The Best Men's Snowboard Jackets of 2023

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A snowboard jacket is a big investment—find the one that meets your needs here.

A snowboard jacket is a big investment, so you'll want to make sure it meets all of your needs, from keeping you warm in the coldest temperatures to staying protected from windy slopes. Your snowboard jacket should enhance your riding experience, whether you're plowing through powder or hitting rails in the park.

When it comes to a snowboard jacket, details matter. Look for features that make your day more comfortable, like a powder skirt, cinchable hood, or oversized pocket. It's a lot to consider, but we did the research and testing so you can focus on the big decision of which jacket to buy.

When picking a snowboard jacket, think about how you'll be using it so you can prioritize certain materials and features. If you're mostly resort boarding you’ll be more concerned with warmth, while ventilation, packability, and waterproofing will be important considerations for backcountry tours.

You'll also want to consider your typical riding environment and weather. Gore-Tex or other waterproof/breathable membranes are top-of-the-line when it comes to three-layer jackets, but waterproof jackets are naturally less breathable than non-waterproof, so you'll want to make sure the jacket has decent venting. If your conditions will be warmer and less windy, you could be fine with a less insulated or more pared-down model.

Below you'll see we use Waterproof/Breathable ratings like 10K/5K. The higher the waterproof rating, the more waterproof the material is. The higher the breathability rating, the more the fabric will be able to release moisture and vapor, minimizing sweating and helping to regulate your temperature.

With my background in snowboarding and gear testing paired with Alvaro's experience and love for research, we took into consideration some of the most important factors for choosing a snowboard jacket. This includes overall quality of construction, features, and the reputation of the brands we recommend. We also considered different price points, and included more affordable options for people who might not be hitting the slopes as often. Other than that, we focused on breathable, waterproof shells because of their ability to perform well under a variety of circumstances.

One purchase does it all with this 3-in-1 jacket. The two-layer waterproof polyester shell comes with a zip-in down liner so it’s easy to adjust the insulation. It has multiple pockets and a pass pocket with a goggle wipe. You can also adjust the arm cuffs and the hem of this jacket to help seal out the cold up to -15F (according to the manufacturer). Once you’re done on the mountain, take off the shell for a simple and warm après look.

You can’t go wrong with a Burton snowboard jacket. This jacket is made in a regular fit, which means it won’t feel too tight or too baggy. The outer fabric is waterproof but still yet breathable and is best suited for riders sticking to the main mountain runs or the park. The hood is helmet compatible, and there are other useful features like a powder skirt and pockets big enough to fit your goggles.

This military inspired, park-approved jacket looks good on the mountain and in the streets. Armpit vents let off extra heat if you work up a sweat, and a waist gaiter helps keep out snow. There is also a helmet compatible, two-way adjustable hood for a custom fit. Plus, plenty of pockets for your mountain pass or to keep your hands warm. Since this jacket is warm, we recommend sticking to resort riding with it.

Wear this jacket on mountain runs, in the park, or in the backcountry. The jacket is comprised of four-way stretch material for extra mobility, and has an excellent rating for both waterproofing and breathability. This means it can withstand heavy rain and wet snow without trapping so much heat that you’re sweating. The hood is adjustable, and there are other extra features that you’ll appreciate like an anti-fog breath vent, zippered armpit vents, a powder skirt, and both interior and exterior pockets.

This jacket provides lightweight warmth for cold days on the mountain. The two-layer laminate keeps out moisture while helping release extra heat. It also has an internal zippered pocket for items like your phone that you want to keep close and out of the cold. If you ride mostly on the mountain but want to start exploring the backcountry, this jacket will help you make the transition. Plus, it comes with a lifetime warranty.

Stay on the mountain until last chair in this cozy jacket. You can adjust nearly everything to keep out the snow — your hood, the hem, and the cuffs.. Plus, it has wrist gaiters that help prevent cold air from sneaking up your sleeves. This jacket has other useful features like a powder skirt and a two-way zipper that allows for ventilation or some extra room when you’re sitting down.

If you live in an area with a lot of wet, stormy weather, this jacket comes highly recommended at a great price point. It lands at the midpoint for warmth rating, so you may need an additional insulation layer, but it will do its job keeping the rain and wind at bay. It also has interesting features like goggle clips inside the hood to keep everything in place no matter how fast you’re bombing down the hill, and a suede chin guard to protect your face from a scratchy collar .

This award-winning shell was built in collaboration with professional mountain rescue workers, so you can feel better about the investment. Aside from the fact that it’s fully waterproof and breathable, it’s also built for harsh conditions with features like a three -way adjustable hood and hook-and-loop adjustable cuffs. It also has integrated RECCO technology that can help rescuers find you if you get into trouble in the backcountry. This jacket comes with a limited lifetime warranty.

PM: Do I need a different jacket for resort riding and backcountry touring?

DL: Not entirely necessary! If you get a light,breathable shell more geared toward backcountry touring, you can still use extra layers to make it more resort-friendly.

PM: How should a snowboard jacket fit? What layers should I consider?

DL: You want a relaxed fit. If you're in between sizes, size up. You should have room under your jacket for base and mid-layers, so keep that in mind.

PM: What are the features you look for first in a snowboarding jacket?

DL: Look for a few features that help with basic comfort and functionality. I would select a jacket that has pit zips, a powder skirt and a helmet-compatible hood.

Based in Alberta, Canada, writer and journalist Déjà Leonard has been exploring the outdoors for nearly 15 years, enjoying snowboarding, cross-country skiing, skating, splitboarding, and mountain biking—through these pursuits and others she reguarly tests outdoor gear for various publications. Leonard has a bachelor of communication, majoring in journalism, and when she’s not writing or enjoying the outdoors, she’s trying a new recipe.

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