Best snowboard jackets 2023/2024 Season

It truly is the holy grail of shopping for snow wear. To find a jacket that you’re so happy with you aren’t thinking, euch, maybe I should have gone for that one instead… We’ve all been there. And it’s painful, right? You want to find the best snowboard jacket there is that performs in every situation. Is perfect for slushy, warm bluebirds, but can weather a storm no problem. That can lap groomers, slash pow, and get down at the apres. That’s got loads of storage, but is light, too. Is affordable, waterproof, and offers amazing quality.

Well, you may think that jacket doesn’t exist. But, it does, you just haven’t been able to find it amongst the marketing hype that every brand is putting out. You don’t have to worry, though, because we’ve done the hard work for you, tested the models, done the comparisons and the homework, and we’ve come up with a trustworth, definitive list of the best jackets around for this winter season.

We listed and rated the best snowboard jackets down below to help you choose the one that will accompany you on the mountain and be your best friend in all conditions. But if you're in a rush, and want to shop right away, you can check out the full range of snowboard jackets for men /snowboard jackets for women at Ridestore.

How we rated the best snowboarding jackets

First of all, we have to specify different parameters to understand the differences in snowboard jackets. You will be surprised at how differently they are built and what’s the thought behind different features! Which features do we need to have a closer look at when shopping for the best jacket ever?

Snowboarding jackets & waterproofing

We don’t want to get wet, do we? Waterproofing is the first and most important feature you should be looking at when shopping for the best snowboard jacket in the store or online.

Most commonly, you will find jackets in the range of 5,000mm until 25,000mm. But what does this scale even tell me and how can it tell me more about the jacket I’m looking at?

The waterproofing scale tells you about how much of a specific amount of water placed on the jacket it takes to soak through the jacket – the amount of water is measured in mm per square inch.

Quite abstract in this way, but you can live by the rule of thumb that the higher the amount of mm is, the better the jacket will keep you dry!

Let’s take it in steps! Usually, snowboard jackets are located somewhere in the range of 5,000mm to 25,000mm.

A snowboard jacket with a waterproofing scale of 5,000mm is best to be worn on a sunny day with no snowfall because if it’s snowing, the coat will probably fail the job of keeping you dry for very long.

You are better off with a scale of 10,000mm. That will keep snow and water out of the jacket in moderate snowfall and will do you an excellent service.

If you know that you will ride in more demanding conditions, never buy a jacket with a scale below 15,000mm to stay dry!

If you want your jacket to keep you dry in rainfall and wet snow conditions, you should go all out with 20,000mm! With that amount, you are set for every day of the season.

Of course, jackets with a higher scale are higher priced but do consider to go for a decent waterproofing value though. You will thank me next time the snow hits!

Breathability

If a snowboard jacket scores super high on the waterproofing scale, it most probably won’t have a good breathability. Well, that’s not right actually, and it’s a super interesting topic if you have an appetite for science!

The breathability of fabrics is measured in grams.

The scale shows how many grams of water vapour can pass through a square meter of the specific fabric. So if you see a jacket with a waterproofing scale of 10,000g, you know that 10,000g of water vapour passed through the material and can get quite a good picture of how breathable that jacket is.

It’s the same as with the waterproofing scale – the higher the value, the better the breathability and the better the jacket. Never consider a snowboard jacket with a breathability value below 5,000g if you don’t want to feel like being in a Finnish sauna instead of the slopes.

15,000g on the breathability scale is a decent go-to value. However, if you know that you will ride a lot in more rigorous conditions, it is advisable to look for something in the 20,000g scale.

Snowboarding jackets: Key features

There are key features that are essential to a good snowboard jacket. First things first: If the jacket you are looking at does not feel like it’s well fabricated and of good quality on the first glance, don’t even bother wasting another second on it. You should always look for perfect quality since you want the jacket to last.

Other key features of snowboard jackets are a (removable) powder skirt and ventilation features for example. It can be quite confusing for newbies when it comes to talking about fabric layering in jackets. Different brand manufacturers utilise various layering concepts. Generally, two or more layers is recommended with four fabric layers being the best you can get.  

Since the different brands and companies work with different designs, you should read about how they build their layers and how customers like that specific technique before buying!

Extra features for snowboarding

We don’t mind a little extra to make our riding experience more pleasurable. Therefore always consider all the additional key features on offer by the different snowboard jacket models to suit your specific snowboarding needs.

Would you like to have some more pockets because you have a sweet tooth and want to pack some more snacks?

Do you need a bigger pocket for your camera to have it ready to shoot all the time?

Would you like a zip in fleece jacket that you can take in or out if needed?

Best snowboard jackets for men

1

Montec Doom

Waterproofing

5

Breathability

5

Additional Features

4

Value For Money

5

Check availability

The Montec Doom is a super creative and capable jacket delivering some amazing features and top-quality performance thanks to its bombproof Montec ShieldTec 20k waterproof membrane and eco-DWR coating.

With a unique asymmetrical design the offset front zip allows this jacket the functionality of an anorak and the easy-access and simplicity of a zip-through. Sporting a big external kangaroo and hand warmer pocket, as well as oversized internal dump pockets, the Doom is a versatile beast that’s sure to please anyone who likes to load up for the day but doesn’t want to ride with a backpack. And with fully waterproof zips, dedicated media storage, wrist gaiters, a storm guard hood, and a powder skirt, it’s an animal just at home in the power as it is on the pistes.

The Doom is a rider favourite, and for good reason. Its design is the big selling point, and a selling point it is! Either love it or hate it, the A-sym construction is like nothing else out there, and performs like nothing else on the mountain, either.

Read our Review

2

Dope Legacy

Waterproofing

4

Breathability

4

Additional Features

3

Value For Money

5

Check availability

The Legacy jacket from Dope is a simply designed, high-performance anorak that embodies the true pull-over style, utilising Dope’s own, high-tech DRYTECH Stretch 15k membrane. Which, put simply, means loads of waterproofing in a 4-way stretching package which means this anorak is uber comfy and ready to ride anything.

Lightweight in design and practice, the Legacy is an homage to the days of old when ski jackets weren’t all frills. It comes without a power skirt or side zip, so it’s not ideally suited for deep pow, but it’s perfect for groomer laps and park days, and still features a helmet-compatible storm-ready hood, half-zip collar, waterproof phone storage, underarm zips, and a dedicated lift pass pocket. So despite the clean and minimal look, it’s still well-stocked for a snowy adventure.

The Legacy is a fairly new addition to the Dope lineup, but perfectly bridges the gap between softshell riding hoody and ski jacket. If you want something relaxed and comfy to rip around in but want more performance than a simple softshell, then this is the jacket for you!

Read our Review

3

Dope Adept

Waterproofing

4

Breathability

4

Additional Features

4

Value For Money

5

Check availability

The Dope Adept is one of the core jackets in the Dope range, and for good reason. With a classic design, a whole suite of features to make your life on the mountain easier, and rock solid waterproofing courtesy of the Dope DryTech 15k waterproof membrane, it’s an all-rounder if there ever was one.

With a stormguard hood, wrist gaiters, powder skirt, and fully waterproof zips all around, this jacket is more than capable of cutting lines through the deepest pow. But that doesn’t mean it’s not at home around the resort, either, and comes with all the convenience you’d expect from a true all-mountain jacket, including fully waterproof phone and pass storage, underarm vents, and everything else you’ll need for a day of riding wherever the snow feels best.

The Adept is a clean and tried and tested jacket that offers up everything a rider needs for a day on the hill. Thanks to its longevity in the lineup, the design has been tweaked and perfected over the years. But it remains practically unchanged this season — which tells you one thing. This jacket just can’t get any better.

Read our Review

4

Montec Arch

Waterproofing

5

Breathability

5

Additional Features

4

Value For Money

5

Check availability

The Arch jacket from Montec is the perfect companion for a long day on the mountain, slashing pow, dropping chutes, and lapping the groomers, too. With an oversized cut, fully waterproof zips and storage, and a host of features to keep the powder at bay, this lightweight shell jacket is a weapon designed to take down everything the mountain serves up.

Built on the Montec ShieldTec 20k platform, the Arch benefits from years of Montec’s own in-house research and development, as well as a high-performance eco-DWR treatment. Wrist gaiters, powder skirt, zip plackets, and a storm-guard hood make the holy quad-fecta of inclement weather performance, meaning you can rip as hard as you like with the knowledge that this jacket is going to keep the pace.

The go-to for riders who like to push limits, this spacious and lightweight jacket is everything an intrepid rider needs this coming season. All that’s left to do is pray for snow!

Read our Review

5

Dope Blizzard

Waterproofing

4

Breathability

4

Additional Features

4

Value For Money

5

Check availability

The Blizzard pullover jacket from Dope is a firm team and rider favourite thanks to its lightweight design, minimal aesthetic, and epic technical performance. Now built with Dope’s epic 4-way stretch shell material, you get even more freedom to jib, tweak, and rip as hard as you can — without sacrificing performance.

As part of Dope’s Freedom collection, specific features have been ditched in favour of enhanced mobility. You won’t find a powder skirt or side-entry zip, but it’s still packed with features including wrist gaiters, a media pocket with headphone cord outlet, super spacious kangaroo-pouch style storage, and a fully adjustable helmet-compatible hood*. This is, of course, on top of packing in 15k/15k of waterproofing and breathability, along with an ultra hardwearing DWR treatment that ensures any time you hit the deck, you’re going to come up dry.

The Blizzard toes the line between a riding hoodie and a fully-featured ski jacket. It has the laid-back look and feel of your favourite softshell, but with the specs and performance of a true ski jacket. As such, we think it hits a sweetspot that few other jackets do. Don’t think, just put it on and go riding.

* Note: Some helmets may fit better than others due to the fixed nature of the cowl-style hood with fixed chin-guard.

Read our Review

Best snowboard jackets for women

1

Dope Annok W

Waterproofing

4

Breathability

4

Additional Features

3

Value For Money

5

Check availability

The Annok jacket from Dope is the most popular anorak in the range, and for good reason. Its unique contrast styling makes it stand out everywhere it goes, and its high-performance construction, combined with years of iteration and improvement mean that it’s ready for piste, park, and pow.

Built on Dope’s DryTech 15k shell membrane, it’s super durable and highly waterproof, meaning you can ride this jacket in all weather conditions without worrying. Its anorak design is complemented by its mid-waist drawstring, oversized kangaroo and hand warmer pocket combo, half-zip opening, side access zips, and lots more. You also get a stormguard hood, wrist gaiters, waterproof zips, and a powder skirt. So yeah, you could say that this thing is fully loaded!

There’s a reason that more people ride the Annok than any other Dope jacket, and that’s because it seamlessly blends style and performance like no other jacket can.

Read our Review

2

Montec Virago

Waterproofing

5

Breathability

5

Additional Features

5

Value For Money

5

Check availability

The Virago jacket from Montec is a unique offering, differentiated from the rest of the range thanks to its heavier insulation layer, longer, utilitarian styling, and emphasis on touring and backcountry capability.

Powered by Montec’s ShieldTec 20k waterproof membrane, it’s got bombproof reliability in all weather conditions, and with 60gsm of compact insulation, it’s guaranteed to keep you cosy even when the mercury drops. But the real genius of this jacket is the long fit for maximum coverage, the oversized cargo pockets for storage of goggles and other larger items, and the underarm vent zips that can be operated without taking off a backpack.

Designed with the backcountry in mind, if you need a warm coat that can shrug off powder shots like they’re nothing — but also a jacket that’s stocked and ready for the resort, too, then the Virago is the best choice around.

Read our Review

3

Dope Cyclone W

Waterproofing

4

Breathability

4

Additional Features

2

Value For Money

5

Check availability

The Cyclone is a retro-styled softshell hoodie with some space-age tech under the hood. It’s got Dope’s own, high performance DryTech 15k Softshell membrane on the inside, laminated between a brushed back terry fleece inner, and a super durable smooth woven poly outer equipped with an eco-friendly DWR treatment. All of which means it stays warm and dry no matter the conditions!

With a boxy cut and half-zip design, there’s plenty of room to love, and with elasticated cuffs and an elasticated hem, it’s perfect for keeping slush out of your pants when you take a spill.

This is one of the simpler jackets in the Dope lineup, but that doesn’t make it any less special: cosy, warm, dry, and most importantly, waterproof enough to tear up the whole resort. Oh, and it just happens to be one of the most stylish softshell jackets on the market.

Read our Review

4

Dope Blizzard FZ

Waterproofing

4

Breathability

4

Additional Features

3

Value For Money

5

Check availability

The Blizzard FZ is a super slick, lightweight zip through jacket that ditches some frills in the name of simple effectiveness. Powered up with Dope’s DryTech 15k waterproof membrane, you can ride this coat all day long in all conditions. Where it lightens its burden is by ditching its insulating layer as well as its powder skirt. This makes it less apt for deep pow mid winter days, but makes it perfect for early and late season laps when all your pals are sweating and getting tangled up in their own jackets.

You still benefit from a stormguard hood to keep the snow out, wrist gaiters, zipped vents, fully waterproof zippers with dedicated media and pass storage, as well as the same unrelenting reliability you’d get from any other Dope jacket.

The Blizzard FZ takes design inspiration from its anorak version, and embodies the same ethos: ditch the bulk, embrace the fun. Ride like you’re not wearing anything at all and experience freedom on the mountain with this interesting and super cool jacket!

Read our Review

5

Montec Dune W

Waterproofing

5

Breathability

5

Additional Features

4

Value For Money

5

Check availability

The Dune from Montec is a staple in the range and a firm rider favourite both in and outside the Montec family! With years of iteration and improvement under its belt, the core anorak in the Montec range has some great design features to make your riding that much better.

With Montec’s 20k ShieldTec membrane providing elemental protection, along with an asymmetrical cowl neck that places the zipper to the side for added comfort and better waterproofing, it’s got the makings of one great jacket! Add in wrist gaiters, a powder skirt, stormguard hood, fully waterproof zips, underarm vents, media and lift pass storage, and lots more, and this is one jacket that’s made to spray pow, tweak grabs, and lay down some deep eurocarves in the corduroy. If you want an anorak that can take you all over the mountain, then this is it!

Read our Review

Tips on how to choose the best snowboarding jacket

Now you have seen our favourite jackets for this season; it’s time to go through some more tips and tricks that will help you to find your new snowboard jacket!

Waterproofness of a snow jacket

The thing with waterproofness is that you first realise that you bought a coat with a waterproofness that does not meet your requirements if you are up on the mountain getting wet. It always makes sense to choose the highest rating for your budget here as you will definitely be glad about this decision the next time sitting in the chairlift exposed to the weather and still feel cosy and warm!

Storage

Sadly the winter only lasts for so long, and if you are just some regular dude like me, you don’t fly around the world chasing the snow. So the snowboard gear needs to be stowed away in the warmer seasons. But how do I store my jacket correctly so it won’t suffer harm over the summer?

You need to find a dry and dark place for your jacket. If it gets exposed to the sun, the fabric will lose waterproofness and stability. Also, the sun rays will bleach out some colour which makes the jacket look patchy!

It is advisable to hang your jacket in a wardrobe that does not let any sun in and is located in a dry room with enough air circulation. That way your snowboard jacket won’t soak any humidity and is perfectly fresh when you take it out for the next season.

Layering

Layering? You mean rocket science? There are so many different preferences for layering or not layering out there as there are riders. Some see the correct layering as a kind of religion or cult, and some don’t care and count on thick 3rd layers.

How does this layering thing even work? Layering when snowboarding is about how many layers you are wearing under your actual snowboard jacket. Layering is supposed to give you the flexibility of adjusting to the temperature up on the mountain.

You want to build layers like an onion to be set for all the different eventualities. A classic set up for a pretty cold day would be the first layer of functional underwear. On top, there would be a light fleece shirt and a thicker fleece mid layer.

On top there you would go for a Primaloft jacket for extra warmth before putting on the so-called 3rd layer – the snowboard jacket. With those layers, you are free to take on and off layers to be set correctly for every condition.

Some readers probably love layering, and some think it’s just way too stressful. The counterpart of layering would be to run the same simple set up for the whole day without adjusting. You might be a little cold in the mornings, perfectly dressed for midday and a little warm in the evenings – but you save a lot of time and carrying around different high tech shirts and jackets. You are free to choose what you want to go for; everyone has different preferences!

Types of snowboard jackets

There are so many kinds of snowboard jackets that you may have a hard time dividing them into specific groups. The most common groups to split jackets are regarding the padding.

Some people favour pure shell jackets without any padding at all, because they work perfectly with easy layering. On the other hand, some people would never take a jacket into consideration that isn’t heavily padded, because they like an easy setup for every day.

You can’t say what’s the perfect type of jacket; you need to try it out and see for yourself!

Hood or no hood?

An easy answer for a hard question: hood. Of course, a jacket without a hood can look pretty stylish, but if you ever experienced heavy wind up on the mountain, you don’t want to miss a hood on your snowboard jacket that saves you from those conditions!

Breathability

Just as the many different kinds of jackets out there, there are many different types of snowboarders with different preferences. Some riders don’t need high breathability because they are more of the chill riding type.

Overall you can say, that most riders need a pretty high breathability value in their jacket to be super flexible with their riding. You never have any disadvantages with high breathability, only advantages.

It’s the same with venting possibilities in your jacket. It’s perfect to have them since if you don’t need them, you can close them, with zero disadvantages. The most common places for extra ventilation zippers are beneath the arms (and on the inside of your legs when it comes to snowboarding pants).

Jackets with goggle cloth

Back in the days, almost every snowboard jacket used to have a goggle cloth attached to one of the pockets on the inside. Of course, it’s a nice feature to have, but companies have stopped to feature them since it’s just as easy to take a goggle cleaning cloth with you. It’s not a tiebreaker if a jacket does not come with a goggle cloth attached!

Jackets with powder skirt

Powder skirts are to be found in almost every snowboard jacket these days. It’s not only great to have when riding powder but it’s a lifesaver if you should crash since it keeps the snow out. When trying on a jacket, you should test if the powder skirt stays in place when closed or if it moves up if you raise your arms. You should only take the jacket into consideration of the powder skirt stays in place!sno

Best snowboard jackets by category

If you're looking for a specific type of snowboard jacket, this will be useful for you. Here's our verdict for the best jackets in specific categories.

Best snowboard jacket brand

It’s super hard to say which brand is the best brand when it comes to snowboard jackets because each rider has different preferences. But if you need an opinion on which brand gets you the most for your money, it’s, without doubt, the Swedish brand Dope Snow, case closed.

Best rated backcountry snowboard jacket

The best-rated snowboard jacket to ride in the backcountry with in my opinion is the Montec Fawk jacket. Montec offers high tech features and high quality materials at an affordable price. The Montec Fawk snowboard jacket is insulated to keep you warm on cold days but is still light enough to wear comfortably. It’s perfect for backcountry riding since it is light enough to put it into your backpack but it still has all the features you can wish for. And the best is the price: An affordable jacket that will last!

Best snowboard jacket for big guys

It’s not easy to find a good fitting snowboard jacket as a big guy. Gladly companies are going more and more for bigger and longer cuts these days which benefits the big riders! A great fit would be the “Adept” jacket by Dope Snow, check it out!

Best softshell jacket for snowboarding

Especially in the sunny spring, nothing beats an excellent softshell jacket. The fabric lets in some more air and the breathability is a little comfier than in padded jackets, and you can adjust the temperature with layers underneath. My pick for the best softshell snowboard jacket is the Dope Standard DO – great bold style and perfect functionally for the warmer days up on the mountain!

Wrapping up

To conclude this buyers guide, I think its safe to say that the perfect jacket that fits every rider does not exist. There are too many different preferences and types of riders out there.

The key to finding the perfect snowboard jacket is trying out enough jackets to know what you can exclude. Do not rush with the decision which jacket you will choose, take your time and compare enough different jacket types to find one that you can fall in love with eventually.

So the key tip is to start early in summer and to keep up with the new releases. With enough passion and effort, I’m sure you will find your perfect match to swipe right on.