A Jacket Hood has dual purposes – to protect your head and neck from elements such as wind and rain, and to keep your head and ears covered when it is cold.

Jacket Hoods are manufactured in three types: attached, detached and stowaway.

Do you know which one best fits your needs?

When purchasing a ski jacket you must ensure that the Jacket Hood “can fit over your helmet. Your hood should have enough room so you can look from side to side, and it should also adjust for your helmet size so it isn’t too large or too small. The bill of your hood should be generous enough in size to shed rain from your goggles and eyes. Hoods, regardless of their style, are highly recommended for protection against the elements.” (www.ski.com)

A Jacket Hood which is attached is sewn on to the rest of the jacket and cannot be removed, unless you cut it off.

The benefits of having an attached Jacket Hood include having the hood readily available for whenever you wish to use it – i.e., you do not have to stop whatever you are doing to look for it and then snap it on or zip it up. Keeping the elements – especially, rain and snow, off of your face is what hoods do. “When looking at attached hoods find one with an extended brim. This will keep the rain off your face.” (www.ski-n-ride.com)

(Photo courtesy of ekasbury, Flickr.)

A detachable Jacket Hood is one which, obviously, you may attach/detach, at will. They come in either the zip-up, Velcro or snap-on buttons. Whichever way the Jacket Hood is attached, you need to make sure that wind and water will not sneak in.

A plus for going with a detachable hood is that you are not stuck with it, if the weather changes, and you are able to take it off quickly. Also, it makes your jacket more versatile being able to wear it during any kind of weather without feeling the bulk of the hood.

(Photo courtesy of Sac Girl, Flickr.)

On the negative side, picture this: the weather changes, rapidly; you decide you need your hood on; you have your bulky gloves on…you can imagine the ensuing struggle to get the hood out, strap it on over the velcro or snap the buttons and over your helmet.

“If you're an avid ski and rider with a dedicated wardrobe used only for that purpose you're probably better off without a hood.” (www.ski-n-ride.com)

This kind of Jacket Hood comes with its own carry bag, which is sewn into the jacket itself. “Stowaway hoods offer the same luxuries as a detachable hood with the difference being that the hoods do not need to be removed from the jacket. Instead they will tuck into a designated area of the jacket.” (www.ezinearticle.com)

The latest design include both options, simultaneously – “Zip-off Hood that Also Rolls into Collar.” (www.marmot.com)

Not everyone is a firm believer in the wonders of the stowaway Jacket Hood. At www.emsski.com, they feel that “Flimsy “stow-away” nylon hoods are not adequate.” for serious climbing.

Lastly, there are simply certain things that none of the other two types of Jacket Hoods are able to deliver – Motorola and Burton have come together to offer you the Audex ® Jacket Series which comes “With integrated DJ-quality stereo speakers in the hood, a wired stereo headset jack and a control panel on the sleeve with caller ID.” (www.motorola.com) You will also be able to use your iPod and cellphone, in case you get into trouble, with this jacket. Obviously, this Jacket Hood must be attached to the rest of the jacket in order for all of the wiring to function properly.

Also available are Jacket Hoods with clear side panels for better visibility on the slope. (www.sierratradingpost.com)