REI Co-op First Chair GTX Jacket - Men's
Knock out a couple laps or make it a first-to-last-chair kind of day in the men's REI Co-op First Chair GTX jacket. The tough waterproof/breathable GORE-TEX shell is roomy enough for layering up.
- Tough 2-layer GORE-TEX ePE technology with fully taped seams offers premium windproof/waterproof/breathable protection
- Nonfluorinated durable water repellent (DWR) treatment helps moisture bead up on the surface
- Water-resistant recycled polyester taffeta lining glides smoothly over layers; shell style is designed with room for an insulated jacket underneath
- Helmet-friendly hood is big enough to pull over a helmet but not too big to wear over a beanie; hood can be adjusted in the front and back to dial in the fit
- Pit zips let you quickly release heat
- High collar lets you tuck your chin when the snow is blowing and is lined in fuzzy tricot to eliminate chin chafe
- 2-way front zipper closure is backed with a full-length inner windflap
- Shaped cuffs with hook-and-loop adjustments help seal out the elements, can fit over gloves and are easy to grab—even with mittens
- Powder skirt snaps away when not needed; drawcord at hem helps seal out the elements
- Plenty of pockets, including a media pocket with cord port, lift pass pocket on the left wrist, key clip in the left hand pocket and an interior drop-in goggles pocket
- 2 dual-entry chest pockets and 2 zippered hand pockets are lined with fuzzy tricot for a little coziness when you need it
- D-ring on right chest pocket to attach your lift ticket or clip on your gloves
- Dropped back hem for added coverage
- Back length: 32 in.; Tall sizes: 34 in.
- Locker loop makes it easy to hang your jacket up to dry
- Secure all closures, machine wash cold; do not use bleach or fabric softeners; tumble dry low
- REI Co-op brand is certified to The Climate Label; we actively fund efforts to reduce carbon emissions across our business and support climate projects around the world
- Made in a Fair Trade Certified™ factory
- Contains materials that meet the bluesign® criteria
Imported.
View the REI Co-op First Chair Product LineView all REI Co-op Men's Downhill Ski JacketsBest Use | Snowsports Snowboarding Downhill Skiing |
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Fabric | Recycled polyester (bluesign approved) |
Lining Fabric | Recycled polyester taffeta (bluesign approved) |
Windproof | Yes |
Waterproof | Yes |
Type of Waterproofing | 2-layer GORE-TEX ePE waterproof/breathable laminate |
Hood | Yes |
Powder Skirt | Yes |
Ventilation | Pit Zips |
2-Way Zipper | Yes |
Back Length | Thigh-length |
Back Length (in.) | 32 inches |
Gender | Men's |
Weight | 1 lb. 10.5 oz. |
Sustainability | Fair Trade Certified™ factory Contains materials that meet the bluesign® criteria Contains recycled materials From a Climate Label Certified brand |
XS | S | M | L | XL | XXL | XXXL | 24 IN Waist | 26 IN Waist | 28 IN Waist | 30 IN Waist | 31 IN Waist | 32 IN Waist | 33 IN Waist | 34 IN Waist | 35 IN Waist | 36 IN Waist | 38 IN Waist | 40 IN Waist | 42 IN Waist | 44 IN Waist | 46 IN Waist | 48 IN Waist | 50 IN Waist | |
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Chest | 35 | 36 - 38 | 39 - 41 | 42 - 45 | 46 - 49 | 50 - 53 | 54 - 57 | |||||||||||||||||
Sleeve Length | 32 | 32.5 | 33 | 33.5 | 34 | 34.75 | 35.5 | |||||||||||||||||
Waist | 27.5 | 28 - 30 | 32 - 34 | 36 - 38 | 40 - 42 | 44 - 46 | 48 - 50 | 24 | 26 | 28 | 30 | 31 | 32 | 33 | 34 | 35 | 36 | 38 | 40 | 42 | 44 | 46 | 48 | 50 |
Hip | 33.5 | 34.5 - 36.5 | 37.5 - 39.5 | 41 - 43 | 44 - 46.5 | 47.5 - 50.5 | 51.5 - 54.5 | 32 | 33.5 | 34.5 | 36.5 | 37 | 37.5 | 38.5 | 39.5 | 40.25 | 41 | 43 | 44 | 46.5 | 47.5 | 50.5 | 52.5 | 54.5 |
Inseam | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 |
Sizing Notes
Measurements are stated in inches unless otherwise indicated. Size chart values represent body measurements, not garment measurements.
SHORT: Some pants are available in short sizes, which generally means an inseam that is 2.5 inches shorter than regular sizes.
TALL: Some pants, shirts, jackets and parkas are available in tall sizes, which generally means an inseam that is 3 inches longer and a rise that is 1 inch longer, a shirt or jacket body that is 2 inches longer, a parka body that is 2.5 inches longer and sleeves that are 2.5 inches longer than regular sizes.
Capri or cropped pants have an intentionally shorter inseam—reference the technical specs instead of this chart.
Inseam is measured to the floor.
Better gear is built together
From feedback to field testing, all of our gear is dialed-in by REI Co-op members. Their adventures informed every stitch and detail—making for better, longer-lasting gear.


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A really nice and well designed jacket
The GTX jacket is very well made, lightweight and offers loads of pockets and storage. If you are out on a trail, or snowboarding or skiing this will serve you well as that outer layer. The jacket sizes big, so take into consideration what kind of layers you put under it. It would have gotten 5 stars if the color was black or dark grey. I'm not sure this jacket is good if you trying to blend into the crowd. I love the design, it sizes on the larger size and the hood is perfect - not too short where you don't get cover and you could put it over a ball cap if you wanted.
A great winter (and shoulder season) jacket
This is the best coat I have for shoulder seasons and winter conditions. I’ve used it for cross country skiing and fat biking and plan to use it on the downhill slopes once we get more snow. The various pockets are great. Two breast pockets are handy for a phone and a snack while the bigger front pockets work well for gloves or an ear band. I will put my ski pass in the small pocket near the left wrist. The hood goes over my ski and bike helmets well. I do wish for a few small hook and loop fasteners, especially at the top of the front zipper so I could protect my neck and lower face without zipping the zipper all the way up. The pit zips are a required feature of coats like this. I REALLY love the heavy duty zipper. I’ve had no problems engaging it and closing it with gloves, unlike another of my jackets that have fine toothed coil zippers.
Technically a great skiing (and more) jacket
I have enjoyed getting to know the REI First Chair GTX jacket. Having spent most of my life skiing (since age 4), I can appreciate what a good ski jacket can provide in technical capabilities, storage capacity, and protection from the weather. In comparison to my past ski jackets, this one is very good for meeting my needs. However, let’s not stop at just focusing on skiing use. I have learned to appreciate using a ski jacket for more than just the slopes due to their many attributes. The First Chair GTX jacket is a shell, so it can be layered according to your activities. I wore mine on hikes in both dry and wet conditions to test its breathability, weather protection, and hood adjustability as this would tell me much about its performance while skiing. The full-length armpit zippers really helped me to regulate body temp and moisture (from sweating). The large chest pockets are excellent for storing items that I needed quickly and efficiently, such as a nutrition bar, phone (well, hey…I needed to change my music), and more. Somethings that I really appreciate about the First Chair GTX jacket are the little details like the soft material at the neck and chin area, plus the zipper dock to keep the jacket from rubbing those places raw. You would be surprised at how some companies get this wrong. It worked well for me and I’m happy to mention it in this review. Overall, this is a jacket that performs, protects, and provides so much storage that you could feel overloaded due to the soft feel of the materials used. I prefer the feel of this jacket over others that I have used and believe this one to be a great value for the price.
Nearly perfect shell jacket!
When trying a new piece of gear out I try to find where it can shine in my life. Is it best at work, when I'm off out on the town, or when I'm enjoying one of my outdoor past times. It is rear for me to find a piece of gear that fits so well in every part of my life. It is professional enough to wear to my job, it's fashionable enough to wear out with on a date, and it does not compromise in protection from the elements. While it isn't a super warm layer by itself it keeps even the most cutting wind, snow, and rain creating an environment seal around your base layers. During one of my tests I went hiking in upstate New York during a moderate snow shower where it was 18°F with 25mph winds and only had this jacket and a light fleece on. One would think I'd be freezing, but the jacket kept the weather off the fleece keeping me very toasty. On another outing it was much warmer but drizzling rain. The under arm vents allow temperature regulation and are easily assessable while on the move. The hood is large enough to accommodate a large fur hat and is extremely adjustable. The hood opening is able to be adjusted, larger and smaller, with a single hand, and the hood can be made smaller by pulling a cord at the back of the hood. Most hoods I've seen don't incorporate a visor (a thicker/stiffer piece of fabric that holds it shape better than surrounding fabric) so the hood reduces forward visibility, but the incorporated visor helps to keep vision clear and rain/snow from dripping into one face from the top of the hood. Staying in the hood area , the zipper comes up for enough to cover the bottom of the face. This area of the jacket is lined in a soft fabric so it feels nice next to bear skin. Moving on to keeping out the elements from all the other entrances. At the bottom of there is are two cords one can pull to keep the jacket snug to the body and prevent snow and wind from coming up the jacket. In addition to this there is a snow skirt that can be snapped to the shell, and itself, and create a second barrier. There are two rows of snaps so one half snaps to the base of the jacket the other to the other half of the snow skirt on the other side of the zipper. Around the wrists there are Velcro straps. Apart from these adjustments there are eight pockets! The front left pocket has a built in clip. That's where I secure my keys so they don't fall out of my pocket. All the pockets are zippered or Velcroed. On the bottom of the right chest pocket there is a plastic D loop. I found it helpful for tethering my compass to me while orienteering. My favorite pocket is the one on the left arm about the hand. As it is super accessible without a lot of faff. Okay, those are the great things, here are the few places where i want REI to improve the jacket. The biggest complaint for me is the Velcro wrist closures. They only close tight when wearing gloves. This is great when it's cold but not great when it's a bit warmer out. And the straps wrap up creating a fold that can catch water when it's raining and funnel it into the hand. It's not huge but I think it would be better if they closed going down creating the fold on the other side so they dont funnel water towards the hand. My other thing I would like to see is an additional row of snaps on the right side of the snow skirt so it can stay attached to the jacket when unzipped. Lastly, and I have had this problem in almost every rain jacket that's new, the hood, when scrunched down, limits head left to right movement. I believe that it may be more flexible with age. But I don't mind giving up some mobility to have great weather protection. In all - this is my new go to shell jacket and I will be packing this think on all my outings regardless of the season!
Solid performance, made for layering
The REI Co-op First Chair GTX Jacket is a reliable choice for winter sports. As an avid skier and outdoor adventurer, I put this jacket through the test in cold-weather conditions. • Excellent weather protection: The jacket performed very well in windy, 15-25°F conditions while skiing and ice skating outside in Colorado. It kept me warm and dry on some very windy chairlift rides and was breathable enough to not overheat while skiing. • Powder skirt: One underrated feature is the powder skirt that snaps away when not in use. • Layering friendly: The jacket accommodates layers well, allowing for customizable warmth depending on the activity and weather conditions. Even with two layers underneath, the cuffs were not too tight and were easy to adjust with gloves on. • Wind resistance: Impressive windproofing, especially noticeable during chilly chairlift rides. • Pockets: Lots of roomy pockets for all of your essentials. • Sizing: Look closely at the sizing chart - at 5’11” and 150 lbs, the medium size was a little oversized for me (especially in the arm length). Consider sizing down if you are between sizes, you should still have plenty of room for layers. The REI Co-op First Chair GTX Jacket is a solid performer for winter sports and cold-weather activities. I recommend this jacket for anyone looking for stylish and reliable winter wear.
Fantastic Winter Shell for Front or Back Country
This is a phenomenal winter shell for days in the snow. Fabric is sturdy without bulk. Has the full array of quality-of-life additions. Armpit zips, sleeve pockets for lift passes, cell phone pocket, glove anchor, lots of apporpriate pockets. Snow skirt is adjustable and works very well. Hood is a little tight over a ski helmet but not uncomfortable. Great coat.
Perfect shell to shield from the wind and rain.
I’ve used my new First Chair GTX jacket for 6:00 am dog walks and daytime hikes. I’m looking forward to skiing with this shell and testing it in a variety of conditions. The jacket has performed on 25 degree mornings and on walks with wind driven rain, keeping me dry and toasty. I’m 5’9, 165 lbs, and the medium fits great, with room for layers. I can wear a slim puffy jacket under the shell, and it’s ideal. I get compliments on the snappy color. The overall function of the shell set up is solid, from the nine pockets, pit zips, adjustable hood, adjustable cuffs and powder skirt, it’s ready for the slopes. I received this product for free from the REI Trailblazers sampling program in exchange for my honest review.
Super comfy/waterproof, not totally stylish!
I got to try this product in exchange for an honest review. This jacket is a noticeable upgrade from my current Gore-Tex jacket, which has a tough, canvasy kind of feel to it. The material on this one is quite a bit softer, and still repels water excellently — I hiked in the rain with a friend for an hour and a half and was bone-dry on the inside. There was only the slightest amount of absorption on the outer surface of the material, where water had sat while I was walking (see photos). The jacket is proportioned well — I’m 6’3” and a little on the slender side, so the XL fit me a little baggy, though with a few layers under it I’m sure it will be great. It was long enough for my arms, and not too overly baggy at the waist. The styling is maybe my only complaint — the jacket looks pretty utilitarian, with a fat D-ring hanging off the front and huge external chest pockets on both sides that kind of break up its lines. There are a TON of pockets in this jacket…which is nice in theory, but heaven help me when I need to find my wallet at the ski lodge… Really though, that’s a small gripe. The construction is excellent, it’s comfortable, it has everything you want (hood that accommodates a helmet, pit zips, powder skirt, comfy material around the chin when fully zipped. Seems like a great jacket altogether.
Amazing Jacket
This jacket has everything you would expect from a high end shell at less than half the cost. It does run slightly larger so keep that in mind if you prefer a more form fitting shell. It kept me super dry and warm at temps around -20F. Great range of motion, doesn't prevent me from adjusting my boots at weird angles. When filled with stuff, the pockets felt secure and stayed closed. I would have liked a longer strip of hook and loop material but it was secure enough. Zippers and elastic bits were easy to operate with thick gloves. Fully adjustable helmet compatible hood allowed me to dial in the fit so it doesn't block my field of view. The bigger size does allow for storage of gloves and goggles inside without it feeling lumpy during downtime. Overall a great jacket.
Great Ski Jacket or for Just Around Town
I have been looking for a new ski jacket for a few years now. Nothing has gotten me to bite until the REI Fist Chair GTX ePE. First off it is deceivingly big. It fits slim as just a shell but allows me to layer even a fleece and a down. I swear the sleeves are extra big, allowing for a good range of motion and freedom. As a ski dad, the pockets are amazing. They are inside and out letting me carry anything I need, plus my kids stuff. The zippers and clasps are extra large to work with gloves on. I am still waiting to ski the east with this jacket but it's been great around town too. The waterproofness has been well tested in some rain but I anticipate it being able to handle anything the slopes can throw at it.