Reviewed by our gear Geeks:
THE BEST SNOWBOARDING JACKETS IN 2021
Our experts at work
We gave our Gear lovers one job:
Test 33 different Snowboarding Jackets and write reviews of the best.
The result is 20 of the best Snowboarding Jackets on the market today.
Danielle Maxey
Snowboarder
Danielle Maxey is an outdoor industry professional based in Colorado.
Bradley Axmith
Editor at DIVEIN.com
Loves details and testing gear
Torben Lonne
Scuba Instructor and editor
Torben has a huge passion for Scuba diving and traveling. He's also the co-founder and editor-in-chief of divein.
With hundreds of options available, choosing the best snowboard jacket can be overwhelming. They are generally longer than ski jackets, but there’s more to them than that. We have a list of the best options available–both womens and mens–including a review of the products and a guide at the end going in-depth about what to look for and what to avoid.
How you choose a snowboarding jacket largely depends on activity type, weather, budget, and fit. Our reviews will note each jacket’s profile. You’ll also see known brands like Burton and Columbia as well as lesser known companies like Outdoor Research. Keep reading.
Top 10 Best Snowboarding Jackets In 2021
Looking to make a quick purchase? Here are our top 10. Read on for our full review on the best snowboarding jackets of 2020.
- Patagonia Powder Bowl Shell Snowboard Jacket
- Burton Covert Snowboard Jacket
- The North Face ThermoBall Snow Triclimate 3-in-1 Jacket
- Burton GORE-TEX Doppler
- DC Defy
- Volcom x evo L GORE-TEX
- Columbia Whirlibird IV Interchange 3-in-1
- Arc’teryx Sabre AR
- Burton GORE-TEX Radial
- Dakine Sawtooth GORE-TEX 3L Snowboard Jacket
Still unsure as to what snowboarding jackets to choose? Check out our FAQs to know what to look for when buying a snowboarding jacket.
Patagonia is one of the leading outdoor brands in ski and snowboard gear for a reason: they know their stuff. With vigorous testing before they release their products, their environmental and social stances, and their ability to stand behind their products for their entire lifetime, Patagonia has cemented their position at the top. Men’s Powder Bowl: Women’s Powder Bowl: They make many incredible jackets, the Powder Bowl, being one of their top sellers for snowboarders and skiers alike. This jacket actually comes in two versions, due to its high demand. This version is uninsulated, made with recycled polyester GORE-TEX fabric, keeping riders dry in the wettest conditions. The Powder Bowl is a 2 layer, windproof hardshell that keeps you protected from the elements while still providing unmatched breathability for those days when you are working up a sweat. This jacket is a longer and looser style, making it popular among boarders and skiers who like plenty of room to layer. Snowboarders who prefer having separate layering pieces while riding will be very happy with the Patagonia Powder Bowl jacket. As a hard shell, this jacket makes a great piece for snowboarders who spend part of their time in the backcountry as well as the resort. This is a great option for those who see rain, or really wet snow, a good amount while skiing. This technical, streamlined piece is a great hard-shell, but those looking for a jacket with insulation might want to look elsewhere though Even if you only ever followed the world of snowboarding, chances are you have heard of Burton. One of the first snowboarding companies, Burton is known for making some of the best snowboarding gear out there, so it is unsurprising that a Burton product sits at the top of our list. Men’s Burton Covert: Women’s Burton Jet Set: One of the most stylish jackets on the mountain, riders are sure to appreciate the unique look that Burton brings to its snowboarding jackets without sacrificing performance. This jacket is warm and waterproof for those snowy days. Those who don’t want to sacrifice style for comfort while shopping at a lower price point will enjoy the Burton Covert (Jet Set for women). This jacket is perfect for places that get drier, fluffy snow, and lots of it! Those who live in wetter climates will want to consider a jacket that stays drier in seriously wet conditions. The North Face is known for making expedition ready gear. Think Mount Everest! And with making expedition ready gear, comes the knowledge for making reliable jackets for everyone, not just those Himalayan-bound. Men’s: Women’s: The ThermoBall Snow Triclimate is a perfect jacket for those who are looking for a snowboard jacket that works well year-round. This 3-in-1 zips out the middle insulating layer allowing riders to choose how to wear it. It can be worn together as an insulating hard-shell that protects from the elements while keeping you warm, an insulation piece that keeps you warm on mild days, and a hard-shell for those slushy spring days when temperatures are warm, but you need to stay dry. Those who want a versatile snowboard jacket will enjoy The North Face TriClimate. This jacket’s versatility allows its use to be extended beyond the winter season and well into the spring and even summer seasons. Its sleek design looks more along the lines of a technical outdoor piece than some riders may be looking for. Another one from Burton, the Doppler is a great snowboard option for those wanting a GORE-TEX hardshell, but aren’t sure about the price that is normally associated with it. The Doppler (Kaylo for women) also comes in a rider’s fit, making it a little longer than your typical GORE-TEX hardshell. This jacket is great for riders who spend a lot of time in wetter climates. Men’s Doppler: Women’s Kaylo: The waterproofing is the GORE-TEX standard and holds up to downpours on the mountain, but also allows for ventilation on warmer days. This jacket is also packed with features typically only seen in insulated coats, making it a good jacket for those who don’t want to lose the features but want to maintain the versatility that a hardshell provides. Those wanting a hardshell will be happy to see the price point of the Doppler. This jacket is great for riders who want to control their layering and who want a hardshell with the features of a purely inbounds jacket. Those who are looking for a jacket with insulation will want to look elsewhere. A brand known for catering to the snowboarding lifestyle, it should come as no surprise that DC is on this list. The Defy is a good option for those who want to stay on budget, but also look stylish while shredding up the slopes. Men’s Defy: Women’s Cruiser: This jacket is great for riders who want to hit powder all day long. While those who ride in rainier conditions may not find this jacket up to speed in its waterproofing, it will hold up for riders who frequent places that get dryer snow. This is a good budget option for riders who hit the mountain frequently and who are looking for an option that isn’t as high as others on this list. The quality in the jacket is good and will last wearers a long time, even with multiple uses throughout seasons. A true snowboard style, this jacket is a larger fit. Volcom is another brand that caters specifically to the snowboarding community’s style, and with that, they brought in a jacket that combines the necessities of the outdoor gear world with the style and convenience of the skate world. This jacket is playful and designed with mobility in mind, so park rats will enjoy being unconstricted while they ride. This jacket also contains features that aren’t always seen in other jackets, bringing fresh ideas to the table. We’ve done all the work for you and found the best prices on the Volcom x evo L GORE-TEX. Men’s x evo: Women’s Aris: It can be hard to find GORE-TEX shells at this price point but this jacket manages to do that while looking stylish. This hard shell is uninsulated, so riders looking to have all their layers in one jacket may want to look elsewhere. We did like the zipper that has the whistle pull, something we had not seen in other jackets. This option from Columbia is another one that provides a more versatile jacket system. The Whirlibird IV Interchange lets rider customize their layering options with a waterproof outer layer and an insulating inner layer that holds up on cold days This option from Columbia is longer than some of their other options making a better choice for snowboarders who anticipate needing the extra length to keep out the snow We’ve done all the work for you and found the best prices on the Columbia Whirlibird IV Interchange: Men’s: Women’s Cruiser: This option from Columbia is great for those looking to save some money but also want to commit to a decent snowboarding jacket. The 3-in-1 system gets riders the most for their money while still fitting in the looser, snowboarding style. Arc’teryx is known for their supreme outerwear and the Sabre AR snowboard jacket is no exception. The Sabre regularly hits at the top of lists for the best snowboarding jackets for a reason: this is one of the lightest-weight jackets out there and still one of the most durable. This breathable GORE-TEX hardshell is marketed more towards backcountry riders and skiers, but those who prefer the resort will find themselves very pleased with this option. We’ve done all the work for you and found the best prices on the Arc’teryx Sabre AR. Men’s Sabre: Women’s Sentinel: With Arc’teryx comes a level of craftsmanship that is hard to find in other companies. It also comes with a very high price tag. If riders want one of the best hard shells on the market and are willing to invest, this jacket would last even the most die hard riders for many years with its durability. Another pick from Burton is their GORE-TEX radial. This jacket includes light insulation along with full waterproofing and is a great jacket for riders who live in warmer climates or for those who like to layer with an insulated jacket in colder areas. The Radial (Balsam in the women’s version) is a low bulk jacket that is comfortable and warm that has a lot of the features riders who frequent ski resorts love. We’ve done all the work for you and found the best prices on the Burton GORE-TEX Radial. Men’s Radial: Women’s Balsam: This is a great option for resort riders who are wanting to keep the price a little lower. This is one of the biggest bang for your buck jackets in terms of insulation and GORE-TEX features. Riders who are looking for a jacket that will work for a variety of conditions will be very pleased with the Burton Radial. Another well-known brand for soft goods in the snowboarding world, Dakine’s apparel is known for its flashy colors and patterns that attract many riders. The Sawtooth is their GORE-TEX hardshell that has a longer fit, another attractive feature for riders that is not as common to have in a hardshell jacket. The Sawtooth has plenty of pockets and has a nice blending of features that combines the technical aspects that you get in most hardshells with the features that many snowboarding insulated jackets have. We’ve done all the work for you and found the best prices on the Dakine Sawtooth GORE-TEX 3L Jacket. Men’s Sawtooth: Women’s Beretta: Those who want a hard shell for layering but want a longer length will be appreciative of the feature that the Doppler has. This versatility is great for riders looking to do both backcountry and resort snowboarding. The powder skirt is a nice feature on the jacket as is the wrist gaiters, keeping riders dry throughout their day. If riders are looking for an insulated jacket, look elsewhere. For those who liked the Patagonia Powder Bowl listed above earlier, but wanted something with insulation, this is the jacket for you! This jacket is made with recycled polyester GORE-TEX fabric, keeping riders dry in the wettest conditions and combines a synthetic insulation to keep you warm even when it gets wet. This jacket is a longer and looser style, making it popular among boarders and skiers who like plenty of room to layer. We’ve done all the work for you and found the best prices on the Patagonia Powder Bowl Insulate Men’s Powder Bowl: Women’s Sentinel: A good jacket combing one of our favorite backcountry hard shells with the features and insulation of a resort jacket, the insulated Powder Bowl is a great option for snowboarders looking for a durable jacket in the resort who want to have the insulation as part of the jacket. Arc’teryx is the Prada of the outdoor world, so don’t expect this piece to come cheap. But with that, know that it will be one of the best-made jackets on the market for snowboarding. This jacket is perfect for riders who frequent cold and harsh climates or who need a jacket to keep warm in cold areas. This down/synthetic insulation blend allows the jacket to get wet and still maintain its insulating abilities. The 3-layer GORE-TEX waterproofing will ensure that the jacket stays dry, even during a downpour and provides protection no matter what weather conditions riders face. We’ve done all the work for you and found the best prices on the Arc-teryx Macai Down Jacket. Men’s Macai Down: Women’s Andessa Down: Those who ski in the coldest of climates will enjoy the Arc’teryx Macai as it is one of the warmest ski and snowboard jackets on the market. It is great for those looking for a jacket that will work for both on the mountain and city activities, achieving a seamless look that only Arc’teryx seems to manage. Those who are on a budget will want to look elsewhere, however, as this jacket does not come cheap. Columbia is taking steps into the active outdoor world, coming from outdoor-lifestyle branding. This makes them a great place to start looking for a jacket when shopping on a budget. Their pieces will hold up better than a lot of Amazon-only brands and many of their pieces will typically be on sale due their marketing, making this a cost-effective purchase for someone stepping into the snowsports world. We’ve done all the work for you and found the best prices on the Columbia Last Tracks Jacket. Men’s: Women’s: This is a great jacket for those just starting out snowboarding who don’t want to spend a lot of money on a snowboarding jacket. The Last Tracks has a powder skirt and removable hood, features typically found on higher budget options. Columbia products also typically are sold below their listed price as part of their marketing, so it is easier to find a good deal on these jackets than some of the others on this list. Another great option from Burton, the AK Cyclic GORE-TEX is a perfect snowboard jacket for those who are a little harder on their gear than most people. This incredibly durable jacket is fully waterproof with a 2L GORE-TEX fabric and fully-taped seams, keeping you dry on the wettest of days. This hard shell is perfect for snowboarders who want a versatile jacket both backcountry and in-resort, and want to look stylish while shredding. The Living Lining feature, which allows the breathable pores to shrink and expand depending on activity level is a great feature that really makes this jacket versatile in multiple activities. We’ve done all the work for you and found the best prices on the Burton AK GORE-TEX Cyclic. Men’s Cyclic: Women’s Embark: A great hardshell from a reputable brand for those looking for versatility. Those who regularly bootpack in the resort or those who go out into the backcountry will be very happy with this jacket. Those looking for insulation to be included should look elsewhere though. Another jacket by Patagonia, the Snowshot (Snowbelle for women) is another 3-in-1 jacket that is great for riders who want a multi-use jacket with versatility. This synthetic jacket comes with pit zips to ventilate on hotter days and a powder skirt to keep the snow out. It also has snaps that are compatible with their snow pants to keep the powder skirt in place, no matter how far down the hill you tumble. We’ve done all the work for you and found the best prices on the Patagonia Snowshot Jacket. Men’s Snowshot: Women’s Snowbelle: Those who are wanting a versatile jacket will enjoy Patagonia’s Snowshot jacket. This jacket’s versatility allows its use to be extended beyond the winter season and well into the spring and even summer seasons. It has a sleek technical design that some riders may not like. Outdoor Research is known for producing many award winning pieces and the Hemisphere is no exception. Winner of POWDER Magazine’s Apparel of the Year the Hemisphere is incredibly durable yet lightweight, perfect for long trips in the backcountry. Pocket placement on this jacket was designed with backcountry users in mind, designed to fit above a harness or a backpack belt. The Hemisphere GORE-TEX is great for resort users as well, with a fit that allows for layering and waterproofing to withstand any weather. We’ve done all the work for you and found the best prices on the Outdoor Research Hemisphere. Men’s: Women’s: The Hemisphere is one of the best jackets for backcountry snowboarding and mountaineering users for a reason, but also comes at a high price. Those who spend most of their time in the resort may want to consider a different option, but this is a piece that will last a snowboarder a long time for all their objectives in the backcountry. The Castle Peak from Marmot is a great snowboard jacket for those looking for an insulated piece that is breathable and lighter. This piece may come at a higher price point, but it is one of the more lighter-weight of the insulated jackets out there for snowboarders who are trying to stay light. Longer with a more streamlined look, the Castle Peak is sure to impress many riders. We’ve done all the work for you and found the best prices on the Marmot Castle Peak Insulated Jacket. Men’s : Marmot makes some great quality ski and snowboard gear and the Castle Peak is no exception. The downside we found for this jacket was the durability when compared with other ultra-lightweight insulated jackets. Another snowboard jacket from Columbia, this is a popular one for riders just starting out who are looking for a versatile jacket for multiple sports. This jacket is another one that zips out, allowing riders versatility in sports. We’ve done all the work for you and found the best prices on the Columbia Bugaboo Interchange Jacket. Men’s: Women’s: Those who want a versatile jacket will enjoy Columbia’s Bugaboo jacket. This jacket’s versatility allows its use to be extended beyond the winter season and well into the spring and even summer seasons. It starts at a lower price point and is a great piece for those occasionally using it or just starting out. This is an Amazon exclusive option that is a good budget piece for those who aren’t sure if they are ready to drop a lot of money on a snowboarding jacket. This jacket comes at a lower price point and as a 3-in-1 has a lot of versatility for someone wanting to save money and only buy one jacket that will work for them throughout the year. The two layers detach from each other which allows this jacket to be used for other activities. We’ve done all the work for you and found the best prices on the Camel Crown 3-in-1. Men’s : Women’s : This is not one of the highest quality pieces on this list, but it is a good option for someone just starting out snowboarding or for someone looking for a jacket to use once a year. It is also a good option for someone who needs to save a little money or who wants to be cost-conscious. This jacket is another one that is exclusively available on Amazon. The quality of this jacket is not the highest, but for those looking to make an inexpensive purchase, it will do well. It holds up decently against snow and wind while keeping the riders warm. Those who snowboard only once or twice a year will probably find good use for this jacket. We’ve done all the work for you and found the best prices on the MOERDENG Waterproof Jacket. Men’s: Women’s: This is not one of the highest quality pieces on this list, and we wouldn’t recommend it to users who are planning to use it a lot or to users who plan on using it in very wet conditions. But if you are just dipping your toes into the world of winter sports, this would be a good purchase.
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If you already have a snowboarding jacket or you just bought one, leave a comment in the comment section below and share your experience with it.
FAQ – Frequently asked questions about snowboarding jackets
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❓What are the different types of waterproofing?
GORE-TEX
Many of the jackets list GORE-TEX as their waterproofing. Without going in too deep on the technicalities of what this means, is that GORE-TEX is a brand that creates waterproof products. The membrane keeps water from permeating the jacket, keeping it on the outside. It also allows moisture (think sweat) to escape, regulating body temperatures.
For an item to get the GORE-TEX branding stamp, it must go through rigorous testing. Brands will sometimes use their own products rather than GORE-TEX for waterproofing. In many cases, their product is less waterproof than GORE-TEX, it just doesn’t have to be outsourced enabling brands to price it for less.
DWR
DWR stands for durable water repellent. Most waterproof jackets are treated with DWR which allows water to bead on the jacket. Eventually, the DWR wears off and blocks the membrane which makes it so the jacket is no longer breathable. This is where people will say the jacket is no longer waterproof.
When the pores are clogged, washing and treating the DWR will allow the pores of the waterproof membrane to open up. The water you are feeling is most likely not your GORE-TEX product failing and letting water in, it is dirt blocking the pores and not letting your sweat to escape (gross!) So if you are feeling like your waterproof shell is no longer doing its job, it may be time to give it a bath.
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🤔 What are the different types of jackets?
Hardshell
These jackets are often equipped with GORE-TEX and other stiff material outer layers. Hardshells do not have insulation and can be recognized by their stiff material. These are windproof and waterproof to keep you protected from the elements. These will typically breathe better than your standard insulated jackets, though not as much as a softshell.
Softshell
Softshells are water-resistant, but not proof, making them a better option for less harsh days. None of the jackets on this list were softshells as these are typically used in a ski-touring environment. They sometimes offer a little more warmth with their material but are not insulated.
Insulated
There are many types of insulated jackets, and many brands offer a waterproof insulated option. Many snowboard and ski jackets combine a stiffer outer layer with an insulating under layer to make a jacket that doesn’t need multiple parts. These are typically only used in the resort as the insulation gets too hot when going uphill in the backcountry.
In layering, there are also different types of insulation that can be used separately under a shell. These are typically either a down or synthetic puffy or a fleece. These offer different types of r-value (how warm they are).
When choosing insulation, it is a long debate between down or synthetic. Synthetic insulation is vegan and can get wet and maintain its insulating properties so it is recommended more for snowsports where you are likely to get wet. Down comes from geese or ducks and packs smaller than synthetic insulation, making it more popular for backcountry enthusiasts. When it gets wet, it loses its insulating properties.
3-in-1
3-in-1’s have started becoming increasingly popular as they typically come at a slightly lower price point than buying a hardshell and an insulating layer together. These pieces typically zip together to form one piece, though there are a couple on the market that snap. Their versatility has made them extremely popular among people looking to buy a jacket that has multiple uses.
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🧐 What is the difference between a ski jacket and a snowboard jacket?
You can use a snowboarding jacket for skiing and a skiing jacket for snowboarding! There is no difference except for the length. In the past, snowboarders have generally steered towards longer jackets which helps keep snow from falling down into your pants since a lot of time learning will be spent on your butt compared to skiing.
This fashion is changing slowly though as skiers are starting to prefer longer jackets as well with the slim but baggy look coming into fashion from the pros.
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🤔Can you wash your snowboard jacket?
Yes! And you should! Not only does it keep it looking nice and keeps it from smelling, washing it prolongs its life. Dirt and oils get into the gear which can block the pores and therefore affect a piece’s breathability. This is where people will feel wet. It is not the item letting in water, but the item no longer allowing moisture (your sweat) to escape.
Washing your snowboard jacket will clear this out. Normally laundry detergent is not advised. There are special soaps to wash technical gear which keep it performing its best. One popular one is Nikwax. When washing your jacket, make sure you use a front-loading washing machine. This is especially important with puffys. The agitator in the top-loading machines can rip apart your expensive jacket.
You can also dry your jacket if it says that it can be! Put it in the dryer and add some clean tennis balls to break up the insulation that got clumped together during the washing process. Note that you should not put a hardshell or softshell through the dryer. This only applies to insulating layers that need the insulation broken up.
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