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The Best Snowboard Jackets of 2023

Whether you're snowboarding at your home resort every weekend, or splitboard mountaineering volcanoes, having a functional jacket that holds up to the elements is essential.

Best Snowboard JacketsGearJunkie Editor Morgan Tilton testing snowboard jackets; (photo/Eric Phillips)
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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.

Overall, finding the right snowboard jacket for your daily missions will help keep you dry, warm, and protected from whatever weather the mountain throws at you. If you’d like to learn more about the nuances of snowboard jackets, drop down to the buyer’s guide tips and FAQ at the bottom of this article. Also, make sure to have a look at our comparison chart to steer your decision-making.

Otherwise, scroll through to check out which snowboard jackets made our list of top picks, or jump to a category below:

The Best Snowboard Jackets of 2023

Best Overall

Trew Gear — Men’s Cosmic Jacket Classic & Women’s Stella Classic

Specs

  • Shell 3-layer shell
  • Insulated No
  • Recycled content No
  • Waterproof/breathability rating 20,000/20,000
  • Seams Fully seam taped
  • RECCO reflector Yes
  • Number of pockets 7
  • Weight 22-26 oz.
The Best Snowboard Jackets of 2023

Pros

  • Stylish, unique cut
  • Deep collar for face protection

Cons

  • Pricier investment
  • Lacks traditional hand pockets
  • No recycled materia
Best Budget for Men

Burton Covert Jacket

Specs

  • Shell 2-layer Burton DryRide membrane
  • Insulated 80 g in core, 60 g in sleeves
  • Recycled content No
  • Waterproof/breathability rating 10,000/5,000
  • Seams Critically sealed
  • RECCO reflector No
  • Number of pockets 6
  • Weight 35 oz.
The Best Snowboard Jackets of 2023

Pros

  • The hand pockets are lined with micro fleece — a nice touch
  • 8 pockets on the exterior and interior

Cons

  • Waterproofness level might not be high enough for folks in high precipitation regions
Best Budget for Women

686 Athena Insulated Jacket

Specs

  • Shell 2-layer infiDRY
  • Insulated Yes, body-mapped with InfiLOFT Insulation — 80 g in body, 60 g in sleeves, 40 g in hood
  • Recycled content No
  • Waterproof/breathability rating 10,000/10,000
  • Seams Not critically taped
  • RECCO reflector No
  • Number of pockets 5
  • Weight Unavailable
The Best Snowboard Jackets of 2023

Pros

  • The tricot-lined collar is always a favorite for our lower face
  • Helmet compatible hood
  • Functional pockets

Cons

  • Not the most waterproof for moisture-rich storms
Runner Up

Dakine Sender Stretch 3L Jacket

Specs

  • Shell 3-layer 4-way stretch recycled polyester with PFC-free DWR
  • Insulated None
  • Recycled content 100% recycled and recyclable
  • Waterproof/breathability rating 20,000/20,000
  • Seams Fully taped
  • RECCO reflector Yes
  • Number of pockets 7
  • Weight 26.3 oz.
The Best Snowboard Jackets of 2023

Pros

  • Vent ports help prevent goggle fogging inside face guard
  • Integrated hood visor
  • Lengthy, ergonomic fit

Cons

  • Internal chest pocket does not have media port
  • Full powder skirt does not extend 360-degrees to front
  • Not the softest material inside the face guard
Best Insulated Snowboard Jacket for Men

Flylow Roswell Insulated Jacket

Specs

  • Shell 2-layer 100% polyester hardshell
  • Insulated 60 g Spaceloft synthetic insulation
  • Recycled content No
  • Waterproof/breathability rating 10,000/10,000
  • Seams Fully taped
  • RECCO reflector No
  • Number of pockets 7
  • Weight 33.5 oz.
The Best Snowboard Jackets of 2023

Pros

  • Spacious 14-inch vents underarm
  • Great windproofness

Cons

  • Not the most waterproof/breathable option for super high precipitation zones
Best Insulated Snowboard Jacket for Women

Airblaster Sassy Beast Jacket

Specs

  • Shell 2-layer Eco-Vortex stretch fabric with 100% recycled polyester and PFC-free DWR
  • Insulated PrimaLoft 60 g/40 g insulation
  • Recycled content Recycled polyester
  • Waterproof/breathability rating 30,000/20,000
  • Seams Fully sealed
  • RECCO reflector No
  • Number of pockets 5
  • Weight N/A
The Best Snowboard Jackets of 2023

Pros

  • Mega spacious pockets
  • Tapered wrist cuffs

Cons

  • No direct hand pockets
Best Shell for Backcountry Snowboarding

Outdoor Research Skytour AscentShell Jacket

Specs

  • Shell 3-layer electrospun AscentShell membrane with a 40-denier by 65-denier weave and 50-denier polyester backer
  • Insulated No
  • Recycled content No
  • Waterproof/breathability rating 10,000/20,000
  • Seams Fully taped
  • RECCO reflector No
  • Number of pockets 7
  • Weight 22.1 oz.
The Best Snowboard Jackets of 2023

Pros

  • Lighter weight shell
  • Functional with plenty of pocket variety

Cons

  • Leaner, athletic fit means there’s not as much room for dense mid-layers on cold lift laps
Most Sustainable Snowboard Jacket for Men

Jones Snowboards MTN Surf Insulated Parka

Specs

  • Shell 2-layer body-mapped 4-way stretch polyester
  • Recycled content 100% recycled face fabric
  • Insulated Yes, PrimaLoft Bio
  • Waterproof/breathability rating 20,000/20,000
  • Seams Fully taped
  • RECCO reflector Yes
  • Number of pockets 9
  • Weight 33.5 oz.
The Best Snowboard Jackets of 2023

Pros

  • Powder skirt included
  • Helmet-compatible hood

Cons

  • No bright color options
Most Sustainable Snowboard Jacket for Women

Jones Snowboards Shralpinist Stretch Recycled Jacket

Specs

  • Shell 3-layer 100% recycled polyester fabric and PFC-free DWR
  • Insulated No
  • Recycled content 40-denier four-way stretch face fabric is 100% recycled polyester, 100% recycled 20-denier polyester backer, YKK Natulon recycled zippers and YKK VISLON AquaGuard zippers
  • Waterproof/breathability rating 30,000/30,000
  • Seams Fully taped
  • RECCO reflector Yes
  • Number of pockets 6
  • Weight 22.9 oz.
The Best Snowboard Jackets of 2023

Pros

  • Supple, soft, durable, eco-friendly fabric
  • Lifetime warranty
  • Unique, educational infographics for backcountry travel and safety

Cons

  • Lightweight — not insulated one bit, which could be a deterrent for some riders
  • The burly zipper teeth are a bit rough against the hands
Snowboarder wearing Jones Snowboards Women’s Shralpinist Stretch Recycled Jacket
Morgan Tilton testing the Jones Snowboards Women’s Shralpinist Stretch Recycled Jacket at Crested Butte Mountain Resort; (photo/Eric Phillips)

Best of the Rest

Women’s Volcom Aris GORE-TEX Jacket

Specs

  • Shell 2-layer GORE-TEX
  • Insulated No
  • Recycled content No
  • Waterproof/breathability rating 28,000/20,000
  • Seams Fully taped
  • RECCO reflector No
  • Number of pockets 4
  • Weight Unavailable
The Best Snowboard Jackets of 2023

Pros

  • Super functional pockets
  • Wide Velcro straps around wrists means we can easily tighten up with gloves on
  • Hood brim to help block moisture

Cons

  • Non-insulated might not be a good choice for extremely cold environments or conditions
  • We’d like more pockets (there are 9 on the Volcom men’s Ten GORE-TEX Jacket)

Picture Organic — Men’s Object Jacket & Women’s Seen Jacket

Specs

  • Shell 2-layer recycled and bio-sourced waterproof/breathable fabric
  • Insulated 60 g in the body and sleeves
  • Recycled content 64% recycled content in men’s jacket, 100% bio-sourced and recycled material in women’s jacket
  • Waterproof/breathability rating 20,000/15,000
  • Seams Fully taped
  • RECCO reflector No
  • Number of pockets 6
  • Weight 34-45 oz.
The Best Snowboard Jackets of 2023

Pros

  • Bonus goggle cleaner included
  • Synthetic insulation retains warmth through high moisture

Cons

  • This jacket can feel a bit toasty on warm spring days with the insulation
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686 GORE-TEX Jacket — Men’s Core Shell & Women’s Willow Insulated

Specs

  • Shell 2-layer GORE-TEX
  • Insulated 40 g (women’s) with 70% recycled insulation made from plastic bottles
  • Recycled content Yes (women’s)
  • Waterproof/breathability rating 28,000/20,000
  • Seams Fully taped
  • RECCO reflector No
  • Number of pockets 5
  • Weight Unavailable
The Best Snowboard Jackets of 2023

Pros

  • The tricot-lined inner collar is plush
  • An audio cord outlet is included for the internal smart phone pocket

Cons

  • Insulation is only available in the women’s jacket

Men’s Volcom L GORE-TEX Jacket

Specs

  • Shell 2-layer GORE-TEX with PFC-free DWR
  • Insulated No
  • Recycled content No
  • Waterproof/breathability rating 28,000/20,000
  • Seams Fully taped
  • RECCO reflector No
  • Number of pockets 5
  • Weight Unavailable
The Best Snowboard Jackets of 2023

Pros

  • Hand pockets are lined with soft tricot fabric
  • Main zipper pull has a small integrated whistle

Cons

  • No insulation might be a no-go for some riders in cold places

Snowboard Jacket Comparison Chart

Snowboard JacketPriceShellWaterproof/
breathability
# PocketsWeight
Trew Gear Cosmic Jacket Classic
& Stella Classic
$3993-layer shell20K/20K722-26 oz.
Men’s Burton Covert Jacket$2202-layer Burton DryRide10K/5K635 oz.
Women’s 686 Athena
Insulated Jacket
$1902-layer infiDRY10K/10K5N/A
Dakine Sender Stretch 3L Jacket$4953-layer 4-way stretch recycled polyester20K/20K7N/A
Men’s Flylow Roswell
Insulated Jacket
$3002-layer 100% polyester hardshell10K/10K733.5 oz.
Women Airblaster
Sassy Beast Jacket
$3002-layer Eco-Vortex
stretch fabric with 100% recycled polyester
30K /20K5N/A
Men’s Outdoor Research
Skytour AscentShell Jacket
$3793-layer electrospun AscentShell membrane10K/20K722.1 oz.
Women’s Jones Snowboards
Shralpinist Stretch Recycled Jacket
$5503-layer 100% recycled polyester fabric
and PFC-free DWR
30K/30K622.9 oz.
Men’s Jones Snowboards
MTN Surf Jacket
$4592-layer body-mapped 4-way stretch polyester20K/20K933.5 oz.
Women’s Volcom Aris
GORE-TEX Jacket
$2902-layer GORE-TEX28K/20K4N/A
Picture Organic Men’s Object Jacket & Women’s Seen Jacket$3002-layer recycled and bio-sourced fabric20K/15K634-45 oz.
686 GORE-TEX Jacket Men’s Core & Women’s Willow Insulated$320, $3602-layer GORE-TEX28K/20K5N/A
Men’s Volcom L GORE-TEX Jacket$3102-layer GORE-TEX with PFC-free DWR28K/20K5N/A
Two Snowboarders Sitting Below the Rocky Peak at Crested Butte Mountain Resort
GearJunkie editors sitting below Mount Crested Butte while testing snowboard gear; (photo/Eric Phillips)

Why You Should Trust Us

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.

We meet for an annual gear testing week to swap notes, including multiple gatherings at Crested Butte Mountain Resort, which is known for its extremely steep terrain.

Leading the gear testing, Senior Editor Morgan Tilton specializes in snowsports. She’s been snowboarding since 2002, when she switched from skiing on two planks to one, which she’d been doing since age 4 at Telluride Ski Resort. While she grew up competing in slopestyle competitions, today Morgan lives in the Elk Mountains, where she snowboards in-bounds, splitboard tours and mountaineers, heads out on sled-accessed adventures, and pow surfs in between. She’s traveled to incredible places with her snowboard including Vancouver Island.

Editor Austin Beck-Doss has been snowboarding since 2005, and our contributing photographer Eric Phillips is a formerly certified Level II PSIA-AASI instructor.

We’ve tested snowboard jackets in a range of conditions from California to the Colorado Rockies and high-alpine environments. Our apparel has protected us in ice-cold wind, on long lift rides, on long backcountry tours, and while romping through deep powder.

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.

Snowboarder Testing Out the Women's Airblaster Sassy Beast Jacket - Pockets
Morgan Tilton testing out the women’s Airblaster Sassy Beast Jacket at Crested Butte Mountain Resort; (photo/Eric Phillips)

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose a Snowboard Jacket

Choosing a Jacket

To start, we recommend you first decide which type of shell or jacket is best for you, look for a jacket in your price range and sizing, and then consider all the extras. With any of the snowboard jackets we’ve listed here, you really can’t go wrong.

You can also learn more about the specifics behind each jacket design to help decide which jacket would be the best for you and your goals.

Insulated vs. Non-insulated

A portion of snowboard jackets offer no insulation — the shell which is a versatile option to use across a variety of conditions. You can pull on this waterproof and breathable layer to stay dry and protected from the sun, wind, precipitation, surrounding debris like tree branches, or abrasive snow burn if you slide out.

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.

To decide if a non-insulated jacket is right for you, consider the ambient temperatures where you usually snowboard if there is frequent windchill and your body temperature on the lift.

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.

The type and warmth level of insulation varies across each jacket from flannel to down-filled panels or synthetic proprietary fabrics.

An insulated jacket is not recommended for backcountry travel, as the warmth-to-weight ratio is often too much.

Two-Layer vs. Three-Layer

A two-layer jacket has a face fabric — such as polyester or nylon — connected to an inner liner that protects the fabric, is breathable, and adds comfort. These jackets usually feel less hefty than a three-layer jacket.

Some have an insulation layer, and the outermost surface is usually treated for waterproofness. The price is generally more moderate compared to three-layer jackets.

Dialing up the durability, a three-layer jacket is a waterproof/breathable membrane — often made by GORE-TEX or a brand’s in-house tech, like The North Face’s DryVent or FUTURELIGHT — sandwiched between a tough face fabric and liner. Sometimes the outer fabric is treated for waterproofness. These jackets offer more protection for fierce weather conditions and are pricier.

Broadly, you’ll want to scrutinize how robust you need your jacket to be for the conditions you’ll snowboard in as well as budget needs.

Snowboarder Pulls Down Underarm Vents on Jacket
Underarm vents provide adaptability for variable weather conditions and cardio-intensive spurts like bootpacking or powder runs in the glades; (Crested Butte Mountain Resort; photo/Eric Philips)

Ventilation

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!).

Some underarm zippers are longer than others and this feature is especially key for backcountry adventures when you’re consistently on the move.

Other innovative ventilation designs exist. In terms of quality, YKK zippers are the toughest.

Waterproofness

A waterproof jacket is ideal for snowboarding because the weather can be flippant, and you don’t want to run the risk of getting wet from snow or rain. The top-tier standard for waterproofness is GORE-TEX, a membrane integrated into various jacket designs.

The material is waterproof, windproof, and breathable. Some brands have a proprietary version of waterproof/breathable fabrics.

Often, waterproofness is measured by the amount of water that can be placed atop a fabric before it leaks, from 5,000 to 20,000 mm or greater. The latter end of the spectrum leads to a less breathable fabric.

  • 0-5,000 mm: Resistant to light rain, dry snow
  • 6,000-10,000 mm: Waterproof for light rain and dry, non-heavy snow
  • 11,000-15,000 mm: Waterproof for moderate rain and dry, non-heavy snow
  • 16,000-20,000 mm: Waterproof for heavy rain and wet snow
  • 20,000 mm and greater: Waterproof for heavy rain and dense, wet, heavy snow

For many locations, a waterproof range of 8,000 to 10,000 mm works well for mild to moderate precipitation.

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.

Among the most waterproof snowboard jackets on our list is the Jones Women’s Shralpinist Stretch Recycled Jacket with 30,000 mm protection, which is one of our top-shelf choices for sustainable design and backcountry use.

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.

Breathability

A jacket’s breathability is the ability of the fabric to allow your body heat or perspiration to pass through from the interior to the exterior.

Generally, breathability is measured by the grams of water that can pass through one square meter of fabric over a 24-hour period (written as g/m² or an abbreviated g). However, there’s no industry standard for testing a jacket’s breathability, so the methods vary across manufacturers.

  • 5,000-10,000 g/m²: Not the most breathable, suitable for inbounds alpine skiing
  • 10,000-15,000 g/m²: Moderate breathability
  • 15,000-20,000 g/m² and higher: Super breathable, a good range for inbounds uphill workouts and backcountry tours

For high-output resort riding or on powder days, aim for a jacket with a breathability of 10,000 to 15,000 g/m². Backcountry snowboarders and uphill athletes should look for even more breathability — 20,000 g/m² or more.

Snowboarder Slides Phone Into External Pocket on Snowboard Jacket
Exterior pockets are more convenient to access while interior pockets generally help keep a device warmer to prolong battery life; (Crested Butte Mountain Resort; photo/Eric Phillips)

Pockets

Most jackets include two exterior hand pockets with zip closures, which can be low or placed higher for compatibility with a backpack belt or harness for snowboard mountaineering.

Other exterior pockets can include small pouches on the arm or on the chest such as for an ID or ski pass.

Deep, wide, higher-placed exterior pockets, like a chest pocket, can be nice for stowing a smartphone or notebook in the backcountry or on the lift: in contrast, putting heavier or bigger items in the lower-placed hand pockets can sometimes smack against the upper thigh while uphilling, sitting on the lift, bending over to reach your boots, or making aggressive downhill carves.

Interior pockets often have a zip closure (these can be great for chambering a credit card or ID), ports for headphones, or a mesh construction with an elastic band at the top.

Deep, wide interior mesh pockets with an elastic closure can be essential for holding backcountry skins, especially if the temperature is crisp and you need to prevent the glue from freezing over between use, or gloves or goggles.

Occasionally, a zippered pocket is insulated to help extend the battery life of your smartphone.

Examine what you’ll need to carry, the adequate pocket size, and if the pockets are located in the most comfortable place for you.

Fit & Sizing

Generally, snowboard jacket designs land in two camps: trimmer with a more streamlined, athletic fit or roomier and boxier with a more relaxed silhouette. Both can be comfortable. If you’re wearing a backpack in the backcountry, it can be better to wear a more well-fitted jacket so the fabric doesn’t get pinched up.

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.

Each manufacturer has its own size charts. Be sure to take your personal measurements and match them up with the size charts, which can differ across brands. And remember to consider the type of mid-layer and base layer you’ll wear beneath your jacket. It might be better to size up so the layering doesn’t feel restrictive.

A handful of companies deliver more size inclusivity with broader offerings in the men’s and women’s categories including Columbia, Obermeyer, and L.L.Bean.

Everyone’s body is unique, so check the exchange and return policy before you buy.

Snowboarder Pulls Hood Over Helmet
We advise getting a snowboard jacket with a hood that is helmet-compatible; (Crested Butte Mountain Resort; photo/Eric Phillips)

Collar & Hood

An ergonomic collar and hood are significant features for face, head, and neck protection against sun, snow, sleet, hail, wind, or rain. Pulling up a hood can help the body retain heat in chilly conditions.

Jacket collars vary in height and ideally have an interior chin guard that feels snug against the face — a key component on a gusty chair lift.

Hoods can be helmet-compatible, which is a priority if you need extra protection and warmth around your face and neck while riding a lift or snowboarding during a snowstorm.

Some hoods are adjustable via elastic pulls. And others have an integrated visor so they don’t collapse beneath moisture. A handful of hoods are removable, while others are fixed.

Weight

A jacket’s weight can become an important factor for backcountry snowboarders that carry a day pack or may need to stash their jacket in a pack and can’t sacrifice space for bulk (weight plays into overall volume).

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.

The lightest jackets in our picks include the Outdoor Research’s Skytour Jacket at 22.1 ounces and the Women’s Shralpinist Stretch 3L Jacket at 22.9 ounces.

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.

Ultimately, you shouldn’t compromise a jacket’s protection and durability or comfort features and adequate warmth to drop a little weight.

Snowboarder Adjusts Jacket Cuff Over Mittens
Wide, soft fabric tabs on sleeve cuffs help make adjustments easier with and without gloves on; (Crested Butte Mountain Resort; photo/Eric Phillips)

Sleeve Cuffs & Powder Skirt

Powder skirts can be a great addition to a jacket to prevent fluffy flakes from flying up and soaking your base layers or lower back (which isn’t an issue if you prefer bibs compared to pants). Some powder skirts are removable, and some have attachment points to connect to your pants.

Sleeve cuffs generally have a Velcro closure, though some designs have additional snaps, and cuffs vary in width and length.

Inside, some sleeve cuffs have an inner wrist gaiter — a stretchy fabric for warmth that sometimes has thumbholes to help secure the fabric over the top of the hand. Wrist gaiters can help block out wind but they can also be too bulky for some folks especially if they like to wear a watch or tuck their glove gauntlet into their sleeve cuffs.

Sustainable Features

With each passing season, the snow sports outerwear industry incorporates more and more sustainable manufacturing practices and recycled materials. If sustainable features are a priority for you, be sure to check each manufacturer’s specifications for material sources, sustainable manufacturing certifications, and so on.

Jones Snowboards definitely sets the gold standard for sustainability with the brand’s recently launched apparel line for women and men. All of the Jones Outerwear materials are OEKO-TEX- and/or Bluesign-certified. The majority are 100% recycled, and they utilize PFC-free DWR (except the GORE-TEX Pro fabric). Picture Organic also sets a high bar for sustainable apparel design.

Bluesign is a top-tier certification for textile products that are safe for the environment, workers, and customers. We have included multiple Bluesign-certified pants and bibs on this list.

Price

Snowboard jackets range from $200 to $300 for the most economic options, and the average cost is closer to $300 to $400.

The most robust designs, which can be best for long days in variable conditions such as in the backcountry, can reach up to $700.

Usually, a higher price tag denotes higher-quality materials or additional features (things like RECCO reflectors can up the price) or a more time-intensive design and manufacturing process.

Snowboarder poses with jacket at ski resort
A softly lined interior collar is one of our favorite features of a good snowboard jacket; (Crested Butte Mountain Resort; photo/Eric Phillips)

FAQ

What Is the Difference Between a Ski Jacket and Snowboard Jacket?

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.

Many of the jackets we’ve listed here are well-equipped insulated jackets or shells made for snowboarders but can work for other snow activities including skiing, sledding, or snowshoeing

How Do I Choose a Snowboard Jacket?

Our buyer’s guide is a great place to start.

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.

Next, do research to figure out what features you want in a jacket, what style jacket you want, and which ones are in your price range.

We’d also recommend trying a few on if possible, especially if you’re taller or shorter than average or in between sizes.

We’ve tested and recommended a variety of jackets here, so every type of rider has options.

Should I Size Up in a Snowboard Jacket?

If you fall in between sizes, we do recommend sizing up. For outerwear and snowboard jackets especially, some roominess is usually factored in.

Each manufacturer will have its own size charts for male or female categories. Match up your personal measurements to the size charts and check the return or exchange policy before purchasing.

If you see a jacket on this list from a brand you already own, try on the jacket or item you have and see how it fits.

You can always go into your local retailer as well if you want to try on a particular size in person — just make sure they have it in stock.

Also consider the type of mid-layer you prefer to wear beneath your jacket, and how much space you’d prefer. A little wiggle room is nice — you don’t want your layer system to be too tight or cumbersome.

Should a Snowboard Jacket Fit Loose or Tight?

A snowboard jacket should be slightly loose (but not too loose) in the shoulders and waist so your range of motion when snowboarding isn’t affected. It should fit like a standard jacket everywhere else.

If you have a snowboard jacket that is insulated, you may only need a base layer or a light mid-layer underneath.

If you have a shell, you’ll most likely wear more layers and something insulating like a puffy as well. Shell jackets are sized larger for this purpose to accommodate layering. That being said, it’s always a safer choice to have a jacket fit slightly loose than too tight.

Too tight, and your motion will be restricted, you won’t be comfortable, and even accessing pockets might be harder. We’ll also call out here that fit is based on preference — some of us like our jackets baggy, some don’t. As long as you’re happy with the fit and the jacket keeps you warm and dry, that’s all that matters.

What’s the Warmest Snowboard 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 JacketVolcom ArisBurton Covert JacketPicture 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.

What’s the Best Snowboard Jacket for Women?

Across testing and research, we found the Volcom Aris GORE-TEX Jacket to be one of the best snowboard jackets for women, hands down, in terms of waterproofing, warmth, fit, and coverage. Another really popular women’s jacket is the Trew Gear Women’s Stella Classic.

If you spend a lot of time in the sidecountry or backcountry, we’d also specifically recommend a jacket without insulation.

What’s a Good Price for a Snowboard Jacket?

Snowboard jackets — whether insulated or shells — are a long-term investment and worth the money for the protection and comfort they provide in a winter environment. The most economic options usually range from $200 to $300, and the average cost is $300 to $400. The most robust designs, which can be best for long days in variable conditions, can reach up to $700 or more.

Usually, a higher price tag denotes higher-quality materials (things like RECCO reflectors can up the price) or a more time-intensive design and manufacturing process.

How Long Should a Snowboard Jacket Last?

A jacket can break down for a multitude of reasons, including exposure to sunshine, rain, and snow — and most of all, wear. If you want to get a lot of life out of your snowboard jacket, remember to treat it well.

This means avoiding contact with sharp objects to prevent tears and snags, keeping it clean, and hanging up/hanging out to dry. After a few years of use, you may find yourself doing some extra care on the jacket’s zippers or waterproofing. And be sure to follow the care instructions, which are unique for each jacket.

We typically find ourselves using our favorite snowboard jackets for 5 to 6 years, but that number is often lower for backcountry gear. If you only ride inbounds a couple of weeks each season and take good care of your jacket, its lifespan will be longer — maybe even a decade.


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