Advnture Verdict
Innovative eco-friendly materials meet great looks and performance in the U18, a match made in snowy heaven. Just bring your own insulation for cold days.
Pros
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Innovative recycled materials
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Comes with a lifetime warranty
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Smart looks
Cons
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Not insulated enough for the coldest conditions
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Picture Organic Clothing U18 JKT: first impressions
You could definitely call the Picture Organic Clothing U18 JKT a sweet choice when it comes to the best women’s ski jackets. “We make clothes from sugar,” Picture Organic Clothing proudly told the world this winter season. The brand, which has always focused on using sustainable materials in their street and snow clothing designs, has swapped fossil fuels for sugar cane waste in 60% of their 2021-2022 ski and snowboarding collection (discover other eco-friendly outdoor brands).
Our pick of their designs this winter is the longer-length U18 jacket for women. Highly waterproof to 20,000mm and with taped seams, the U18 leans more towards being a shell jacket than a puffy insulated coat, but is definitely ski ready – it also incorporates a stretchy snow skirt, wrist gaiters and an adjustable hood.
• RRP: $407 (US) / £307.50 (UK)
• Waterproofing: 20,000mm Teflon Ecoelite PFC free durable water repellent treatment
• Insulation: Coremax lining
• Sizes: XS / S / M / L / XL
• Colors: Tan / Khaki
• Compatibility: Very versatile – wear alone for warmer skiing, with a mid layer for winter or as a raincoat
Picture Organic Clothing U18 JKT: on the slopes
All ski jackets claim to be snowproof, but the U18 really is reliably waterproof, and will repel heavy rain on hikes as well as shaking off snowflakes.
The U18 was also the best-looking jacket we reviewed – its smart looks and neutral shades would make it suitable even for wear to work in the winter months, so it doubles up as a go-anywhere rain jacket.
Well-placed pockets hold essentials, and while there’s limited insulation, this does make the jacket light and freeing to wear, and it works well when worn with an insulating mid layer such as a down jacket in cold weather, or over base layers on warmer days when you’re getting active.
We reckon this is well worth the investment for great functionality, great looks and a better carbon footprint, and it also comes with a lifetime repair warranty, making it a long-term investment.
