These are the snowboard jackets we trust to keep us warm and dry while hunting big backcountry lines or scoring deep powder days at the resort. Photo: Reuben Krabbe/The Inertia

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Snowboarding creates an unusual paradox. We seek snow out with full abandon, hoping to get into the deep stuff. Colder temps mean better snow, and storm days provide some of the best riding as tracks fill in every lap. But if that same deep snow and cold air make it to our skin, we aren’t going to have much fun out there. So to properly enjoy the elements, a great snowboard jacket is imperative.

Yet simple protection isn’t enough — we’ve got to look good out there while having fun. And with so many options on the market, choosing the right snowboard jacket can be overwhelming. Thankfully, though, you have this handy guide to help you out. We put some of the top snowboard jackets through their paces since last winter as the North American West Coast endured the best and worst of climate change. We’ve had temperatures below zero, rainstorms to the peak, windy days, sunny days, and all-of-the-above days. Amongst Mother Nature’s fury, the following jackets kept us warm, dry, and stoked.

Read on for our top picks. If you want to see how these jackets stack up to one another, scroll down to our Comparison Table and Ratings Chart, below, and for more info on what goes into a good snowboard jacket, check out our Buyer’s Guide. For pants, check out our guide to the Best Snowboard Pants, and for lady shredders, check out our guide to The Best Women’s Snowboard Jackets.

The Best Snowboard Jackets of 2024

Best Overall Snowboard Jacket: Volcom TDS Infared
Best Budget Snowboard Jacket: 686 Smarty 3 in 1
Best Backcountry Snowboard Jacket: Burton AK Kalausi
Best Eco-Friendly Snowboard Jacket: Patagonia Snowdrifter
Runner Up: Best All-Around: 686 3L GORE-TEX Pro Thermagraph

Best Overall Snowboard Jacket

Volcom TDS Infared ($800)

Pros: Well designed, durable, and warm
Cons: 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 Infared 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, when you need it. 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 here.

Best Budget Snowboard Jacket

686 Smarty 3-in-1 ($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 Smarty 3-in-1 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 midlayer 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 here.

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Best Backcountry Snowboarding Jacket

Burton [AK] Kalausi ($900)

Pros: Super light, yet sports 3L GORE-TEX protection
Cons: Missing features such as powder skirt and waist pockets

Huge innovations in outerwear don’t come every day, or every year, for that matter. But Burton has come up with a new backcountry jacket that again raises the bar for high performance outerwear.

Sporting the new GORE-TEX 3L C-Knit material, the jacket feels like a windbreaker yet offers the waterproof and windproof (yet breathable) protection that is important when out in the elements. But good materials are nothing without good design, and we’re happy to report that the Burton design team nailed it with this one.

It’s got everything you need and nothing you don’t, showcasing a minimalist style yet with large enough pockets (that double as vents) to house whatever necessary for a good day out there. The price may cause a double-take but if freedom-of-movement is high on your list of must-haves, then the Burton [AK] Kalausi Jacket will be worth the investment. Read our full review of the Burton Kalausi here.

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 often goes a step beyond in its commitments to more sustainable outerwear. Their latest release, 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 PFC’s 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 as a rain jacket, hopefully the environmentally-responsible approach will take a higher priority and not be as much of an issue.

Runner Up: Best All-Around

686 3L GORE-TEX Pro Thermagraph ($900)

Pros: Bombproof with water-resistant insulation
Cons: Pricey and a bit rigid

Snowboarding has always been about good style being first and foremost. But style comes from riding, not what you’re wearing, so having clothing that takes attention from a poked-out method or a lofty backside 180 is not exactly a “core” riding style.

The 3L GORE-TEX Pro Thermagraph jacket is a solid outer shell that provides just enough insulation inside thanks to the Polartec stitched ever-so-meticulously inside on all the right places. The result is being able to go hard on the hill without overheating, and a synthetic liner that won’t get bogged down with sweat.

Of course, no premium jacket could be considered premium without the top protection, and so this features 3L GORE-TEX Pro to keep you dry yet is breathable enough to let some heat out when it needs to. If that isnt enough, the pit vents work great.

The only thing we found about this jacket is that it’s pretty rigid, and some may find it a bit too bulky. Others love that look and feel so it’ll come down to preference. But if you need a good riding jacket that let’s your snowboarding do the talking, this was definitely in our good books.

Best of the Rest

Runner-Up Best Budget

TREW Gear Tatoosh ($260)

Pros: Soft fabric, insulated, great design
Cons: Fabric will eventually get soaked in a rainstorm

This jacket (and its accompanying bibs) are so-named after the Tatoosh range near Mount Ranier in Washington State. This region is known for a couple things: Amazing riding terrain and wet snow. Thus, if a jacket is to bear the name Tatoosh, it should hold up in it.  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 soak 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.

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. But the brand has stayed true to its roots as making some of the best technical outerwear on the market.

Their latest offering, the 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 gives excellent range of motion, allowing for massive days of freeriding while keeping you warm and dry.

Great Pockets

Mountain Hardwear Boundary Ridge ($475)

Pros: Tough shell with deep pockets
Cons: Rigid fabric doesn’t have much give

Whoever designed Mountain Hardwear’s Boundary Ridge jacket knows what the people 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 has exactly what’s needed to have a good day on the hill.

Mountain Hardwear included 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.

Best Mid Layer

Jones Dark Start ($330)

Pros: 100% recycled materials, water resistant
Cons: Stretch fabric feels a bit rough, takes getting used to

Backcountry legend Jeremy Jones knows a thing or two about the “dark start.” It means departing before the sun comes up to ensure the best snow and light conditions for shredding the world’s most gnarly lines. A good insulating layer is paramount to success for these pre-dawn starts, but it has to do much more than that.

The Dark Start Recycled Hoodie keeps you warm thanks to the new Air Flake insulation, a 100% recycled fill that has one big advantage over down: it still works when wet. Traditional down puffys become useless with moisture, which is a problem if you’re in the early morning skintrack and all of a sudden start to go numb from the alpine temps whizzing right through the body.

The jacket also provides just the right amount of stretch to move with you while slogging up a skintrack or laying in glorious bottom turns. With two giant pockets inside, you can keep your skins warm and help the goggles defog with far less effort than if you didn’t have them.

You won’t need this jacket all the time, but when you do, you’ll be stoked that it’s part of the quiver.

Jones MTN Surf Jacket ($349)

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 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.

Mountain Hardwear Cloud Bank ($425)

Pros: Comfortable lining, good amount of insulation
Cons: Lining makes breathability go down

Many of us aren’t into wearing a ton of layers. When you’re riding a lot, you don’t really need it if you have the right protection. Mountain Hardwear knows this and has given riders a perennial best-seller in their Cloud Bank jacket. It has 2L GORE-TEX protection from the elements, while also sporting a 60g synthetic insulation to keep you warm without needing a large midlayer underneath. If things do get warm, the vents do their job and allow you to keep riding on.

What we found notable with this jacket was the lining. It’s comfortable to the point where it’s ok to wear the jacket out on the town or walking the dog, yet will still keep you warm and dry. It’s great for those days you just want to throw something on without bundling up. Add in that they use recycled materials and you’ll feel good inside as much as you’ll feel warm inside, too. It’s a great all-around jacket that will suit you well far beyond the slopes, but still be a great jacket on the hill as well.

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 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.

If you’re a fan of Patagonia, but not the extra weight of a thin liner, check out Patagonia’s Stormstride Jacket.

Forum 3-layer Jacket ($165) and Tech Hoodie ($83)

Pros: Stylish and well-designed with just enough flex in the fabric
Cons: Not GORE-TEX, no pit vents

Those of you who have been around a while will have fond memories of Forum and their classic shred films from the ’90s and early ’00s, such as The Resistance, True Life, and more. Their team was a powerhouse that included all disciplines of riding, helping to raise the bar for the sport in general. After closing shop in 2008, the brand is back, with some of its top riders at the helm.

The Tech Hoodie and 3L Jacket are nothing short of revolutionary, if we may be so bold. Legendary Forum rider Peter Line designed the kit, and it’s obvious that this guy shreds from what he came up with.

Starting with the outer jacket, the 3-layer material has the perfect amount of stretch that allows for a wide range of motion while fitting well enough not to catch the wind at high speed. The seams all seem to fit ergonomic lines on the body, so no matter what tricks you are throwing, it’ll be your own abilities holding you back and not what you’re wearing.  Both the jacket and hoodie, as well as their great matching accessories from bandana to travel pillow, are treated with HeiQ’s HyproTecht, which blocks the growth of viruses, mold, and other unwelcome microorganisms that might be present in a ski-town share house or the back of a 2004 subaru.

Interestingly enough, one of our favorite features on the jacket and hoodie is the YKK Conceal zipper. This small change in design made zipping up with gloves or mittens so much easier. Another great feature is the self-packing pocket. The entire jacket stuffs into itself to allow you to stash it in your pack without consuming all the extra space.

The tech hoodie is great all on its own, too. It comes in bright yellow that stands out and can be used as an outer layer when the weather cooperates. The interior pockets were some of the deepest we’d tested, letting you stash whatever you need in there and still allowing freedom to move.

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Whitespace Performance 3-in-1 Sherpa Jacket ($199)

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 Sherpa jacket is his brainchild offering a two-piece shell and fleece liner setup that provides plenty of warmth as a combo, or each 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 in its own, which can be a good thing for those lengthy aprés sessions.

Best Snowboard Jackets Comparison Table

Forum and Jones have produced some worthy contenders in the snowboard-jacket space. Photo: Reuben Krabbe/The Inertia

How We Tested The Best Snowboard Jackets

We tested these jackets the best way we know how – by snowboarding hard for long days in all kinds of weather. Most of the testing happened in the Pacific Northwest, in the backcountry of the Cascade Mountains and the Coast Range. For resorts, Whistler and Mount Baker were the main testing grounds. With intense Pacific storms battering the coast all winter, we had plenty of opportunities to really see what they were made of.

This test initially began in early 2023 with 12 of the latest jackets on offer. Each jacket was put through the wringer, riding in conditions that left most people at home. But when the wind is howling and the snow is coming from every direction, that’s when we got to work. We continue to test the jackets included here as well as the best snowboard jackets of this season and next season to keep you updated with the latest and greatest as it hits the market.

Our lead gear tester, rocking the Arc’teryx Sabre Anorak Photo: Reuben Krabbe/The Inertia

Steve Andrews was the lead tester for this review. 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.

We brought additional gear, such as extra goggles, snacks, 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, and 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 on the nuances between each jacket to see which truly was, and is, the best snowboard jacket for any type of riding.

Editor’s Note: For more in-depth reviews of the top snowboard gear in the industry, check out our guides to: The Best Snowboard Pants, The Best Snowboard Goggles, The Best Snowboard Gloves and Mittens, The Best Snowboard Boots, The Best Snowboard Socks, and The Best Snowboard Bags. We’ve also reviewed Women’s Snowboard Jackets and Women’s Snowboard Pants. Curious about the brands behind it all? Check out The Best Snowboard Brands. Looking to protect your head? We’ve reviewed Ski and Snowboard Helmets, too. And if you’re open to considering outerwear from more ski-oriented brands, it’s definitely worth checking out our Best Ski Jackets and Best Ski Bibs reviews.

The Mountain Hardwear Boundary Ridge Jacket is a top pick for its durability, pockets, and protection. Photo: Reuben Krabbe/The Inertia

Testing Conditions

Our testing began last season, and has been a continual process since then. We went out and enjoyed the best dumps of the 2022/23 season in the Coast Mountains of British Columbia and Washington’s North Cascades. It started out with some cold, dry snow that we don’t often see around here. Then around Christmas, things changed, and we had rain at the top of the mountain on several occasions. Then, the freezing levels dropped, but not the humidity, so the moist air was perfect for seeing what these jackets are made of. Along the way, we had some great pow days and some cold winds, providing further opportunities to test the jackets’ prowess as windbreakers and insulators. We truly saw (and felt) it all last winter.

This 2023/24 season saw much warmer temperatures, less snow, and more rain. While not ideal riding conditions, it provided an opportunity to push these jackets to the limit, testing how they stood up to wet snow and precipitation. This season, we also got our hands on the latest and greatest snowboard jackets to hit the market this year, and updated our rankings as a result after extensive testing. We’re continuing to test these jackets this season, and will keep this article updated with our findings.

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 Jacket 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.

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.

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.

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.

Features and Functionality

Consider the features that are important to you:

Hoods: Removable or adjustable hoods offer versatility.

Pockets: Ample pocket space can keep your hands warm and store essentials.

Zippers: Look for durable, easy-to-use zippers, and consider features like storm flaps to block wind.

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.

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.

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.

Burton’s 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.

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.

Waterproofing: The waterproof coating can rub off over time, so 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 in the Forum 3L Jacket. 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: For more gear reviews and features on The Inertia, click here.

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