My name is Lorraine and I’m a certified snowboarding instructor. In this article, I’ll show you my favorite and perhaps a bit biased “best” snowboard jacket brands on the market.
After you have your snowboard, boots, and bindings figured out, the next most important element to your snow setup is your clothing.
For most riders, the biggest decision there is the jacket. You obviously need something that’s going to keep you warm, dry, and comfortable out in the snow, but you want it to look good and match your style as well.
There are an endless amount of options out there. To help you find the best, this guide will look at some of the best snowboard jacket brands, analyze their traits, and break them down to help you get ready for the snow season.
Let’s get started.
1. Ride
Ride is a fairly well-known brand that offers quality snowboards that are loved by many riders. However, the company also creates top-notch jackets that go a long, long way.
With sleek, innovative designs combined with excellent warmth and comfort, Ride jackets offer everything you want in your boarding ensemble. They make options for both men and women riders and come out with new designs each season.
My personal favorite jacket is the Ride Hillman. This is a fully functional, super comfortable, and extra warm outer layer that can handle everything the mountain throws at you. It fits well and the subtle-but-elegant design looks great.
Women snowboarders will love the Belmont Jacket with its strong focus on fashion and function. It also comes in several different color options.
Ride may not have the brand recognition of some larger companies we will look at in this list, but they deliver quality jackets that are built to last.
2. Volcom
Volcom is a brand that got its start in the world of skateboarding but then ventured into the snowboard world with a lot of success.
The company offers some great snowboarding jackets for men, women, and children, and their commitment to creative designs make them popular with boarders who like to show off their style.
They have a large selection, which means they tend to have something for everyone!
The Pat Moore 3-in-1 Jacket is a versatile option that gives you all-season functionality alongside a removable inner liner that can stand alone when you’re off the mountain.
Pair this with a strong, durable upper shell and you have a warm, effective jacket that will keep you cozy even on the coldest of days.
Volcom also offers some nice puff style jackets that look cool and are super warm.
3. 686
Another great snowboard jacket brand is 686. This company offers some cool, creative designs that are always focused on high-performance.
The wide range of products they offer will allow you to find the perfect jacket to meet your needs or match the conditions you most often find yourself in. They have jackets for men, women, and kids, and offer a lot of color options.
I like 686 because of the technical features they build into every jacket. A good snowboard jacket needs to stand up to the elements, and the brand makes clothes that can handle anything that comes their way.
Built with Gore-Tex for superior waterproofing and commitment to durability, 686 makes some of the toughest and highest-performing jackets in the boarding industry.
The Jett Insulated Winter Coat is one of their best thanks to its versatile design. While expensive, the item comes packed full of features and is able to keep you warm under any condition. A great example of the performance and function you get from a quality jacket brand.
4. Burton
If you snowboard, then you’ve heard of Burton. They are easily the biggest name in the game!
Some purists see the brand as sort of the Wal-Mart of snowboarding, but their success over the years is largely due to the quality products they offer.
The company offers an enormous selection of jackets and other apparel, which means they have something for literally any type of rider.
While I would always suggest supporting smaller companies when you can, the sheer number of jacket options that Burton offers is why they make the list.
If you have a particular color, style, or fit in mind, there’s a high chance that Burton will have what you’re after. Combine that with a commitment to quality and excellent customer service, and they are one of the top jacket brands around.
Burton has too many options to make a direct suggestion. Head over to their store to look at their stock. They have jackets for men, women, and children.
You can also sometimes find a good discount on Burton apparel at your local ski and snowboard shop.
5. Patagonia
Patagonia isn’t a snowboarding specific brand, but they still make some great jackets for any sort of winter activity. That’s why they make this list.
If you want to rest assured that your snowboarding clothing will provide serious warmth, comfort, and last for many seasons, you’ll want to take a look at the options Patagonia has to offer.
The brand has a great focus on the outdoors and commits to some great environmental practices that ensure the natural environment we all love as snowboarders will continue to be enjoyed for generations to come.
On top of that great ethos, the company makes some high-end outdoor apparel that delivers excellent performance for snowboarders of all ability levels.
I’m a big fan of the Snowdrifter Jacket, especially in the backcountry. It’s lightweight enough to not get in your way, but still provides a lot of warmth and protection from the elements when the weather takes a turn for the worse.
Patagonia has excellent customer service, offers great warranties on all of its products, and gives free repairs if you rip or tear a jacket. Hard to do better than that.
You may also want to read:
- Best Snowboard Jackets
- Best Men’s Snowboard Jackets
- Best Women’s Snowboard Jackets
- Best Snowboard Jackets for Big Guys
- Best Cheap Snowboard Jackets
Final Words
Every rider needs a quality jacket. The brands mentioned here make the best in the industry. If you’re looking for an option to meet your needs, whatever they may be, take a look at the links above and you’ll find the perfect fit in no time.
A jacket won’t make you a better snowboarder, but it will help you stay out on the slopes longer to make the most of the time you have on the snow. That goes a long way.
About Lorraine