I bought a Picture Vermont (
https://www.picture-organic-clothing.com/collection/en/snow-jackets/1037-vermont.html#/4-size-l/304-color-b_brown) jacket from Backcountry and it arrived today, looks beautiful but the appearance almost makes me question whether or not it would be ok to send it on the mountain. Looking at the descriptions on the Picture and Backcountry websites, it seems like the jacket has more than enough tech to survive skiing, but a friend told me that there needed to be something keeping snow from getting in through the zipper, such as taped zipper or a flap like many jackets have. They also told me that the wool on the hood would collect moisture. Given that this jacket was considered a "snow jacket" by Picture and has a
lot of snow-oriented technology in it, I'm not sure why they would make design decisions that would compromise its ability in the snow. Why would they put a powder skirt in a jacket if it's not supposed to be taken on the mountain? And why would they show a picture of someone wearing it in a campsite if it's only a style jacket?
I still have time to return it to Backcountry so no worries. My other option is the Burton Dunmore GORE-TEX jacket which is obviously more waterproof and better technology, but is the better technology worth switching from a unique (and seemingly technologically sound) jacket for? Not to prioritize style, but I'm really wondering if I NEED the GORE-TEX or not. Many ski jackets, such as the Saga Fatigue, have only 10k waterproofing, so I figured 10k would be sufficient as long as I'm not doing like backcountry tours and stuff.
I will be skiing the Midwest this season but hopefully will be getting some snowy days on bigger hills like Granite Peak and the all-backcountry Mount Bohemia. Might go out to Copper cuz a friend got the hookup on housing and lift tickets but I'm not counting on it at this point. I do also have some other outerwear or warmwear such as a Saga triple stack hoodie. I mean, I could also buy some shit on the BST but I think I've got enough stuff rn LOL. (Also my gear is stored in Atlanta rn and I need the people housing it to send it to me.)
What do you guys recommend I do?
