How to Buy a Snowboarding Jacket

Choose the best snowboard jacket.

Buying a snowboard jacket isn't just about the look, it needs to have the proper waterproofing and breathability for your riding conditions. A jacket may look cool, but if it doesn't offer protection from wet conditions or if you sweat constantly while wearing it, you won't want to wear it for long. Choose the best snowboard jacket for you.

Instructions

1. Check the waterproofing and breathability ratings. The waterproofing rating is indicated by mm, and breathability is indicated by gm or just g). The higher the number, the better the waterproofing or breathability. The right waterproofing and breathability depends on your climate. If you are snowboarding in a wet climate like Oregon you should get a snowboard jacket with a minimum of 10,000 waterproofing and breathability. A 20,000 waterproofing would be even better. If you are riding in a dry climate, like Colorado, you would be fine with a snowboarding jacket that has only a 5,000 waterproofing. A breathability of 3,000 is fine for dry climates.

2. Consider how it matches the rest of your gear. Narrow your selection by checking the compatibility of your jacket with your other snowboarding gear. Jackets come in all different styles, baggy, puffy, tight, slim and loose. Go with what looks right for you and your style. Think about how you like to wear your regular clothes. For example, if you feel most comfortable in baggy fitting clothes you will probably feel the same about a baggy fitting snowboard jacket.

3. Choose a jacket with the features you want. Some jackets come with powder skirts that will block snow from flying up from underneath when riding powder. If you think you will be riding a lot of untouched powder fields you should get a jacket with a powder skirt. Other jackets come with removable liners. These work really well for extremely cold days. Another nice feature for those warm spring days or for when you overdressed are vents. If you are one who tends to get a little warm on the mountain try getting a jacket with vents. Pass holders, extra pockets and removable hoods are all things you might or might not want in a jacket, it comes down to personal preference.

Tips & Warnings

• Check the resource box below for more snowboarding tips.

References

• Back Country Beacon: Waterproof Ratings Demystified
• Snowboarding-Master: Snowboard Jackets