10 BEST Snowboard Jackets This Season

A snowboard jacket is essential for protecting yourself against snow and wind on the slopes. There are three main types of snowboard jackets: light and versatile shells, insulated models for added warmth, and 3-in-1 jackets with a zip-out mid-layer.

Prices for these jackets can range from budget-friendly options at around $200 to more expensive, technical pieces, with Gore-Tex materials costing upwards of $600. This guide will showcase the top snowboard jackets for the 2023-2024 winter season, featuring various designs from popular brands like Burton and Volcom to more premium options for serious riders.

Keep reading for more information, including a comparison table and buying tips. Or head over to our post on what to wear snowboarding if you’re starting.

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The Best Snowboard Jackets

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Burton AK 2L Swash/Embark

Burton’s men’s Swash and women’s Embark jackets offer a good balance of protection, comfort, and features for snowboarding. They have a 2-layer Gore-Tex construction with a plush and soft interior lining that can withstand high winds and heavy precipitation. Both jackets have a dedicated, insulated phone pocket, pit zips, and oversized zippers for mittens.

While they are high-priced and may not be ideal for occasional riders or beginners, they are a good choice for experienced riders who want a combination of protection, comfort, and practical features. They have just a touch of insulation that provides excellent comfort and warmth.

Arc’teryx’s Rush below offers improved breathability at a lighter weight but at a much higher price. It’s a step up in performance, but the AK 2L has a better style, and the savings is enough to purchase a solid set of goggles or pants.

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Arc’teryx Rush Jacket

The Arc’teryx Sabre is the classic option from Arc’teryx, but the Rush Jacket is a jacket made for the backcountry with better colorway options. It features a Gore-Tex Pro build and a moderately trim fit that moves well on the skin track. I prefer the enhanced build of the Rush as I enjoy a mix of resort, backcountry, and lift-assisted backcountry days.

The Rush is more breathable and durable than the Sabre, but it is also more expensive at $749. In comparison, the Sabre is a better all-around jacket, with a roomier fit that accommodates a range of mid-layers and features similar to the Rush. This is a solid option for anyone who requires dependable protection from a jacket.

It skews toward mountaineers and backcountry nuts who need uncompromising protection from their snowboard jackets. It has no problem handling resort riding, but its price gives us second thoughts when you can buy a complete kit for the same price.

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Picture Object/Seen Jacket

Picture Organic is a company that is relatively new to the snowboard jacket market. They have gained popularity due to their stylish designs, affordable prices, and commitment to sustainability. Their products use recycled materials and PFC-free DWR treatments, and the company has recently been certified as a B Corp. Even the snowboard content they produce focuses on human-powered backcountry adventures.

One of their most popular products is the Object jacket, which is made with 64% recycled polyester and has a 20K/20K waterproof breathable membrane and a soft lining for comfort. It’s impressive stats for a sustainably built jacket. The jacket features multiple pockets, a goggle wipe, arm gaiters, underarm vents, a helmet-compatible hood, a snow skirt, and a pass pocket.

We love the color styles, and the fit is standard, with just enough bagginess not to restrict movement. It’s a great-fitting jacket that looks good on the hill. Their gear is new to us so we can’t comment on the longevity, but we’re going into our third season with our picture gear. We’ve tested the Object, Stone, Xpore, and can confidently say the jackets are holding up beautifully. The Xpore is another excellent option, as it’s their premium shell jacket with outstanding coverage.

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686 Smarty 3-in-1 Form Jacket

The 3-in-1 style of jacket is a good option for those looking to get the most value for their money. It includes an insulated mid-layer and a waterproof shell in one purchase and can be worn with or without the mid-layer on warmer days. Many brands offer 3-in-1 jackets, but 686’s Smarty model is a standout choice.

It features a durable outer layer resistant to moisture and wind and ample exterior storage that is easy to access on the ski lift. The zip-out insulated jacket is warm, thanks to its 160-gram synthetic fill. At a reasonable price of $290, the 686 is less expensive than other popular 3-in-1 options like The North Face Clement Triclimate ($300) and Patagonia’s Powder Town 3-in-1 ($499).

However, it’s important to note that 3-in-1 jackets tend to be heavy and bulky due to the extra zippers and snaps needed to connect the layers. They may not provide as much warmth as a dedicated insulated snowboard jacket. They may also be less effective at regulating body temperature during high-performance activities like hikes. Nonetheless, for those who prioritize versatility and value for lift-assisted or terrain park days, the 686 Smarty is a well-made 3-in-1 jacket.

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Jones MTN Surf

Jones Snowboards, founded by the legendary free rider, Jeremy Jones, is known for producing some of the best snowboards on the market. Last year, they added outerwear to their lineup and released the MTN Surf. The jacket is versatile and capable of both resort and backcountry riding.

It is made with 75-denier fabric on high-exposure areas such as the arms and Hood for protection and thinner, stretchy polyester at the core for breathability. It also has a thin layer of PrimaLoft Bio for a little extra warmth.

The MTN Surf is a good option for high-output mountain activities but is expensive for a 2-layer jacket. Other snowboard jacket options include the Burton Swash ($465) and Patagonia Insulated Powder Town ($399). Jones also has other jackets in their collection, such as the Shralpinist Recycled Gore-Tex Pro ($800) and an anorak version of the MTN Surf ($440).

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Trew Jefferson Jacket

TREW Gear is an Oregon-based company specializing in resort and backcountry apparel. They are known for their well-made and stylish designs, which are also durable and weatherproof. The men’s Jefferson and women’s Astoria are their core, uninsulated 2-layer jackets that offer a good balance of price, toughness, and coverage.

These snowboard jackets are ideal for wet and rough conditions in the Pacific Northwest and feature long cuts and sturdy shells. They also come in tri-color or solid color options and have a smooth lining for comfort, pit zips, and various pockets.

However, they are on the heavy side of non-insulated jackets, so they may not be the best choice for split board adventures. However, the price does feel more forgiving than the lightweight jacket options. Overall, the Jefferson is a reliable and long-lasting shell for those who stay within the ski resort boundaries.

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MTN-X Chic-Chocs 3L Anorak Jacket

This Anorak from Orage both looks awesome and offers a lot of performance. It features a side-zip for ventilation, a half-zip up the front, and iridescent accents. The shell material with Orage feels bomb-proof, and the protection of an anorak can shield riders from harsh elements.

The snowboard jacket is a solid choice for those who ride in a resort with notorious weather. The 3L Dermizax material may not be “Gore-Tex,” but make no mistake, it feels comparable to the brand name. Several sweet features come with the anorak style. The most notable is the asymmetrical front pocket with compartments for storing on-slope items such as extra goggles, lenses, or snacks.

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Patagonia Insulated Powder town

Patagonia’s new Powder Town collection is a line of ski jackets suitable for resort riders and reasonably priced. The insulated version of the jacket features Thermogreen synthetic fill with 80g in the body and 40g in the sleeves, which keeps the wearer comfortable on most resort days.

The snowboard jacket also has a soft and smooth polyester taffeta lining, Patagonia’s H2No waterproofing, an adjustable hood, and a powder skirt that helps seal against the cold and wet. It features a revamped pocket layout, new colorways, and more sustainably sourced materials, including a postconsumer recycled polyester shell, 100% recycled insulation and PFC-free DWR.

However, the 2-layer design is not as breathable as 3-layer competitors and may not be suitable for uphill travel or activities that cause the wearer to sweat. The uninsulated version of the Powder Town is a better choice for these situations, although it has a less comfortable mesh liner than the synthetic-filled model. Patagonia also offers a 3-in-1 variation of the men’s Powder Town, but it comes at a higher price of $499.

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Volcom L GORE-TEX Jacket

Volcom’s L is a popular snowboard jacket that features quality Gore-Tex waterproofing at an affordable price. For $300, the jacket offers Gore’s 2-layer construction, a versatile non-insulated design that allows for layering, and a storm hood that provides good adjustability and protection in harsh conditions.

The Zip Tech system, which connects the snowboard jacket to Volcom pants, also performs well. The Volcom L has a simple design and generic colors, and the mesh lining has a cheap appearance and feel.

The partial elastic wrist closure is also less secure than other premium alternatives. However, the mesh lining effectively wicks moisture, and the drop in comfort is not significant even during side-country hikes. Overall, the Volcom L is an excellent uninsulated option for those who do not mind its plain looks.

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Flylow Albert

Flylow’s Albert Jacket is a versatile and stylish choice for active riders. Its breathable and stretchy shell and its comfortable features, such as the “give” in the face fabric for improved mobility and the puffy, baffled interior, make it an excellent choice for time spent in the terrain park. The recycled Greenloft insulation helps to keep bulk to a minimum, while the 60-gram synthetic insulation provides just enough warmth for cold days.

However, the somewhat thin and stretchy face fabric may not offer the same level of protection as Gore-Tex in wet snow, and the insulation may not be sufficient for resort riders who prioritize warmth. The women’s version of the jacket, called the Avery, has 100-gram Greenloft insulation and an additional exterior pocket on the sleeve.

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Features In A Snowboard Jacket

Warmth

Insulated jackets are a popular choice for resort riders because of the stop-and-start nature of snowboarding. The amount of insulation a jacket has can vary, so it’s essential to consider how much fill you need based on your temperature and the climate you’ll be in. Most insulated jackets use synthetic fill, measured in grams per square meter.

Jackets with 40-60 grams of fill are on the light end and will typically still require a mid-layer in average winter. Jackets with 80-100 grams or more of fill are suitable for colder days and can often be worn without a mid-layer.

It’s essential not to over-insulate, as it can lead to overheating and fogged-up snow goggles. Insulation is usually heavier in the jacket’s core than in the sleeves to keep the body warm while maintaining mobility.

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Breathability

Breathability is not as crucial for most lift-assisted snowboarding as long as the rider is not over-insulated and sticks to groomed or shorter tree runs. For active riders, side-country hikers, or splitboarders, breathability becomes more critical. Non-insulated jackets with 3-layer constructions, including an outer layer, internal membrane, and liner bonded together, are the most breathable waterproof designs.

Examples include the Butron AK 2L Swash and Arc’teryx Rush. If maximum breathability is a top priority, such as springtime splitboarding, a non-waterproof softshell jacket may be a good option. However, softshells offer less protection from snow and are not as suitable for resort or all-season use. They are better as a secondary jacket.

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Durability

Snowboard jackets are designed to be durable and withstand bad weather and rough use. Most manufacturers do not provide a fabric denier measurement, making it difficult to compare the thickness and density of different models.

However, there are generally three categories of jackets. Cheap jackets that are tear-resistant and tough using thick materials. Mid-range jackets with higher-end, lighter, durable materials, such as the Volcom L Gore-Tex.

Finally, backcountry designs and technical shells that sacrifice some durability for lighter weight, improved range of motion, and enhanced breathability but are still reliable and rugged, such as the Arc’teryx Rush.

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Snowboard Jacket Features

• Hood: a snow helmet-compatible hood is essential for protecting against high winds and snowfall; higher-end models offer improved coverage and adjustability
• Pockets/Organization: most jackets include pockets, but some are more feature-rich; chest-height storage is convenient for phone and wallet; Burton’s Therma-Pocket keeps phone battery from draining in the cold; handwarmer pockets, exterior storage for RFID pass, and large interior mesh drop-in pockets are also useful
• Pit zips: underarm vents help release heat in warm weather or after layering too heavily; designs vary in whether or not the openings are mesh-lined
• Powder skirt: improves protection in deep snow or a crash; buttons at the front of the jacket and positioned above hem; helpful but not essential feature; zip-out powder skirts can be left behind on mild weather days
• Attachment System: secures jacket to pants for maximum warmth and protection; designs vary from simple buttons to a zippered system that mimics a one-piece snowsuit; not a required feature but valuable for those who wipe out frequently
• Wrist Gaiters: seal wrists to keep out snow and cold drafts; can be attached to gloves or worn on their own; not a required feature but beneficial for deep snow or freezing conditions
• Cuffs: cuffs should be adjustable to seal out snow and cold drafts; wrist closures should be secure and not interfere with gloves; Velcro closures are most common but not as durable as zippers or buttons; welt or thumbhole cuffs add warmth and convenience
• Hem Cinch: adjustable drawcord to seal out snow and cold drafts; not a required feature but beneficial for deep snow or freezing conditions