The Best Snowboard Jackets of 2025

Based in the Pacific Northwest, Trew launched with drop-seat snow bibs in 2009. Fourteen years later, the brand developed a sustainable fabric after several years of production, which is strong enough to withstand even the most moisture-laden coastal storms. The Primo Collection is the brand’s 100% recycled woven nylon in a 3-layer package. The waterproof-breathable fabric is durable and offers dynamic stretch, which is the foundation of the Trew Gear Women’s Stella PRIMO Jacket ($499). With a relaxed, lengthy style, the Stella is among Trew’s cake designs for ladies to date. We absolutely love this slightly hourglass fit and found that the fabric withstood heavy, wet snowfall with no dampening and dried very fast. New for 2024-2025, the hood was updated to fit better over a helmet and there is a laminated internal chest pocket. Beyond the XS through XXL, Trew also debuted 1X through 4X extended sizes for this snow jacket. If you’re looking for another broader-frame choice, check out the women’s Volcom Women’s V.CO Aris GORE-TEX Jacket, which reaches XXL and has a lower price rung.

There are pockets galore in the Stella. We dig the two exterior chest pockets and two exterior hand pockets, creating a picnic of pouches across the face. With eye-friendly lines, those four zippers are covered by fabric, so it’s easier to use the opposite hand to slide items into each chest pocket. We were cautious on the lift and in line to slide items into the lower two hand pockets, because the overlapping fabric is angled down — awareness is key, especially if your hands are in gloves and you can’t feel exactly where the zipper teeth are. That said, we never dropped anything. Another two dump pockets are inside for tossing a beanie or mitts while going through the dining hall (but those pouches are not the most spacious for skins). A pass pocket sits on the lower forearm, meaning our card never got pinched in the elbow pit. Adding a zippered interior chest pocket would be a bonus for future upgrades — but we wouldn’t want that to come at the expense of the large exterior pockets.  

We also wish that the interior collar had a softer fabric for comfort and warmth against the chin and lower face. The hood has a reinforced brim and fits over a helmet but is snug, and the brim doesn’t go to the very end of the helmet. There are three elastic adjustments (two in front and one in back) to hug up the hood when the wind howls. The powder skirt is removable, and all of the zipper pulls decorating the jacket are easy to grab. 

Recapping, this fabric is fairly soft and quiet. The feel is thickset and strong but not insulated. Those underarm vents are 10 inches long (not the 16 inches that are advertised) and lack interior mesh fabric panels. There’s a wide, tapered shape to the wrist cuffs, which is a lovely touch that’s also functional, and the velcro tabs are easy to grab. Ultimately, the Stella PRIMO Jacket is wildly comfortable, fashion forward, and shielded very heavy, wet snowfall with no damp spots. Plus, the fabric dried quickly after full days on the slopes. This is one of our favorite all-around snowboard jackets, hands down.

Perfectly kitted out with tons of pockets, a lower environmental impact, and overall style contribute to why the toasty Burton Men’s Covert 2.0 Jacket ($270) is a good choice for resort shred days. This jacket lines up one of the widest size ranges, too, with options from XXS to XXXL. Plus, the cost is reasonable for the package. Another option on the lower end of the price spectrum is the Flylow Roswell Jacket, which is likewise insulated but has a slightly more breathable textile.

Loaded with stash zones, there are ample pockets in the Covert, including one that’s insulated for a phone, which has a streamlined entrance near the center chest next to the jacket’s main zipper. The hand pockets are lined with a cozy microfleece, which we’re stoked on while hanging on the deck for après. A ski pass pocket is on the lower left arm, which stays clear of the elbow pit. The interior mesh dump pocket is a great spot to stash a beanie. There are also two spacious chest pockets ready for snacks.

We appreciate the pit zips for venting and haven’t seen the liners snag thanks to several narrow strips of fabric reinforcement that add a hair of structure to the porous material — a unique detail. For dry and spring stints, the powder skirt is removable for a de-cluttered layer. It’s five-star that the hood is helmet-compatible and has one-hand adjustability. An effort was made towards sustainability with the Bluesign-approved insulation that’s made with 90% recycled fibers.

This 2-layer jacket offers moderate-level waterproofness and breathability — at 10,000mm of waterproofing and 5,000g/m²/24hr of breathability — which works for riders in more mild and moderate climates. The Covert 2.0 Jacket was one of the warmest we tested, and a few testers of different sizes and heights all liked the fit. Despite a low-bulk design, this piece is loaded with 80 grams of ThermacoreECO Insulation, so if you shred in a blustery, cold spot or will be waiting in the lift line for a while, snag one.

This toaster design sits at an excellent price point for comfortable, functional snowboard outerwear. The 686 Women’s Athena Insulated Jacket ($230) offers synthetic insulation throughout the body, sleeves, and hood. Utilizing a body-mapped strategy, the insulation is tailored to each zone, with 80 grams around the torso, 60 grams hugging the arms, and 40 grams in the hood. That cozy fill serves to keep shredders warm when the temps plummet and potentially eliminates the need for a mid-layer purchase, which could be a bonus for those on a budget.

Keeping that lower price, the design is 2-layer with a PFAS-free DWR treatment that keeps moisture beading off the face. While the jacket doesn’t boast the highest waterproofness or breathability — coasting at 10K/10K — the seams are critically taped. Stuffing the 686 with synthetic fill versus down also means the jacket will dry fast in moisture-heavy storms while retaining heat, even when the face is damp. Weighing the elements, we recommend this jacket for folks in colder, moderately wet conditions over riding all day in a PNW snowstorm under a high water douse.

Stealing the show are the six pockets with a chest pouch that’s lined to keep your phone battery jived, topped off with an audio cord outlet. The chest and pass pocket include a key clip. Two stacked internal mesh dump pockets hold goggles, lenses, or a face mask. There are also two spacious hand pockets.

We also like that there’s a powder skirt and underarm vents. But a couple of the coolest details are the small loops inside each wrist cuff, which we can slide our thumbs through to keep the sleeves down. Softening the interior collar around our face is also clutch with the tricot liner. All considering, the Athena Insulated Jacket is a steal for ladies who shred in milder climates and are looking for a piece that can handle toting the goods while looking hip.

A couple of our other favorite insulated uppers for ladies include the eco-friendly Picture Organic Women’s Seen Jacket, which is pricier and offers 20K/15K waterproofness/breathability for heavier snowfall, and the premium Airblaster Women’s Sassy Beast Jacket with a mega waterproof/breathability rating for 30K/20K that’ll hammer out days in the PNW.

The Flylow Roswell Jacket ($300) is lightly filled with 80 grams of synthetic insulation — hood included — making this layer a solid contender for blustery conditions. Just pull it on over a base layer and light fleece or on warm spring days with short sleeves, depending on the weather and your personal preferences. Plus, this classic design rounds out a nice fit that’s not too baggy or too tight.

If the conditions call, riders can pull the hood over their helmet. There’s a powder skirt, and we appreciate the wrist gaiters with thumbholes. While the waterproofness is on the moderate end, the face fabric is treated with a bio-based PFAS-free DWR, which enhances the protection so moisture beads right off. The jacket’s seams are also fully taped, and there’s a YKK waterproof zipper. Those underarm zips are a generous 13 inches.

And we can’t overlook that there are pockets galore. There are four exterior pockets for stashing goods: two chest pockets and two hand pockets. There’s a pass pocket, one interior pocket for gloves, and a media pocket.

With 120-denier 2-layer fabric, the material is not the most robust but does the trick for weekly trips to the resort. Inside, the liner is 100% recycled polyester. All considered, we love pulling on the Roswell for lift-served laps, especially in cold midwinter conditions. In a different style, the Burton Men’s Covert 2.0 Jacket also dishes out 80 grams of insulation in a 2-layer design that ranges from XXS to XXXL — rather than XS to XL — but has a lower waterproofness and breathability and comes in at a slightly lower price point.

Back in the 2022-2023 winter season, Jones debuted its women’s outerwear line, and with it, the Jones Snowboards Women’s MTN Surf Recycled Jacket ($500) didn’t disappoint. Super buttery, boxy, and hip, this cloak is fresh, functional, and offers warmth with a bit of insulation — but not too much. In 2023-2024, there were minor stitching and velcro updates but nothing significant. The design reps top-notch sustainability with bluesign certification, 100% recycled polyester textiles (inside and out), and PrimaLoft Bio, a biodegradable synthetic insulation created from recycled materials. The DWR treatment is PFC-free. There are recycled YKK Natulon zips, zipper pulls, and recycled polyester cords. Topped with the OEKO-TEX Standard 100, we’re not sure what else could be done to ramp up eco-friendliness. 

Zero-degree day? No problem. The fit is excellent for layering whatever you need beneath and moving freely on the slopes with no hang-ups or tight spots. An abrasion-resistant ripstop fabric is used on the hood and arms, while a four-way stretch material is used for the torso. The hood and collar have a great shape and work well — offering plenty of protection and space to move while in use and pulled up. While the length of the arms might be a bit shorter than other jackets, they work. The Velcro cuffs are medium width, easy to use, and meet the day’s demands. There’s a fixed powder skirt and three lockable hood adjustment cords.

We especially appreciate all of the pockets in this insulated jacket. The two triangular hand pockets are massive: 12 inches tall and, at the widest point, 9 inches side to side. A small pocket on the left forearm is for your ski pass. An exterior upper left chest pocket is comfortably placed, which includes a mesh, minimalist pocket for a phone — but it requires two hands to slip a device in. Inside the jacket, there’s an upper left zippered chest pocket and two lower dump pockets. 

Also, we dig the “5 Red Flags” avalanche education infographic on the forearm: New Snow, Recent Avalanches, Collapsing Cracking, Rise in Temp, Strong Winds. There’s a second sweet infographic inside the right chest, above the dump pocket detailing “Avalanche Rescue Tips” with comprehensive yet quickly digestible guidelines. While we typically opt for a non-insulated jacket for tours, for more versatility, it’s helpful to constantly study backcountry safety. Included in the package are RECCO, fully taped seams, and generous pit zips.

The Women’s MTN Surf is among our favorite jackets to grab when heading up to the resort from morning to afternoon laps, whether it’s a bluebird day or stormy and freezing cold. At a much lower price tag, the Airblaster Women’s Sassy Beast Jacket is another of our favorite insulated snowboard jackets for women, which is a more tailored design versus the baggier fit of the MTN Surf. Comparatively, the pockets of the Beast are also spacious but not as boxy and take extra time to access due to the direction of the zipper flap.

Jones Snowboards continues to set a high bar for sustainable, high-performing snowboard jackets only a few seasons into building apparel. We can’t say we’re surprised, but their designers are really pushing the boundaries of sustainability. Despite a malleable hand feel, these pieces are stalwart, too. Launched with the brand’s first-ever outerwear in the 2021-2022 winter season, the Jones Snowboards Men’s Shralpinist Stretch Recycled Jacket ($575) is a premium snowboard jacket made for dawn-to-dusk days on the skin track, extreme weather conditions, or bell-to-bell laps at the resort.

What sets this jacket apart is the fabric. This lightweight, soft, and stretchy textile is matched with incredible durability and performance, which boasts 30,000mm of waterproofness and breathability. While we did find the fabric durable, the face of the lighter-colored option shows dirt very easily. Regardless, we appreciate the natural yet bright tone for helping us pop against a white slope. One of our other favorite features of this jacket is its plethora of pockets — nine total. We loved the oversized outer chest pockets. Those two torso pockets were large enough for phones, cameras, snacks, and more, plus they’re accessible with a hip belt on. There are four other zippered pockets: Two hand pockets, a large interior zippered chest pocket, and a small forearm pass pocket. Inside are two large chest pockets that are good for splitboard skins, plus a minimalist phone keeper. 

With all the performance packed into the fabric, there’s no tradeoff in terms of sustainability. The face fabric is a 100% recycled 70-denier polyester giving a four-way stretch that was unmatched on the skin track. The 20-denier polyester backer is 100% recycled, too. A dot-laminated hydrophilic membrane is sandwiched inside, making a 3-layer waterproof design. The outer fabric is treated with a PFC-free DWR, helping to keep moisture out without the use of toxic chemicals. The entire jacket meets the OEKO-TEX Standard 100 and is Bluesign-certified, meaning you can trust the materials are safe for the environment. There are recycled polyester zip pulls and adjuster cords, as well as YKK Natulon recycled zips, which is a step up from most brands. Jones specifically designed this jacket with sidecountry and backcountry riders in mind, integrating emergency avalanche rescue tools and education. That includes RECCO detectors and an integrated infographic called “5 Red Flags” with signs related to avalanche instability that splitboarders should consistently review. Inside the jacket is a second durable, laminated infographic, which covers the Avalanche Rescue Steps.

Overall, we loved the Men’s Shralpinist for all types of snowboarding. It really shines on the skin track with its breathability and stretch but was a stout companion for long, blizzardy resort days. With such lightness and breathability, we did get cold more easily than other heavier weight jackets while taking chilly lift rides at the resort, so make sure to layer appropriately underneath. But if mountaineering while looking good and feeling good about your environmental impact is the goal, then look no further than the Shralpinist. With a lower price tag, we also love the Outdoor Research Men’s Skytour AscentShell Jacket for tours, which is less sustainably built and has a chunk less waterproofness and lower breathability.

Nuances matter. We’re not sure how Jones achieved improving an already steadfast ladies’ shell, but they did. Originally launched with the brand’s first-ever women’s outerwear in 2022-2023, the 3-layer and eco-friendly Jones Snowboards Women’s Shralpinist Stretch Recycled Jacket ($525) is ideal for resort rips and backcountry missions. Updated in 2023-2024, the yarn size was hiked from 50-denier to 75-denier tenacity with a higher thread count and fabric weight, making the jacket even burlier. The weight increase was negligible, especially compared to the durability perks. 

Off the bat, the face fabric is noticeably supple and quiet, with no noisy nature disturbance on hikes uphill. This jacket is a stout yet breathable partner for big days in the elements with fully taped seams, RECCO, 100% recycled and four-way stretch material, a 100% recycled backer, and PFC-free DWR. The recycled zippers, pull cords, and adjuster cords send the jacket over the top with a sustainable touch. You also might have noticed that 30K/30K waterproofness and breathability grade — the highest mark in the books. Even in a downpour of snow, this jacket hasn’t soaked through, keeping us dry and nicely blocking wind.

We love the prolific pockets: Two huge 14-by-8-inch chest pockets fit whatever you want, even skins or a large phone or beacon, which are accessible with a hip belt on. (Remember, keep transceivers at least 16 to 20 inches away from other electronics — so don’t put your beacon and phone side-by-side in those spacious chest cavities.) On the left side is an interior mesh hammock for a phone (though, a large device doesn’t slide in well). A pass pocket on the left forearm, two internal mesh dump pockets, and an internal chest pocket with a zip closure round out the pouches. Our favorite spot to throw skins between laps is those interior stretchy purses.

To invite a breeze on the up-track are two spacious pit zips, 14 inches long. A sweeping hood and tall, comfortable chin guard offer protection against ripping weather. The fleece liner inside the collar is a bit lean — only 4 inches long by 6/8 inches wide — and we wish it was plusher and more expansive. Jones continues to support avalanche education and backcountry safety with two infographics on the arm and interior chest: “5 Red Flags” and “Avalanche Rescue Tips.” Both are rad additions, especially for a jacket primed for out-of-bounds travel. 

For garnish, the Women’s Shralpinist has a fixed pow skirt, a hanging loop on the interior collar, a sturdy brim on the hood, Bluesign’s stamp of approval, and wide Velcro wrist straps. Only after hammering the jacket through a couple of seasons have we seen the fabric (but no zippers) start to break down despite carrying a heavy load, muscling an off-trail sled, and managing a large trailer for backcountry access. Hands down, this is the jacket we reach for on backcountry adventures midseason and mountaineering come spring. Another one of our favorites from the brand is the Jones Snowboards Women’s MTN Surf Recycled Jacket, which is boxier, insulated, and a better choice for resort shreds, in our opinion.

Read Review: First Look: Jones Snowboards Women’s Shralpinist Stretch 3L Jacket Review

One of our best shell and backcountry-performance jackets for shredders is the Outdoor Research Men’s Skytour AscentShell Jacket ($429), which is offered for ladies with the Outdoor Research Women’s Skytour AscentShell Jacket ($429). Launched back in 2021, the Skytour is made with the brand’s AscentShell technology and has been a servant on backcountry missions.

Of all the waterproof hardshells we tested, this one was of top-notch breathability and air permeability, so we can avoid getting clammy or too hot while ascending the route. This is the only jacket we’ve found that has a higher breathability rate than waterproofness rate -— an anomaly on our list. Our other favorite detail is the stretch, which is a necessity while dialing back the shoulder straps and hip belt on a heavy ski pack. Malleable material is also clutch for snowmobiling to the base of a climb, or bending over to transition our gear or adjust our bindings at the top of the drop. The hand feel is soft and pleasant, too.

All around, the design is equipped with pit zips and quality pockets both in terms of size and placement. There are both interior and dual exterior chest pockets, two hand pockets, an interior mesh stash, and a forearm pass pocket. We love the combo of comfort and durability of the shell, the adjustable hood with a wire brim, and the softly lined chin guard.

This jacket performs super well for human-powered jaunts, whether we were booting a bowl at the resort or skinning after work. Not too roomy, the fit and sizing are dialed. All in all, if you haven’t upgraded your splitboarding shell in a while, the OR Skytour AscentShell should definitely go on your list. In contrast, the Jones Snowboards Men’s Shralpinist Stretch Recycled Jacket is also an excellent noon-insulated jacket that’s an adaptable hound for the backcountry or resort but is a much higher waterproofness and bigger cost.

It’s hard to recall a snowboard jacket we’ve tested that’s received more compliments than the Stio Women’s Figment Jacket ($499) while shredding at the ski hill or hopping on the bus, board in hand. With a movement-focused freeride cut, plus aesthetic pockets and lines, the Stio Men’s Figment Jacket looks just as good, especially paired with the complimentary Stio Women’s Figment Bib or Stio Men’s Figment Bib. Both kits launched for the 2023-2024 season, setting a fresh twist on the brand’s typically athletic-paired style.

A baggier silhouette all but eliminates restriction, so we can take deep carves, stomp the bootpack, drop steeps, tuck cliffs, and whip around moguls. Even the hood is fully compatible with a helmet, allowing a noggin swivel on descents in dicey terrain. A looser fit also supports one of the premiere details of this design: Seemingly endless pockets. Comparing the number of pockets across our picks, the Trew Gear Men’s Cosmic PRIMO Jacket and Trew Gear Women’s Stella PRIMO Jacket serve up seven, while the Burton Men’s Covert 2.0 Jacket meets the highest number with ten. But these pouches on the Figment are all roomy, functional, well-positioned, and easy to use. There are two wide, tall exterior chest pockets, a perfect spot to quickly slide a phone. Inside one of those is a buttery lens wipe attached via a fixed cord, so you can’t drop it, which is perfect for a goggle, phone, or camera lens. Inside the other is a small stretchy pocket for slender cards or a key fob. Below the chest pockets are two large hand pockets with a top entrance, protected by a zipper flap. A wrist has a pass pocket. Inside the jacket are two mesh dump pockets, which are sizable for accessories like a goggle lens or extra gloves, plus a zippered, stretchy chest pocket.

With attention to the details, Stio added a soft tricot liner where the jacket’s interior rests against your face, and the chinguard’s size is generous: a 5.5 x 5.5-inch and 4.5 x 5.5-inch patch. There’s also an 8-inch by 1.5-inch strip of buttery fabric against the neck, like an integrated scarf. Bless you, Stio. We’ve also never seen this: A small loop that’s integrated into the interior hem of the jacket, where inbounds riders can attach a ski pass for scanning if they’d like. Certainly, this blend of textiles and touchpoints can withstand a beating, but the ingredients are sustainable, too. This 3-layer shell fabric, called PeakProof, is 100% recycled. For an uptick of waterproofness, the face is treated with 80/20 PFC-free DWR: that point system means the performance remains optimal for 20 washes, which is an excellent bar. As a dense shell, this jacket is super durable, comfortable, and very protective against the elements — heavy or wet snow and wind.

The fabric’s waterproof rating reaches 20,000mm, which is high performance, and the breathability is moderate, at 10,000 g/m²/24hrs, which is suitable for resort days. What’s sacrificed is breathability on the skin track. If you prefer to wear a shell while you’re traveling beneath dense, snow-covered trees, for instance, this isn’t our first choice — the exception being extremely cold days well below freezing, like in the Jackson Hole zone, where the brand is based. However, the amount of fabric is also a factor to consider for tours, and we found this to be a bit much. Nonetheless, this stylish, dependable jacket is an ideal pick for riding the resort without a second thought for comfort or carry, whether you’re packing snacks or sunnies or a GoPro. Guys and gals alike, our snowboarders raved about the Men’s Figment and Women’s Figment. Despite a full season on these kits, we’ve hardly seen any wear and tear other than a few dirt and oil smudges.

If you’re looking for a hip freeride jacket that goes from the park to the groomers and glades, and can weather a winter storm, check out the L1 Axial Jacket ($419). With a clean hanging style and unique side-by-side front zippers, it’s hard not to enjoy how this gender-neutral jacket looks let alone how it performs. Hitting a moderate price point, this jacket is built with robust 20K/20K waterproof-breathable, wind-shielding fabric and has a collection of spacious pockets to carry the goods.

Let’s talk about the collar, the crown of this design. We really like the fleece liner that wraps 9 inches around the front half of the jacket. A wide, smooth zipper cover buffs out any chance of chafe. A few inches left of the main zipper pull, a separate zipper allows the collar to widen with a mesh gusset, offering space and ventilation. Stacked directly beneath that 8-inch-long upper zip is the entrance for the exterior chest pocket. That pouch features a media port, where you can thread your headphones through an elastic stay loop higher in the neck. The zippers are all burly but easy to open and close thanks to lengthy, wide tabs. Beyond style, the smart design works. Placing the chest pocket access on the front all but eliminates a need to zip down our jacket in a snowstorm.

As for other pockets, the hand hammocks are huge — 9 in by 7 in — and there’s a seamlessly integrated pass pocket on the left forearm. Blink and you might miss it. One mesh dump pocket sits inside the right side. While the pockets are spacious and well-placed, it’d be nice to see a small interior chest pocket for safekeeping items like an ID or slender wallet. The left hand pocket includes a detachable goggle cloth, so we can deal with smudges.

The smooth inner storm cuffs have a generous hole for our thumbs and we appreciate the wide pull tabs around each wrist. Nearly three inches deep, a reinforced brim on the hood helps keep weather off our goggles. As for the hand feel, the Axial is denser, louder, and heavier than other lightweight, more buttery fabrics but given the resort application, that’s not an issue on our end. It’s super stretchy and doesn’t restrict our movement when we’re strapping in, spinning, or weaving through mogul fields. We’re also happy to see L1 incorporating 87% recycled polyester into the 3-layer textile, which is topped with PFC-free DWR to bead water. If you’re looking for a similarly loose fit that’s insulated, check out the Jones Snowboards MTN Surf Recycled Jacket, or if you want a lighter weight non-insulated jacket, read up on the Dakine Sender Stretch 3L Jacket.

The Airblaster Women’s Sassy Beast Jacket ($320) has detail-oriented features, from the unique powder skirt to the spacious pockets and a highly waterproof, breathable fabric. With compressible 100% recycled PrimaLoft insulation integrated into the jacket, the design aims to keep riders both warm and dry without feeling bulky, which we found to be true. While the warmth was noticeable, we had a hard time believing that the jacket even had insulation with the streamlined silhouette.

On the Sassy, the 2-layer fabric is Eco-Vortex with an outer layer that’s likewise 100% recycled. A PFC-free DWR finish adds even more protection against heavy snowfall. And the waterproof YKK zippers down the center front and on the chest pocket block moisture. Overall, the smooth fabric isn’t loud or crunchy, barricades biting wind, and repels moisture super well. Those seams are fully sealed, too.

Among the most unique features of this jacket are the two huge chest pockets. The openings are a whopping 12 inches long, and the interior height is closer to 18 inches in total. The pocket is shaped like a triangle that tapers toward the top, so the width varies, but it is nearly 9 inches at its widest point. These two gargantuan pockets are a tradeoff for not having traditional hand pockets. While they offer ample space for storing a variety of stuff and have an aesthetic flair, the access is a bit less straightforward than with traditional pocket designs due to the zipper flaps facing away from our hands.

At the end of the day, the Sassy Beast is what we grab for cold, deep, and playful days at the resort for all around comfortable and style. The Airblaster Sassy Hot Bib rounds out this kit with a great look. Another one of our favorite insulated women’s jackets is the Jones Snowboards Women’s MTN Surf Recycled Jacket, which is baggier and boxier in style and the pockets are roomy. The price point is higher, in part due to the leveled-up sustainability of the MTN Surf’s materials, but the jacket also has eight pockets versus five.

Read Review: Airblaster Women’s Sassy Beast Jacket Review: Plenty of Protection for the Stormiest Days

This is one of those jackets that’s designed so well that it feels familiar from the first day you put it on. Stylish and nicely designed, the Volcom Women’s V.CO Aris GORE-TEX Jacket ($330) is a well-fitted but relaxed, flattering, and equipped jacket. We found it to be perfect for snowboarding. Even more, the size options offer short, mid-length, or long versions.

Aris uses one of the most popular fabrics out there: a 2-layer GORE-TEX shell with a PFCec-free DWR. This material is super durable and isn’t crunchy or loud. There are also the adjustable cuffs, hem, and hood to applaud. The design includes the brand’s proprietary jacket-to-pant interface, so you can zip the Aris to a Volcom snow pant, which is super functional and helps to keep wind and snow off the rump and lower back, which is especially nice if you take a tosser on a powder day.

This jacket won us over with all the other little details: YKK AquaGuard zippers, long pit zips, a taffeta-lined interior, brushed tricot-lined pockets — which is like a warm hug for our cold hands — and a hood that’s adjustable in two places. The super soft suede chin guard is one of our favorites we’ve ever used and keeps our face protected during stormy days and lift rides. There’s a unique tiny whistle integrated into the front zipper pull, too. The V-Science two-way cuffs are some of our favorite sleeve cuff designs across all ski and snowboard jackets: with ’em, you can wrap the Velcro strap at the end of the sleeves around your thumb, creating a temporary thumb loop.

Whether you want a hip look or more functional outerwear, the Aris caters to both. Let’s face it — most of us do want a jacket that feels and looks good. That combo makes it one of the best snowboard jackets you can buy. Fit-wise, the function-serving Trew Gear Women’s Stella PRIMO Jacket is likewise well-tailored and articulated without being snug.

This Jones Snowboards MTN Surf Recycled Jacket ($500) was among the brand’s first-ever outerwear that debuted in 2021-2022, and the design still takes the cake. As an everyday jacket, our tester four that this piece works as well on bluebird park days as it does for occasional and mellow days on a skin track. This baby is supremely accommodating across an array of conditions, comfortable, and versatile.

Lined with 100% recycled PrimaLoft Bio insulation — which is biodegradable and made from recycled materials — the predominant characteristic of the MTN Surf Jacket is warmth, but not at the sacrifice of movement or breathability. Its tough body-mapped shell features two types of PFC-free fabric: a 2-layer, waterproof ripstop recycled polyester in the hood and shoulders and a more breathable, 2-layer, 4-way-stretch recycled polyester around the torso.

That pairing means there’s protection where you get wet and breathability where you sweat. The zippered pit vents make dumping heat a breeze. On warm days, we often kept them open for the downhill and zipped for the lift. Those seams are fully sealed, and there’s an integrated RECCO reflector. For other sustainability features, the jacket has YKK Natulon recycled zippers as well as YKK VISLON Aquaguard zippers with recycled zipper pulls and adjuster cords. A PFC-free DWR treatment keeps moisture beaded on top. Inside, the 100% recycled polyester lining boosts the eco factor.

The jacket is WRAP (Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production) certified, meets the OEKO-TEX Standard 100 and includes Bluesign-approved materials — verifying the sustainable, ethical processes and materials used to make the jacket. For storage, each of the nine pockets in the MTN Surf Recycled Jacket is designed for a different use, with a pass pocket in the left forearm and a cellphone stash tucked into the chest. The only jacket that offers more pockets among our faves is the Burton Men’s Covert 2.0 Jacket with ten purses.

Read Review: Jones Mountain Surf Parka and Bib Review: An Impenetrably Cozy, Insulated Ecosystem

We shouldn’t be surprised to be obsessed with outerwear born from Japan’s northern island of Hokkaido. Whenever we wore the Oyuki Goshiki YamaPro 3L ($500), the details stuck out: Massive underarm zips, chest vents, artwork on the seam tape, and perfectly placed pockets. Anything but a canvas sack, this jacket has a relaxed, articulated cut, dreamy fabric, and a comfy hood.

A departure from GORE-TEX, Oyuki (which means big snow) utilizes a premium, in-house-manufactured fabric called YamaPro, which is made to withstand Japan’s harsh winter conditions. The three-layer construction is highly waterproof, breathable, and windproof, with a memorable hand feel.

While testing this jacket across various conditions at the resort and backcountry, the material kept us comfortable, warm, and dry. Even more, this outerwear is rather soft to the touch and stretchy, so we never felt restricted while we rode. With that high protection rating, the jacket shielded us from huge storms, and we benefited from breathability on the uphill.

When the jacket was zipped up, we appreciated the collar’s soft interior fabric that brushes the face, especially during stormy conditions. The huge chest and underarm vents are perfectly placed, as are the internal stash pockets. Without adding bulk, the integrated wrist gaiters (with thumbholes) helped seal out the cold air, wind, and snow.

That long list of details we enjoy includes a removable powder skirt, a pass-through chest zipper to access our bib pockets, and an integrated pass pocket. With a slight ding, when temps dip below 10 degrees Fahrenheit, the fabric stiffens up a bit. The slight shift wasn’t bad, but the fabric didn’t feel buttery. If you’re searching for a kit that is less responsive to those low and changing temps, we suggest checking out the Cosmic PRIMO jacket from Trew, which offers resort-specific durability.

All considering, throughout two seasons of testing, we found ourselves reaching for the Goshiki over and over: a clear sign that this is a great option as a do-it-all snowboard jacket.

If you’re looking for a quality GORE-TEX jacket with a longer length that helps out snowboarders, the 686 Men’s GORE-TEX Core Shell Jacket ($350) and 686 Women’s GORE-TEX Willow Insulated Jacket ($360) are fantastic options.

Some of the best and lengthier-coverage GORE-TEX jackets on this list, the men’s Core and women’s Willow feature a 2-layer, Bluesign-approved textile with a DWR treatment and fully taped seams.

Both styles have helmet-compatible hoods, attached powder skirts, Lycra wrist gaiters, and adjustable cuffs. There are eight total pockets for the women’s jacket (and six pockets in the Core), including a heated pocket for a phone, two hand pockets, one pass pocket, and a goggle stash pocket. And best of all, both designs include a lifetime warranty, which is pretty unique among outerwear.

Beyond the pockets, the other big difference between the men’s and women’s styles is the Willow Insulated Jacket is loaded with 60 grams of synthetic insulation, which is an 85% recycled infiLOFT fill. We found it provides nice warmth while not being so much that you can’t use this jacket on slightly warmer spring days, especially with the pit zips and chest vent zipper to help air out. In comparison, the slightly warmer 686 Women’s Athena Insulated Jacket is body-mapped with the same type of fill — 80 grams in the body, 60 grams in sleeves, and 40 grams in the hood — yet is a lower waterproofness and breathability and comes in at a lower price. Overall, the Core Shell and Willow Insulated Jacket both add up to a great deal for shredders.

Picture Organic continues to push the boundaries of sustainability snow outerwear. In a complete makeover from former iterations, the Picture Organic Men’s Object Jacket and Picture Organic Women’s Seen Jacket ($353) are made with the brand’s new Circular Polyester, which is 100% upcycled fabric from factory scraps and used jackets. Holding up the microscope, Circular blends 40% post-consumer used garments and 60% pre-consumer fabric pulled from factory cutting scraps. Launched in the brand’s winter 2023-2024 outerwear, Picture determined that a closed-loop or circular process utilizes fewer resources and reduces more emissions than sole recycling and the brand’s previous bio-sourced materials.

This 2-layer fabric maintains a 20,000mm waterproofness rating and is topped with a PFC-free DWR treatment called Teflon Ecoelite. The bio-based technology is non-fluorinated, stain-repellent, and dually repels water or water-based stains. All of those efforts are crowned with the OEKO-TEX Standard 100 and Global Recycled Standard certifications, showing that the textile is recycled and free of harmful substances.

In addition to the sustainable outer, both jackets are made with recycled synthetic insulation: 60 grams throughout the body and sleeves plus 40 grams in the hood. As an insulated piece, our testers felt comfortable and cozy on the slopes. But the jacket does feel heavy compared to shell jackets and would be too warm for the skintrack or sun-spiced spring resort laps. Both jackets have fully taped seams, functional underarm vents, powder skirts, wrist gaiters, and a designated pass pocket. The Women’s Seen has only one chest pocket compared to the Object’s two chest pockets. 

Most differences between these two are only in terms of style and color. Both jackets have a straight, boxier fit and come in a stylish-looking kit. Overall, the Object and Seen are best for riders wanting a warm resort jacket that stands out on crowded slopes and helps keep fabric scraps out of the landfill — which we all know is essential. Also pushing the boundaries of sustainability are the Jones Snowboards Women’s MTN Surf Recycled Jacket and Jones Snowboards Women’s Shralpinist Stretch Recycled Jacket, which are made with 100% recycled fabric and fill.

Dakine leveled up its sustainability efforts in the past few years. The result? A hard-working, stylish snowboard jacket with a face fabric that’s made 100% from recycled materials and is recyclable once retired. We welcomed the Dakine Men’s Sender Stretch 3L Jacket and Dakine Women’s Sender Stretch 3L Jacket ($495) for guys and gals in the 2022-2023 season, and it still holds a place in our closet. Called RE-PSYCHED, the brand’s 4-way stretch recycled polyester is pliable, comfortable, durable, and boasts a DWR treatment, which helped us stay dry on pow days and in snow storms.

One of our favorite features of this baggier-yet-technical design is the prolific collection of roomy pockets for ample fuel, soft water flasks, or keys. On the front, two spacious exterior chest pockets have zip closures. There are another two lower-level pockets with both a zip and snap-flap closure (the snaps are a bit shallow and not the easiest to close). Inside, there’s a zippered chest pocket and a dump pocket. The left arm has a pass pocket. There’s also an integrated RECCO detector.

The wide arm cuffs fit well and easily over gauntlet gloves, which are a must if your hands tend to get cold or you ride in a frigid, wind-chilled place. Those tapered Velcro tabs are easy to grab and adjust. There’s a fixed powder skirt, though it tapers and doesn’t fully extend around the front, a drawback in our book on deep days. The jacket is free of wrist gaiters, which could be good or bad, depending on the shredder. As a non-insulated jacket, we quickly learned to utilize midlayers on stormy lift days and comfortably moved uphill in this shell. If you’re looking for insulated kits, check out the Airblaster Women’s Sassy Beast Jacket and men’s Flylow Roswell Jacket, which are loaded with all the stops but parked at a lower price.

To dump heat, the Sender has spacious underarm zips. We wish the zipper pulls were a tad larger and easier to grab, but the zips never failed. Ultimately, this sustainable, well-constructed snowboard jacket for gals and dudes is one of the best we’ve tested. The Sender Stretch for men and women is one of our favorite snowboard jackets, it is built to withstand even the heavy moisture of the Pacific Northwest and can also be worn as a kit with the Sender Pants. We dig it.

Another staff favorite that didn’t quite make our awarded list but remains among our choice picks is the Volcom Men’s L GORE-TEX Jacket ($340). This piece draws parallels with the women’s Volcom Aris: It’s a relaxed cut, 2-layer GORE-TEX shell with details that help this jacket last through the long haul.

It’s waterproof and windproof with fully taped seams. There’s a great collection of pockets with ergonomic placement including two softly-lined brush tricot hand pockets. There’s a zippered pass pocket on the sleeve, a device pocket on the chest with an external zipper and media port, and a mesh goggle hammock inside. The design also has a hood adjustment cinch, mesh-backed pit zips, and a full suede chin guard, which even dudes appreciate for their lower face. We dig the integrated whistle on the center zipper pull.

Few other jacket sleeve cuffs bring us more happiness than the V-Science 2-way cuff system on Volcom designs like this one. With the multi-adjustable design, you’re able to wrap the Velcro strap at the end of the sleeves around your thumb, creating a temporary thumb loop — you’d think this is possible with all jacket cuffs but width, length, and placement play a huge role.

To help keep snow out on deep powder days, there’s also a zipper interface for the jacket to zip into your Volcom snow pants, which works seamlessly — we give it a big thumbs-up. Top it off with an eco-friendly PFC-free DWR coating, and the L GORE-TEX Jacket is ready for a storm. While this Volcom cut lacks the sustainability of other non-insulated men’s jackets like the Trew Gear Men’s Cosmic PRIMO Jacket and Dakine Men’s Sender Stretch 3L Jacket — which both offer seven pockets compared to five and have a higher price tag — the L GORE-TEX dishes out a higher waterproofness at 28K and does so at a moderate price point, making it a great choice for shredding the resort in a range of weather conditions.