Finding the best snowboard jackets that you need for your ride, can be tricky at times. Wearing the bulky one is not the answer always!
You need something that'll keep you warm, no matter what the weather condition is.
You should get your hands on the most comfortable snowboard jackets. As these are your best bet to perform all the tricks without thinking of the cold.
The styles vary as per their functionality. But that's not it. For some, it is also about conquering the powder days while shielding themselves as the temps’ drop.
We have listed some of the best snow jackets that you can tag along in the mountains.
Dive into the world of some coolest snowboarding jackets and get your journey started the right way.
Best Snowboard Jacket Reviews (Top 15 List)
best OVERALL snowboarding jacket
Burton AK 2L Gore-Tex Swash jacket packs everything you need to conquer the pow this season.
Gore-Tex is ideal for various outdoor activities, the best part is that the membrane is attached with the outer fabric only thus improving the movement and comfort.
The living lining changes its nature depending on your body heat, this maintains the optimum temperature for a long time.
Also, it has 4 zippered interior and exterior pockets along with interior dump pockets.
best snow jacket on Budget
This jacket is the definition of versatility as it can be used in each and every condition.
Provides the best level of waterproofing that can endure the tough stance of Mother Nature.
Speaking about liner material it has removable SMARTY® 3 in 1 liner along with Polyfil insulation and stretches poly fleece side body panels.
Furthermore, it has an internal 686 Jacquard mesh storage/goggle pocket, along with an internal audio card outlet with a pocket and a full Velcro closure sleeve pass pocket.
best snowboard jacket for men
Patagonia keeps getting better like a bottle of aged wine. GoreTex® membrane coupled with the husky construction ensures the viability of the jacket.
The membrane is basically a thin layer of Polytetrafluoroethylene which helps maintain the optimum environment inside the jacket.
With a regular fit, this jacket has enough pockets to carry all the essentials that you need in the snow.
best snowboard jacket for women
Stylish yet weatherproof burton’s gore-tex pillowline snowboarding jacket for women is a treasure.
The living lining presents just behind the external shell together with 80g of insulation provides sufficient warmth and dryness to keep you comfortable.
The hollow-core fibers of this insulation trap hot air and enhance the evaporation of moisture.
While the living material maintains the heat level either by shrinking or expanding the pores depending on the need.
Coolest snowboard jacket
Making the list of best snowboard jackets 2023 from Volcom is TDS 2L gore-tex jacket.
This jacket with the proven consistency of Gore-Tex and the assurance of the insulation makes it everything that you are looking for.
Volcom has 3 pockets, one is a noise pocket for media devices, and another is handwarmer pockets, and lastly the goggle pockets.
Warmest snowboard jacket
An adventurer needs a top snowboard jacket that is rightly and well-built to prevent the rider from getting wet either from the outside or from the inside.
This jacket has a snow sport fit along with a Drawcord hem.
It has sufficient pocket space as well, there are oversized internal drop pockets for radios, gloves, etc, another being the hand pockets which are zipped.
best Insulated snowboard jacket
Patagonia 3 in 1 snowshot jacket is designed to use as one piece when zipped together, or as two separate pieces.
The outer shell is 100% polyester micro twill with DWR finish while the zip-out reversible jacket is 100% polyester plain weave.
Patagonia has a total of 6 pockets, which includes a hand pocket, two hands warmer pockets one internal stash pocket, etc.
best Gore tex snowboard jacket
Roxy glade jacket has that signature feminine look brings the sleekness into the fold.
This jacket has been made from 100% recycled polyester plain weave which also includes water repellant treatment.
Primaloft black insulation eco offers lightweight comfort, softness, warmth, and insulation (40g).
Speaking about lining it has brushed mesh tricot and ultra-lightweight recycled polyester taffeta.
This jacket has enough pockets to include everything. Like chest and sleeve pass pocket, handwarmer pockets, and goggles/media pockets.
best shell snowboard jacket
Volcom snowboarding jacket brings you the exquisite Volcom Leda Gore-Tex jacket. It has everything one needs to enjoy the snow with style.
Speaking about lining Volcom Leda has V-science breathable lining system.
Leda has a noise pocket (customized for phone and media device), a sleeve pass zippered pocket and a goggle pocket.
Best snowboard coat
The snowboard jacket brand that understands your needs. Flylow Billie has a highly durable waterproof breathable membrane with top-notch quality.
This is not only stormproof but also provide rain resistance without compromising breathability.
Flylow billie snowboard coat has no shortage of pockets! It has two hands and one chest pocket, three interior pockets, and one pass pocket on the lower sleeve.
best Waterproof snowboard jacket
This futuristic shell jacket comes equipped with all the tech that’s needed to secure the jacket from the outside environment.
Reactor heat reactive mesh is made up of temperature reactive fibers that contract and expand depending upon the temperature.
TM3 has chest pockets with vents, hand pockets that are lined with brushed tricot, a quick stash pocket for ski pass, a media pocket with a phone leash, and a goggle pocket.
best Lightweight snowboard jacket
Given the freezing temperature that we are experiencing this year, you are going to need the best snowboard jackets in 2023-24, and that’s where the Arc’teryx cerium LT hoodie comes in
Taffeta is known for its outstanding durability windproofing and tear strength.
With Down Composite Mapping the synthetic insulation gets placed advantageously thus providing warmth and resistance from moisture.
It has two zippered hand pockets and an internal security (zippered) pocket with a stuff sack.
best 2 layers snowboard jacket
With 60g polyfill insulation GLCR 686 Gore-Tex moonlight insulated jacket provides strong weather protection in the toughest conditions.
To put this in perspective this jacket is at least 2” longer than those with standard lengths.
It has pockets for various purposes. It has an internal pocket for a smartphone which includes an Audio cord outlet.
On top of that it has Sleeve pass pocket, internal tissue pocket, etc.
BEST 3 LAYERS SNOWBOARD JACKET
With robust 80D nylon face fabric, Arc’teryx is one of the warmest snowboard jackets. Gore® C-KNIT™ backer technology makes this jacket not only waterproof but also windproof and breathable.
Furthermore, WaterTight™ pit zippers provide easy access while wearing a pack.
best snowboard parka
Roxy Meade snow jacket has everything that you would require while on the slopes.
The face fabric is 100% polyester dobby while the DryFlight® technology is designed to maintain your body heat while keeping you dry and also safeguarding you from overheating.
It also has highly engineered lightweight polyester taffeta lining, along with printed taffeta with brushed tricot.
These are some of the best men's snowboard jackets and best snowboard jackets for women that you can bank on your next trip. All of these cool snowboarding jackets will make you look equal parts of stylish and comfortable.
Snowboarding Jackets Buying Guide
When it comes to finding the best snowboard jackets, besides just the brand, there are other factors that you need to consider before making the final decision.
These factors are sure to help you make a wise choice. Depending on your riding style and destinations you better choose your jackets and snowboarding pants!
If you plan to ride park you should choose a better insulated jacket. Whether you plan to ride backcountry you better go for one that has water-resistant zippers, storm flaps, lightweight and high breathability.
Down below we have covered all the factors, so you can own the best snowboarding jackets:
Types of Snowboard Jackets Available in the Market
Knowing the types of best snowboarding jackets is important because riding on a sunny spring day is clearly different from riding after Christmas! You can't just buy a cool jacket without even knowing when you plan your ride .
There are mainly 5 different types of snowboard jackets available. These are:
Shell
These jackets are also known as hard shell jackets.
These jackets are most versatile options for the riders as these are completely waterproof and windproof while they ride.
As there is no insulation, you have the flexibility to add or drop extra layers. You need to have a relaxed fit so that you can add any mid-layers if the temperature drops down.
You can ride a whole season with a shell jacket and can keep for the next season if maintained properly.
Technical Shells
Do you always crave for more and want to explore while you ride?
Look no further and go for this type and it offers you excellent breathability and waterproofing.
These lightweight jackets mostly have top quality Gore-Tex fabrics and are perfect for backcountry. The versatility of these jackets is these are also good for city.
These are on a higher end when it comes to pricing but these jackets worth every penny.
Softshells
Like the name these jackets have soft fabric and also a little stretchy. These are made from a polyester and nylon types material mix.
Comparing to the shell jackets these have a little less waterproofing. But breathability and windproof features are standard.
These jackets are water resistant and you can have more control over warmth by deciding what types of mid-layer you wear.
These are budget friendly jackets and are perfect for spring and a sunny day ride.
3-in-1 Snowboard Jackets
When you like to have only one jacket that is perfect all condition, then 3-in-1 snowboard jacket is your answer.
It's basically two jackets. An additional insulating layer is zipped together with the outer shell to form a single jacket! The outer shell is made of synthetic material and also waterproof and have better breathability.
You have the total control of warmth and can wear the outer shell only if the weather is not that cold. If the mercury drops then just add the insulating layer.
Riders who want to rule the temperature should try this jacket.
Insulated
When you plan ride on cold weathers mostly then these jackets are a better choice. The jackets helps you to regain the body heat that you lose because of the cold weather.
When you don't want to have more layers underneath and remain warm at the same time these jackets come in handy.
The synthetic insulation thickness can be measured as grams per square meter. For extreme sports like snowboarding or skiing you need to have an insulated jacket with 40g to 100g insulation.
Any insulated jacket with 150g or more high loft insulation will toast you while you ride. Therefore we don't recommend that models.
Types of Insulated Snowboarding Jackets
There are mainly two types of insulated jackets. Depending on where you ride, your riding style and also how cold you usually feel on snow, you can decide what will suits you best.
Synthetic fill insulated jackets
Synthetic fill insulated jackets are popular among the riders because of it's ability to hold the insulation when it's wet. Thanks to the Primaloft or Thinsulate synthetic insulation it keeps the riders warm and dry even in wet conditions.
Riders who dare to try new lines should try these highly breathable snowboarding jackets.
Down jackets
Down jackets are high on insulation and uses goose or duck down for insulation. These are comparatively more warm and if you are active rider you may find these too hot.
These are popular for great weight to warmth ratio and packing these jackets are easy. These jackets are better for North to Northwest regions where the temperature is really low but the conditions are dry.
As snowboarders tend to move more, using these down jacket is limited to certain regions.
Waterproof Rating
No matter what, your jacket needs to be waterproof. This is in arguably the most important aspect that you need to strictly abide by.
Getting wet in such weather will make you sick but owning a jacket that designed with this factor will make for a good purchase.
A snow jacket brand that's known for the waterproof rating is the one you should rely!
The first thing you need to consider while check for a good waterproof snowboarding jacket is the type of fabric it's being made of. The most popular fabric in this context is Gore-Tex.
Gore-Tex Snowboard Jacket
The much hyped Gore-Tex snowboard jacket is the best solution to keep you dry in the wettest of conditions. Gore-Tex is a waterproof membrane fabric that works on each shell to keep the rider dry in adverse situations.
This is the most recent waterproof and amazingly breathable technology to keep the snowboarders dry.
Because of the effectiveness, these Gore-Tex snowboarding jackets are a little pricey. But these jackets are worth every penny you spend on it!
There are mainly three types of it available: Gore-Tex, Gore-Tex Pro & Gore-Tex Active. There are both women's Gore-Tex snowboard jackets and men's Gore-Tex snowboard jackets available in the market.
One tip for cleaning: You need to use warm water with not too much liquid detergent for a machine wash.
DWR: Durable Water Repellant
Durable water repellent or DWR is a type of coating that is used by different snowboard jacket brands to make the snow jackets somewhat water-resistant.
DWR is an ultra-thin liquid coating made from polymer-type compounds.
It protects your jacket and snowboarding pants' face fabric against harsh weather. It prevents moisture from reaching your skin improves breathability.
DWR technology has taken the snowboarding and ski apparel to a next level by improving waterproofing ratings.
Though DWR is not a permanent waterproof solution but your jacket can easily survive a season. Usually, after 15 to 20 washes it starts to wear off!
If you plan to ride in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and Montana, the best snowboarding jacket will be the one with DWR.
Fully Taped Seams
Taped Seams are mostly used to improve the waterproofing feature of the jackets.
A polyurethane film made tape is layered all along the stitched seams.
In case of a fully taped seams snowboarding jacket, the entire interior lining is covered and protected from moisture reaching the riders' skin.
Fully taped seams are found on high end snowboard jackets but it pays off while you ride on wet snow.
Critically Taped Seams
Like the name suggested, these jackets do have taped seams but not all over the internal seams.
Usually, these jackets have taped seams on the hood, neck, and shoulders.
These jackets are less expensive. But we recommend going for the fully taped seams while you go for the slopes.
Because while you ride getting wet is the last thing that you would want to happen!
Seam Sealing
Seam sealing is a glue type sealant instead of a tape. This type of sealing is less vulnerable to moisture, humidity and excessive heat. So, durability is better with this type of sealing.
Breathability Aspect
Another important thing to remember is that it should let you feel comfortable and breathable as well. Breathability in real terms is measured in grams. Whereas, waterproofing is measured in millimeters.
The Moisture Vapor Transmission test is what determines this quotient. The moisture from your body needs to escape with the shell lining.
It totally depends on the snowboarder's choice to opt for a style. Usually higher the grams means better breathability as it ranges from 5000-32,000 grams.
Technically speaking these parameters are supposed to help you to make a decision. But you should not consider only the waterproofing rating and breathability grams when you plan to buy one.
Rather take all other aspects that we mentioned in this buying guide.
Other Features In A Snowboard Jacket
A snowboarding jacket review is incomplete without knowing all the things your jacket must include.
These are some special features you cannot do without when you lay your hands on the cool snowboarding jackets.
The key here is to know what you actually require and then go ahead to make a purchase.
Hood
There are types available in the case of hoods.
It can be detached from the jacket so you can wear it as per the weather conditions.
Stowaway type is the one that is attached throughout but this one makes sure your hood is never misplaced.
Wrist Closure
Wrist closures of snowboarding jackets are quite helpful as they fight against wind and water.
The closures are adjustable and are in a variety like velcro, snap or elastic.
Pockets
Pocket options is quite important as you would want to stow some essentials in a baggy jacket while you are riding.
Make sure that your chosen snow jacket brand has 4-5 pockets so you can keep your things intact.
Final Words on Snowboard Jackets
This is a whole list of the best snowboard jackets and how to own the right one. To have some snazzy, cool snowboard outfits, this guide is a win-win for you.
All these styles are highly recommended and these are the best men's snowboarding jacket and women's snowboarding jackets in coming 2023-2024 season.
The Gore-Tex snowboard jackets from Burton and Patagonia are our personal favorites! apart from the styles are durability , these are the statement-makers. Look urbane at all times with this guide!
Last updated on November 17th, 2023 at 04:22 pm