Best Snowboard Jackets To Be Worn When Snowboarding [2020]

Snowboarding is an exhilarating sport that many people enjoy during the cold winter months. With winter at its peak, it is perfect time to get your snowboards out and deck yourself up with the right accessories.

A snowboard jacket is an important requisite for snowboarding besides other accessories like goggles, bindings, boots and helmets.

Choosing a snowboard jacket needs careful consideration about function and your style preference. There are several other features like waterproofing, insulation and others that you should keep in mind before you purchase a jacket.

And the numerous choices available can make it overwhelming for you to decide on the right model.

Luckily, we have compiled a list of best snowboard jackets so you can easily choose one based on the list and our buying guide tips.

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Top 5 Best Snowboard Jackets

Read on to find out what to look for and which brands are trending in snowboarding jacket models we have listed here.

1. Volcom L Gore-Tex

For snowboarders in search of a multi-shell layered jacket that works well is cold and warmer conditions, the Volcom L Gore-Tex is a choice to consider. The lack of insulation is compensated sufficiently by the three layered shell jacket.

With chin guard and face mask integrated into the design, the jacket can keep you warm even in extreme cold conditions. Breathable material ensures the jacket protects you from getting overheated while riding in rough terrain or hiking.

Due to absence of insulating layer, you may have to use a middle layer to avoid getting cold during runs. In warmer weather, the jacket can be worn separately in a comfortable way.

The integrated face mask warms up your face while the Goggle clips avoid the hood from obscuring your vision. Its chin guard avoids chafing as well.

The powder skirt ensures the jacket connects seamlessly with your snow pants. This avoids unwanted snow from entering inside your jacket during snowboarding.

The jacket is ideal for cold weather riding and during back-country terrain rides.

Pros

• Price is affordable

• Shell layers helps keep cold at bay

• Chin guard helps in preventing chafing

• Can be zipped with Volcom pants forming one unit

• Comfortable to wear

• Durable material

Cons

• The hood is permanently attached to the jacket

• It does not include facetech

 

2. Dakine Sawtooth Gore-Tex

If you are in search of a snowboard jacket for off and on mountain rides, the Dakine Sawtooth is a good choice. The 3L Gore-Tex is a dual purpose jacket that is designed to keep you warm and protected from the cold.

The wrist gaiter in the jackets protects your arms and hands from the snow. Its powder skirt also provides a perfect fit preventing unwanted snow from sneaking in.

Its design includes a goggle pocket made of stretch mesh. The regular fit model comes with fixed hood and has shell insulation.

Additionally, the jacket is made of three layers gore-tex that ensure good waterproofing and breathability. The seams are fully taped.

The trendy design of the jacket also makes it ideal for wearing while you venture out in the cold and want added protection from the snow.

Moderately priced than its competitor shell models, Dakine Sawtooth jacket is right for you whether you are out snowboarding or just want to enjoy a snowy night out in town.

Riders who are in search of a big upgrade the first time will find this jacket well worth it.

Pros

• Durable quality

• The wrist gaiters are pretty convenient

• Powder skirt can be attached to any brand of snow pants that has belt loops

Cons

• Plastic bungee locks do not hold bungees in place

• The neck line is too high

 

3. Burton Covert

If you are in search of a budget snowboard jacket that satisfied the basic requirements you look for in a snowboard jacket, the Burton Covert is a good choice. The insulated jacket is designed with fixed hood and removable powder skirt.

The insulation is made of thermolite that ensures you are completely warm while you ride on the snow covered slopes.

To avoid becoming too warm, the jacket has pit zip vents provided for cooling down, in case you start sweating from the warm insulation. The hand warmer pockets further add to the comfort.

This jacket is completely insulated and multifunctional. You can remove the powder skirt and use the trendy jacket as casual winter wear.

A tee underneath is sufficient to keep you warm. For riding on the slopes, the jacket has several inbuilt features like interface that connects jacket to your pants, pit zip vents, etc.

The jacket is made of Taffeta fabric, which gives you a dry and crispy feeling boosting your confidence as you gear up to take on a slope regardless of the weather. It is also available in several eye-catching colors to choose from.

Whether you are a seasoned rider or a newbie, the fabric made of waterproof and breathable material is a good starting point.

The 80g insulation is very high and intended to keep you warm all the time.  The pit zip vents help to eliminate heat during warmer spring days.

Pros

• Blue sign approved environmental friendly model

• Helmet compatible hood

• More than 20 colors and styles are available

• Price is very affordable

Cons

• Hood is permanently attached

 

4. The North Face Resolve

A snowboard jacket that is cheap and has all the necessary features and more is a rare thing to come by. The North Face Resolve is one such product you will find very satisfying.

The jacket is ideal for wet weather including torrential storms. This is mainly due to the waterproof outer layer made of patented DryVent that is breathable, while keeping you dry even from the harshest downpour.

Made of mesh lining, the jacket comes with a fixed hood, which is not problem however as it can be stored in the collar of the jacket.

The design enables good wind protection. While it is not insulated, it has shell layer for protection from cold. However, the lack of powder skirt is a drawback in this jacket.

The features of this North Face Resolve like its DRY Vent 2L waterproofing with 25PSI and breathability value of 750=800 g/m2 make it more ideal for protection from rain rather than snow.

Its seams are sealed fully for pond skimming and spring weather. The pit zips however make it an all weather choice.

Pros

• Patented waterproofing and high breathability value

• Sealed seams offer good protection

• Pit zips help in letting out excess heat formed

Cons

• Does not have powder skirt

• Is good only for wet weather conditions and not for snow

 

5. Ride Monthaven

If you are in search of a snowboard jacket that is comfortable with good waterproofing and breathability, the Ride Monthaven is a choice to consider.

The jacket is designed using Cocona 37.5 technology, which ensures the jacket is breathable, waterproof and comfortable to wear. It also has 20K/20K breathability/waterproof rating.

It uses Aquapel DWR technology and YKK Aquagaurd water resistant zippers for good waterproof feature. The fabric is of four-way stretch, which ensures you stay comfortable wearing the jacket whether you are snowboarding or wearing it as casual or street wear.

The jacket is also apt for skiing, hiking, winter wear, layering in cold weather etc. This jacket also comes with a micro-climate maintenance feature that ensures you stay comfortable in the jacket.

The loose fitting jacket has fully taped seams, articulated elbows and extra long pit zip vents. Moreover, the pass thru chest, multipurpose media and internal mesh pockets make way for convenient storage of items while you snowboard or hike.

The zip-to-pant interface, powder skirt, and zippered pass pocket offer good water and snow proofing effect. Its hood is fixed to the jacket and has helmet compatible hinge.

Pros

• The pit zips with extra length help maintain temperature in case you start sweating on exertion

• The media pocket makes you stay communicated even while you enjoy the slopes

• The powder skirt attachment is very good in preventing snow from entering into pants

Cons

• Does not have jacket pant connections

• Wrist gasket is absent

 

Best Snowboard Jacket Buying Guide

Shopping for a snowboard jacket is not easy if you do not know what to look for. Being good to look at does not imply the jacket will be comfortable or functional.

You have to know the specific features that make you comfortable and free of hassle. So here are our tips to help you choose the right jacket.

Purpose Of Wearing The Jacket

If you are a seasoned snowboarder, you may have to look for jacket with proper insulation. For hikers, having a lining and shell layer in the jacket will help reduce the overheating.

Type Of Weather

The weather conditions that prevail while you ride also determine the type of jacket you wear. For wet climates, a thin rain jacket with a couple of layers underneath is sufficient. For dry snow fall, a thicker jacket is better.

Powder Skirt

This denotes a waist strap that fits snugly and prevents snow from entering into the jacket or pants. It’s a very important feature to look for in a snowboard jacket. Most shell layered jackets have elastic cord present near bottom end to seal the jacket from weather.

The skirt is present on the inner side of the jacket a couple of inches from the bottom end and provides good seal around the waist to avoid snow while you ride.

Which Fabric Is Best?

Jackets made of Gore-Tex are breathable and waterproof helping you keep safe in wet weather. The breathability ensures water vapor travels out leaving you dry and cool.

Look For Wrist Gaiters

This denotes an insulated layer that extends up to your wrists offering protection from cold.

Do You Need A Chin Guard?

The chin guard consists of a padded layer on the neck portion of the jacket. It protects your chin, cheeks and lips from chafing due to the cold.

Why Waterproof And Breathability Features Are Important?

For outdoor gear it is important to have a jacket that is made of waterproof and breathable material like Gore-Tex. The breathability is needed as without it you can easily get sweaty and hot.

If this happens you have to unzip the jacket and vent it. This will allow snow to enter, which melts quickly and makes you prone to hypothermia.

Pockets For Storage

It is necessary to look for a jacket with storage pockets when you venture outdoors. These help in storing essentials like Goggle lenses, balaclavas and snacks.

Snowboard Jacket Layering

Layered dressing is must for winter weather as it offers proper insulation for different conditions and temperatures.  The different layer types found in snowboard jackets are:

• Shells. This forms the outermost layer and is important as it forms a strong barrier from weather. The shell layer is made of windproof and waterproof material. If the jacket shell is waterproof, it will also be windproof but a windproof shell is not always equipped to be waterproof.

• Insulation Layer. The insulation can be synthetic or natural and made of Merino wool, Goose Down or polyester. Goose down insulated layer offers best protection form cold winter weather. This layer is found underneath the shell layer and helps trap body heat to keep you warm.

Is A Hood Necessary?

For snowboarders who do not use a helmet, a jacket with hood is necessary as it provides the warmth and protection needed.

In those who use helmet, the hood is not needed hence buying a jacket with removable hood is convenient.

Venting

Vent zippers are essential components to look for in snowboard jackets. These are located in the armpit region and can extend down to the sides too.

Unzipping helps to vent out excess heat and this is very much needed during hot days and on cold days these can be zipped up to retain warmth.

 

Final Takeaway

Now that you have gone through our list of best snowboard jackets and our buying guide, you will be able to make an informed decision.

Choosing the right jacket for snowboarding can make a remarkable difference in your performance and enjoyment of the sport.

Whether you choose a budget model like The North Face Resolve or go for the expensive but full featured Volcom or Burton models, make sure the jackets suit your specific requirement in function and style.

We hope our list and guide will help you choose a hassle free and comfortable jacket and have ultimate fun out in the cold weather.

 

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