What I like about this jacket is the substantial warmth it provides, I was not cold at all on the chairlifts and the hood came over my head and cleared my ski helmet with plenty of room to spare. It’s removable but I’m keeping it on as sometimes I out the hood up if I’m standing around.

Zips

The zippers are waterproof and critical seam sealed, which felt great against the elements and the rating is 20L / 20,000 mm  (water repellent), which means 20litres of water can sit on the fabric before there’s any leaks, it’s a good rating and means it’s built for heavy snow and wet conditions .

Sleeves

I like the sleeve lengths, they came just over my wrists and were not too short and they went over all my gloves, i have several that are bulky in the sleeve area and that was no problem.

Pocket

Pocket placement is good, I like the lift pass pocket and the two pockets at the hips, i was constantly opening and closing all my zips to get my phone out for videoing and blowing my nose that streams constantly in freezing weather so I was constantly getting tissues out.

Body region

The jacket has a removable powder skirt, but with temps that low I like to button up the powder belt so I don’t get wind whistling, for extra warmth (not that I tested if the wind was whistling as the powder belt firmly done up). The back of the jacket has a slightly longer section at the tail, which is a thoughtful and clever touch for sitting on snow or sitting on ice-encrusted chairlifts and not getting a cold butt. My back was super warm and I noticed that inside the jacket is a ‘quilted look’, for extra warmth but the exterior has a sleeker appearance and the breathability mesh sections in the underarms is great too. 

Any negatives?

Not really, it was good sizing and a great colour, I like the contrast it made with my black backpack. Nothing negative about the jacket I could find, maybe it would be great with matching green pants. I’m into the matchy-matchy this season.The colour is slightly subdued, which is lucky as I think if it was a louder colour it would be too bright. It struck the perfect note. It comes in black as well if you prefer black to colours.

The jacket is a pilot for 2027 and comes from Rip Curl’s new Search Series collection, which has Rip Curl’s most technical and innovative products spanning jackets, performance swimwear, boardshorts, wetsuits, and travel accessories. Ask about it in Rip Curl stores. 

The jacket reviewed was a pilot version of the S-Series Relax Jacket 20K/20K from Rip Curl’s new Search Series collection, encompassing Rip Curl’s most technical and innovative products. This jacket will be available from October 2026 in the Northern Hemisphere and March 2027 in the Southern Hemisphere. It shares many core features with the Rip Curl Anti Series Relax Jacket 20K/20K, which will be available online at ripcurl.com.au and in stores from March 2026 in the Southern Hemisphere.

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“A great all-round jacket that I would recommend to anyone”

Jake Wilson took this XTM jacket for a spin on Mount Perisher on a freezing cold but bluebird minus 2 degree morning during the last days of June 2025. Mount Perisher mornings are known for being especially chilly and prone to a lot of wind. “The jacket is great and fits well and looks really good. It’s a proper full ski jacket and not a shell so even though it was freezing cold I was really warm inside the jacket. I had the XTM Marengo 1/4 Zip Neck Men’s Seawool Fleece underneath with a t-shirt and I felt really snug”.

“The positioning of the zippers was good for storing personal stuff. The inside pocket was good for storing my car keys as I didn’t have my backpack with me. The arm pocket was perfect for my Epic pass. The length of the jacket went down over my pants so if I’m skiing in powder I know won’t get any snow in and keeps my kidney area warm on a chairlift”. 

Jake tested the Size M Lava Waterproof rating 15,000mm.

This jacket is made from REFLEX DURO, 100% recyclable materials and has a stretch for increased range of movement. The 15,000 breathability rating helps remove moisture from the body. No PFCs are used for waterproofing as these are found to be a huge health hazard. XTM is a certified carbon neutral company. 

This XTM jacket also features taped seams, a YKK main sipper , which is stronger and tougher , a powder skirt, sleeve pocket, pit vents, internal pocket and comes with a 10 year warranty. For more info and purchase info click here. 

“Good fit, non-itchy, kept me warm, great colour”.

xtm.com.au       instagram @xtm_performance     facebook XTMPerformance

The post XTM Jacket Review: Warm, Weatherproof and Built to Perform appeared first on Chillfactor.

Best Ski Gear from 2024

• Anon Sync Goggle
• Anon Windham WaveCel Helmet
• Dahu 01 Ski Boot
• Dynastar M Pro 100
• Giro Tenet MIPS Helmet
• MT610G Personal Locator Beacon
• Lange Shadow All Mountain Ski Boot
• Mammut Haldigrat Hooded Jacket
• The North Face Summit Stimson FUTURELIGHT Jacket
• Milo Action Communicator
• XTM Palladium 3.0 Mens Shell Snow Jacket

Why are these picks the best ski gear for 2024?

Our Chillfactor team spends a lot of time in the snow and are fortunate enough to test some of the coolest gear from all different brands. These are our top 11 picks for best ski gear in 2024.

READ: Moments from a winter

Anon Sync Goggles ($299.99)

The terrain-defining clarity of Perceive optics and the simplicity of M-Fusion for fast, easy lens changes. The Anon Sync Goggles offer the terrain defining-clarity of Perceive optics and the convenience of our M-Fusion magnetic latch system to secure and guide lenses into place. Full-perimeter venting ensures maximum airflow for a clear, fog-free view in all conditions. They are over-the-glasses compatible for wearing with eyeglasses and include a bonus lens for cloudy conditions plus a microfiber bag for storage and lens cleaning.

Read more here

Anon Windham WaveCel Helmet ($329.99)

Leading safety features, a durable hardshell design, and one-hand fit adjustability for distraction-free comfort.Anon’s Windham WaveCel Helmet pairs everyday hardshell durability with the advanced impact protection of WaveCel technology. WaveCel is a collapsible cellular structure that lines the inside of the helmet. It’s designed to flex, crumple, and glide to reduce rotational and direct impact forces. A 360° BOA® Fit System offers a quick, micro-adjustable fit with the turn of a dial, and the Fidlock® magnetic helmet strap buckle allows for easy one-hand operation, even with gloves.

Read more here

Dahu 01 Ski Boot ($1,399)

Redefining the relationship between on-hill performance and comfort, the Dahu ski boot integrates a winter boot that is both protective & comfortable with a high performance 3-Piece shell.  Awarded the Silver Medal by America’s Best Bootfitters, the Dahu 01 is not only the most comfortable boot you will ever try, it is also the easiest to enter & exit with their Corsair Entry. 100% Grilamid materials ensure there is no compromise on performance.

Read more here

Dynastar M Pro 100 ($1,399)

Produced in France, the skis in the M-Pro range are traditional freeride skis incorporating a new structure that reinforces the front and rear rocker for even greater fun and easier pivoting without losing any power underfoot or compromising the renowned stability of the M-Pro range.   The new M-Pro 100 Ti and M-Pro 94 models have been designed for intermediate to expert skiers and feature the eco-designed Hybrid Core 2.0 technology. The Hybrid Core 2.0 technology is found in a new wood layer design (placing them in three directions instead of just one: longitudinally, vertically, and transversally), to replace the mechanical properties provided by composite materials such as glued fiberglass, reducing the proportion of this material in the ski while improving Dynastar’s unique skiability.

Giro Tenet MIPS Helmet ($359.95)

Designed for all-mountain pursuits, the new Tenet features our hybrid construction to deliver the lightness of the in-molded lower and the durability of the hard-shell upper. The result is comfort and mobility for multiple long seasons on the hill. Featuring advanced protective technology, the Tenet is powered by Mips®, which can reduce rotational energy during certain impacts through our unique two-part construction. For adapting to changes in the weather, we integrate our adjustable Thermostat Control to give you the power to regulate your temp. Armed with In Form 2 Fit System and our breathable Ionic+® Fleece, the Tenet lets you dial in your fit and comfort quickly.

GME MT610G Personal Locator Beacon ($410)

The MT610G is a super-compact, lightweight PLB, offering an impressive 7-year battery life and a 6-year warranty. Featuring an integrated 72 channel GPS receiver, zero warm-up time, high-intensity LEDs, IP68 Ingress Protection, and an inherently buoyant design, the MT610G has not compromised the safety features included.

The MT610G has been designed, engineered, and manufactured in Australia, to provide the outdoor adventurer with a GPS PLB solution that is compact, easy-to-use, and affordable.

Lange Shadow All Mountain Ski Boot ($1149)

More power and more control with less energy. The Lange Shadow ski boots bring a new level of power transfer, vibration absorption and comfort to all-mountain skiing. Our Assisted Performance System amplifies your input to the boot through the mechanical advantage of our Dual Pivot and Suspension Blade technology. The boot’s clean, consistent flex is combined with increased shock absorption through the shell for enhanced snow feel and contact. Together with a 120 or 130-rated flex, this boot gives expert skiers every advantage for skiing any terrain on the mountain. At 97mm wide, our low-volume last complements the thermoformable liner for a comfortable performance fit.

Mammut Haldigrat Hooded Jacket ($999.95)

Whether you’re in resort or exploring the backcountry, when you’re on the hunt for the perfect line, this hardshell’s got your back. The Haldigrat is light enough for the ascent and burly enough for the descent. Thanks to a soft, sustainable outer fabric made from durable post-consumer recycled nylon and a Drytech Pro Technology waterproof membrane. A free-ride inspired long cut offer laid back style loaded with features (and pockets).

The North Face Summit Stimson FUTURELIGHT Jacket ($1,100)

The Summit Series Stimson FUTURELIGHT Jacket is a Breathable-waterproof, seam-sealed 3L shell versatile piece ideal for backcountry tours and extended stays on the mountain. Its lightweight back panel and built-in venting allow for comfortable wear while carrying a heavy pack. Features include stretch powder skirt, and secure-zip pockets, attached, helmet-compatible hood with a bonded brim and riveted cord-lock adjustment system; Two-way, #5 YKK® VISLON® AquaGuard® center front zip with an internal draft flap and laser-cut perforations at chin.

Milo Action Communicator ($399)

It enables hands-free, multi-way, group voice conversation, allowing adventurers to speak while on the trails, slopes or water. No phones or Wi-Fi needed. The patented MiloNet network allows everyone in the group to talk at the same time. Attach Milo securely to your clothing or handlebar using one of the purpose-designed clips leaving your hands free.

Milos create their own mesh network, so you don’t need Wi-Fi or a phone signal. The range between two Milos is 600 m (2000 feet) depending on the terrain. The MiloNet mesh network can extend that range when your group of 3 or more spreads out.

XTM Palladium 3.0 Mens Shell Snow Jacket ($499.99)

The Palladium 3.0 Mens Shell Snow Jacket combines ultimate performance with low-volume design. And, the jacket is now made and retailed in DERMIZAX fabric

 The durable, 4-way stretch outer shell fabric is PFC-free and made from 94% recycled PET bottles. Windproof plus 20K waterproofing and 15K breathability, means maximum protection and comfort.

Equipped with RECCO® technology, YKK zips, a snap away powder skirt, fixed hood, pit zips to dump heat and a freeride fit. Layer up with our Back Country Jacket for extra warmth on colder days. If you’re seeking a soft-shell that performs as hard as you do, this is it. All Technical outerwear : 100%  PFC-free DWR coatings, 100% carbon neutral and XTM is a B Corp Certified business!

The post The Best Ski Gear from 2024 | Winter Skiing Gear Guide appeared first on Chillfactor.