How to choose a snowboard jacket

Sports and fitness

The right snowboarding jacket plays just as much a role in comfort as the right boots or the right board. It should protect against temperature changes and winds, neutralize falls, wick sweat generated during movement outward, and also not let moisture in from the outside.

choosing a jacket for a snowboard

The best snowboard equipment manufacturers

High-quality equipment for snowboarding and skiing is currently produced by many companies, while preference should be given to proven companies specializing in the production of clothing from various membrane fabrics:

  1. Burton

  2. D.C.

  3. Quicksilver

  4. Ice pick

  5. The north face

  6. Bogner

  7. Bask

The models of the above manufacturers are excellent for both active riding and for everyday use. This is evidenced by numerous reviews on the Internet – both on forums and on social networks.

Types of snowboard jackets

Without exception, all snowboarding jackets are modern equipment based on membrane fabrics. It is thanks to them that the same notorious characteristics of vapor permeability and moisture resistance, which are key when choosing a good snowboarding equipment, are provided.

Depending on the types of membranes, all jackets are divided into three types

  1. Jackets based on a pore-free membrane. As the name implies, this material is devoid of pores – holes designed to allow moisture particles to pass through. The drainage here is carried out according to the osmotic principle – once on the surface of the membrane, the droplet seeps out, and a special top layer excludes its penetration back. The disadvantages of such jackets include slow moisture removal, as well as high cost;

  2. Porous membrane jackets. The design of such models is simpler – humid air is discharged outside through a special porous structure, due to which the 'breathing' characteristics of these models are at a sufficiently high level. The disadvantages of such models include the rapid failure of the membrane due to improper use, as well as whimsical care and washing;

  3. Jackets made of combined membrane fabrics are something in common of the two types described above, thanks to which it was possible to bring together the advantages and eliminate all the disadvantages. There is only one left – these jackets are very expensive.

The main criteria for choosing a jacket for a snowboard

criteria for choosing a snowboard jacket

Jacket size

The choice of equipment should be based on the exact size of its own anatomical features. An overly small jacket will cause a lot of discomfort and hinder movement, an overly large one is not able to carry out proper thermoregulation, which can cause the rider to sweat and freeze. You can't do without trying on a jacket before buying, but it should be performed on the equipment that will be used when riding.

Bonding seams

An important point affecting comfort and dryness while being in nature. As a rule, jackets begin to leak along the seam, and therefore all seams, without exception, must be glued. This is evidenced by the inscription 'all seams are sealed' on the jacket tag. This information should be double-checked – many, especially budget manufacturers, glue only those seams that are in the visibility zone, leaving unprocessed areas hidden from human eyes.

Cuffs and zippers, pockets

Little things that have a significant impact on riding comfort:

  1. The cuffs should be made of a soft rubber material and have a two-layer structure, thereby excluding the passage of moisture inside during active riding. The material of the inner layer should be soft and pleasant to the touch – this is the only way to avoid discomfort;

  2. The zipper of the jacket is treated with a special compound that prevents moisture from passing inside. Its design should be of considerable size in order to be convenient to unfasten and fasten without removing gloves;

  3. Pockets are also important. Deep and dense, they should be equipped with special dense linings, as well as securely fastened with a zipper that prevents moisture from getting inside;

Membrane moisture resistance

Indicates the amount of precipitation that a jacket can withstand over a certain period of time without leaking

  1. The minimum acceptable value is 5000 millimeters. This jacket can withstand prolonged light rain;

  2. Most models in the middle price range have a moisture resistance of 10-20 thousand millimeters. It is sufficient for most operating conditions;

  3. The most advanced and, accordingly, expensive models of jackets have moisture resistance indicators of 30-40 thousand millimeters. Such a membrane can easily withstand a serious downpour without getting wet.

Membrane vapor permeability

An indicator indicating the amount of moisture removed by one square meter in 24 hours. The higher this parameter is, the better.

  1. The base value capable of providing acceptable comfort is 5000 m2;

  2. The average value typical for most models is 10,000 g / m2;

  3. The best models from well-known manufacturers can boast of a membrane that removes from 20 to 30 thousand grams per square meter of fabric in one day;

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We should not forget that membrane jackets are extremely whimsical to care for, and therefore it is strictly forbidden to wash them in a washing machine along with ordinary clothes. Cleaning of such equipment is carried out exclusively in manual mode with the addition of various membrane conditioners and products recommended by the material manufacturer.

How to choose the right size for your snowboard jacket?

choose the size of the jacket

There are two main steps to choosing a snowboard jacket:

  1. First of all, it is necessary to study the indicated size and compare it with the worn clothing. This information is printed on the label and presented in the form of classic numbers, as well as the closest foreign counterparts;

  2. Having chosen the appropriate size, the jacket is tried on. For this purpose, it is necessary to resort to the clothing or thermal underwear that will be used when riding. The jacket should sit comfortably, not constrain movement and not cause discomfort when performing active exercises.

In the following articles, our experts will tell you how to choose bindings for your snowboard and the secrets of choosing snowboard boots.


Attention! This material is the subjective opinion of the authors of the project and is not a purchase guide.

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