If you’re going snowboarding anytime soon then you need to make sure you have a high-quality snowboard jacket to protect you from the cold temperatures, snow and water or moisture.
When finding a suitable snowboard jacket, brands have developed impressive technologies designed to keep your whole upper body warm even in some of the harshest climates. However, this doesn’t make it any easier when carefully selecting your new jacket for a season on the snow, as there are so many different options – from shell jackets with internal hand-warming pockets to rain jackets with fully taped seams.
Make sure you find a snowboard jacket with an excellent waterproof and breathability rating. A jacket tailored for you to move freely while keeping you dry in wet, cold weather is the benchmark for snowboard clothing. Also, for the more aggressive snowboarders, you may want a jacket offering pit zips and underarm ventilation, helping airflow supply.
Oh, and don’t forget, you want your snowboard jacket to look good for the inevitable beers at après ski.
Snowboard Jacket vs Ski Jacket
The main difference between a snowboard and a ski jacket is that a snowboard jacket will be longer at the back (this is known as a skirt). This is to help protect your precious behind when you inevitably fall off your board, because nobody likes a soggy bottom. Skiiers, meanwhile, have the luxury of being able to fall in any direction, so they will be reliant on their ski pants to protect their lower body.
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You may feel overwhelmed with all these suggestions; however, to help you find the best snowboarding jacket, we’ve curated a list of brands dedicated to keeping you warm while inspiring you to explore the alpines this snow season.
Burton
1/17
Price: From $200
Sizes: XXS-XXL
Though it came from humble beginnings -starting in a Vermont barn in the late 70s, Burton is now one of the most highly respected brands in the industry. The award-winning brand is known for its innovative graphics and cutting-edge technology while delivering top-of-the-line snowboard equipment and gear, including the best-insulated jackets to fight the cold.
Burton’s snowboard jackets offer ultimate warmth and comfort in all conditions, from a selection of insulated, rain, shell and pullover outerwear. Burton’s jackets come with Dryride technology – a highly breathable, waterproof and quick-drying fabric, providing maximum alpine protection. Many of their jackets also feature 2 layer gore-tex and fully taped seams to ensure snow doesn’t creep in.
686
2/17
Price: From $130
Sizes: S-XL
686 founder Michael Akira West launched his sportswear company after being inspired by the skating scene at Venice Beach. However, shortly after, 686 began to develop high-tech and fashion-forward snow gear as well. 686 are recognised for their effortlessly cool style, drawing influence from unexpected places. With its apparel emulating vintage and punk aesthetic, you’re sure to look like no one else while you ride down the mountains repping this brand.
If you’re after a snow jacket that looks like for no other, check 686’s collection. They make great gore-tex and 3-in-1 outerwear with their Smarty technology – an integrated layering system providing versatility. With Smarty technology, you can detach layers for those warmer days on the hills. Available in various colours, 686 snow jackets also offer waterproofing and breathability for you to stay dry at all times.
DC
3/17
Price: From $70
Sizes: S-XL
DC has been at the forefront of action sports since 1994 and continued to bring premium gear with high tech yet stylish designs. When it comes to DC, you’re sure to find unique and cool snow apparel that doesn’t comprise function.
Make sure to check out their collection this ski season, as DC are manufacturing some of the best snowboard jackets going round. Available in different sizes and styles, jackets come with fully taped seams, handwarmer pockets and convertible hood systems to prepare you for all kinds of weather. If you’re looking for something with added ventilation, DC also offer jackets with pit zips and meshed line arm venting, eliminating the need for you to take off layers while you work up a sweat.
Rossignol
4/17
Price: From $350
Sizes: XS-XXXL
Rossignol is an expert brand for ski and snowboard equipment as they have been around for over 100 years. The French manufacturer of alpine, snowboard and Nordic equipment was even one of the first companies to produce plastic skis. The company still have the best ski and snowboarding equipment, including their high-performance jackets.
Rossignol has a range of lightweight jackets, urban jackets, down jackets, bombers and parkas, guaranteed to keep you stylish while staying warm in the mountains. Their jackets, made out of light and breathable materials, provide you with ultimate freedom of movement too.
Analog
5/17
Price: From $160
Sizes: XS-XL
Analog was founded in the late 90s and quickly rose to prominence in the industry. Owned by Burton, Analog has become established in its own right as they produce some of the most stylish garments for skiers and snowboarders on the market. Analog is committed to making fun and creative snow apparel while always keeping its fingers on the pulse of fashion evolution.
If you’re looking for high-tech jackets that offer many removable layers for versatility, you might want to check out their online store. With jackets made out of stretch fabrication while being a relaxed fit, Analog’s outerwear is easy to move in and unrestricted. Jackets are also super functional as they come with extra zippers and pockets so that you can secure all your belongings safely.
Mountain Hardwear
6/17
Price: From $250
Sizes: S-XXL
Mountain Hardwear is a staple snowboard brand, as they are all about empowering their consumers by engineering the best apparel. The company launched in 1993, with its founders inspired to make high-quality gear as they saw the industry comprising and only providing average products for less experienced users. Mountain Hardwear strived to break away from the pack by serving the needs and demands of outdoor athletes.
Their jackets have premium insulation as they come with zippered hand pockets, internal carabiner clip loops and ripstop shell fabric with a durable water repellent finish – ideal for backcountry snowboarders exploring uncharted land. Many Mountain Hardwear jackets are also sustainable as they’re made out of recyclable materials and are bluesign approved.
Volcom
7/17
Price: From $190
Sizes: XS-XXL
If you’re searching for funky colourful outerwear that will make you stand out on the slopes, then look no further as Volcom have you covered. Inspired by the coastal beaches of California, Volcom is all about taking risks by creating daring and eccentric designs for snowboarders. Headquartered in Costa Mesa, California, Volcom have even sponsored some of the industry’s biggest icons, including Ozzie Wright and Ryan Burch.
Volcom jackets are super warm and comfortable. Offering a 2l gore-tex design, Volcom’s jackets are streamlined and come with fully taped seams, ensuring heat is trapped. Jackets have an excellent breathability rating as they’ve installed with a V-science breathable lining system, helping to eliminate heat-draining sweat, perfect for riders tackling tough terrain.
Adidas
8/17
Price: From $130
Sizes: S-XXL
Adidas may be affiliated mostly with their cool sneaker designs, but they’re producing advanced snowboard apparel as well. Adidas caters to every style and budget, ideal for the penniless rider who still wants to look fly.
Adidas snowboard jackets come with high waterproof and breathable materials, providing the ultimate protection for powder days. Their outerwear is a relaxed fit, offering ample opportunity for layering and comfortability. Also, jackets come with an adjustable hood, hem and cuffs, securing maximum coverage from the snow. Additionally, its ventilation zippers under each sleeve amplify airflow, managing both heat and moisture.
Quiksilver
9/17
Price: From $190
Sizes: XS-XL
Quicksilver is Australia’s premier snow retailer as they’re committed to producing high-quality goods that are performance-enhancing. Its name is derived from the ancient alchemists’ term for turning the base metals into gold – suitable as the company aim to turn quality fabrics into great products.
Quiksilver produces some of the warmest snowboarding jackets, with many of them featuring recycled 4-way stretch polyester to make mobility easy. Quiksilver has installed their Dryflight technology for serious waterproofing, guaranteed to keep you dry and warm at all times. Also, jackets are adaptable to all kinds of weather as they come with a removable powder skirt and adjustable hood and cuffs.
Columbia
10/17
Price: From $120
Sizes: S-XXXL
Columbia was founded in 1938 by Paul Lamfrom and became known for selling jackets with a high waterproof rating, offering interchangeable shells and liners. Columbia creates the warmest, well-built jackets, so it’s a no brainer why they’re an industry favourite. Offering jackets for a great price, you’re sure to find high-tech apparel without breaking the bank.
Their 3-in-1 jackets have a waterproof-breathable shell providing maximum warmth thanks to its Omni Heat technology. Jackets are also highly comfortable as Columbia has installed adjustable hoods, cuffs and hems, making it feel like a customised fit. Jackets are sealed at all the critical zones, ensuring snow stays out.
Arc'teryx
11/17
Price: From $299
Sizes: XS-XXL
Founded on the idea that “there is always a better way”, Arc’teryx uses the Coast Mountains to serve as a testing ground for all their snow apparel.
Arc’teryx gear is suitable for every snow challenge, from diverse climates, harsh weather conditions to hiking up rough terrain. They’re one of the only clothing brands to have their own independent manufacturing facilities while treating their design centre like an engineering lab.
Arc’teryx constructs the best snowboard jackets, as its thoughtful designs provide an outstanding level of insulation. Their shell jackets come in different sizes and colours while also offering outerwear made from durable gore-tex, protecting you against severe weather conditions. Shell jackets also offer pit zips, fully taped seams and an articulated construction that allows you to move across mountain terrain freely.
The North Face
12/17
Price: From $180
Sizes: XS-XXL
Named after the coldest, unforgiving side of the mountain, it’s a given The North Face engineer the world’s best snowboard apparel, made for all alpinist functions. The North Face is committed to animal welfare, and sustainability as many of its designs are Responsible Down Standard certified. If you want to be more eco-conscious in your purchases, then The North Face is for you.
Offering all kinds of insulated, 3-in-1, wind wear and rainwear jackets, The North Face have a diverse collection, providing an exceptional level of warmth and functionality. Their jackets feature handwarmer pockets, a removable, adjustable hood and a drawcord adjustment at the hem. Also, many North Face jackets are 100% recycled polyester ripstop that comes with a water-repellent finish.
Chamonix
13/17
Price: From $130
Sizes: S-XXL
Though Chamonix is a relatively new brand – founded in 2017, it’s already created a name for offering excellent and accessible products in the snowboard industry. Chamonix was founded on the idea that inexpensive equipment should also be available to the average man without comprising quality. Chamonix’s outerwear collection will have you looking and feeling your best, as they offer maximum comfort and insulation.
With many options to choose from, Chamonix’s jackets come in various styles and colours, guaranteed to offer the best protection in harsh nordic weather. Jackets come with a powder skirt and an adjustable drawcord hem for outerwear to feel like a snug fit. Also, many jackets feature underarm vents to help regulate your core temperature while supplying airflow.
BSRabbit
14/17
Price: From $209
Sizes: S-XXL
BSRabbit is renowned for creating refreshing snowboard apparel inspired by street style. If you’re looking for versatility, then BSRabbit is for you, as these designs are suitable for the snow and the streets.
Offering everything from shell jackets, to down snowboard and anorak jackets, BSRabbit’s collection will inspire you to perform at your best, and their sexy designs will have you feeling super confident. BSRabbit jackets have underarm vents securing airflow while featuring waterproof and windproof MiKwang’s Finetex fabric. Available in diverse colours and patterns, these jackets will certainly add a pop of colour to the slopes.
Marmot
15/17
Price: From $220
Sizes: S-XXL
Marmot launched after college students Eric Reynolds and Dave Huntley tried to find any excuse to avoid classes at U.C Santa Cruz. Marmot’s headquarters initially started in Reynolds’ and Huntley’s dorm to manufacture parkas and sleeping bags. However, since then, Marmot has become a leader in outdoor equipment as they were the first company to install gore-tex into winter apparel.
Now, they’re pioneering outerwear through synthetic insulation with their featherless jackets made with 3M insulation, providing optimal warmth without feeling heavy. Not to mention they have every type of snow jacket available, including adjustable 3-in-1 jackets and softshell jackets offering a wind and water repellent finish.
ThirtyTwo
16/17
Price: From $160
Sizes: S-XXL
Founded in 1995, ThirtyTwo has become a benchmark in the industry. Created by snowboarders for snowboarders, ThirtyTwo has led the market thanks to its innovative and performance-enhancing technology. Thirtytwo products are tested and trialled by the star snowboarders as their all-star lineup features JP Walker, Scott Stevens, and Chris Bradshaw.
Thirty-Two jackets include waterproof fabrics, streamlined modern styling and a light and breathable design. These jackets also include fully taped seams, mesh-lined zippered vents, an adjustable hood and stretch wrist gaiters.
Billabong
17/17
Price: From $200
Sizes: XS-XL
Billabong was founded in the early 70s by Gordon and Rena Merchant. The name “billabong” taken from the Aboriginal word bilabaŋ, means a “creek that runs only during the rainy season”.
Billabong provides some of the best snowboarding gear, as their apparel offers premium heat without adding extra bulk. With a diverse collection of jackets available, Billabong will surely elevate your winter wardrobe as outerwear will keep you protected even during the harshest snow seasons. Many of their jackets offer a 2L Sympatex waterproof membrane that sheds water and breathes with you. Also, its impressive stretch powder skirt will prevent snow from entering.
