These are the snowboard jackets we trust to keep us warm and dry. Photo: Reuben Krabbe//The Inertia
To properly enjoy a day on the mountain, a great snowboard jacket is imperative. With so many options on the market, choosing the right snowboard jacket can be overwhelming. We’ve been putting the best snowboard jackets to the test for more than two seasons. Testing has included sub-zero temperatures, rainstorms, peak powder, windy days, sunny days, and all of the above days. We’ve tested shells, 3-in-1s, and insulated snowboard jackets. Through our testing, the following snowboard jackets kept us warm, dry, and stoked.
Navigate To: Comparison Table | How We Tested | Buyer’s Guide
Related: Best Women’s Snowboard Jackets | Best Snowboard Pants | Best Ski Jackets
Editor’s Note: We updated this guide in March 2025 with a handful of new jackets, including a new best overall. Pro tip: Spring is a great time to buy a snowboard jacket, as many end-of-season sales mean deep discounts on these options.
The Best Snowboard Jackets of 2025
Best Overall Snowboard Jacket: Burton [AK] Swash
Best Upgrade Snowboard Jacket: Volcom TDS INF
Best 3-in-1 Snowboard Jacket: The North Face ThermoBall Eco Snow Triclimate 3-in-1
Best Budget Snowboard Jacket: 686 Smarty 3-in-1 Form
Best Backcountry Snowboard Jacket: Jones Shralpinist Stretch Recycled Jacket
Best Eco-Friendly Snowboard Jacket: Patagonia SnowDrifter
Best Snowboard Anorak: Arc’teryx Sabre Relaxed Anorak
Jump To More Snowboard Jackets
Best Overall Snowboard Jacket
Burton [AK] Swash ($500)
Pros: Durable, just enough insulation, full-featured
Cons: Pricey for 2L Gore-Tex
When testing snowboard jackets this season, our team was seeking the perfect combination of price, features, functionality, and durability. We’ve tested north of 30 jackets in the past couple of years, and the Burton [AK] Swash stood out this season as a near-perfect all-around snowboard jacket. The Swash is insulated, but just enough (60G PrimaLoft Silver) for versatile wear. The jacket also features 2-layer Gore-Tex waterproofing with excellent durability (75 Denier face fabric). But the baseline stats didn’t differentiate the Swash, it was the range of features and practicality combined with stylish looks and a solid price that helped the Swash secure our top spot.
On the mountain, the Burton [AK] Swash is an ideal insulated resort jacket. In a category that often feels like you have to sacrifice one feature for another, the Swash provides everything we want. It boasts four zippered exterior pockets on the torso (two hand and two chest) plus a pass pocket on the arm. Inside, there are two huge stretchy drop pockets for goggles, gloves, etc, plus an insulated zippered pocket that’s ideal for a phone. Pit zips, dual zippers on the main zip, integrated stretchy thumb-loop cuffs, an effective powder skirt, and an easy-to-use-with-mittens cinch hood complete the feature list.
Sure, it’s feature-laden, but does it perform? Unequivocally. We’ve now had this jacket out in a range of conditions—from falling wet snow to shimmering bluebirds—and it has impressed us on every lap. The tough 2L GTX readily sheds moisture, and the Goldilocks insulation kept us warm from temps hovering just above zero degrees Fahrenheit up to 35 and sunny (with the pit zips open). The insulation is centered around the core, and it’s ideal for just about everything except for warmer backcountry tours (check out the Jones Shralpinist Stretch, below, for those conditions). Sure, it’s not a top-of-the-line three-layer Gore-Tex, but the Burton [AK] Swash left us wanting for nothing on the slopes, and at $500 it’s a snowboard jacket that will serve you well for years.
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The Burton [AK] Swash is easy to recommend—functional, warm, and stylish. Photo: Tim Manning//The Inertia
Best Upgrade Snowboard Jacket
Volcom TDS INF ($925)
Pros: Well-designed, durable, and warm
Cons: Very expensive
Volcom has been in the game a long time, watching other brands fall off while they continue to make their mark on the snow, surf, and skate scenes worldwide. Over that time they have built a reputation for innovative quality designs, and their latest version of the TDS INF jacket is no exception.
Using premium materials throughout, the jacket sports a GORE-TEX 3L shell on the outside, and their proprietary TDS (Thermal Defense System) down liner on the inside. What makes it unique is it’s not on the entire jacket, so you won’t overheat. But it does allow you to have much less on underneath than you otherwise would need to. We loved that it helped keep warm on the chairlift when other jackets would just suck in the cold.
It’s obvious the designers here like to ride because all the pockets are well-placed to get what you need while riding. It even comes with a facemask attached to the back so you have one less thing to remember (or rather, forget).
There wasn’t really anything bad to say about this jacket other than it’ll cost a pretty penny. But that’s just the name of the game these days… and the investment will pay off over time with a jacket that will last many seasons to come without sacrificing performance.
Read our full review of the Volcom TDS.
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The TDS insulation is one of our favorites from any snowboard jacket. Photo: Steve Andrews//The Inertia
Best 3-in-1 Snowboard Jacket
The North Face ThermoBall Eco Snow Triclimate 3-in-1 Jacket ($399)
Pros: Excellent fit and features for 3-in-1
Cons: Midlayer and shell aren’t quite as high-quality as competition
One of our favorite all-around winter jackets of the year is the venerable The North Face ThermoBall Eco Snow Triclimate 3-in-1. If you want to buy one jacket that will serve you for three seasons of the year, plus work great out on the slopes, look no further. The ThermoBall is a well-constructed synthetic puffer surrounded by a DryVent shell. Waterproofing is good, and breathability is so-so, but the features on this jacket punch well above its price point. With a powder skirt, excellent pocket layout, one of our favorite hoods, and a mid-layer puffer that actually looks decent on its own, if you need one jacket to rule them all, then The North Face ThermoBall Eco is the way to go.
One standout for this TNF jacket was the excellent fit (for snowboarders at least). It’s a bit roomier, which makes layering the puffer and outer easy, plus it leaves space for even more mid-layers if it’s a super cold day. While the material feel might not be as premium as the Jones or Arc’teryx, we were plenty impressed with the DryVent shell, which easily held off wet snow at Arizona Snowbowl. And many 3-in-1s skip the powder skirt, which we really appreciated here, it lends versatility to an already versatile jacket. Plus, it even has an interior pocket on the mid-layer, in case you are wearing both and you need to stash your phone inside (some 3-in-1s skip this feature and you can’t access the inside pockets of the shell).
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The North Face ThermoBall Eco 3-in-1 is popular for good reason: It just works. Photo: Tim Manning//The Inertia
Best Budget Snowboard Jacket
686 Smarty 3-in-1 Form ($299)
Pros: Great warmth, classic style
Cons: Midlayer isn’t too breathable
Not everyone is a ride-or-die shredder, and that’s okay. We all have different interests to occupy our time. But when you do go shredding, you still need to be safe from the elements and keep scoring those all-important style points. The 686 Smarty 3-in-1 Form jacket suits a day on the hill, but it’ll also work in a variety of forms off the hill as well, with a stylish removable underlayer that looks good around town.
The outer shell sports 20k waterproofing, providing total dryness in everything, though it may take on some water in something like a coastal downpour, which is probably not a problem for most. And we couldn’t find anything with the combo of warmth and dryness for the price. While there are other, cheaper options, we felt that the ability to add or remove a mid-layer and some of the bonus features such as mesh-lined underarm venting gives you a well-thought-out jacket(s) that will have many more uses than just on the slopes.
Read our full review of the 686 Smarty.
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Reasonable and well-featured, what’s not to love about the 686 Smarty? Photo: Steve Andrews//The Inertia
Best Backcountry Snowboarding Jacket
Jones Shralpinist Stretch Recycled Jacket ($574.95)
Pros: Excellent range of motion, improved durability, best breathability
Cons: Not quite as effective in truly wet weather
We’ve been rocking with Jones for some time now, and the updated Shralpinist Stretch jacket is one of the most comfortable, flexible, and packable backcountry snowboard jackets we’ve tested. Upgrades to the durability took what was a comfy jacket and made it more resilient, which is much appreciated when ripping tree lines. The breathability is superb, and while we might opt for the Patagonia Untracked below in truly wet weather (think PNW), we found the Shralpinist Stretch held up really well in the types of snow that the western and southwestern US gets hit with.
In the backcountry, packability and ventilation are key. When hiking uphill, you want a jacket that will either stash in your pack or be able to be zipped wide open in the pits to quickly dump heat. We didn’t find any other jackets that packed down smaller yet still offered such effective protection, and the 30K breathability rating was noticeably more breathable than the competition. Plus, subtle attention to details like the fact that 5 Red Flags and avy rescue tips are printed right on the jacket in case you find yourself in an unsafe snowpack. To add to our testing notes beyond the slopes, we actually took this jacket on a few rainy hikes and found that it held up well for a few hours, but for true all-day wet weather protection you’d be better off with the GTX ePE version of the Shralpinist (note: it is $200 more).
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At the resort or in the backcountry, the Jones Shralpinist Stretch was far and away the most comfortable snowboard shell we tried this season. Photo: Tim Manning//The Inertia
Most Eco-Friendly Snowboard Jacket
Patagonia SnowDrifter ($449)
Pros: Light, stretchy fabric free of PFC chemicals
Cons: Exterior tends to get saturated in a downpour
It’s no secret that Patagonia is committed to more sustainable outerwear. The SnowDrifter jacket sets the bar even higher. With a stretchy 3-layer recycled polyester material, the jacket is thin yet will protect you from the elements while giving enough play to fit well yet also accommodate the demands of riding hard and holding up. The water-repellant (DWR) coating is free of the nasty PFCs that will outlive us all. If that is a concern, then the Snowdrifter may be the choice for you.
But we still need the jacket to perform well when snowboarding, and thankfully, it does. With all the necessary features such as an inside stash pocket, powder skirt, and pit vents, the jacket sports what you need to have a fun day on the hill. The only issue we found was that in a downpour, the jacket does not bead water away and instead can saturate the top layer. That said, it doesn’t reach inside, however in high-humidity situations such as the PNW the material can stick to the skin and cause internal sweating. This isn’t so much of an issue if you have a layer underneath (which you most certainly will), but if using it as a rain jacket, hopefully, the environmentally responsible approach will take a higher priority and not be as much of an issue.
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Best Snowboard Anorak
Arc’teryx Sabre Relaxed Anorak ($800)
Pros: Super durable, great fit, phone pocket in pouch
Cons: Very expensive
Believe us: At this price, we were hesitant about the Arc’teryx Sabre Relaxed Anorak. While we’ve loved the Sabre line in the past, we weren’t sure we could justify the steep price for an anorak with a bit less versatility than a standard jacket. But this option really wowed us: The updated GTX ePE fabric is every bit as resistant and durable as in the past, and the fit and features crush in the Sabre Relaxed Anorak. The side-zip opening is great for dumping heat or accessing your bibs, and the big kangaroo pocket is great for warming hands on the lift (plus it has a phone/accessory pocket inside to keep things secure). The relaxed fit was a team favorite, and it definitely looks more at home in the snowboarding world than some of Arc’teryx’s more slim-fitting gear.
While we do think $800 is too steep a price to pay for most jackets, if you are looking for a one-and-done purchase and an anorak suits your needs better than a standard jacket, then we believe this Sabre Relaxed Anorak will serve you well for years to come. The material was the most durable feeling option we tested, and while it’s somewhat thick and stiff, it still moved well when climbing, carving, and everything in between. The hood was one of the best fitting in the test, and wind resistance was another standout—at the very top of a blustery Palisades we felt warm and ready to rip. Overall, this anorak is definitely staying in our rotation all season.
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For sunny resort laps and wet falling snow, we loved the Arc’teryx Sabre Relaxed Anorak. Photo: Nick Bruckbauer//The Inertia
More Snowboard Jackets We Recommend
Runner-Up Best Backcountry Jacket
Patagonia Untracked ($699)
Pros: Felt lining improves mobility and comfort
Cons: Not as breathable as Jones Shralpinist Stretch
The Patagonia Untracked is our pick for a wet-weather backcountry beast. While it overs less breathability than the Jones Shralpinist Stretch (20K vs 30K), this is our pick for PNW shredding and other truly wet backcountry conditions. Comfort was a standout feature in the Untracked, as the jacket features a soft-touch feltish lining. Better yet, the lining helped the jacket slide effortlessly over mid-layers, which made this jacket especially mobile and suited to uphill routes. This jacket really won us over with subtleties, and the construction is typical of Patagonia: superb.
This jacket has an adjustable powder skirt that fits really well and keeps out the fluff. The pocket arrangement is pretty typical, but we loved the pass-thru chest availability, allowing you to tuck something in your bibs or mid-layer if needed. A big stretch glove drop pocket, dual-zippered pit vents, and a really dialed-in fit round out our runner-up backcountry pick. While the Shralpinist is still our go-to for dryer or warmer conditions, the Untracked is an excellent option for wet snow.
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The dialed powder skirt and excellent durability of the Patagonia Untracked jacket made it ideal for wet backcountry efforts. Photo: Tim Manning//The Inertia
Runner-Up Best Budget
TREW Gear Tatoosh ($369)
Pros: Soft fabric, insulated, great design
Cons: Fabric will eventually get soaked in a rainstorm
This jacket (and its accompanying bibs) is named after the Tatoosh range near Mount Ranier in Washington State. This region is known for a couple of things: Amazing riding terrain and wet snow. Thus, if a jacket is to bear the name TREW Gear Tatoosh, it should hold up in wet conditions. And for the most part, it did.
After testing it in numerous wet PNW storms, the jacket never soaked through. The 20k waterproofing held up surprisingly well and only started to show signs of soaking after about 4 hours in a heavy rainstorm.
The upside to this fabric is it’s soft and nimble, something that most GORE-TEX jackets aren’t. It was one of the most comfortable jackets we wore for not only shredding hard but from start to finish during the day. But this is not a casual jacket, it’s meant for being on the mountain and stashing everything needed to have a good day out there.
For an insulated jacket that is well-designed and quite affordable, and most importantly comfortable, this is a solid option.
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Extreme Durability
Arc’teryx Sabre SV ($900)
Pros: Virtually indestructible, premium quality construction
Cons: Pricey, no insulation
Arc’teryx has long left the status of a niche outerwear brand and has hit the mainstream with full force, lining city streets to give designer fashion a run for their money. However, the brand has stayed true to its roots in making some of the best technical outerwear on the market.
Their latest offering, the Arc’teryx Sabre SV jacket, is no exception. Made with the harshest conditions in mind, the jacket will hold up for many seasons to come and perform better than most. The SV sports a longer length to help keep the elements out and really is as well-made as their reputation should suggest. Although it has no insulating properties beyond the 3L GORE-TEX (which does help a bit), it’ll withstand the worst conditions and still has an excellent range of motion, allowing for massive days of freeriding while keeping you warm and dry.
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Great Pockets
Mountain Hardwear Boundary Ridge ($550)
Pros: Tough shell with deep pockets
Cons: Rigid fabric doesn’t have much give
Whoever designed the Mountain Hardwear Boundary Ridge jacket knows what snowboarders need. Nothing really stood out as a massive point of differentiation compared to the others, yet when adding everything together, it seemed that this jacket had the exact recipe for a good day on the hill.
Mountain Hardwear includes just enough pockets to let you stash what you need without making the jacket too bulky or cumbersome. As a result, you get a well-designed jacket that fits well, offers 3L GORE-TEX protection, and still has a great fit.
The two chest pockets go deep on either end, allowing you to have easy access to goggle wipes, spare gloves, and whatever else you might need in a pinch. Inside are two mesh pockets that can help you dry out goggles or keep skins warm if you’re on a touring mission. The rest of the jacket has all the great features one would expect with a top-of-the-line product, such as a powder skirt and pit vents, and the combo of them all had us confident that this jacket will last for many seasons of thrills and spills.
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Jones MTN Surf Jacket ($399.95)
Pros: Recycled materials, feels warm and toasty
Cons: Fabric didn’t have much give to it
Jeremy Jones has been leading the pack for big-mountain freeriding for well over two decades. When he set out with his own brand, it was a safe bet that it would be a force to be reckoned with. The boards have been leading the charts for years, and now that the company has an outerwear line, you can be sure it’ll uphold the same quality standards you’d expect from a brand that seeks to provide snowboarders with the best experience possible.
While it’s not GORE-TEX, the Jones MTN Surf Jacket offers 20K waterproof protection and, like Patagonia, a coating free of the dangerous PFC chemicals that many brands are starting to recognize as no bueno. But with the founder of Protect Our Winters at the helm of this ship, you know that sustainability is at the forefront of their decision-making.
The Primaloft insulation gives a nice buffer against the cold while still remaining lightweight. The outer shell uses partially recycled polyester, giving the jacket a nice stretchy feeling that is easy to maneuver.
This is the jacket to get if you’re not the type to wear tons of layers, preferring instead one jacket that will be a go-to to keep you warm out there.
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Burton [AK] Cyclic ($460)
Pros: Amazing movement, well-engineered pockets
Cons: GORE-TEX is only 2L compared to 3L in others
Burton’s [AK] line is and has been the best line from arguably snowboarding’s most iconic brand. While we had no trouble layering up with this jacket mid-winter, the lightweight 2-layer GORE-TEX shell of the Burton [AK] Cyclic Jacket had enough breathability to make it ideal for hiking booters and exploring the backcountry.
The Cyclic jacket is chock-full of some standout features. It has a thermo-lined device pocket that helps keep your phone battery (or charging bank) better protected from the elements, allowing it to last longer.
With over 20 years of development in the Burton [AK] line, their product refinement has been a steady progression into something that will stand the test of time. If it doesn’t for some reason, you also have Burton’s limited lifetime warranty, so they will fix or replace anything that is out of whack. Burton has also transitioned their gear to getting the Bluesign seal of approval, helping all of us feel a bit better about where to direct our purchasing power.
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Patagonia Storm Shift ($499)
Pros: Environmentally friendly, soft lining
Cons: Lining isn’t warm – still need to layer up underneath
While many snowboard jackets are simply a shell, the Patagonia Storm Shift went a step further and added some soft liners on the inside to make it comfortable even off the mountain, wherever you may be. This isn’t an insulated jacket but rather a shell with some added comfort. The side pockets are also lined, meaning you can warm up your hands even if your gloves are soaked, or you’re just milling about the city and forgot to bring ’em. The only downside of the thin lining is weight for those getting out there in the backcountry. The jacket remains quite breathable and has the ever-essential pit zips to dump heat as needed.
In true Patagonia fashion, they use recycled materials throughout the garment and are the only company to remark on using PFC-free chemicals for waterproofing. PFC-free means no fluorinated chemicals — something that ends up in our ecosystem and is even absorbed by humans and animals. Sounds like a huge win for our future and our health in general, which helps make buying this jacket a wise consumer choice. Furthermore, if something breaks on the jacket, Patagonia famously will fix it for you, ensuring this jacket will be hitting the slopes for many seasons to come.
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Whitespace 3L Performance 3-in-1 Jacket ($549)
Pros: Unique slim style, removable liner
Cons: Material is fairly rigid
Shaun White achieved legendary status well before puberty, and now as an adult has added designer and fashion mogul to his list of accomplishments in snowboarding. It was worth giving his gear a spin, as he is reported to be an integral part of the design process. The Whitespace 3L Performance 3-in-1 Jacket is his brainchild. The jacket offers a two-piece shell and fleece liner setup that provides plenty of warmth as a combo or as individuals.
The design is meant to give off a slim look, meaning that if someone isn’t into the loose-fitting baggy setup that a lot of snowboarding gear trends toward, this may be more your scene. It’s a style all on its own, which can be a good thing for those lengthy aprés sessions.
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Testing snowboard jackets is good work if you can get it! Photo: Tim Manning//The Inertia
Best Snowboard Jackets Comparison Table
| Jacket | Price | Insulation? | Waterproofing | Sustainability |
| Burton [AK] Swash | $500 | Partial: PrimaLoft | 2L GORE-TEX | bluesign approved |
| Volcom TDS INF | $800 | Partial: down | 3L GORE-TEX Pro | Not specified |
| The North Face ThermoBall Eco Snow Triclimate 3-in-1 | $400 | Removable ThermoBall mid-layer | DryVent | 100% recycled shell and insulation |
| 686 Smarty 3 in 1 | $300 | Yes (removable) | 20K | Carbon neutral |
| Jones Shralpinist Stretch | $574.95 | No | 3L 30K/30K | 100% recycled PFC-free shell |
| Patagonia SnowDrifter | $449 | No | PFC-free DWR | Recycled materials, PFC-free DWR |
| Arc’teryx Sabre Relaxed Anorak | $800 | No | 3L GORE-TEX ePE | Some recycled materials |
| Patagonia Untracked | $699 | No | 3L GORE-TEX 28K/20K | bluesign approved |
| TREW Gear Tatoosh | $369 | Yes | 20K | Not specified |
| Arc’teryx Sabre SV | $900 | No | 3L GORE-TEX Pro | Partially-made with Bluesign approved material |
| Mountain Hardwear Boundary Ridge | $550 | No | 3L GORE-TEX | Recycled polyester |
| Jones MTN Surf | $399.95 | Yes | PFC-free DWR | Yes |
| Burton [AK] Cyclic | $460 | No | 2L GORE-TEX | Bluesign approved |
| Patagonia Storm Shift | $499 | Yes (minimal) | 2L PFC-free GORE-TEX | Recycled materials, PFC-free DWR |
| Whitespace 3L Performance 3-in-1 | $549 | Yes (removable fleece) | 3L 15k recycled | Bluesign approved |
Resort ripping, backcountry laps, and everything in between: We really tested these jackets to bring you the best. Photo: Tim Manning//The Inertia
How We Tested Snowboard Jackets
We tested these jackets the best way we know how: by snowboarding hard for long days in all kinds of weather. Testing spots included the backcountry Cascade Mountains and the Coast Range, resort riding at Palisades Tahoe and Arizona Snowbowl, as well as ripping Mammoth Mountain. Other resort testing included Whistler and Mount Baker.
Forum and Jones have produced some worthy contenders in the snowboard jacket space. Photo: Reuben Krabbe//The Inertia
This test began in early 2023 and we’ve been testing consistently all the way through to 2025. Each jacket recommended here was put through the wringer, riding in a variety of conditions. And we tested many more that didn’t make the final list. But when the wind is howling and the snow is coming from every direction, that’s when we get to work.
The Team
Steve Andrews and Nathan Lemin took the lead on testing jackets for this guide, and Will Sileo and Dylan Heyden helped recommend and test options as well.
We got out for some splitboarding to test the breathability and mobility of backcountry jackets. Photo: Steve Andrews//The Inertia
As a lifelong snow sports enthusiast. Steve has been a professional filmer and backcountry guide over the years, knowing full well what it takes for a snowboard jacket to stand above the rest. Over the years, Steve has traveled to the Yukon to film for National Geographic, set up a banked slalom course at Baldface, and leveled up in the Canadian Ski Guide Association. Steve recruited some other local shredders out of Whistler to help with the testing process to give a well-rounded set of opinions so that if one jacket didn’t fit well, someone else could perhaps give more objective feedback.
Wind resistance helps break the cold on icy resort days. Photo: Tim Manning//The Inertia
Nathan Lemin is a lifelong snowboarder, first strapping in in the 5th grade, and enjoying laps from the Midwest all the way to the coast. The extremely cold temperatures where he grew up riding have set him up to be over-prepared when it comes to warmth. From 3-in-1s to insulated jackets, Lemin looks for jackets that will hold up to sub-zero riding. Versatility is paramount, and buy once, cry once is his guiding snowboard jacket principle.
Powder beware: We came prepared. Photo: Reuben Krabbe//The Inertia
We brought additional gear, such as extra goggles, snacks, and even a full-sized sandwich just to see how well they held up after some laps. As phones are a part of us all now, a place to keep a phone safe and dry is an unmistakable part of riding nowadays. Aside from outer protection, breathability was and is an important factor, so we would check to see how sweaty we were after riding to make sure we weren’t cooking.
We also tested how well the pockets could open and close with gloves on, and how well it kept the snow out on the deepest of days. We tried to emulate each run to keep things objective, taking note of the nuances between each jacket to see which truly was, is, and continues to be the best snowboard jacket for any type of riding.
The pull-over style of the Arc’teryx Sabre Anorak sports a massive kangaroo pocket, an innovative design choice among snow jackets. Photo: Reuben Krabbe//The Inertia
Snowboard Jackets Buyer’s Guide
When testing these jackets, we used several criteria to evaluate the most important features and scored them out of 10. Each brand has trademarked features that will try to set them apart from the rest, but we made an effort to ignore the marketing-speak and just hit the points that matter. In our minds, these were:
Insulation
The heart of a winter jacket is its insulation, which is responsible for trapping your body heat. There are two main types:
Synthetic Insulation
Great for wet conditions, synthetic insulation is quick-drying and provides warmth even when damp. It’s usually more affordable than down and is hypoallergenic. Our pick for the best snowboard jacket, the Burton [AK] Swash, has PrimaLoft Silver synthetic insulation, which we found was just enough for most conditions, without being overkill on a warmer day.
The Burton [AK] Swash has Goldilocks insulation, making it truly versatile. Photo: Tim Manning//The Inertia
Down Insulation
Known for its excellent warmth-to-weight ratio, down insulation is the gold standard for cold, dry conditions. However, it loses its insulating properties when wet and can be more expensive. Our top pick, the Volcom TDS INF, features some down insulation. To build a full, separable jacket kit with a shell, check out our Best Men’s Puffer Jackets guide.
Fleece-Lined
While not insulation per se, fleece-lined jackets like the Patagonia Storm Shift offer a bit more warmth than a simple shell. We like these for mild conditions, and they are typically quite comfortable. We also love to pair a classic fleece jacket with a waterproof shell for milder days on the slopes
The Mountain Hardwear Boundary Ridge Jacket is a top pick for its durability, pockets, and protection. Photo: Reuben Krabbe//The Inertia
Weatherproofing
Your winter jacket should be able to withstand the elements. Look for jackets with water-resistant or waterproof exteriors to keep you dry in snow or rain. Breathability is also crucial to prevent overheating and sweating, especially during active pursuits. While Gore-Tex is the industry standard, many proprietary waterproofing membranes are popping up and we’ve found plenty of them perform just as well. The 686 GLCR GORE-TEX PRO 3L and Arc’teryx Sabre SV feature some of the more impressive waterproofing in this test.
Your jacket should be comfortable and move with you on the mountain. Photo: Tim Manning//The Inertia
Fit and Comfort
A well-fitting jacket should allow for layering without being too bulky. It should offer freedom of movement, especially around the shoulders and arms. Adjustable cuffs, hoods, and hem can help seal in warmth and keep out the cold. The Burton [AK] Swash won us over with an excellent blend of stylish fit and comfortable mobility.
Features and Functionality
Consider the features that are important to you. Breathability is great for backcountry climbs, but it’s not ideal if you spend a lot of time at windy resorts (lifts can be a particularly chilly ride with the wrong jacket). Insulated jackets make ideal resort options, but you probably won’t want to snowboard in late spring or other warm wet weather with them. Pockets, hoods, and fit are other crucial considerations.
Hoods should fit over your helmet and be able to cinch down tightly to seal out the conditions. Photo: Nick Bruckbauer//The Inertia
Hoods
Removable or adjustable hoods offer versatility. We lean toward jackets with a hood that fits over a helmet and cinches down tight—this helps prevent wind and snow from sneaking in on blustery powder days. The Jones Shralpinist Stretch had an excellent hood that sealed out the cold on backcountry and resort laps alike.
Pockets! The more the merrier—well thought out pockets make or break a snowboard jacket. Photo: Nick Bruckbauer//The Inertia
Pockets
Ample pocket space can keep your hands warm and store essentials. We loved the Mountain Hardwear Boundary Ridge for its excellent pockets. Big stretchy drop pockets for gloves, hats, and goggles are nice, and ski pass pockets on the sleeve are great for modern lift scanners. Or, an anorak like the Arc’teryx Sabre Relaxed Anorak is ideal if you like a big pass-thru hand pocket.
Zippers
Look for durable, easy-to-use zippers, and consider features like storm flaps to block wind. YKK is typically the industry standard, but every zipper can have a bit different construction, with waterproofing, smooth gliding, and snagging all being factors we test. The North Face ThermoBall Eco Snow actually surprised us with some of the smoothest zippers in our test.
Burton always has some of the best colors in the game. Photo: Tim Manning//The Inertia
Style and Aesthetics
Your winter jacket should reflect your personal style, whether it’s a sleek, minimalist design or a bold, eye-catching color. Consider how the jacket will pair with your existing winter wardrobe. The Burton [AK] Swash and Whitespace 3L Performance 3-in-1 we some of our favorites for aesthetics.
Price vs. Quality
While it’s tempting to opt for a cheaper jacket, investing in a high-quality jacket can save you money in the long run. Look for jackets from reputable brands with good warranties and customer reviews. The Arc’teryx Sabre SV may cost a pretty penny, but we’re stoked on its ability to last and last, year after year with proper care.
Choosing the right winter jacket is a blend of understanding your needs, knowing what to look for, and personal preference. With this guide, you’re well on your way to finding a winter jacket that will keep you warm, dry, and stylish all season long.
The Burton [AK] Cyclic Snowboard Jacket will put a smile on your face. Photo: Reuben Krabbe//The Inertia
Caring for Your Snowboard Jacket
These snowboard jackets are all an investment in your comfort and safety on the mountain. It’s true they cost a decent amount, but if cared for properly, they should last many seasons to come. Here are a few tried and true methods for making sure your jacket will remain as good as the day you bought it.
Storage
Storing your jacket with care will prolong its life. Unfortunately, we know from experience that simply tossing it in the backseat will add further wear and tear and invite some microscopic friends. The more the fabric rubs against surfaces, the more the waterproof coating will go away, so be sure to hang it up, if possible, in a warm and dry place. Stashing it outside in the elements will result in extra wear.
Washing your jacket occasionally and re-applying DWR can do wonders for its longevity. Photo: Tim Manning//The Inertia
Repairs
Many companies offer some sort of repair policy for their gear. The key is to take advantage of it, and to read the fine print on what’s included. Don’t let something small turn into something big from procrastination. These days some repair marks can be seen as a badge of honor; It means that you’re really using the gear to its fullest. Plus, it’s so much cheaper than buying something new, so there isn’t really a good reason to let things go unrepaired. Pay close attention to the seams at the zippers. Those are often the first places to go.
Washing
Be sure to check the tag for detailed instructions, but a good idea is to only wash cold and to use liquid (not powder) detergent. If you use the dryer, use a low-temperature setting, and if you hang dry, you may need to use an iron afterward (but not too hot!) to reactivate the waterproof coating. Synthetic Jackets are generally machine washable but check the care label. Avoid fabric softeners and dry on low heat or air dry. For Down Jackets, use a down-specific detergent and wash on a gentle cycle. Tumble dry on low with tennis balls to break up clumps of down. Our team swears by Nikwax, and we wash and re-DWR our jackets at least seasonally, if not more depending on conditions.
Keep that expensive GTX working like new: Nikwax is a great DWR treatment. Photo: Nick Bruckbauer//The Inertia
Waterproofing
While your shell’s waterproof membrane might technically still be so, the water-repellent finish needs a refresh at least once a season to keep water beading up and shedding from the surface. It’s a good idea to re-up with a waterproof treatment every so often. Be sure to test a small area before applying to make sure it gets the desired result. Don’t forget to read the instructions, as different products work better for various fabrics. Depending on where you ride and how often you ride will determine how often you want to add more waterproofing. Generally, every 12-15 or so days of riding should be good. That number will change based on how much the material is getting rubbed or exposed to rain or wet snow.
Early Signs of Wear and Tear
Regularly inspect your jacket for signs of wear, such as:
Tears or Rips: Small tears can quickly become larger issues if left unrepaired.
Loss of Insulation: If your jacket feels less warm, it may be losing its insulating properties.
Water Repellency: If water no longer beads off the surface, it may be time to reapply a water-repellent treatment.
Freedom of movement is essential for the best snowboard jackets. Photo: Reuben Krabbe//The Inertia
Final Thoughts
All the jackets listed here will be a good choice for getting out there and sliding sideways. The idea of which snowboard jacket is the best will come down to who is doing the choosing. You want the gear to last but also be functional and allow the material to work to your riding style. If it’s strictly for riding, you might want something different than someone who uses it in other situations all winter, from the mountains to the trails to the rainy city streets.
Whatever you choose, make sure to take good care of it and to shred hard. If you take care of your jacket, it’ll keep you warm and protected for many great seasons to come.
Happy shredding!
Editor’s Note: Looking for women’s specific options? Check out our Best Women’s Snowboard Jackets guide. Don’t miss our Best Snowboard Pants, either. For more gear reviews and features on The Inertia, click here.
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