits time between resort, town, and occasional backcountry pushes
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The vibe is simple: buy one piece that covers everything
Fit note from Zach
Arc'teryx tends to run trim. Consider sizing up, or better yet, try it on in person so you nail the fit the first time.
Shop it here: Arc'teryx Beta Insulated
Quick picks: which one should you actually buy?
If you want the simplest way to decide, Zach basically laid it out like this:
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Want the snowboard look and max storm readiness? Go Burton Reserve
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If price is your only consideration: go North Face Freedom
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Want the eco friendly story and a daily driver jacket: go Patagonia Powder Town
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Want performance, performance, performance and one jacket for everything: go Arc'teryx Beta Insulated
And his small fit and feel critique:
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North Face and Patagonia can feel a bit bulkier.
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Burton and Arc'teryx tend to feel better cut and more performance oriented.
Watch the full video
Here is the full comparison on YouTube:
Zach also drops a reminder that if you want to support Ridge and River, subscribe, comment, and share the video with your gearhead friends.
Come try them on in Toledo, Ohio
If you are between sizes or stuck choosing between “warm and bulky” vs “technical and trim,” trying these on in person saves a ton of headache.
📍 Visit us in store: Ridge and River Toledo Location
📍 Or stop by our Levis Commons store: Ridge and River Levis Commons Location
And if you want more gear reviews:
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Follow on Instagram: @ridgeandrivergear
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Subscribe on YouTube: Ridge and River YouTube Channel
