Snowboarding jackets are essential pieces of equipment designed to keep the rider comfortable, warm, and well protected from the harsh weather conditions when sliding down the slopes. They come with many different features that make snowboarding that much more pleasant. For that very reason, when shopping for these pieces of snow gear, it is important to know what you’re looking for and keep in mind the following factors in order to get the best value for your money.
The Look
For many beginners, how the jacket looks like is the most important factor. So, when choosing a jacket, they first look at the pieces in the colour they like most, without paying much attention to their functions. If looking good on your Instagram photos is all you really care about in this case, besides choosing a jacket that looks good, make sure to get one that suits your style and has decent features as well. Looks won’t keep you warm and dry up on the slopes, so think twice before splurging on a jacket that doesn’t combine the best of both worlds.
Insulation
This is what determines how warm the jacket is. There are two types of insulation clothing – insulated jackets and shell outerwear. Insulated snowboarding jackets contain an insulation layer under the outer waterproof layer. They are very warm and generally more expensive than shell outerwear. Down insulation is usually warmer than one with synthetic insulation. Shell outerwear offers easier movement and it is more lightweight, however, it is less warm than an insulated jacket as there is no built-in insulation and it is cheaper. Keep in mind that it’s not always better to pick insulated outerwear over a shell. An insulated jacket may be too warm for snowboarding on a sunny day. However, you may need to wear many different layers under your shell on the colder days. At the end of the day, it all comes down to where and when you are going snowboarding.
Fabric Tech
Make sure your jacket is both breathable and waterproof. Waterproof refers to the ability of the jacket to keep out the water and breathability is about the degree of moisture (sweat) that can pass from the inside of the jacket to the outside. Both features are important to keep your body dry. As a rule of thumb, a jacket with 10000mm or above water resistance and breathability can offer a satisfying performance. In this case, the higher the number, the better the performance.
Must-Have Features
- Powder Skirts – elasticated bands that seal the gaps between your jacket and pants, keeping the snow and cold air out.
- Pit Vents – they are often located under the arm by the side of your body or chest. These vents can be open to help cool you off by releasing the heat and moisture when you are feeling too hot.
- Pockets – it is a good idea for beginners to put everything they need (protective lipstick, sunscreen, wallet, keys, etc.) in their pockets instead of carrying a backpack.
General Tips
When shopping, choose a size a bit bigger than your normal one as this will give you enough room to wear more layers underneath. And one last tip – make sure to buy your snowboarding jacket before leaving for your snow adventure because this type of clothing is usually more expensive to buy in the shops of ski resorts. Check different websites and compare prices and you should be able to find a good deal for your budget!
