Good morning! For those of you who have been reading Braveskimom.com for a long time, you know that I ordinarily produce an annual holiday gift guide each November (links to previous guides are here!). Since I’m just reentering the ski journalism world after a nearly 18-month hiatus, I don’t have it together this year. But I do have some great recommendations for holiday gifts, which I am going to share throughout this month. So, to kick things off, I’d like to introduce technical ski clothing from German outdoor brand, Jack Wolfskin.
Jack Wolfskin’s Technical Ski Clothing
Here’s a look at Jack Wolfskin’s technical ski clothing for 2023-2024: the Alpspitze line. And right now, they are all on sale on the Jack Wolfskin website.
Wool Base Layers
Alpspitze Wool Half-Zip Long Sleeve Top and Alpspitze Wool 3/4 Pants – Women’s and Men’s Baselayers
As I’ve shared (and possibly overshared) I LOVE WOOL BASELAYERS. I love them so much, that most of mine are wearing thin. So I’m delighted to try Jack Wolfskin’s Alpspitze Wool Half-Zip top and the Alpspitze 3/4 length wool pants this winter.
I’ve not yet skied, so I haven’t tried them on the slopes. But my “testing” on cold fall mornings leaves me impressed. These base layers are made of soft, non-scratchy merino that while lightweight feels sturdy. The top does not have thumb holes. My favorite feature is the wide waistband on the 3/4 pants. It’s really comfortable. As for the 3/4 length, it’s so versatile — making the pants great on their own or as a second layer on a really cold day. Available in women’s and men’s sizes from XS-XXL. (Top: $119.95, currently on sale, $83.99; Pants: $89.95, currently on sale $62.99)
Alpspitze Outerwear
Alpspitze Pro 3L Jacket – Women’s and Men’s Hardshell Jacket
The Alpspitze Pro 3L jacket is a lightweight, packable ski shell suitable for ski touring, warmer days, and over an insulator on cold days. The hardshell jacket utilizes an air-permeable membrane to keep you comfortable when working up a sweat, as well as protected during inclement weather. Basic technical features including 2 outer pockets, an inner pocket, a pass pocket, pit zips, and an adjustable hem and hood. Available in women’s and men’s sizes from XS-XXL. ($499.95, currently on sale, $349.99)
Alpspitze Pro 3L Pants – Women’s and Men’s Waterproof Pants
These matching 3L ski touring pants are also lightweight and packable. As they are not insulated, I suggest they are best for touring/spring skiing, but would not consider them a good resort option during winter. Yes, you could layer up underneath, but hey, I get cold (find tips for dressing for skiing on the coldest days here). On the technical side, I truly appreciate the full side zips — a feature I think all ski pants should include. Sizing is European, beginning with 34, which equals a US small. ($449.95, currently on sale, $328.99, with a similar pair for $160.99)
Alpspitze Down Hoody – Women’s and Men’s Insulator
The Alpspitze Down Hoody uses 800-fill down treated with (hang on) “nanoparticles of gold taken from recycled electronics to expel water away from the down” to ensure warmth and effective insulation during damp weather. I don’t know what that means, but I like the idea of using recycled electronics to any good purpose. The shell is wind proof and the jacket comes with a stuff sack for easy carrying your touring pack. Women’s and Men’s sizes XS-XL. ($369.95, currently on sale, $258.99)
More Holiday Gifts from Jack Wolfskin
In addition to these featured technical ski clothing items for adults, Jack Wolfskin has an extensive line of winter and summer technical clothing for kids with everything from socks and boots to ball caps and beanies, with fleece layers, hiking trousers and shorts, t-shirts and ski coats (and more) filling in the gaps. Jack Wolfskin for adults is just as extensive. Having perused the Jack Wolfskin website, there are a lot of items on sale right now, which would make any active family happy.
To facilitate this review, I was provided with a base layer top and pants to review. All opinions are my own and exactly what I would tell my family and friends.
© 2023, braveskimom. All rights reserved. Any use or publication of content, including photos, requires express permission.
James says
Thanks for the article BSM. One question who is Jack Wolfskin?
braveskimom says
Excellent question. I first heard of Jack Wolfskin either through in-stadium advertising during the English Premier League or via a friend from Germany. I’ve always thought it was a just a silly name, perhaps invoking the archetype of a man-beast surviving and thriving in the Black Forest. Sadly, when I googled, I found lots of glowing articles about the success of the brand, which is in its 5th decade. No fun origin story. Perhaps you’d like to suggest one! Thanks!