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Weatherproof Fortress for All-Season Freeriding: Norrøna Tamok GORE-TEX ePE Jacket and Bib Review Heated Winter Gloves

The quality of a snowboard jacket can make or break your day in the mountains. That’s why we have thoroughly tested the best jackets for snowboarding so you can choose one that works. As you gear up for the winter or make upgrades throughout the season, consider one of our top picks for your upper half.

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. 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.

Overall, finding the right kit 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.

Trew Gear is back with a brand new PRIMO fabric for their best-selling classic jacket. With Trew’s highest level of waterproofing and breathability — a 20,000mm-rated membrane — this stylish jacket feels bomber from the resort to après and the backcountry. It’s hard to beat the Trew Gear Men’s Cosmic PRIMO Jacket ($479). In addition to the XS through XXL size run, the brand launched extended sizes in this jacket: 3XL through 5XL.

On the skintrack, this jacket didn’t breathe as well as more backcountry-specific jackets but with 16-inch pit zips, the design dumped heat mighty fine. We liked the removable powder skirt, which does a great job of keeping powder out. An integral RECCO reflector is another nice touch for additional safety.

While these jackets might be a tad pricy or overbuilt for some riders, they balance the demands of Mother Nature with style points and a high-quality, long-lasting build, making the Trew Gear Men’s Cosmic PRIMO Jacket our top pick for a snowboard jacket. The PRIMO offers high durability, from bell-to-bell days at the resort in blizzard conditions to long days on the snowmobile and the skin track. This jacket handled everything our testers threw at the kit.

With a relaxed, lengthy style, the new Trew Gear Women’s Stella PRIMO Jacket ($479) is among Trew’s lead designs for ladies to date. The fit is dialed in addition to the brand’s completely new sustainable fabric, the Primo. We absolutely love this slightly hourglass fit and found that the fabric withstood heavy, wet snowfall with no dampening and dried very fast. Beyond the XS through XXL, Trew also debuted 1X through 4X extended sizes in this silhouette.

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 coastal elements. Introducing the Primo Collection, the brand’s 100% recycled 3-layer woven nylon, a waterproof-breathable fabric that’s durable and offers dynamic stretch — which is the foundation of the Stella Primo.

Another two dump pockets are inside for tossing gloves while going through the food or beverage line (those pouches are not the most spacious for skins). There’s a pass pocket on the lower forearm, meaning our card never gets in the way when bending that arm. Adding a zippered interior chest pocket would be a great bonus we’d like to see in the future — but we wouldn’t want that to come at the expense of the large exterior pockets.

Recapping, this fabric is fairly soft and quiet. The feel is durable and dense 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 we really like and the velcro tabs are easy to grab. Ultimately, the Trew Gear Women’s Stella PRIMO Jacket is 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 pockets, a lower environmental impact, and overall style contribute to why the Burton Men’s Covert 2.0 Jacket ($270) is a great choice for resort shred days. Plus, the cost is reasonable for the package.

This 2-layer jacket offers moderate-level waterproofness and breathability, which works for riders in more mild and moderate climates. And the price tag is on the lower end of the spectrum.

There are ample pockets including one that’s insulated for a phone, two hand pockets, a ski pass pocket, an interior mesh dump pocket, and two spacious chest pockets. We also like the pit zips for venting, removable powder skirt, and the helmet-compatible, one-hand-adjustable hood. Those fleece liners in the hand pockets aren’t too shabby, either.

This was one of the warmest jackets we tested, and a few testers of different sizes and heights all liked the fit. An effort was also made with the sustainability of the Burton Men’s Covert 2.0 Jacket, using Bluesign-approved materials and PFC-free DWR.

This insulated design sits at an excellent price point for comfortable, functional snowboard outerwear. The 686 Women’s Athena Insulated Jacket ($200) offers synthetic insulation throughout the body, sleeves, and hood. That cozy fill serves to keep shredders warm during cold temps and potentially eliminates the need for a mid-layer purchase as well, which could be a bonus for those on a budget.

While the jacket doesn’t boast the highest waterproofness and the seams are not critically taped, the insulation is synthetic, so it can retain heat even when damp. But overall, this jacket will serve folks in cold, dry conditions rather than snowboarding all day in a snowstorm with PNW high water content.

The pockets are adequate with an internal goggle and lens stash, an external smartphone pocket with an outlet for an audio cord, and a pass pocket. There are two spacious zippered hand pockets. We also like that there’s a powder skirt and underarm ventilation in 686 Women’s Athena Insulated Jacket.

Dakine leveled up its sustainability efforts this winter. The result? A hard-working, stylish snowboard jacket with a face fabric that’s completely made from recycled materials, 100%, and is recyclable once retired. We welcome the Dakine Men’s Sender Stretch 3L Jacket and Dakine Women’s Sender Stretch 3L Jacket for guys and gals ($495). 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.

As a non-insulated jacket, we quickly learned to utilize mid-layers on stormy lift days and comfortably moved uphill in this shell, which features to spacious underarm zips. We wish the zipper pulls were a tad larger and easier to grab but the zips never failed.

There is an attached 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.

Ultimately, this sustainable, well-constructed snowboard jacket for gals and dudes is one of our favorites that we’ve tested. The Dakine Men’s Sender Stretch 3L Jacket and Dakine Women’s Sender Stretch 3L Jacket is one of our favorite snowboard jackets, 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.

The Flylow Roswell Jacket ($300) is lightly filled with 80 g of 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 rider and location.

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 lower end, the face fabric is treated with 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: four exterior pockets for stashing goods, 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. All considered, we love pulling on the Flylow Roswell Jacket for resort laps in all conditions.

Launched in the winter of 22/23, the Jones Snowboards Women’s MTN Surf Recycled Jacket ($500) for ladies is among the newest offerings from Jones and the design doesn’t disappoint. Super buttery, boxy, and hip, this cloak is fresh, functional, and offers warmth with a bit of insulation — but not too much. For 23/24, there are minor stitching and velcro updates but nothing significant.

First off, the design reps top-notch sustainability with bluesign-certified 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, zip pulls, and recycled polyester cords. Topped with the OEKO-Tex Standard 100 standard, we’re not sure what else could be done to ramp up eco-friendliness.

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, and an exterior upper left chest pocket is comfortably placed, which includes a mesh, minimalist pocket for a phone (note: requires two hands to slip a device in). Inside the jacket, there’s an upper left zippered chest pocket and two lower dump pockets.

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 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 is RECCO, fully taped seams, and generous pit zips. The Jones Women’s MTN Surf Recycled Jacket 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.

Our best shell and backcountry-performance jacket for shredders is the Outdoor Research Men’s Skytour AscentShell Jacket ($399), which is also offered for ladies with the Outdoor Research Women’s Skytour AscentShell Jacket ($399). Launched back in 2021, the Skytour is made with Outdoor Research’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. Our other favorite detail is the stretch, which is a necessity while dialing back the shoulder straps and hip belt on a heavy pack. Malleable material is also key 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.

This jacket performs super well in the backcountry. The fit and sizing are accurate for the purpose. While it’s not insulated or roomy, you can use this shell at the resort, 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.

If we had to pick only a few favorite things to brag on about Outdoor Research Men’s Skytour AscentShell Jacket for men and Outdoor Research Women’s Skytour AscentShell Jacket, it’d be the combo comfort and durability of the shell, the adjustable hood with a wire brim, and the softly lined chin guard. All in all, if you haven’t upgraded your splitboarding shell in a while, the OR Skytour AscentShell should definitely go on your list.

Nuances matter. We’re not sure how Jones achieved improving an already steadfast and eco-friendly ladies’ three-layer shell, but they did. The Jones Snowboards Women’s Shralpinist Stretch Recycled Jacket ($550) is an ideal design for both resort rips and backcountry missions. With fully taped seams, RECCO, 100% recycled and four-way stretch material, 100% recycled backer, and PFC-free DWR, this jacket is a stout yet breathable partner for big days in the elements. The recycled zippers, pull cords, and adjuster cords send the jacket over the top with a sustainable touch.

Updated for 23/24, the yarn size was hiked from 50-denier to 75-denier tenacity with a higher thread count and fabric weight, making the layer even burlier. The weight increase is negligible, especially compared to the durability perks.

Off the bat, the face fabric is noticeably supple and quiet, with no noisy nature disturbance on splitboard tours. We love the prolific pockets found here: Two huge 14-by-8-inch chest pockets fit whatever you want, even skins. On the left side is a mesh hammock for a phone. 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.

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. However, the fleece liner inside the collar is lean — only 4 inches long by 6/8 inches wide — and we wish it was 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 Jones Snowboards Women’s Shralpinist Stretch Recycled Jacket has a fixed pow skirt, hanging loop, sturdy brim, a Bluesign stamp of approval, and wide velcro wrist straps.

Read the full GearJunkie review of the jacket’s first iteration.

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. The Jones Snowboards Men’s Shralpinist Stretch Recycled Jacket ($600) is a premium snowboard jacket made for dawn-to-dusk days on the skintrack, 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 30,000 mm of waterproofness and breathability. While we did find the fabric durable, the face did show dirt very easily.

One of our other favorite features of this jacket is its plethora of pockets — 9 total! We loved the oversized outer chest pockets. The check pockets were large enough for phones, cameras, snacks, and more. There are four other zippered pockets: Two outer hand pockets, a large interior zippered chest pocket, and a small forearm pass pocket. Inside are two large chest pockets that are perfect for splitboard skins, and a minimalist phone keeper.

With all that 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 skintrack. 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 also 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. The jacket also boasts 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 constantly review. Inside the jacket is a second durable, laminated infographic that will likely never wear away covering the Avalanche Rescue Steps.

Overall, we loved the Jones Snowboards Men’s Shralpinist Stretch Recycled Jacket for all types of snowboarding. It really shines on the skintrack with its breathability and stretch but was more than enough for long resort days, too. With such high breathability, we did get cold more easily than other heavier weight jackets at the resort, so make sure to layer appropriately underneath.

Want to go fast, light, and packable? If splitboard mountaineering while looking good and feeling good about your environmental impact is the goal, then look no further than the Shralpinist.

Picture Organic continues to push the boundaries of sustainability in snowboard jackets — and these just set a new benchmark. In a complete makeover from former iterations of these jackets, 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. Picture determined that a closed-loop or circular process utilizes fewer resources than recycling while further reducing emissions.

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

In addition to the sustainable outer, both jackets are made with recycled synthetic insulation with 60 g throughout the body and sleeves topped off with 40 g in the hood. As an insulated piece, our testers felt warm on the slopes, but the jacket does feel heavy compared to other 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 are only in terms of style and color. Both jackets have a straight, boxier fit, and come in a stylish-looking kit. Overall, the Picture Organic Men’s Object Jacket and Picture Organic Women’s Seen Jacket 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.

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.

The two-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. And it barricades biting cold wind and repels moisture super well. Those seams are fully sealed, too.

Some of the most unique features of this jacket are the two huge chest pockets. The opening is a whopping 12 inches, and the interior length is closer to 18 inches in total. The pocket is shaped like a triangle that tapers toward the top, so the width varies but is nearly 9 inches at its widest point. These two gargantuan pockets are a tradeoff for not having traditional hand pockets.

At the end of the day, the Airblaster Women’s Sassy Beast Jacket is what we grab for cold, deep, and playful days at the resort for all around comfortable and style.

To learn more, check out our full GearJunkie review of the jacket. Also read the review on the Airblaster Sassy Hot Bib, which rounds out the kit.

The Dakine A-1 Jacket ($290) is by far the most uniquely styled jacket in our guide. Dakine wanted to make a 90s-style throwback jacket that inspired nostalgia from the early days of snowboard culture and we think they nailed it perfectly.

The A1 comes with all the modern features one could want while staying in a retro look. A low-profile powder skirt and adjustable cuffs help to keep snow out and warmth in. Zippered pit vents let out that heat when you’re hiking the park or shoveling snow for a street rail.

That fabric boasts a 10,000 waterproofing/10,000 breathability rating, which will work great for most ski resorts across the country. The material comes with Dakine’s durable fabric package: a 1-year warranty, meaning this jacket should hold up to years of abuse and hard landings.

While we were not a fan of the lack of a hood, we respect the nostalgic style this jacket was aiming to reach. If you’re looking for an old-school snowboarding jacket that can hold up in today’s conditions, the Dakine A-1 Jacket is the one for you.

The Volcom Women’s V.CO Aris GORE-TEX Jacket ($310) is a well-fitting (but not tight), flattering, well-equipped jacket we found perfect for snowboarding.

The Aris uses maybe the most popular fabric out there — a two-layer GORE-TEX shell with a PFC-free DWR. The fabric is super durable and isn’t crunchy or loud.

And this jacket won us over with all the other little details: YKK AquaGuard zippers, a jacket-to-pant interface, long pit zips, a taffeta-lined interior and brushed tricot-lined pockets, and a hood 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.

This is one of those jackets that’s designed so well it feels familiar from the first day you put it on. There are also the adjustable cuffs, hem, and hood to applaud.

Whether you aim for a more urban-style jacket or a more modern-style jacket, the Volcom Women’s V.CO Aris GORE-TEX Jacket 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.

Launched in 2022 by Jones Snowboards is an outerwear collection that includes the Jones Snowboards MTN Surf Recycled Jacket ($500), an everyday jacket that works as well on bluebird park days as it does on a skin track. This baby is supremely accommodating in all 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 two-layer, waterproof ripstop recycled polyester in the hood and shoulders, and a more breathable, two-layer, four-way-stretch recycled polyester around the torso.

This pairing means protection where you get wet and breathability where you sweat, enhanced by zippered pit vents that make dumping heat a breeze. We generally keep them open for the downhill and zipped for the lift. Those seams are fully sealed and there’s an integrated RECCO reflector, too.

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 cozy 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 Jones Snowboards MTN Surf Recycled Jacket are designed for a different use, with a pass pocket in the left forearm and a cellphone stash tucked into the chest where it stays warm and holds battery life longer.

Read our full GearJunkie review of this jacket’s first iteration.

If you’re looking for a quality GORE-TEX jacket with a longer length designed for snowboarders, 686 Men’s GORE-TEX Core Shell Jacket ($330) and 686 Women’s GORE-TEX Willow Insulated Jacket ($360) are fantastic options.

Some of the best and only longer-coverage GORE-TEX jackets on this list, the men’s Core and women’s Willow both feature a two-layer, Bluesign-approved GORE-TEX poly fabric with a DWR treatment and fully taped GORE-TEX seams.

Both men’s and women’s styles have helmet-compatible hoods, attached powder skirts, Lycra wrist gaiters, and adjustable cuffs. There are five total pockets (two hand pockets, one pass pocket, one goggle pocket, and one media access zippered pocket). And best of all, both include a lifetime warranty.

The only big difference between the men’s and women’s styles is the 686 Women’s GORE-TEX Willow Insulated Jacket has an added 40 g of 85% recycled infiLOFT insulation. We found it provides nice warmth while not being so much that you can’t use this jacket on warm spring days, especially with the pit zips and chest vent zipper to help air out.

For close to $350, the 686 Men’s GORE-TEX Core Shell Jacket and Willow Insulated Jacket add up to a great deal for shredders.

Another staff favorite that didn’t quite make our awarded list but remains among top picks is the Volcom Men’s L GORE-TEX Jacket ($340). This layer shares similarities with the Volcom Aris — it’s a relaxed fit, two-layer GORE-TEX shell with design details that’ll help make this jacket last the long haul.

It’s waterproof and windproof with fully taped seams and works great for snowboarding. There are many pockets with good placement, including two softly-lined hand pockets, 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 fully taped seams, hood adjustment cinch, mesh-backed pit zips, and a full suede chin guard.

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 Volcom Men’s L GORE-TEX Jacket is ready for a storm or sunny bootpack.

Scroll right to view all of the columns: Price, Shell/, Waterproof/Breathability, Number of Pockets, Weight.

Our GearJunkie snowboard gear testers include a range of experts. We have resort shredders, backcountry splitboarders, pow surfers, and 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 Tilton 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. To date, she’s tested snowboard jackets a total of 24 days and 74 hours in 2023, in addition to testing ski jackets (Tilton also skis) and working with gear testers.

Lead author, photographer, and gear tester Eric Phillips has been snowboarding since 2008. He’s a formerly certified Level II PSIA-AASI instructor and records over 100 days on snow at his home mountain in Crested Butte. He does a mix of resort snowboarding, backcountry splitboarding, mountaineering, snowmobiling, and pow surfing in his home range of the Elk Mountains.

Editor Austin Beck-Doss has been snowboarding since 2005.

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.

To start, we recommend you first decide what type of snowboard jacket is best for you — how do you want to use this layer? Are you looking at jackets for backcountry touring or high waterproofness? Long days at the resort? Or one jacket that can do it all? Then, search for a jacket in your price range and sizing while considering all the extras from the number of pockets to a softly lined collar.

With any of the snowboard jackets we’ve listed here, you really can’t go wrong. Below are additional details you’ll want to consider to help you make the right decision the first time.

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.

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.

When picking an insulated jacket, it’s important to choose the right type of fill that’ll work for you and where you ride.

There are two primary types of insulation: down and synthetic, or a combination of both, which is typically done with targeted zones in the jacket.

Insulation works by trapping air inside tiny pockets within the materials, whether that be down filament — which is natural — or strands of polyester — which is synthetic or human-made.

Down Insulation is derived from duck, geese, or other waterfowl as a byproduct of raising these animals for food. Down has a warmth-to-weight ratio that’s three times that of synthetic insulation.

Overall, down is lighter, more compressible, and longer-lasting than synthetic insulation. While down offers superior warmth per weight, the organic material does have one weakness: moisture. Down doesn’t insulate very well once wet, takes very long to dry, and is also more expensive.

When looking at down jackets consider the fill power. This is a number indicator of the quality of the down used: The higher the number, the more volume a given weight of down will occupy. For example, an 800+ fill is considered premium and offers such warmth per weight while the range of 500-700 is more average.

Synthetic insulation is made from polyester fibers, which are spun to create pockets of air between fibers. The higher quality of insulation translates to finer filaments with more space for air between them. Synthetic insulation can also be treated for odor and water resistance to improve performance in outdoor activities.

Compared to down, synthetic insulation is generally less expensive, insulates much better in wet conditions, and is fast drying. But, synthetic insulation is slightly heavier, compresses less, and doesn’t last as long as down insulation.

Looking at the specs, synthetic insulation is measured in grams per square meter, referring only to the amount of insulation and not the overall weight of the jacket. The higher the number, the more insulated and warmer the jacket will be.

There are a few jackets on the market these days offering a combination of both down and synthetic insulation at the same time. The hybrid construction can provide benefits for both materials while limiting each material’s flaws. It’s not all perfection though, as these jackets are still more expensive, less water resistant than synthetic alone, and heavier or bulkier than down alone.

Consider how much weight you want to carry, the packability of the jacket, what weather you aim to be in, and how much you’re willing to spend when it comes to choosing the right insulation for your new jacket.

Staying warm on the mountain is essential to having the most fun. Those fun tokens run out quickly when one gets cold, the same can also be said for becoming too hot and sweaty.

There are two ways to get warmth in a jacket: using an insulated jacket with the warmth built-in or using layers underneath a non-insulated shell.

Below is a lineup that compares the quantity of warmth each of our favorite insulated snowboard jackets provides, based on the amount of insulation in each product:

Insulated jackets allow you to wear fewer and ergo less bulky layers, so you don’t have to worry as much about selecting the best midlayer. These warmer outerlayers can also be cheaper when compared to separately buying a shell and a midlayer.

The downside: You can’t take off the insulation layer if the ambient temps rise. If you’re doing a lot of movement, like whipping through tight glades or ripping pow fields, an insulated jacket can at times be too warm. On the other hand, standing in lift lines on cold, busy days means your body can get colder faster, giving the edge to an insulated jacket.

To choose the best jacket, it’s important to know your body. Do you run warm naturally or sweat often? If yes, stick with a non-insulated shell. But if you run cold and like staying toasty warm, there’s nothing better than the hug of an insulated jacket.

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 has 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 dually 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.

Snowboard jackets are made up of many different materials from 100% recycled polyester or nylon to traditional nylon. Jackets are made of multiple layers of fabric: An outer layer or face fabric is visible on the exterior and an inner layer goes against your body, which is a 2-layer jacket. A 3-layer jacket has another fabric membrane sandwiched in between giving more breathability, durability, and waterproofing.

Some 3-layer jackets use a blend of fabrics like the Jones Snowboards Men’s Shralpinist Stretch Recycled Jacket, which has a rugged 70-denier face fabric paired with a 20-denier backer to reach a 3L Jacket. The outer face is usually treated with a Durable Water Repellent to keep water beading and prevent precipitation from soaking into the fabric. Traditional DWR is loaded with toxic chemicals though many brands offer PFC-free DWR that nixes the harsh ingredients that negatively impact humans and the environment.

Insulated jackets have insulation injected into the inner fabric of the jacket, which adds extra warmth but can take up more space. Insulation is technically another layer but does not count toward the 2-layer versus 3-layer label.

There’s a large shift in the snowsports industry toward more sustainable, recycled materials in jackets, which have less of an environmental cost but usually come with a higher price tag for the consumer. There is also a shift towards Bluesign and Oeko-Tex standards for materials, which are certifications that ensure materials and employees working in textile manufacturing plants have the highest safety and environmental standards. Jackets like the Flylow Men’s Roswell Jacket and Jones Snowboards Men’s Shralpinist Stretch Recycled Jacket come with such eco certifications.

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. Certain vent designs have a piece of mesh fabric to block snow from getting inside while the vents are open while other designs open directly to the baselayer underneath.

In terms of quality, YKK zippers are the toughest and are widely universal across brands.

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.

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.

Here are the waterproofness levels side by side for our favorite snowboard jackets, with 30,000 mm being the most waterproof and ideal for more coastal snow climates while the jackets with 10,000 mm of waterproof ratings are more moderate for drier snow climates.

Face fabric treatments — which can be either eco-friendly formulas labeled PFC-free or chemicals that are toxic to the environment — can also help make a jacket more waterproof. Some snowboard jackets also have sealed seams and waterproof zippers to additionally block moisture.

Various chemical treatments can be used on the exterior face textile of fabrics to make snowboard jackets water resistant. The treatment changes the surface texture of the fabric and allows water to collect in droplets or beads, which then roll away.

Some eco-friendly products are challenging the industry norm by achieving a Durable Water Repellent (DWR) without the use of chemicals that also never need to be reproofed. For instance, some jackets use Teflon Ecoelite PFC-free DWR, while other brands still use traditional chemical-based DWR, which will need to be reapplied every season or so. Make sure you know which type of DWR your jacket has so you can be prepared to reapply the water resistance if necessary and so that you’re more aware of the chemicals you personally wear.

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.

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.

Not to be confused with breathability, air permeability is how fast air can move moisture from the inside of the jacket to the outside of the jacket, which enables the fabric to breathe.

Air permeability is measured in cubic feet of air per minute (CFM), which is the amount of air that passes through a square foot of fabric. A material with 100 CFM is not a lick windproof while 50 CFM offers a bit of wind resistance and 0 CFM is totally windproof.

Let’s think of this in terms of sweat: Traditional waterproof jackets have lower air permeability, meaning you really have to sweat before the jacket starts to breathe. Jackets like the Outdoor Research Men’s Skytour AscentShell Jacket have higher air permeability, meaning the textile breathes before you start to uncomfortably sweat.

The bottom line is that more air permeability means a more comfortable jacket for high movement.

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.

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.

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.

Though, not all hoods fit well over a snowboard helmet compared to others, and the compatibility depends on the size and shape of the helmet, which differs model to model. Each jacket’s hood has a unique design, as well.

Some hoods are made to fit over a ski or snowboard helmet but greatly restrict movement of your head, as you swivel left or right. The benefit of a hood on the ski lift or skintrack, or on a blizzardy day at the ski resort, is that the hood will help keep you warmer in cold or windy temperatures and keep snow out of the edge of your helmet.

The downside is hoods often limit head mobility or peripheral visibility on the descent, which most riders don’t like. As a whole, we think the jacket industry needs to get better with snowboard helmet and hood compatibility. Looking for the best helmet to fit under your hood? Check out our Best Ski Helmets GearJunkie guide.

Some hoods are adjustable via elastic pulls on the side and back. Others have an integrated visor so that they don’t collapse beneath moisture and help keep precipitation from reaching the topside of your goggles. A handful of hoods are removable, while most are fixed.

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 627 g and the Women’s Shralpinist Stretch 3L Jacket at 650 g.

Slightly heavier but still fairly lightweight designs include the Jones Snowboards MTN Surf Parka and Flylow Roswell Jacket at 950 g each. A slightly beefier jacket is the Burton Men’s Covert 2.0 Jacket at 993 g.

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

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.

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.

Maintaining a comfortable temperature — not cold while also not sweating — can be a challenge across different conditions. In the mountains, we all know that we can see multiple seasons all within one day — much less in a few hours. The best way to manage body temperature is by properly layering for the conditions.

Starting with the against-the-skin layer, we recommend a tight-fitting base layer made of synthetic fabric, wool, or a hybrid of the two fibers. Check out our Best Men’s Base Layers guide and Best Base Layers for Women guide for more information on the right one for you.

After base layers come midlayers, which is the insulation layer where most of your warmth can be piled on. For insulated jackets, this layer is essentially already built in, but for non-insulated shell jackets, you’ll need to add a midlayer.

We recommend pulling on either a down puffy jacket, synthetic jacket, or a wool midlayer for that boost of warmth. For resort snowboarding, we usually wear this layer at the start of cold mornings before ditching it later in the day as the temps rise. To be totally clear, while you only wear one base layer, you can pile on as many midlayers as you need to get warm — of course, you don’t want to sacrifice mobility in your arms, so be strategic.

Lastly comes the snowboard jacket, which is either insulated or a shell, both of which serve as a waterproof outerlayer to keep snow and water at bay while trapping body heat inside.

Finding the right layering system can take some time, especially when conditions vary at the ski hill. If you’re too warm, you can also open your jacket’s underarm vents to cool down. If that doesn’t work, consider ditching the midlayer or wearing a lighter-weight base layer. On the contrary, if you’re bundled up and still cold, it’s probably time to add another layer beneath your jacket.

When choosing a shell jacket, make sure to leave a little room, so that you can easily layer beneath. Insulated jackets already have that space built in, so they can run a tad tighter.

Snowboard jackets range from $200 to $300 for the most economical options. Starting with our budget selection, the 686 Women’s Athena Insulated Jacket comes in at $200. That’s followed by the Men’s Burton Covert 2.0 Jacket at $270, then the Dakine A-1 Jacket at $290, which rounds out the sub-$300 group.

We’ve found among our favorites the average cost is closer to $300 to $400. That next tier of jackets starts with the Men’s Flylow Roswell Jacket ($300) and the Women’s Airblaster Sassy Beast Jacket ($320). There’s also the Men’s Volcom L GORE-TEX Jacket ($340), the Volcom Women’s V.CO Aris GORE-TEX Jacket ($310), the 686 GORE-TEX Jacket Men’s Core ($330), and Women’s Willow Insulated ($360). The Women’s Outdoor Research Skytour AscenShell Jacket and Men’s Outdoor Research Skytour AscentShell Jacket ($399) round out the price range of our best jackets for snowboarding.

The most robust designs, which can be best for long days in variable conditions such as in the backcountry, can reach up to $700. That last tier offers the most well-built designs and expensive materials, which can be best for long days in variable conditions such as in the backcountry or really snowy climates.

First is the Men’s Jones Snowboards MTN Surf Recycled Jacket ($500) followed by the Dakine Sender Stretch 3L Jacket ($495). Next in price comes the Trew Gear Men’s Cosmic PRIMO Jacket & Women’s Stella PRIMO Jacket, both ($499). Finally topping out at our most expensive jacket in our guide comes the Women’s Jones Snowboards Shralpinist Stretch Recycled Jacket ($550) and Men’s Jones Snowboards Shralpinist Stretch Recycled Jacket ($600).

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

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

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.

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 midlayer 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.

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.

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 Jacket, Volcom Women’s V.CO Aris GORE-TEX Jacket, and Burton Men’s Covert 2.0 Jacket.

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.

Across testing and research, we found the Volcom Women’s V.CO 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 PRIMO Classic.

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

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.

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.

We found the best base layers and thermal underwear for women. Including top picks from Patagonia, Icebreaker, Kari Traa, Stio, and more.

We tested the best synthetic insulated jackets of 2022 with options for every budget. Top picks include Arc’teryx, Patagonia, and more.

Based among the awe-inspiring peaks of Crested Butte, Colorado, Morgan Tilton is a Senior Editor for GearJunkie honing the SnowSports Buyer’s Guides alongside warmer coverage. More broadly, she’s an adventure journalist specializing in outdoor industry news and adventure travel stories, which she’s produced for more than a decade and more than 80 publications to date. A recipient of 14 North American Travel Journalists Association awards, when she’s not recovering from high alpine or jungle expeditions she’s usually trail running, mountain biking, or splitboarding in Southwest Colorado, where she grew up and lives today. From resort to backcountry and human-powered to motorized travel, she loves sliding across snow.

Eric Phillips is a contributor of GearJunkie. He has been writing about snowboarding, splitboarding, and winter apparel for one year and photographing content for many. Phillips has worked on the Western Mountain Rescue Team and as a professional adventure photographer in the outdoor industry. Based in Crested Butte, Colorado, he’s an avid board sports enthusiast, mountain biker, hunter, hiker, camper, and mountaineer.

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