Spyder Leader Mens Jacket 2027

The Jacket

The Spyder Leader has been one of the most consistent jackets in ski apparel for years, and the 2027 version keeps the formula that made it a staple. It's a 30K waterproof shell with 100 grams of PrimaLoft® Black ECO insulation — that's a serious combination. The EXO SHIELD fabric is 100% recycled polyester with a 4-way stretch and a 30K/20K laminate, so it moves with you and sheds water at the same time. All seams are fully sealed. The components are produced without PFAS chemicals, so you're getting real waterproofing through the laminate construction itself, not a fluorinated coating doing the heavy lifting.

The fit is standard and runs true to size. Center back length on a medium is 29½". It's a clean, classic Spyder silhouette — not a fashion-forward oversized cut, not a race-tight speed suit. If you want to run a mid-layer underneath on a cold day, there's room for it.

What We Like

The pit zips are underarm YKK® zippers that actually work well — crack them open on a hard run and you dump heat fast without unzipping your whole jacket. The powder skirt is removable with a snap-back feature, so it's there when you need it and gone when you don't. The hood is removable too, and it's helmet-compatible with an adjustable opening, so it sits properly over your lid without bunching.

Pocket layout is strong. You get YKK® AquaGuard® zippers on the center front, hand pockets, chest pocket, and data card pocket. There's also a mesh goggle pocket inside with a chamois lens wipe — a small thing that matters after a foggy morning. Cuffs have adjustable tabs and interior stretch panels with thumbholes. The hem pulls down with a drawcord. Spacer mesh padding at the shoulders reduces pack strap wear. And because the shell has targeted interior stretch panels, your range of motion is genuinely unrestricted — no binding across the shoulders when you pole plant.

Fit & Sizing

The Leader fits standard, men's sizing, with room to layer a mid-layer underneath. Spyder's own model wears a Medium at 6', 40" chest, 32" waist. The chest runs 36"–38" in a Small, 39"–41" in a Medium, 42"–44" in a Large, and 45"–47" in an XL. If you're between sizes and you run a heavier base layer, go up. Come see us at our men's jacket wall at any of our three locations and we'll sort out the fit in person — sizes S through XXXL are all in the mix.

Why Willi's

We've been fitting Pittsburgh skiers since 1970. Our staff skis on this gear and can tell you how the Leader actually feels after a full day, not just how it reads on a spec sheet. Stop in at any of our three locations — South Hills, North Hills, or our shop at Seven Springs — and we'll get you sorted.

Size and Fit