Best Snowboard Jackets for Men

If I had to pick whether skate season or snow season was my favorite, I’d plead the fifth. But with cold weather sneaking its way into many parts of the country, a lot of us are ready to break out those boards and hit the slopes. Whether you’re looking for the perfect jacket to impress the ladies with your park skills or want a jacket with more technology than NASA, this guide has got you covered. Let’s jump into the best men’s snowboard jackets for your 2025-2026 powder season.   

Top Picks for Men’s Snowboard Jackets

If you’re ready to hit the slopes in some new threads (or just look great après ski), I put together a list of my favorite men’s snowboard jackets:

• Best Overall Snowboard Jacket for Men: 686 GORE-TEX 3L ATV Thermagraph Insulated Jacket 
• Best Budget Option: Volcom Iconic Stone Insulated Jacket
• Best for Deep Powder and Backcountry Riders: Volcom L GORE-TEX Jacket
• Best for Park Riders and Fashion Aficionados: 686 Waterproof Hoodie
• Best for Extreme Cold: 686 Hydra Thermagraph Insulated Jacket 

What to Look for in a Snowboard Jacket 

Let me cut straight to the chase. There’s no one-size-fits-all perfect jacket out there. The way you’re built, the way you ride, and the weather you ride in all impact what you’ll want in a jacket. When choosing my top snowboard jackets, I based the reviews on the following criteria to give you the most bang for your buck:

• Weather Protection – Your jacket should match the weather you’re planning to ride in. If you’re out in the Rockies out west, where powder abounds, you may not need as much waterproofing as you would in the east, where humidity reigns. Waterproofing is measured in mm, ranging from 0-16,000mm+.
  • 0-5,000mm is water resistant in light, brief rain showers;
  • 6,000-10,000mm is rainproof and can handle very light snow;
  • 11,000-14,000mm is water and snow resistant to light to moderate conditions;
  • 15,000mm+ is waterproof and protects against more brutal weather.

• Insulation – Just because you’re out in the snow does not mean you need to be cold. Different styles of riding warrant various levels of insulation. If you’re riding a lift up and taking an easy cruise down a groomed slope, you’ll likely want more insulation than you would if you’re doing some backcountry trekking or splitboarding. 

Snowboard jackets may use down or synthetic materials to provide insulation. Down has historically been the warmer option, but many synthetics made now provide equal warmth. Down is great in dry conditions, but gets heavy and cold if things turn wet. Synthetic insulation stays warmer, even in wet conditions. You can break down insulation ratings into three categories:

• 550-650 g/m² is great for mild conditions (think spring riding);
• 700-800 g/m² provides mid-range warmth and is comfortable without feeling like a bulky abominable snowman;
• 850-900 g/m²+ provides serious warmth for frigid rides.

Ratings for synthetic insulation are quite different, so be sure you know what material it is you’re looking at when picking a jacket for warmth.

• 40-80 g/m² is considered light and appropriate for warm-ish riding;
• 80-120 g/m² offers warmth suitable for most skiing conditions. It’s the range where a majority of synthetic insulation board jackets fall in.
• 120 g/m²+ will keep you warmer in the harshest of conditions.

I’ve often had people ask, “Do I choose down or synthetic for insulation?” I would say that depends on your riding style, desired comfort level, and how much time you plan to spend lying in the snow. I’m a bit (okay, maybe a lot) of a jacket snob, and own several of both, because I like having choices. In my early days of boarding, I had a thrifted jacket with questionable insulation and even less waterproofing. 

Since then, fortunately, I have upgraded several times. I tend to favor cooler coats that I can use to layer and unlayer throughout the day. Jackets with no insulation are great for my late-season rides through the slush, and I’ve been really grateful for my marshmallow-like down jacket during a few miserably cold days in the Tetons and Canada. But most of my riding gets done in one of my mid-range jackets, simply because they’re so versatile. 

However, even lightly insulated jackets can get too hot if the weather warms up or you try out some strenuous moves, so along with insulation, you’ll also want to consider breathability in your choice of a perfect jacket.

• Breathability – I reviewed each jacket for breathability for ultimate comfort on the slopes. For warmer days or high-intensity boarding, you’ll likely want a more breathable jacket, but if you’re someone who enjoys the mountain in a whiteout or gets caught in backcountry winds, you’ll want something that keeps the wind out and the warmth in. I’ve also taken into account the materials used in the overall jacket, as well as ventilation options like pit zips and snow skirts.

• Fit and Mobility – There is nothing worse than good powder and ski gear that feels like a straitjacket. Whether your game is the terrain park or the deepest of pow, you want to be able to move with ease. Stay comfortable from your first run until last light (or later if you’re into night boarding) in a jacket that fits. 

The biggest predictor of comfort (at least in my opinion) is the fit of a jacket. Snowboard jackets generally come in three fits: slim, regular, and relaxed. Slim-fit jackets offer a narrower profile and a closer-to-the-skin feel. Regular fit jackets are a safe bet for slope style and comfort. Relaxed-fit jackets are typically longer and wider, making them an all-around comfortable option with maximum movement.

• Features and Functionality – These are all the goodies that make a board jacket stand out. They’re the details that keep you comfortable run after run. I’m talking about wrist gaiters, helmet-compatible hoods, and of course, pockets. Bonus points added for style, because that carve looks better when you do.

The more you know, the more comfortable your next ride will be. Now, without further ado, here are my top picks for men’s snowboard jackets for the upcoming season.

My Top Picks

Best Overall Snowboard Jacket for Men: 686 GORE-TEX 3L ATV Thermagraph Insulated Jacket 

This jacket is the best of the best, and not just because it has a really long name. 686 has been creating tech gear for boarders since the early 90s, and is known for its innovation and sustainability. There’s a reason several of their jackets made this list. The GORE-TEX 3L TV Thermagraph is a prime example of their top-of-the-line gear. 

It starts with 3 layers of bluesign® Approved GORE-TEX 100% recycled polyester fabric with strategically placed panels of insulation, ensuring that your core stays warm while the rest of you moves. If the GORE-TEX isn’t enough, it also has fully taped seams and has a PFAS-free Durable Water Repellant (DWR) treatment for ultimate protection from the elements.  

With all this waterproofing, I wondered if it would breathe at all. The answer is a resounding yes. Despite all the layers, I found this to be one of the most breathable jackets on the market, with nice additions to keep you comfortable all day long. It has underarm vents, an adjustable (and removable!) powder skirt, wrist gaiters, a pant-jacket connect system, and a bottom hem cinch so that you can lock in the heat or open everything up to cool down during a hot run. 

The jacket itself is a regular fit and is a Goldilocks fit if I’ve ever worn one. It has an articulated fit, which means it’s ready to move however you are. Its hood is compatible with a helmet to protect that noggin if you go full send (or yardsale. You do you).

And the pockets! It has 3 internal pockets and 5 external ones, giving you enough room to stash everything you need for a day on the mountain, including special pockets for your pass, keys, and goggle lens. 

This jacket is an all-around win for me. It was such a splurge when I bought it (it cost more than my board), but I wouldn’t trade it for anything. It’s my go-to on most days. I especially loved the small details like the merino wool blend mouth flap for comfort on cool days and the attached lens cloth to keep you and your goggles ready to take in the sights and slopes. 

Price: $779.95 at Tactics.

Best Budget Option: Volcom Iconic Stone Insulated Jacket

If my first pick left you with sticker shock, don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. Nobody says you need to ride in an expensive jacket. If you don’t want to drop a lot for a jacket this season, try out long-time favorite Volcom’s Iconic Stone Jacket.

It starts off strong with two layers of V-Science Supreme Twill treated with Non-fluorinated DWR to give it a waterproof rating of 15,000mm, setting you up for success in stormy weather. Like the 686 option above, it is also fully taped, which gives you ultimate protection in wet conditions. It isn’t GORE-TEX level protection, but it will still do you a solid when it comes to most weather conditions. I looked at jackets from several other brands, but this one outdid them when it came to waterproofing and breathability. It is a relaxed fit jacket, which also might be the jacket’s biggest win. You have ease of movement with options to add layers underneath to bulk up on cold days.

Sticking with the high-level waterproofing, the Iconic Stone has a high level of breathability to keep your body temp regulated. When it comes to insulation, this jacket sits right in the middle, offering 80 g/m² of synthetic insulation in the body and 60 g/m² in the arms, placing it right on the cusp of a light-to-moderately warm jacket. This makes it suitable for riding on nice weather days, but it may not be the best choice for extremely cold rides.

It has a few fewer goodies than other jackets I reviewed, but if the extras don’t mean much to you, this jacket is a great option. It has lined handwarmer pockets and an easy-access pass pocket on the left arm. Along with mesh underarm ventilation, the hood and hem cinch down so you can change your level of ventilation. An interesting addition is a whistle zipper pull that could come in handy in emergencies or if you need a buddy’s attention while out on the mountain.

Price: $99.95 at Tactics or $143.97 at Backcountry

Best for Deep Powder and Backcountry Riders: Volcom L GORE-TEX Jacket

For all of you who get high by riding on top of several feet of untouched pow or sending it from the top of a solitary mountain, this is the jacket for you. Whether you’re hiking up the mountain or digging a dude out of the snow, this Volcom’s L GORE-TEX is the perfect top layer. 

If you’re headed off-resort, your jacket needs to be adaptable to your surroundings, which is why I suggest a hardshell with no insulation, so that you can layer and unlayer as your day unfolds. This jacket comes with 2 layers of GORE-TEX recycled nylon and fully taped seams to keep you dry no matter where your ride takes you. Even its zippers are water repellent to keep you dry from all angles. 

Equally important as not letting water in is allowing moisture to escape from the inside. If you’re hiking hills or bagging peaks on your ride, you’ll want a way for sweat and body heat to escape, so they don’t end up trapped and freeze you from the inside out on the way down. 

With a relaxed fit, there’s room to layer and move without restriction. It’s a simpler jacket than many others out there, but that’s why I love it in the backcountry. It doesn’t have all the frills to weigh it down or make it too bulky to pack. Sweet and simple gets the job done here. 

When Volcom designed this jacket, they kept just the right details to make your hike and ride comfortable. It has clips to hold your goggles, cinches for the hood and hem, mesh pit vents, and an adjustable powder skirt. With pockets to hold your pass, goggles, and phone, and two more for warming your hands, you can keep the essentials close and secure no matter where you ride. 

Price: $215.83 at Sun & Ski Sports

Best for Park Riders and Fashion Aficionados: 686 Waterproof Hoodie

Whether you’re riding the park for the adrenaline or for style, this is your jacket. I really thought about adding another category for best in style, but this jacket just took the cake, so I just combined them. Another solid jacket from 686, this is a completely different animal than my choice for the top-ranked men’s jacket. 

It will keep you covered with infiDRY® 10K fabric, which sets you up with 10,000mm of waterproofing and 10,000gm² breathability, which works great for dry to lightly wet conditions, and is finished off with a PFAS-free DWR coating. If you’re planning to jump off a rail into a puddle, it may not keep you dry, but otherwise, you’re set to go. 

This shell’s fabric is a bonded two-way stretch with polyester fleece backing to provide easier movement than in many more traditional board jackets. Because of its impressive breathability and relaxed fit, you can layer up or down underneath for more warmth and movement.

Bringing the best of skatercore to the mountain, this hoodie has a traditional kangaroo pouch pocket with an additional water-resistant front zipper pocket. I found this to be perfect for stashing a pass or easy access to a phone for video proof of that epic (or epic fail) moment. I know the open front pocket may be a no-go for some, but hidden inside it has a key clip and audio stash pocket for your old-school iPod (Are we that old now? Some of us boarded during the iPod craze of the early aughts and even in the time before, when it was just you and the sound of the pow).

Rounding out a solidly simple jacket are pit vents, adjustable velcro cuffs, and adjustments for the hood and bottom hem. If you’re looking at this jacket, wondering how to get in, it has a zippered entry on the side seam for easy access. It’s the perfect jacket to look cool and ride cool.

Price: $159.95 at Dick’s Sporting Goods

Best for Extreme Cold: 686 Hydra Thermagraph Insulated Jacket 

If you’re the rider who loves that feeling of skiing when your nose hairs and eyelashes are frozen, I’ve got a jacket for you. With a solid win in several categories, 686 has outdone itself with its Hydra Thermagraph. This coat was built to withstand arctic conditions (I didn’t actually test this at the North Pole, so you might have to verify with Santa). 

It combines elements from the two other 686 jackets I reviewed above. It includes an upgraded 20K infiDRY® stretch fabric with a DWR finish, full taping, and boasts an articulated fit. This is the real deal, ultimate insulated jacket. Many ultra-warm jackets keep you warm, but they also keep you from moving well. 686 solved this problem by crafting a jacket that allows for both heat and movement. 

As for specific numbers, the Hydra Thermagraph has 140 g/m² of synthetic insulation intentionally placed using 686’s thermographic body mapping, thus blowing every other jacket here out of the water. With all that heat, they kept the waterproofing and breathability at a moderate-high range so that you don’t overheat in the jacket. It’s rated at 20,000mm for waterproofing and 15,000gm² for breathability.

This jacket is one in my regular rotation. I may love to board, but I do not like to be cold doing it. There was a time when I thought all the cool kids only rode in oversized hoodies. I’ve wised up since then and am secure enough in my skills to actually put a coat on, and this jacket does it for me. The details in this jacket are centered around rider comfort. It has a regular fit for all-day comfort. There are nearly endless adjustments to seal in warmth or let it out with pit vents, Darth Vader-esque vents at the collar, a helmet-compatible hood, and a fleece mouth cover. 

Seal out the snow with gaiters, thumb holes, and adjustable cuffs on the sleeves. For any remaining traces of the cold, you can cinch down the bottom hem or connect it to your pants for mega warmth on every lift or ride.

Price: $179.97 at Evo.

Final Thoughts 

When you’re ready to gear up for the upcoming snow season, hit the slopes in comfort and style with one of my top men’s snowboard jackets. For a one-and-done jacket, check out my top overall pick, the 686 GORE-TEX 3L ATV Thermagraph Insulated Jacket. For a more budget-friendly option, try out Volcom’s Iconic Stone Insulated Jacket. If you’re into niche fits, I included the best options for backcountry and park riding with the Volcom L GORE-TEX Jacket and 686 Waterproof Hoodie, respectively. And if you love the cold but don’t like to be cold, 686’s 686 Hydra Thermagraph Insulated Jacket has you covered. With the best jacket in tow, you can focus on what’s in front of you, which I hope is lots of fresh white snow.