A winter jacket breaks down for a multitude of reasons, including exposure to sunshine, rain, and snow. The materials wear due to the rub points of a heavy pack, brushing against equipment, and even contact with human skin. Frequency of use, roughness of the activity, and overall user care are factors that dissolve a jacket, too.
If you use your winter jacket for everyday activity, the jacket will deteriorate faster. Be sure to follow the care instructions, which are unique for each jacket and located on the interior label.
With so many variables, the exact lifespan of each jacket can’t be predicted. We typically find ourselves using our favorite well-constructed winter jackets for 5 or 6 years but less if we’re donning it for the backcountry.
If you take good care of your jacket or use it for select activities, you can easily assume the product life will be longer — maybe a decade.