A snowboard jacket does the same job as a ski jacket — keep you dry and warm — but riders tend to favour a roomier, more relaxed cut for mobility and style, plus features that suit sitting in the snow more often. The fundamental choice is the same: insulated versus shell. An insulated jacket bakes warmth in; a shell relies on the layers underneath, giving you more versatility. We ranked the best of both with a rider’s needs in mind.
Insulated, shell, or 3-in-1? A shell is the most versatile (you adjust layers) and lasts longest. Insulated is simplest and warmest out of the box. A 3-in-1 jacket includes a zip-out liner so you can run it as a warm insulated coat or a bare shell — the best of both for one price, and a smart first jacket. Always look for a powder skirt, which matters more for riders who sit in the snow.
The jackets, ranked
- Reliable Gore-Tex waterproofing keeps you dry in storms
- Relaxed rider fit layers easily and moves freely
- Powder skirt, pit zips, and well-placed pockets
- A durable shell that lasts many seasons
- No insulation — you must layer underneath
- Relaxed cut won't suit those wanting a trim fit
- Bombproof 3-layer Gore-Tex for the worst weather
- Highly breathable — built for hiking and backcountry riding
- Premium build quality and thoughtful features throughout
- A genuine long-term investment piece
- The most expensive jacket here
- Performance focus means fewer casual styling options
- Zip-out liner means three jackets in one — shell, insulated, or liner alone
- Outstanding value for the versatility offered
- Reliable waterproofing for typical resort conditions
- An ideal first snowboard jacket
- infiDRY isn't as durable as Gore-Tex in prolonged storms
- Heavier and bulkier than a dedicated shell
Side by side
| Jacket | Price | Type | Waterproofing | C&F Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Volcom L Gore-Tex | $380 | Shell | Gore-Tex 2L | 9.0 |
| Burton AK Cyclic | $480 | Shell | Gore-Tex 3L | 8.8 |
| 686 Smarty 3-in-1 | $260 | 3-in-1 | infiDRY | 8.6 |
| Airblaster Beast | $300 | Insulated | Reliable | 8.2 |
| Columbia Whirlibird | $200 | 3-in-1 | Omni-Tech | 7.6 |
What to skip
Fashion “snow” jackets with no real waterproof rating. Plenty of streetwear-styled coats look the part but lack a stated waterproof rating and taped seams. The first wet, sit-down-in-the-snow day soaks them through. Look for at least a 10,000mm rating (20,000mm for storms) and taped seams.
Jackets with no powder skirt. Snowboarders sit and fall in the snow far more than skiers. A powder skirt that seals against your base layer keeps snow out of your jacket — skip any rider jacket without one.
Buying at full retail in autumn. Snow outerwear is heavily discounted in spring and pre-season. Last year’s colourway of a premium jacket is often half price and functionally identical — see when snowboard gear goes on sale.
How to choose
If you want one jacket for years and are happy to layer, the Volcom L Gore-Tex shell is the pick. Serious and backcountry riders should consider the premium Burton AK Cyclic. If you want maximum value and flexibility from a single purchase, the 686 Smarty 3-in-1 is hard to beat — three jackets in one.
Pair your jacket with matching snowboard pants and the right layers underneath. Since the base-layer science is identical across snow sports, see our base layers guide — merino or synthetic, never cotton.