Best Snowboard Jacket Brands

I grew up being told, “You only think about the price once.” This was a nice way of saying you buy something that’s very nice the first time, or you end up purchasing a less versatile version of the same thing multiple times.

Gore-Tex: Let’s Talk Breathability vs. Waterproofing

I’m going to start with the two most important features you look for with a snowboard jacket brand: breathability and waterproofing.

Back in the 80s, Gore-Tex patented something that they probably shouldn’t have been allowed to patent, and that was the polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), which was the same stuff as Teflon pans, but in clothing form. That’s where the Gore-Tex brand made its way into Seinfeld clips and modern culture as the leader in waterproofing and breathability for snowboard jackets.

Spoiler: Physics doesn’t actually let both of those exist at the same time, so while Gore-Tex is both breathable and waterproof, it can’t be both simultaneously.

This spoiler is why, if it’s actively snowing or they are blowing snow, and then you start to sweat or temperatures rise, your jacket turns into a swamp.

The reason I bring this up is because Gore-Tex is not only a patented product but found in many of the best snowboard jacket brands like:

• 686
• Burton
• Arc-teryx
• Volcom

So, if you are buying something that helps you breathe when you start to move in the backcountry but also keeps you dry when it starts snowing, you have to be pretty careful about what you pick. 

Best Snowboard Jacket Brands

So what are the best snowboard jacket brands? Obviously, Gore-Tex is not on my top list because it is a marketing gimmick. AND it has shoved its way insidiously into just about every other brand, so I am gonna stick with the others. My choices are:

1. 686 for price and technology balance (think of it as the Goldilocks of snowboard jackets)
2. Burton for backcountry and technical riding jackets that don’t compromise mobility
3. Arc-teryx for daily rides
4. The North Face for cold, cold climates, especially where you need layered jackets
5. Patagonia for those riders who want to prioritize eco-friendly and sustainable designs (still uses a lot of Gore-Tex though)
6. Helly Hansen for the ideal mix of real waterproofing and comfort
7. Volcom for beginners

So let’s see how they compare:

686 

686 has a good balance between price point and features. Remember that basically all of these other brands are going to use some version of Gore-Tex, which means that they are all going to rely on that same crappy physics problem where you can either have breathability if you are sweating heavily or you can have waterproofing if it’s snowing or raining on you, but you can’t have both at the same time.

686 doesn’t always use Gore-Tex (trust me, if they do, it will be in the name because they legally have to put the brand name anywhere they use that technology), so they use a different type of hydrothermograph technology for most of their brands. 

They also don’t overcharge you like other brands using the same type of technology. I am a big fan of their quality and especially of the designs for things like the transfer jacket, which really speaks to the 2001 era of boarding (my Hay Day), with all the extra pockets and the design of the classic snowboarder back before it was socially acceptable and just as popular as skiing.

They have a lot of good designs with lanyard trims, muted colors, zippers in the armpits for breathability, and detachable covers to go around your face when the weather picks up or it’s particularly windy. 

Average Price:

$80-$300

Pros:

• Jackets have a lot of features, like mesh-lined vents
• Some jackets come with thermagraph panels to increase Heat
• High waterproofing and windproofing
• Versatile three-in-one styles so you can add or remove mid layers 

Cons:

• Some jackets feel bulky, especially once they get wet
• The hoods don’t always fit over your helmet
• As soon as you start sweating, say goodbye to breathability
• Many models run tight in the shoulders and chest, making it hard to move your arms

Burton

Burton has some really good quality materials, particularly for technical and Backcountry riding. I would stick with the AK series if you want that flexibility and movement.

This series doesn’t use Gore-Tex, but they do have a lot of other series that do use Gore-Tex, so that’s something to be aware of. 

My problem with them is for all the talk of how reputable and versatile the material was, the interior lining tore after a single season for me. So maybe if you don’t do a lot of heavy boarding, it’s okay, but still a let down giving the money that is spent. 

Average Price:

$300-$800

Pros:

• They are designed to handle a lot of harsh conditions
• They have a lot of insulated models and feature-rich shells, depending on what you want
• They come in a range of colors and styles
• You get a lot of smart features like insulated phone pockets, pit zips, and oversized zippers you can grab with your gloves still on

Cons:

• The material doesn’t actually shed moisture well
• You won’t get breathability as soon as you start sweating
• These jackets are ridiculously expensive
• Mine tore after one season, so I don’t always trust the claims

Arc-Teryx

I like Arc-teryx. They have high-end, durable jackets, but they also use Gore-Tex. I switched over to them once my Burton started tearing (don’t get it twisted, I still have that Burton jacket and matching pants, and when I start doing backcountry riding, I just put some duct tape over those interior seams), and I keep them around for everyday use. 

Average Price:

$700-$900

Pros:

• They have exceptional weather resistance
• The jackets are very high quality and durable, with reinforced panels in critical areas like your elbows and your shoulders
• They have a really good warranty program
• You get a lot of functional features, especially with the three-layer hard shells that are very comfortable

Cons:

• That high quality comes at a steep price
• You don’t have things like pockets and removable powder skirts on some of the models
• The heavier jackets that are warmer are also pretty bulky, so it’s going to make it harder to do any Backcountry touring
• A lot of their models don’t have ventilation like pit zips, so you get pretty hot, very quickly

The North Face

The North Face, usually associated with REI and my buddies who climb (and by climb I mean they don’t have a sense of humor and they don’t understand sarcasm). Still, it’s a reputable brand and it’s known for having good technology, especially the insulated jackets and the dry vent waterproofing, so if you are skiing in Colorado, for example, and you need something with a lot of insulation because that wind cuts you to the bone, this is going to be a good brand to wear.

I love that you can find a lot of versatile layers that are like the tri-climate series with the thermoball snow insulation layer and the outer waterproofing layer. These jackets can be unzipped so that you shed layers as the temperatures change, and if you have accessories from Tactics like snowboarding backpacks, you can stick that outer layer in your backpack while you are boarding during the day, and as the temperatures drop near the end of the day, you can put it back on. 

Average Price:

$200-$800

Pros:

• They have a lot of different styles, like longer cuts for park riders, traditional cuts, and freeride jackets
• There are a lot of different insulated models that are pretty comfortable
• You have decent protection against wind, snow, and rain
• The jackets usually have built-in features like wrist pockets for your ski passes and a powder skirt, so you don’t accidentally get unwanted snow entry 

Cons:

• They don’t really focus as much on technology, so it doesn’t have the same feel or breathability as competitors
• The insulated jackets are often too hot if it gets warm at all, but the uninsulated jackets aren’t enough on their own
• The prices can be pretty high, especially given the complaints
• You don’t have a lot of material choices, so you get things like fleece liners in your torso but not in your arms, and that can be kind of uncomfortable

Patagonia

I love my Patagonia gear for cold weather. Patagonia has a lot of premium designs that have multiple layers to them, so you can get away with versatile designs that are known for their sustainability.

This, however, is another one of those brands that uses Gore-Tex, so just bear that in mind when you are looking at the different materials and layers they have.

Average Price:

$300-$800

Pros:

• Lots of jackets are made with recycled materials and other sustainable designs
• They have lots of good features like pit Zips and intuitive adjustments
• Some models also include reflector designs in case you have to be rescued
• They offer pretty good value with fabric that doesn’t feel bulky but still keeps you warm

Cons:

• Breathability isn’t always going to be great, especially if you are buying a jacket that has Gore-Tex
• There are problems with the powder skirt if you have one on your model
• Some of the jackets can be pretty heavy, and you might not like that when trying to ride
• The shell fabric usually wears out a lot faster than the nylon

Helly Hansen

I switched to Helly Hansen 3 years ago, and I honestly have no complaints.

When I used to board in the Alps, I saw ski Patrol wearing that brand, and when I would board at Heavenly or Northstar, I saw the same. I honestly just figured they were outside of my budget, so I never bothered to look into the brand, but was still dropping hundreds of dollars on things like Burton and Arc-teryx.

Cut to 3 years ago, around my birthday, I realized Helly Hansen wasn’t nearly as overpriced as I thought, and now it is my go-to for rainy weather and boarding alike. I bought it originally as my rain layer for fall and winter, but now it’s lightweight enough that I wear it over my base layer, and it’s perfect for most boarding. 

Bear in mind, I’m talking Tahoe, Park City, and the East Coast, where temperatures are well above 30°, but then it starts snowing on you and you get wet.

Average Price:

$350-$550

Pros:

• The performance is great for breathability
• There are lots of features like built-in goggle wipes, insulated pockets for phones, and hoods that fit over your helmet
• They have high-quality construction
• Lots of soft linings that aren’t restrictive

Cons:

• Expensive top-tier models
• There can be small QC errors
• The jacket is pretty stiff
• The insulation can be too hot if you board in a warm area

Volcom

Volcom uses Gore-Tex. Bummer. 

Still, they were fine when I started boarding. I still have some of the jackets I started with when I was a teenager, and we keep them as spare jackets whenever we bring new friends out on the mountain.

There are a lot of good options with different features, prints, and fit like slim fit versus relaxed fit based on the type of boarding you are doing.

Average Price:

$200-$450

Pros:

• Affordable price for beginners 
• Some jackets have TDS lines with targeted insulation in critical areas, so you get warmth without overheating
• They are roomy with lots of fit options
• They have hoods with whistles, lots of pockets, and adjustable cuffs

Cons:

• They use Gore-Tex, so beware the swamp
• There are venting issues that don’t dump heat quickly
• Outer seams aren’t often protected, so they stop working as well when wet
• The jackets don’t have top insulation

Where to Buy

So no matter which of these you choose to buy, you have a lot of different options or where you make your final purchase.

Each of these brands can be purchased directly from their websites. Sometimes they have big sales, and that can be a great way to bring the cost down, especially with companies that cost $500 or more.

Tactics Boardshop is another place to start, as they have a lot of these brands in one place, and you get things like free shipping. I go to Tactics for 686 and the like, but HH isn’t there, so check Amazon for HH. Superb deals there, specifically for Helly. 

Summing Up: My Best Snowboard Jacket Picks

While there are a lot of different brands to choose from, each brand carries a versatile mix of layered designs versus outer shells, it really comes down to what you prioritize.

• 686: Best for people who want an affordable jacket that gets the job done
• Burton: Best for borders who need a flexible jacket that doesn’t compromise Mobility during technical or backcountry riding
• Arc-teryx: Best for overpriced for daily boarding
• The North Face: Best for anyone boarding in cold, cold climates, especially where you need layered jackets
• Patagonia: Best for boarders who want sustainable designs and good quality
• Helly Hansen: Best for waterproofing and shell layers, for boarders who want good comfort and mobility
• Volcom: Best for beginners