Snowboarding Jackets

Snowboarding Jackets  are essential to the snowboarding outfit. While some people prefer outer shells  to full-on jackets, do not go with just a shell unless you are in warm weather and spend little to no time on the ground. Even with layering, these will not protect you as well as a proper jacket. When purchasing, consider things like fit, warmth and breathability. Looks should always come last with such an essential piece of outerwear; however, there are lots of incredible designs on the market right now. 

Fit

A snowboarding Jacket should fit comfortably. Ideally you'll want to be wearing three layers: a breathable material  close to your skin, a warm insulating layer, and lastly, your jacket. With a really good jacket you might be able to skip the second layer. However, keep in mind that you'll need room to comfortably wear whatever underclothes you choose. 

With all of your layers on, you should still be able to rotate both arms in a full circle when wearing a jacket. Try this in the store before you get home! Then bend over to make sure your middle section has room to breathe. The sleeves should have a tight layer to go over or under your gloves,  preventing snow and ice from getting in. 

Lastly, bend your elbows back and forth a few times. Because you will likely be buckling and unbuckling your bindings  when getting on and off the ski lift, you want to be able to bend your arms easily for a no fuss experience. 

For women, try the Burton Recruit 2009 : it's a high performance jacket meant for girls who hit the slopes hard. For men, the Burton Ronin Transition Jacket  is a comfortable option.

Function

Once you find a jacket that fits, check some key features before making your final purchase. As far as waterproofing go, all the seams on your outerwear need to be sealed, if they are not, water can seep in and freeze. After checking the waterproofing, take a quick look to make sure the jacket is windproof (this should be on the tag). Lastly, breathability is key. You don't want to be cold, but sweating while freezing is no fun feat either.

The Arc'Teryx Stingray  is a breathable and waterproof option for any snowboarder. 

Related Guides

Snowboarding A beginner's guide for all things snowboarding.	Snowboarding Pants Find a pair that matches your new jacket!	Snowboarding Boots A perfect pair for any preference can be found here.