REI Co-op First Chair GTX Jacket - Women's
Knock out a couple laps or make it a first-to-last-chair kind of day in the women'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 zippered chest pockets and 2 dual-entry hand pockets are lined with fuzzy tricot for a little coziness when you need it
- D-ring on right hand pocket to attach your lift ticket or clip on your gloves
- Dropped back hem for added coverage
- 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 Women'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.) | 31 inches |
Gender | Women's |
Weight | 1 lb. 8 oz. |
Sustainability | Fair Trade Certified™ factory Contains materials that meet the bluesign® criteria Contains recycled materials From a Climate Label Certified brand |
XXS | XS | S | M | L | XL | 1X | 2X | 3X | 0 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 18W | 20W | 22W | 24W | 26W | |
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Numerical Size | 00 | 0-2 | 4-6 | 8-10 | 12-14 | 16 | 18 | 20-22 | 24-26 | 0 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 10 | 12 | 14 | 16 | 18 | 20 | 22 | 24 | 26 |
Bust | 31 | 32-33 | 34-35 | 36-37 | 38.5-40 | 41-42.5 | 43-45 | 47-49 | 51-53 | 32 | 33 | 34 | 35 | 36 | 37 | 38.5 | 40 | 42.5 | 45 | 47 | 49 | 51 | 53 |
Sleeve Length | 29.5 | 30 | 30.5 | 31 | 31.5 | 32 | 32.5 | 33.5 | 34.5 | 30 | 30 | 30.5 | 30.5 | 31 | 31 | 31.5 | 31.5 | 32 | 32.5 | 33.5 | 33.5 | 34.5 | 34.5 |
Waist | 24.5 | 25.5-26.5 | 27.5-28.5 | 29.5-30.5 | 32-33.5 | 34.5-36.5 | 37.5-39.5 | 40.5-42.5 | 44.5-46.5 | 25.5 | 26.5 | 27.5 | 28.5 | 29.5 | 30.5 | 32 | 33.5 | 36 | 38.5 | 40.5 | 42.5 | 44.5 | 46.5 |
Hip | 34 | 35-36 | 37-38 | 39-40 | 41.5-43 | 44-46 | 47-49 | 50-52 | 54-56 | 35 | 36 | 37 | 38 | 39 | 40 | 41.5 | 43 | 45.5 | 48 | 50 | 52 | 54 | 56 |
Inseam | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 |
Sizing Notes
Measurements are stated in inches unless otherwise indicated. Size chart values represent body measurements, not garment measurements. Some women's pants are available in petite and tall sizes. Typically petite sizes fit women 4'11" to 5'3". Regular sizes fit women 5'4" to 5'8". Tall sizes fit women 5'9" to 5'11".
PETITE: Generally, as compared to regular sizes, petite sizes are 2.5 inches shorter in inseam, 1 inch shorter in body length, 1.25 inches shorter in sleeve length and ¾ inch shorter in total rise.
TALL: tall sizes are 3 inches longer in inseam, 2 inches longer in body length, 2.5 inches longer in sleeve length and 1.25 inches longer in total rise.
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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OH MY GAWD IT RUNS SMALLLLLLLL
I want to say that this would get 5 stars except the sizing is JUST SO SMALL. I normally wear either a medium or a Large in most tops (not a lot going on in the chest area), so I ordered a Large GTX Jacket. The tags even said it's sized up to allow for layering underneath and that is a BIG fib. BUT, besides that hiccup, here's the skinny: The Good: The color is SUPER interesting; I'm not usually a red-gravitator, but the rusty orange is NICE. The ARMS are absolutely long enough, even with the aforementioned small sizing. The hood is HUGE as you can see in my photos. Definitely enough room for your helmet and even a cozy helmet cover. THE POCKETS ARE AMAZING AND PLENTIFUL AND ALSO AMAZING. There are pockets EVERYWHERE. Outside zipper and flap pockets to hold whatever you want (read: snacks). Outside left & right zipper chest pockets that make me wish for more room in the jacket. Inside left-chest zipper pocket for your phone with a slot for headphones. Inside right bottom HUUUUUGE elastic pocket feels like it could fit two quart-size water bottles at least. Lower left arm has a zip pocket for a pass or key or chap stick or all three. VERY LARGE underarm vent zippers. It'll take a few tries to break them in so you can zip them back up yourself, but stick with it; they go halfway down your arm & chest. The hook & loop fastener on the arms is SUPER sturdy, feels like it'll last a good few years. The Bad: Like I said, off sizing. It could be longer in the torso by JUST a bit (especially considering the long arms, which are ALWAYS short on me -- I have extra long arms). The jacket only comes down to mid-butt, and I like my powder jackets to have a BIT more coverage. The overall: I did not have a chance to test this jacket skiing, but I tried to mimic them as best I could. I wore it by itself in 40 degrees, and I regret every minute of that. As you expect with a powder jacket, there is NO insulation. When I added a base layer and alpaca sweater, it was plenty warm enough for 40. If I mentally added in a stocking cap and gloves, easily I could take this down to the 30s just standing around, so while you might get a tiny bit cool on the lift, it'll be fantastic heading down the run. I simulated wind in the cold by wearing it with JUST a base layer while riding my motorcycle on city streets in 45-50 degrees. After tucking in the hood so I didn't fly back (hood is very secure, thankyouverymuch), I was very cozy driving around at 45 mph. I poured water on the outside, and as you'd hope, it beaded up. It DID inundate at the edge of the sleeve, but it was a LOT of water and I wasn't wearing gloves. Definitely fit for a powder day. So just be aware that you need to SIZE UP and GO for it. It's a FANTASTIC powder jacket. Even with the small size, I'm taking her up on my next trip for sure. And I will use EVERY POCKET.
This jacket works hard
I have been consistently delighted with this jacket’s durability, versatility, and overall design. I’ve taken it trail running through heavy, sloppy sleet with the vents open. The jacket moved well as my body moved, keeping me warm, dry and comfortable. I’ve taken it to the mountains for snowshoeing and snowboarding. I have pushed it hardest during fast and steep uphill snowshoe hikes, where I need waterproof protection, flexibility in movement, breathable vents during the climb, and cozy warmth on the way back down. The powder skirt snaps into the lining when I don’t need it, but is easily accessible as soon as I do. This jacket is definitely a favorite.
Just a great ski/snowboard jacket!
I'm a big fan! I have a Medium at 130lb, 5'2" and this was roomy enough for winter layering with a bib and two layers on top. I am picky about wearing tight tops/jackets due to relatively broad shoulders and it was not an issue with this coat. First, there are so many pockets (9!) but they are also roomy. 2 pockets inside, one large enough for a nalgene for reference, and the other inside breast pocket has a zipper which is perfect for my wallet and keys. Zip pocket on the left arm for ski pass, two zip outside breast pockets (iphone fit in both), two velcro front pockets, and two hip zip pockets. I've tested the jacket in the snow and had no issues with the waterproofing. I would even wear it in the rain since it's more of a shell material. It's also my go-to for shovelling so getting lots of good use. Other features that are well executed include: long pit zips, adjustable snow skirt, wrist velcro to tighten, bungees on the waist and hood, and a section of really soft but durable-feeling fabric that sits against your mouth/chin when it's fully zipped up. This is definitely replacing my old snowboarding coat!
A bit large but great function
I like the color of these bibs, a nice teal. I’m 5’8” and about 135lbs, the bibs are a medium and seem large. I wore a fairly heaving base layer and still had too much room. The zips and snaps make getting them on and off easy and there are sufficient pockets. I hiked with my dog in the snow including playing in the snow. I stayed dry even in the slushy stuff. They were also blocking the wind nicely. Overall a great bib for snow sports but probably better in much colder weather than what I had today.
Great multipurpose coat with plenty of pockets!
First Chair GTX ePE Jacket This waterproof jacket is bright enough to make the most dreary day shine! The yellow color makes you stand out in a crowd. I wore this coat during a downpour and stayed perfectly dry. It would also make a nice outer layer for the mountain as there is plenty of room to wear layers underneath and space under the hood to wear a beanie. The pockets are tremendous! There is ample storage to hold your things while on the mountain or just for running errands around town. I like the fact that there are zippers on a lot of the pockets to secure my wallet but also a large drop-in pocket on the inside for my phone to keep it handy.
Runs small
Bust: 41 Waist: 35.5 Hips: 47 Athletic-curvy I find that the vast majority of brands REI run small and are not really fit for curvy people. I typically fit into an XL/14-16 but the hip measurement on this jacket for an XL was 45.5 so I picked the 1X to get a little more room. The jacket fits perfect with leggings and a long sleeve but since it is not super warm and I will be using it for snowboarding I'm going to return and size up for layering. Otherwise the material seems to be of good quality. I like the amount of pockets. I wish that brands would stop using velcro on winter gear (sure-fire way to ruin my knit layers and accessories). The hood does fit over my helmet but its very snuck over the neck. Hoping the 2X will be a better fit for layering.
Perfect jacket for riding/skiing
I had been searching for a new snowboarding shell for quite some time and I'm so happy that I went ahead with the First Chair GTX ePE jacket. It has all the features I was looking for: tons of zip pockets, pit zips, a powder skirt, and large hood that fits over my helmet. I have broad shoulders and I thought the fit was roomy enough for plenty of layers underneath (which is needed since this is just a shell). The length was nice too, not too long so it doesn't bunch up while sitting down. I love the zip pass pocket on the left sleeve - it makes getting through the lift gates a breeze instead of trying to lift your leg or jacket to the scanner. I got this in teal and it's perfect.
Waterproof YUP!
I have an ancient waterproof lightweight jacket bought from REI close to 20 years ago, which I've not tested recently for waterproof-ness because I didn't want to get soaked. Quite simply, it really just needed to be replaced or used for yardwork. And just kill me now if I have to wear a lightweight waterproof jacket that feels like a tarp. So I was delighted when I found this jacket in the Tukwila store. Today it was tested as I walked 2 miles in the rain. YUP! Waterproof! Loads of handy pockets, shed water well, and dried quickly after I was home and hung it up to dry. I'm 5' 9" 125 lbs w/long arms and the small fits nicely and would still fit nicely w/a layer underneath. THANK YOU REI for great fitting products that are QUALITY.
Not waterproof
Love the weight and pockets of this coat. However, bought it for the goretex waterproofing. Just over a year of light wear, coat is not waterproof. Fabric doesn't repel water, it soaks in. See photos
Not quite the first chair jacket of the past
For a gore-tex jacket, this one is a value pack. I have abandoned my insulated winter jackets and opt for this plus a mid layer in Wisconsin snowy winter. I also use it all summer long as my go-to rain jacket. Pit zips are great for moderating body heat, and pocket space is ample. The hood fits well over a bike/ climbing/ ski helmet, and it cinches well around a helmet-less head. I had the 2021 edition of this coat that I loved dearly and I was looking forward to at least of decade of happiness with this jacket. It was a real trooper, but it got stolen out of a rental car recently. Unable to find a replacement of the same year, I begrudgingly “upgraded”. The bells and whistles are the same. But, the fit isn’t, and the material feels thinner, cheaper, and almost plasticky. I don’t know if that’s the outcome of using recycled material, but it definitely feels like a downgrade. I am less optimistic for a decade plus longevity than I was for its predecessor. This jacket does the trick and I haven’t found anything I prefer for a gore-tex or gore-tex equivalent jacket in the same price range. But, every time I reach for this jacket, I find my self lamenting for the older version with higher quality material.