Buy Snowboard Jacket [PATCHED]

If you live in more a more extreme cold area, where rain is less common during snowboarding season, you can get away with less waterproofing and might consider warmth a higher priority. But even in that case, some level of waterproofing is still important.

buy snowboard jacket

Nate is passionate about and loves learning new things everyday about snowboarding, particularly the technical aspects of snowboarding gear. That, and becoming a better rider and just enjoying and getting the most out of life.

Ski or snowboard socks: Ski and snowboard socks are taller than your boots and not overly thick (thick socks can actually make your feet colder if they make your boots too tight and restrict your blood circulation). Some have padding at the shins. Go with wool or synthetic socks and avoid wearing cotton socks because, when cotton socks get wet from snow or sweat, they take forever to dry out.

This category includes your primary snowboard gear, including your snowboard or splitboard, bindings, and boots. Most retailers on this list carry the popular all-mountain models from top brands, but moving outside of those items reveals some variation. In ranking the websites, we placed an emphasis on consistency of stock as well as carrying a good assortment of products. Evo and The House excel in the high-end market, including snowboard equipment for inbounds use and backcountry exploration, while REI focuses mainly on resort gear. Specialized snowsports retailers like Evo have the widest selection covering nearly every category, including snowboards for kids, splitboards, and freestyle and powder models.

As your main line of defense against snow and wind, a quality snowboard jacket is a key piece of your kit. Designs fall into three basic categories: versatile and light shells, insulated models for a boost in warmth, and 3-in-1 jackets that include a zip-out midlayer. Prices also vary, ranging from budget-oriented models that sneak in around $200 to Gore-Tex-equipped technical pieces that cost $600 or more. Below we break down the best snowboard jackets for winter 2023, which cover everything from resort and park favorites from popular brands like Burton and Quiksilver to uncompromising, premium designs for serious riders. For more background information, see our comparison table and buying advice below the picks.

A relative newcomer to the world of snowboard jackets, Picture Organic has set themselves apart from the competition with sleek styling, competitive pricing, and a strong focus on sustainability. Their products incorporate recycled materials and PFC-free DWR treatments, and the company also recently became a certified B Corp (joining Burton, Patagonia, and others). From their growing collection, we like the Object best, which mixes eco-conscious efforts like 64% recycled polyester with a 20K/20K waterproof breathable membrane and soft lining for day-long comfort.

Riding an indoor snow dome, for example, is very different to tackling the cold, icy, winds of Scandinavia. Just like how tackling the cold, icy, winds of Scandinavia is a very different experience to sliding about the warm, sunny, Alps in spring. The kind of places you spend most of your time snowboarding should 100% be factored into your buying decision.

As living creatures, our body temperatures fluctuate throughout the day. With that in mind, maintaining a comfortable temperature can at times be tricky. In a nutshell, we want to avoid trapping moisture that may later freeze. This is why our snowboard jackets and pants have to have good breathability too.

As the name implies, hardshell jackets / pants are stiffer than softshell ones. Hardshell jackets may sound uncomfortable, and twenty or so years ago they sort of were. Thanks to modern technology though, brands can now offer hardshell outerwear that feels soft next to your skin.

It may, for example, be worth spending a bit more money on a jacket that can last you up to five years rather than a cheaper option that might only take you through one season and has to be replaced sooner.

As you gear up for the winter or make upgrades throughout the season, consider one of our picks for the best snowboard jackets of 2023. To make our list of the best snowboard jackets, a design not only needs to check all of the technical boxes but should be stylish and durable.

While your backside can mop up plenty of snow on the ski lift or run, a jacket likewise collects plenty of moisture, especially on a long, snowy day out. Jackets need to block moisture while also being breathable. Some riders also need an insulated jacket depending on the climate where they ride.

Our GearJunkie snowboard gear testers include a range of experience levels from intermediate to expert. We also have backcountry splitboarders (with AIARE 2 certification), backcountry snowmobilers, pow surfers, and formerly certified instructors among our gear testers.

While testing for the best snowboard jackets, we consider a spectrum of design attributes including fit, durability, functionality, ease of movement, zipper quality, pocket design and utility, waterproofness, insulation, hood, wrist gaiters, cuffs, and overall value. We consider what climate and purpose each jacket is best suited to fill. We also take into consideration the most novel, style-specific, popular, highly rated, and legacy products across a range of price points and applications.

Designs without insulation typically have enough room to add a mid-layer in addition to a base layer beneath for chilly or cold days. This type of jacket works well for climates with a range of temperature conditions as well as spring days (with cold mornings and warm afternoons) at the resort or powder days when you typically accumulate heat carving turns.

Other designs are insulated. If the temperatures are consistently super cold or windy or if you generally get chilled, an insulated jacket might be a good choice. Some riders can wear an insulated jacket over a base layer without as much consideration for what mid-layer to bring along.

Insulated snowboard jackets can be prime for freezing or blustery conditions, long lift rides (especially with hair-raising gusts), or frequent breaks while going downhill. For some snowboarders, though, these jackets can pigeonhole them into donning too much warmth.

Snowboard jackets often offer ventilation by way of underarm zippers, which help regulate body temperature. This feature is great for warm-blooded folks or those who ride in warm conditions and for powder days when your body works hard to make turns (on powder days, remember to close your vents before your descent!).

If you generally snowboard in a wetter climate with heavier snow (meaning, the snow water equivalent, or the water content in the snow, is higher) or you want to use your snowboard jacket for the backcountry, a jacket with more waterproofness is a good call.

Face fabric treatments, which can be eco-friendly formulas or chemicals toxic to the environment, can also make a jacket waterproof. And some snowboard jackets have sealed seams and waterproof zippers to help block moisture.

A slightly longer jacket can provide extra protection from wind and snow, but some skiers find the additional fabric cumbersome. Longer jackets are also generally better for frontcountry travel and sitting on the lift versus splitboard tours.

Similarly, some uphill athletes want to wear a jacket for weather protection but only need a light layer. And occasional resort snowboarders take laps with a backpack on and might need to store their jackets as the conditions warm.

Slightly heavier but still fairly lightweight designs include the Jones Snowboards MTN Surf Parka and Flylow Roswell Jacket at 33.5 ounces each. A slightly beefier jacket is the Burton Covert Jacket at 35 ounces.

Ski jackets tend to have a more athletic or slimmer fit and are lighter weight, while snowboard jackets tend to be baggier, longer at the hem, and heavier. They all have a unique level of waterproofing, adjustable cuffs, and pockets. Any of those jackets can have other features such as powder skirts to keep loose snow out or helmet-compatible hoods.

First, understand the conditions where you will most often snowboard: what are the average temperatures during the months when you ride, and how much precipitation could you expect? Know your snowboard goals and how frequently you plan to ride. The more often you go, the greater durability and waterproofness you should consider choosing in your jacket.

Many of the jackets that made our list are insulated from the cold, some even with a different weight of insulation in the core versus the extremities. The warmest on our list in terms of insulation are the Airblaster Sassy Beast Jacket, Volcom Aris, Burton Covert Jacket, Picture Organic Object, and Picture Organic Seen jackets.

And if you are worried about your noggin, especially at the end of the day when you take off your helmet or if you want to use your snowboard jacket for other winter activities or daily errands, some jackets also have an insulated hood.

Although this may sound obvious, staying warm on the slopes is one of the most important aspects of having enjoyable experience. Nothing can ruin a ski trip more than wearing a jacket that is unable to keep your body heat at a comfortable level. This guide will walk you through the different options you will encounter while searching for a stylish jacket that will keep you warm and dry throughout an entire day on the mountain.

Choosing between these types will be based upon your natural body temperature. If you are a person who is generally cold, then investing in a insulated jacket is the pick. Conversely, if you ski or snowboard in generally warmer climates or are predisposed to feeling hot, then the shell jacket is right for you. 041b061a72