THE SKI JACKET BUYING GUIDE FOR MEN & WOMEN | MEN'S GORETEX SKI JACKET
Arc’teryx was built in the Coast Range mountains, and we make the best GORE-TEX ski jackets, including GORE-TEX insulated ski jackets, softshells for skiing, and GORE-TEX shell ski jackets.
For decades, we’ve made the best men's ski shell jackets. We obsessively design the best men’s GORE-TEX ski jacket to move and play in the mountains. We focus on the details and use the best-performing materials that have ever been invented for apparel.
WATERPROOFING FOR ADVENTURE
Nothing is more important than waterproofing when you’re looking for the best men’s ski shell jacket. A jacket has to stand up to the heavy wets now, sideways-blowing rain, sleet, and slush that sometimes comes with mountain environments. Arc’teryx GORE-TEX ski jackets help you exist in these environs, but they also lend the protection needed to have fun in extreme weather.
SEAMS TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE
Arc’teryx’s men’s GORE-TEX ski jackets are fully seam sealed. Other products and other brands use critically taped seams, which you do not want if you’re looking for weather protection. Fully seam sealed or fully taped means no water gets in, anywhere. Critically taped or sealed means only the main seams were sealed. The smaller seams will probably leak.
GORE-TEX insulated ski jackets and the best men’s ski shell jackets need fully sealed and taped seams to stay waterproof. It’s a feature built into the GORE-TEX brand, and part of the agreement when you partner with this legendary company. If you want to use GORE-TEX, you have to ensure quality seams on every GORE-TEX product.
THE MOST FLEXIBLE GORE-TEX SKI JACKETS
Wide seams make a GORE-TEX ski jacket stiff. That can restrict how you move or block your line of sight. Awesome ski jackets move with you, not against you. That’s why Arc’teryx employs micro seams in their GORE-TEX ski jackets.
THE MOST ROBUST GORE-TEX SKI JACKETS BEGIN WITH ROBUST SEAMS
Micro seams increase flexibility which reduces fabric wear, snags, and abrasions. Every Arc’teryx men’s GORE-TEX snowboard jacket is as flexible as we can make it.
IS YOUR GORE-TEX SKI JACKET WATERPROOF, THOUGH?
Yes. The best ski jackets come with a waterproof rating measured in millimetres that ranges from 5,000mm to 40,000mm. It measures how much rain the jacket can take over a 24-hour duration. But it’s not perfect. For example, it never rains 5,000 millimetres (50 centimetres) in a day. Besides, a day like that would surely soak a 5,000-millimetre garment through and through.
If you love skiing, do yourself a favour and go high as you can...higher than 15,000mm to start. If you ski the Pacific Northwest or Scottish Highlands, go way higher.
WHAT KIND OF GORE-TEX SKI JACKET IS BEST FOR SKIING?
Here are ten of the best GORE-TEX insulated ski jackets and GORE-TEX shell ski jackets to look at when deciding what warm ski jacket you’ll have for next ski season and beyond.
THE BEST MEN’S GORE-TEX PRO SKI JACKET
ARC’TERYX MEN’S RUSH JACKET
As our lightest weight shell with GORE-TEX PRO, the Rush is a big mountain jacket for big mountain performance. Skiers who seek powder and steeps can rely on the Rush for the most rugged protection for freeride skiing, ski touring, and first descents. Bottom line, if you love freeskiing in the backcountry or the resort, this is your best choice.
Don’t sacrifice light weight or comfortable performance with GORE-TEX PRO, the strongest available fabric from the geniuses at Gore. It’s super durable, extremely waterproof, and windproof enough for the hardest gales —and still stays breathable for comfort on ascents.
A helmet-compatible StormHood™ provides additional coverage with minimal vision impairment. WaterTight™ pit zippers speed ventilation, and articulated patterning maximizes mobility. Men’s GORE-TEX ski jackets all aim to be like the Rush.
A BIG MOUNTAIN SKI JACKET MADE FOR WOMEN
ARC’TERYX WOMEN’S RUSH JACKET
What makes the best GORE-TEX ski jackets? They should be light, durable, and lend uncompromising backcountry weather protection. When you are not worried about your gear, you are free to seek and enjoy the powder you came to the mountains for.
Light and durable, the 80D 3L GORE-TEX fabric with GORE C-KNIT™ backer technology delivers waterproof, windproof protection with enhanced breathability.
The embedded RECCO® reflector helps search and rescue teams find you. Pit zippers dump heat rapidly and easily. Multiple pockets keep the essentials close at hand and secure inside. The StormHood™ adjusts for excellent peripheral vision.
Crafted at a Fair Trade Certified facility as part of our commitment to transition 80% of Arc’teryx products to fair trade certification by 2025.
FEEL THE FLOW OF FREESKIING IN THIS GORE-TEX SKI JACKET
ARC’TERYX SENTINEL ANORAK
The best GORE-TEX ski jackets deliver waterproof, windproof, breathable protection and have a flannel backer for light insulation. They also have a bit of flair to them. Style matters in freeskiing.
If the stormproof GORE-TEX jacket of your dreams is durable, versatile, and focused on freeride, we just made your fantasy a reality. Protection, comfort, progressive performance –the Sentinel Anorak is equipped for big days on open snow.
An integrated powder skirt keeps snow out. WaterTight™ pit zips ventilate. Pockets keep easy access at hand. The helmet-friendly StormHood™ tightens up securely for full coverage and exceptional visibility. An embedded RECCO® reflector aids search and rescue in emergency situations.
THIS MEN’S GORE-TEX SKI JACKET IS DESTINED TO BE A FREESKIING ICON
ARC’TERYX SABRE
Made to meet the backcountry’s biggest obstacles and turn them into features, the Sabre’s strong, breathable N80p-X 3L GORE-TEX fabric shuts out wind and wet, driving snow so freeskiers can throw down whatever line they can imagine without worrying about their gear.
This is the jacket that will push Mother Nature back so the skier can explore their creativity. Freeriding accesses the flow state and a durable, versatile freeride shell with stormproof GORE-TEX protection helps you realize those exhilarating, liberating, and demanding objectives.
More than anything, this is one of the best ski touring jackets and is made to move with articulated patterning, a benefit to all who seek unhindered and free in the mountains.
The StormHood™ adjusts to maximize peripheral vision in the harshest storms when you need it most. The RECCO™ reflector keeps you on the pros’ radar in search and rescue situations.
Headed to the backcountry to tackle a big goal? Wield the Sabre.
A UNIQUE GORE-TEX SKI JACKET IN A SEA OF COPYCATS
ARC’TERYX SABRE ANORAK
We know you’re not supposed to brag but it’s hard not to fawn over the beautifully stylish Sabre Anorak, a durable, versatile freeride shell with stormproof GORE-TEX protection. This standout is progressive in its obsessive design and backcountry freeski performance.
This unique silhouette was created to inspire the search for new lines and fresh snow. Durable and breathable, the N80p-X 3L GORE-TEX fabric shuts out the weather.
Helmet-compatible, the StormHood™ adjusts to maximize peripheral vision, and a RECCO™ reflector beckons SAR techs to your location. Freedom to move is built in with articulated patterning, a fit that removes restriction, and a full side zip for easy on and off.
THE WONDER DOWN UNDER (YOUR GORE-TEX SKI JACKET)
ARC’TERYX MEN’S ATOM LT JACKET
Underneath it all, the legendary Atom LT continues to help adventurers do everything from scaling peaks to shredding powder turns. This light, versatile men’s winter ski jacket works as a mid layer but can also be put into service as a standalone jacket in lighter weather or on the ascent. It’s made with synthetic insulation so it stays warm when wet.
The Atom LT is one of the most iconic performance warming layers for backcountry skiing adventures and freeeskiing in-resort too.
Refined and perfected further, we elevated the Atom’s performance as a warm ski jacket and extended its versatility. The Coreloft™ Compact 60 insulation retains heat and withstands repeated packing and unpacking for those road trips that complement the spirit of freeskiing so well.
The soft, durable Tyono™ 20 face fabric resists wind and weather, and stretch fleece side panels improve ventilation and freedom of movement. When you need a layer to put underneath your GORE-TEX ski jacket, look no further than Atom LT.
A GORE-TEX SKI JACKET DOWN FOR IN-BOUNDS ACTION
ARC’TERYX WOMEN’S THERISS DOWN JACKET
The Theriss is ready to go when it comes to skiing resorts from Mount Hood to Treble Cone. Down-insulated and best suited to big days at the ski resort, the Theriss keeps skiers dry and warm, and it does it with a streamlined aesthetic that looks at home in the mountains.
Waterproof, windproof, breathable 2L GORE-TEX protects skiers as they make the journey from the parking lot to the peak to post-turn nachos. The Theriss Down Jacket is stuffed with responsibly sourced goose down, while Coreloft™ synthetic insulation makes sure areas prone to moisture stay warm when wet.
The design is obsessively focused on details, ensuring the jacket forms the insulation around the body for more efficient performance.
An insulated hood adds warmth around the head and neck, an embedded RECCO® reflector can aid search and rescue, and a removable powder skirt keeps snow where it should be, on the ground and in the air.
THE BEST WATERPROOF SKI JACKET FOR SKI TOURING
ARC’TERYX WOMEN’S SENTINEL JACKET
Built for freeski touring and patterned for a full range of motion in the backcountry, the Sentinel Jacket is breathable and features WaterTight™ pit zips for rapid ventilation during the climb.
The best waterproof ski jacket is made from GORE-TEX and is ready for big mountain skiing. This one has a warm flannel liner, helmet-compatible StormHood™, and a relaxed, contemporary fit.
Previously known as the Sentinel AR Jacket, this is one of the best snow jackets to handle the vertical aspects of freeskiing in the resort and in the backcountry.
An integrated powder skirt keeps that blower powder floating in the air instead of up your jacket’s back. Pockets provide security and accessibility, even with your Arc’teryx pack on.
Slide’n Loc™ attachments link this GORE-TEX ski jacket to the Sentinel Pant, creating a snowproof system ready to rock the steepest runs you can throw at it.
THE BEST WOMEN’S SKI JACKET SHELL FOR THE SKI RESORT
ARC’TERYX WOMEN’S ANDESSA JACKET
Chairlifts are magical, despite what the backcountry purists say. The Andessa is your best resort skiing partner, a waterproof, down-insulated GORE-TEX ski jacket for cold days at the resort.\
Built specifically for skiing, this masterpiece combines fully waterproof and windproof/breathable GORE-TEX fabric with both down and synthetic insulations.
This means you stay warm, dry, and comfortable all day long whether crushing vertical in Verbier or lapping Zermatt under the shadow of the Matterhorn.
The stop/start nature of chairlift riding is fine by Andessa. The strategic placement of insulation types ensures your comfort, but it also prolongs the life of this GORE-TEX insulated ski jacket. Down Composite Mapping puts synthetic Coreloft™ where it belongs: the wet spots along the hem, hood, and underarms. It stays warm while wet, which helps in Whistler or Mount Baker.
Down Contour LT™ puts 750 fill European Goose down at the core and sleeves for warmth where it is most needed. A removable powder skirt, mesh-lined PowderGuard™ underarm vents, and a mesh-backed WaterTight™ front zip prevents snow entry but allows heat to escape.
The removable, insulated DropHood™ fits over standard ski and snowboard helmets and is designed to rotate with head movements.
THE WARMEST AND BEST GORE-TEX SKI JACKET WE MAKE FOR IN-BOUNDS
ARC’TERYX MACAI JACKET
Skiing resorts is fun, especially when you approach it in the spirit of freeskiing. There are jumps and terrain parks and après and lots of people to share it with. Ski resorts make the best of skiing accessible. Why not make a men’s GORE-TEX ski jacket specifically for it?
The warm, down-insulated GORE-TEX Macai Jacket means even when the coldest temperatures dive bomb further, it won’t stop you from getting turns. Designed for the coldest days in bounds, the Macai delivers warmth and weather protection for a full day on-piste.
This GORE-TEX insulated ski jacket is insulated with RDS-certified European goose down for the windy lift ride, while breathable GORE-TEX sheds the wind, rain, and snow we play in regularly.
An insulated DropHood™ can be removed on clear days, and mesh-backed PowderGuard™ vents let out excess heat without letting snow in.
PRO SKIER ERIC HJORLEIFSON TALKS PRODUCT DESIGN PROCESS ON THE BEST SKI JACKETS
Eric Hjorleifson is one of the most dynamic big mountain skiers alive. Affectionately nicknamed 'Hoji', this Canadian skier was born and raised in Canmore, Alberta but now calls Whistler home. His ability to navigate terrifying terrain with seemingly playful ease is unmatched.
As an obsessive tinkerer, it was only time before Hoji and Arc’teryx would become a couple. The humble Hoji has made his mark in product design with boots, skis, and the best GORE-TEX ski jackets and softshell ski jackets. We hooked up with Hoji while he was in Austria skiing “blue ice” and testing gear in early October. He gave us insight into the process of how to help Arc’teryx’s design team create and refine the best men’s ski shell jacket on the planet.
WHERE HAVE YOU SEEN HOJI SKI?
- Best Documentary Powder Magazine Video Awards “Hoji”, 2018
- Best Line Powder Magazine Video Awards "Superheroes Of Stoke”, 2013
- First descent, Mount Clemenceau with Kevin Hjertaas, Martin Lefebvre and Chris Rubens, 2012
- Mount Meager Summit Spine Line Descent, Attack Of La Nina, British Columbia, Canada, 2011
- Full Throttle Powder Magazine Video Awards, "Claim", 2008
- Matchstick Productions opening segment, "Hit List", 2005
Q: Your role with Arc’teryx—and all your sponsors—is interesting. Not only do you represent the gear through your skiing, but you help design and refine it. How involved are you in the Arc’teryx design process with things like the best waterproof ski jacket or their GORE-TEX gloves?
The history of the company was always driven by people who actually do the activities. The design team members were or still are participating in these outdoor activities. From the beginning, Arc’teryx was super stoked to work with athletes in the best scenarios. Especially if you're living close like I am...you can go in there and become integrated in the test feedback loop. The more communication between people who are using the stuff all the time, and in different ways, with a kind of professional mindset, is how Arc’teryx got to where they are
Q: So, they encourage you to come in and mess around with actual product design with the more complicated things like GORE-TEX ski jackets?
Well, it’s definitely an open door to go down there and meet the designers and hang out with them. Yeah, we did a lot of fun things early on and they even helped me with some ski boot stuff. They gave me assistance with learning about seam taping and basically gluing things together. I haven't gotten into the sewing stuff and I'm certainly not an apparel expert or anything, but I try to help as much as I can.
Q: How much are you driven to assist with product design?
I'm trying to get involved more. I’m working with one of the designers on the backpack program right now. Over the past two years, I kind of had a nice relationship with one of the designers down there. I was constantly testing prototypes and making revisions. We get to go skiing together too, so that's also good.
Q: What are the timelines like with product design and feedback being put into play on something complicated like aGORE-TEX ski jacket? Is it quick, or does it take a long time?
I mean, it just depends on what you know. It's a pretty big company with obviously a lot going on. I've had instances where it's like ‘we need this immediately tested’...you go for a number of days. It’s instantaneous feedback sometimes. “Here’s a bunch of cool stuff that's coming down the pipeline...go ski it!” They want you to take the prototypes and beat them to death. When we link up again, it could be months or a year later, but every time those particular pieces have been used in a very good way.
Q: Do you think you do a good job as an equipment tester?
I'm the worst [laughs]. It's pretty funny; I say I'm the worst marketing ambassador because all the equipment and gear I have is either sold out or discontinued.
Q: That's got to be valuable to a product designer, though. I mean, they like to have actual real-life experience, not just skiing but putting it through its paces, day in and day out.
Yeah, everyone has their own use and approach, and they like what I do. How I use things is completely different than a lot of skiers. You know, you can't listen to everyone about everything all the time when designing a product. That's one of the biggest challenges, to take all the feedback and do the best they can to achieve and accomplish the most important functions. To combine them in a way that's making the product versatile and appealing for a lot of different people in different circumstances.
Q: You must have quite a deep closet, but what is your go-to everyday sort of setup for Arc'teryx’s best waterproof ski jackets and pants?
I mean, it's funny because, I joke that sometimes I think I've been wearing these same pants for like, since I started. But I hang onto things too long. [Laughs] Obviously like the Rush Bib Pant. I'm pretty sure they went away for a year, but they are back. Some of the feedback that I was giving, I think aligns with the other people who they work with. It’s awesome how they are more and more refined and evolved.
My mid layer...well, I have a funny one. It doesn't exist anymore. but it was one of the first awesome ski jackets I got in the early years. I had this hoody for so long that it was in the line for several years then it went out of the line and then it came back in. It's gone again, but I bet you it's coming back.
Q: Sounds like you like to rely on what works and really get the full lifespan out of a garment.
I just stick with the same stuff, and I'm really bad because I just don't even come close to fulfilling my gear allowance budgets. I'd rather just get stuff right from the source, from the design team. That's kind of how I've done it for a long time. So it's good for them, it's more difficult for the marketing side of things.
Q: So, what ski jacket do you use then?
It’s a Rush Insulated Jacket. That jacket is such a dream. It's just super light, it's packable, it's like a lightly insulated, lightweight shell that within, you know, like not a puffy and not a shell.
You know, in some circumstances I don't even bring a shell jacket if I can get away with the right kind of mid layer plus this.
Q: What about on a crazy cold trip in the Rockies for a big traverse or something like a big, a big sort of cold objective would you switch up your kit at that point?
Yeah, I mean, I would probably always have the Rush and I would have a bigger puffy. Most of my winter camping is pretty luxurious. I haven't done a lot of traverses in the more traditional style, but it always becomes ‘how much do you want to carry?’
Q: You talk a lot about hardshells versus a softshell jacket. What’s the hang-up with a hardshell?
A lot of times, the only moisture you're fighting against is coming from you. And that's kind of where a breathable lightly insulated softshell comes in. It's keeping you warm, but it’s easy to dump your body heat, easier than traditional jackets or a shell or puffy. So it's kind of in evolution and it's never going to fully replace all those layers, but for a lot of circumstances it will be just fine and you have to carry less stuff. And that's basically the essence of ski touring—you want to be totally prepared but not carrying any more than you need to.
Q: What do you think are the biggest mistakes people make when they're layering or choosing between mid layers, shells, and insulated jackets?
Well, I think a lot of people over-wear shell jackets. I see it all the time at my [ski] camps. People are still wearing these GORE-TEX ski jackets and it's not even windy or raining. I would recommend active layers like a softshell, maybe a Proton. I know it's a different approach. I'm just always wanting to get rid of the heat and it's good to have some air, some ventilation. So, yeah, I think a lot of people get a bit soggy because they're over wearing their GORE-TEX shell.
Q: You ski more than most people so by never letting go of these waterproof GORE-TEX jackets and pants you like, you’re kind of the poster boy for keeping gear in play.
The durability is there so that's a big bonus. If you figure out what you want and you get the good stuff, it's going to last you a long time. You get the value out of the price.
FOUR FEATURES HOJI WANTS ON THE BEST GORE-TEX SKI JACKETS
GREAT POCKETS
“I think the pocket layout is the big one. I've always been a strong supporter of these big mesh dump pockets inside for gloves, goggles, skins, whatever. But to me, it's like you gain two massive pockets with one zipper, your main zipper on the best waterproof ski jackets. I really like those.
I've tried lots of different configurations with pockets on the outside of waterproof ski jackets. They've tried different things, but I really like a good chest pocket and an exterior one. I don't care about hand pockets that you would normally have on casual wear jackets. The other one I've been pushing on mid layers is some kind of envelope for a ski pass on the sleeve. Most of the time when I ski the resort, it’s springtime.”[H3] Long
LIVE THE BIBS
“I don't want a fisherman bib. I just want a little bit of a micro-bib and they're doing a really good job with the Rush Bib Pants and Rush best men’s GORE-TEX ski jacket. The part where the actual bib material is, isn't like a GORE-TEX. I don't even know how to describe it, but it's a non-membrane fabric. Oh, it dumps the heat really well, but it does what it needs to do, which is hold all your underlayers tucked in. Without bib pants, after three seconds my shirts are untucked.”
EVEN LONGER LIVE THE JACKET
“I want to have a good length to my [best men's ski shell] jacket for skiing. Many GORE-TEX ski jackets are pretty short, which is for using a harness and that kind of stuff, but that's not really in my wheelhouse for the most part. So, I'd prefer to have a bit longer length, just to keep the boys warm [laughs].”
ALL GOOD IN THE HOOD
“I feel like most of Arc’teryx has always done a very good job with hoods on their GORE-TEX insulated ski jackets. They're very easy to use. They’re big enough for whatever you might have on your head. They always have a good system that cinches them down.”
FEATURES HOJI HATES, EVEN ON HIS BEST GORE-TEX SKI JACKETS
Not everyone loves every feature. As one of the best big mountain skiers of all time, Eric Hjorleifson has a lot of credibility. He also has a lot of opinions but, remember, they are just his opinions. As Hoji himself says, “Everyone has their preference.” These are a few of his (least) favourite things.
PIT ZIPS ON A GORE-TEX SKI JACKET
“I am not a fan of and never have used pit zips. For me, it's a waste of weight and material and build. Because most of the time I just have my softshell but it’s breathable enough. Yes, if you're in a really wet situation you need to wear a hardshell on the climb and that could use pit zips...but that's not a situation I aim to be in very often [laughs].”
POWDER SKIRTS ON GORE-TEX SKI JACKETS
“I've never used powder skirts and cut them out of every single jacket I’ve owned because I use the bib pants. Arc’teryx made a jacket, this kind of Lithic Comp or something, I think it was called. It was really nice, with big pockets and no skirt. People loved it. It didn’t sell though, because the retailers were like ‘it doesn't have the powder skirt. We can't sell this stuff.’ Everyone has their preference.”
INTEGRATED GEAR SYSTEMS
“Ski touring, especially, is difficult enough as is. I would never spend the time to work with all the integrated stuff, like the GORE-TEX ski jackets that clip to your pants. There are already so many things and gear fluffing around and skins and goggles and gloves. I don’t want to deal with more. I don't like overcomplexity in GORE-TEX ski jackets like too many pockets, or insulated powder skirts, all this stuff because I don't need any of it. It's just extra weight and bulk that can be failing points. Simplicity is good, especially in jackets.”
A FEW IMPORTANT FEATURES TO LOOK FOR IN A GORE-TEX SKI JACKET
BREATHABILITY AND AIR PERMEABILITY
Skiing—whether it’s in a resort or in the backcountry—is a physical activity. The easiest way to combat the warmth and sweat is to layer correctly, and own a breathable GORE-TEX ski jacket. Breathability is mostly measured in grams, and more grams are better. 8,000g or higher is good. As with every nice ski jacket, you get what you pay for. On the mountain, you’ll be grateful. Don’t worry, as long as you layer, go with a trusted ski jacket brand and a GORE-TEX ski jacket, and you will be comfortable.
THE IMPORTANCE OF INSULATION
The best men’s ski shell jacket needs insulation most of the time. An important factor when it comes to choosing a men’s winter ski jacket. Get a hardshell jacket with no insulation and pair it with a base layer and a mid layer for a versatile, hardworking package. This allows for multiple layering options. Not everyone needs to get gnarly though. Some people spin the chairlift for a few hours only. If this is you, you might get away with an insulated ski jacket.
Insulated GORE-TEX ski jacket sales feature a split between synthetic or down insulation. Either way, you get your insulation with your shell when you buy an insulated ski jacket. This route can save money plus it means one less piece of gear to forget at home. Always have a good base layer on next-to-skin, even with an insulated jacket. It’s an incredibly important piece of gear that gets little time in the spotlight.
POWDER SKIRTING
Not everyone hates on powder skirts like Eric Hjorleifson. Skiers who chase powder should get a powder skirt unless you love bib pants like Hoji does. A shirt will keep snow from getting up your jacket or down your pants. Arc’teryx makes multiple versions of all the configurations, so have it your way, whichever way that is.
HEALTHY VENTING
Making sure our temperature stays regulated inside our GORE-TEX ski jacket is the biggest battle we have in the backcountry. No matter how breathable your gear is, a good vent is still needed when you’re pushing hard, climbing fast, or scrambling up ridgelines in search of fresh snow.
A HOOD FOR ANY STORM
Not everyone likes using a hood, and for most the reasoning is that they restrict vision. Luckily for those people, we make our best GORE-TEX ski jackets with an adjustable Stormhood™, which adjusts with one pull and allows for full peripheral visions. Every men’s GORE-TEX ski jacket sale should come with a hood. Facts.
POCKETS FULL OF GOODS
Everyone has a preference when it comes to pockets, but there are some more important features to consider. When skiing the resort, wallet, keys, and phone usually get stuffed in a jacket. In the backcountry, goggles, sunglasses, skins, and snacks need to be close at hand. Another important point is where the pocket lines up with your transceiver for avalanche safety...the pocket used for your phone should be nowhere near your beacon. You don’t want interference with radio, cellular, or electronic signals while using an avalanche transceiver.