Stay warm and dry with the best snowboard jacket for extreme weather conditions

Wearing a snowboard jacket keeps the elements of mother nature at bay. For the upcoming snowboard season, having a stylish and durable snowboard jacket will keep you protected on snowy days. Besides being technical, the best snowboard jacket should block moisture and be breathable at the same time. Depending on the climatic conditions, riders might have to opt for jackets with insulation if the conditions are adverse.

What is the best snowboard jacket?

Getting the right jacket will keep you warm, dry, and protected from the harsh elements in the mountains. Irrespective of your intended usage, be it traversing downhill or securing the best lap, it is important to get yourself a perfect snowboard jacket. The current market has a plethora of patterns, colors, fits, and styles. Ranging from the best-looking options to the most technical ones, this blog post dives deep to find the best options for you to make a purchasing decision.

Best snowboard jacket overall – Burton Men’s AK 2L Gore-Tex Swash Jacket

Package Dimensions: 15 x 3.7 x 1.7 inches; 2.4 Pounds

Burton maximizes your performance in the mountains and helps you chase snow across the globe. Burton has led innovations in the outdoors. For over 40 years, Burton has brought progress in the snowboard niche. This jacket has a zipper closure, and it has a regular articulated fit, which means it isn’t too tight or baggy, it features a waterproof GORE-TEX two-layer fabric which is comfortable and keeps you dry even in wet conditions—getting fully-taped seams with GORE-SEAM tape protects you from mother nature’s elements.

This jacket has an ergonomic and water-repellant zip-out waist gaiter with a jacket-to-pant interface, it also gets Primaloft silver insulation which repels any moisture and it is mapped with soft taffeta and 20 D lightweight, down-proof lining giving optimal warmth. It has a Storm Form which comes attached to the contoured hood and it has an embedded and adjustable cinch. It gets powder gasket cuffs that seal out any elements. It also has mesh-lined, no-snag pit zip ventilation, and zippered hand-warmer pockets. It features other pockets like chest pockets, bicep pass pockets, thermal pockets with device storage, and an interior power mesh dump pocket. 

Best women’s overall – Burton Prowess Women

Package Dimensions: ‎ 19.69 x 16.45 x 3.82 inches; 2.18 Pounds

Burton makes products for the mountains, and it helps you chase the snow across the globe. They have led innovations for over 40 years, and they make snowboard apparel that is unique and stands out differently. This snowboard jacket comes with a zipper closure and is machine washable. This jacket has the perfect fit which means neither is it not tight nor baggy. Featuring Dryride two-layer fabric which is waterproof and breathable. It provides outstanding protection in all weather conditions, it also has fully-taped seams which create the ultimate seal against foul weather.

This jacket gets Thermacore Eco insulation which is lightweight and soft, and it provides superior warmth-to-weight ratio performance and uses the bluesign-approved over 90% recycled fibers. This jacket also gets mesh-lined sleeve vents which adds breathability. Featuring a media and goggle pocket and a mesh dump pocket for storing items, it has a low-bulk Sherpa fleece-lined collar which provides warmth. Having an attached contour drop hood which improves comfort, fit, and performance. It also gets a removable waist gaiter with a jacket-to-pant interface which seals out snow. It also has standard features like – pit zips, glove loops, and a pocket key clip.

Best snowboard jacket (budget-friendly) – Burton Covert Snowboard Jacket Mens

Product Dimensions: ‎ 1 x 1 x 1 inches; 2.14 Pounds

Burton has designed this jacket to give users a premium feel and performance. This jacket comes with a zipper closure and is machine washable. Coming in a regular fit which means it is not too tight or baggy, it has a DRYRIDE two-layer fabric and is breathable for outstanding weather protection. It has taped seams that keep mother nature’s elements out. It gets Thermacore ECO insulation which is lightweight and soft. This provides superior warmth and it uses the bluesign approved over 90% recycled fabrics.

This jacket has a living lining that helps in regulating temperature. Featuring a helmet-compatible hood with a rear single-pull adjustment, it also gets mesh-lined, no-snag pit zips with zippered microfleece hand-warmer pockets. It gets a removable waist gaiter with a jacket-to-pant interface. It gets cargo and chest pockets with an additional goggles pocket with a thermal pocket on the inside, and a pass-pocket for storage.

Best for women (budget-friendly) – 686 Women’s Dream Insulated Jacket | Waterproof

Started back in 1992, 686 creates the best products for users to enjoy the best experience in winter and on the mountains. This jacket has a zipper closure and is machine washable. It uses materials such as – infiDry 10 fabric which is waterproof and rated up to 10,000 mm. This helps in keeping all snow and rain out without breaking the bank. It uses 10,000 gm2 breathability which combines zip-up Air-Flo mesh-lined vents. This creates a breathable garment and it ensures you stay comfortable all day.

This jacket is ideal for snowboarding and it offers the perfect fit. This jacket works well in dry snow, resorts, parks, half pipes, and in winter. It uses 10,000 gm2 breathability which combines zip-up Air-Flo mesh-lined vents. This creates a breathable garment and it ensures you stay comfortable all day. This jacket is ideal for snowboarding and it offers the perfect fit. This jacket works well in dry snow, resorts, parks, half pipes, and in winter.

Best snowboard jacket insulated – Flylow Men’s Roswell Jacket Synthetic Insulated Waterproof

Flylow promotes functionality and performance, so that users stay protected even in wild snow-covered places. This jacket has a zipper closure and it provides all-around functionality. You can traverse the resorts in this sleek, insulated, and fully-featured jacket. It also gets dependable synthetic insulation which fights the cold without adding any bulk.

This jacket gets Stark 2-layer heavy-duty and waterproof fabric. This offers plenty of protection while you do laps around resorts in any type of weather. This jacket also gets a Freeride fit which gets long and relaxed cuts that look awesome and it offers extra coverage from mother nature’s elements. This jacket gets underarm vents, a powder skirt, four exterior pockets, an inner pass pocket, a climbing skins pocket, a media pocket, a helmet-compatible hood, and waterproof zippers.

Best women’s insulated – AIRBLASTER Women’s Stay Wild Parka Insulated Outerwear Jacket

Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1 Pound

This jacket helps you stay warm and dry in the wild. Having layered looks created with complementary combinations of tech and matte 10k fabrications. It gets a slim and cozy layer of 80 g insulation which tops off the suite. It has powder-ready features which make this jacket a preferred option for snowboard enthusiasts. It has powder-ready features which make this jacket a preferred option for snowboard enthusiasts.

Best snowboard jacket technical – Spyder Men’s Leader GTX

Package Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 25.79 x 15.75 x 3.62 inches; 2.58 Pounds

Spyder has led the ski industry for 40 years, and it is one of the most recognized brands in outdoor sports. It is focused on enhancing the ski/snowboard experience, and it uses advanced technical composition and style. Made with 100% polyester, this jacket has a polyester lining and a zipper closure. Being machine washable, it has stretch polyester plain weave 2l along with GORE-TEX laminate. Getting textured nylon with DWR and Primaloft silver eco insulation.

It gets a removable helmet-compatible hood with an adjustable opening. It has a watertight aqua guard center front along with hand and chest pocket zippers. All this makes it a preferred choice amongst winter athletes and snowboard enthusiasts. It has a watertight aqua guard center front along with hand and chest pocket zippers. It is a preferred choice amongst winter athletes and snowboard enthusiasts.

Best women’s technical – Volcom Women’s Rossland Insulated

Volcom is a snowboarding lifestyle brand that creates durable and stylish clothing for all necessities. This jacket embraces a vintage cut which gives you a relaxed boxy form. Maintained via a drop shoulder and a slightly shorter cut, it features athletic color blocking and unique paneling which makes it a statement piece. It is purposely built for usage in the mountains, and it features a V-Science 2-layer, 80/60 g of insulation. It uses the patented Zip Tech interface which connects jackets and pants to keep you dry and warm. It is purposely built for usage in the mountains, and it features a V-Science 2-layer, 80/60 g of insulation. It uses the patented Zip Tech interface which connects jackets and pants to keep you dry and warm.

Factors determining the best snowboard jacket –

Insulation –

Jackets may or may not offer insulation. For those without insulation, you can opt for a mid-layer besides the base layer if the conditions are cold. Non-insulated jackets work well in weather conditions ranging from spring to winter. It can be worn for laps around the resort or on powder days when you accumulate heat. In cases when conditions are super-cold or freezing, you should opt for jackets with insulation. When it’s windy and chill having an insulated jacket with a base layer should provide enough warmth and there is no additional requirement for a mid-layer.

In freezing temperatures having an insulated jacket is a safe bet. However, you don’t want to pigeonhole yourself on too much warmth, and having a perfect blend of warmth and insulation from the flannel to down-filled panels should keep you going in most weather conditions. Also, if you happen to be in the backcountry, the warmth-to-weight ratio of insulated jackets might be too high.

Number of layers –

Jackets with two layers use fabric like polyester and nylon. Mostly two-layer jackets have an inner liner that protects the fabric. It is breathable and they feel less hefty than a three-layer jacket. Many jackets have an insulation layer with an outermost surface which is usually waterproof. In comparison to triple-layer jackets, those with two layers are priced moderately. In contrast, three-layer jackets have a waterproof/breathable membrane which is usually made by GORE-TEX. This third layer is sandwiched between the fabric and the liner. In some cases, the outer fabric might be waterproof, and triple-layer jackets are a better option in harsh weather conditions.

Ventilation –

Jackets that feature underarm zippers help in regulating the body’s temperature. This is a necessity if you are in warm conditions or when you exert a lot and tend to sweat. Underarm zippers vary in length but are a requirement, especially in the backcountry. There are many kinds of ventilation like YKK zippers and they come with varying technologies at different price points.

Waterproof –

Waterproof jackets are best suited for snowboarding and keep you from getting wet in rain or snow. The benchmark for waterproofing is GORE-TEX which is an integrated membrane in different jacket designs. This material is waterproof and breathable. If you find yourself in wet conditions or where there is plenty of snow, you ought to get a waterproof jacket. If you wish to use your jacket in the backcountry, having a waterproof jacket becomes a necessity.

Breathability –

The jacket you get should have the ability to allow body heat or sweat to pass from the interior to the exterior. Breathable jackets are more comfortable while riding in the resorts or on powder days. Riders on the backcountry or uphill should look for jackets that offer optimal breathability.

Pockets –

Snowboard jackets often feature exterior hand pockets with zip closures. Other jackets might feature small pouches on the arm or the chest. Jackets with deep and wide exterior pockets like those on the chest are useful to store gadgets like smartphones. Jackets that have interior pockets have a zip closure and ports for headphones. It can also have a mesh construction with an elastic band at the top. Mesh pockets with an elastic closure are useful for backcountry skins and when the temperature is crisp. Having zippered pockets provide insulation which is beneficial to store gadgets and other devices. Jackets should have the right pocket size and should be positioned for your comfort.

Size –

Jackets in the market come primarily in two fits, they could be roomy and boxy, or they could be streamlined and athletic. Both fit provide adequate comfort and longer jackets tend to provide more protection from wind and snow. Every manufacturer has its size charts and checking the fit and size will ensure an enhanced experience on the snow. Considering the type of mid-layer or base layer you wear underneath your jacket, it is wiser to have a size larger than your body.

Weight –

Jackets that are lighter tend to be less bulky and can be accommodated in little space. Light jackets are better for those who travel uphill or are in the backcountry. Even for riders at resorts, it becomes easier to store the light jacket in their backpacks. But, you also don’t want to compromise the protection and durability of the jacket for lighter weight.

In conclusion, based on the conditions where you will be snowboarding, like the temperature, you can estimate how much precipitation you can expect. Based on your objective of snowboarding, durable and waterproof jackets will protect you in all circumstances. The best snowboard jacket offer varying features and styles at different price points. After extensive research, I have come out with this list of snowboard jackets that cater to your unique needs and personal preferences.