Best Snowboard Jackets to Stay Warm and Dry (2026)
Seven snowboard jackets for men and women, and what waterproof ratings, insulation and shell versus insulated jackets mean on the mountain.
What Makes a Good Snowboard Jacket?
Snowboarding is wetter than it looks. You sit in the snow to strap in, fall in powder and ride through wet spring slush. A good snowboard jacket keeps water out, lets sweat escape and has features like a powder skirt, pit zips and a helmet-compatible hood. It also has a relaxed fit so you can move freely and layer underneath. The jackets below come from established snowboard and outdoor brands; this guide includes men's and women's options.
Burton Covert 2.0
Best men's all-round jacket
- DryRide fabric rated 10,000mm
- Thermacore 80g insulation
- Relaxed snowboard fit
Burton Jet Set
Best women's all-round jacket
- DryRide fabric rated 10,000mm
- Thermacore insulation
- Snowboard-focused features
686 Smarty 3-in-1 Form
Best 3-in-1 for changing weather
- Shell and removable liner
- 20K waterproof rating
- Wear layers together or apart
Snowboard Jackets Compared
| Jacket | Type | Listed Waterproofing | Insulation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Burton Covert 2.0 (men's) | Insulated | DryRide 10,000mm | Thermacore 80g |
| Burton Jet Set (women's) | Insulated | DryRide 10,000mm | Thermacore |
| 686 Smarty 3-in-1 Form (men's) | 3-in-1 | 20K | Removable liner |
| Burton Reserve 2L (men's) | Insulated | DryRide 20K/20K | Insulated |
| 686 Athena (women's) | Insulated | 10K | Insulated |
| Columbia Whirlibird V (men's) | 3-in-1 | Omni-Tech | Omni-Heat liner |
| The North Face Freedom (men's) | Insulated | DryVent | 80g insulation |
Specs are as listed at the time of writing.
The Best Snowboard Jackets
1. Burton Covert 2.0 (Men's)
The Covert is one of Burton's most popular jackets. It uses Burton's DryRide fabric rated to 10,000mm, 80g Thermacore insulation and a relaxed snowboard fit. It's warm enough for most resort days and priced well below premium Gore-Tex jackets.
Good to Know
- Warm, simple insulated jacket
- Snowboard-specific fit and features
- Good value
Watch Out For
- 10K rating is moderate for very wet climates
2. Burton Jet Set (Women's)
The Jet Set is a women's insulated jacket with DryRide fabric rated to 10,000mm and Thermacore insulation. It's a versatile resort jacket for riders who want warmth without bulk.
Check Price on Amazon3. 686 Smarty 3-in-1 Form (Men's)
686 is a snowboard-focused outerwear brand, and the Smarty 3-in-1 combines a waterproof shell rated 20K with a removable insulated liner. Wear them together on cold days, the shell alone in spring or the liner on its own around town.
Good to Know
- Three jackets in one
- High waterproof rating
Watch Out For
- Bulkier than a single-layer jacket
4. Burton Reserve 2L (Men's)
The Reserve steps up to a 20K/20K DryRide rating with insulation, making it a good choice for wetter climates and riders who spend a lot of time in the snow.
Check Price on Amazon5. 686 Athena Insulated (Women's)
The Athena is a women's insulated jacket from 686 with a 10K waterproof rating. It's a practical, warm choice for resort riding.
Check Price on Amazon6. Columbia Whirlibird V Interchange (Men's)
The Whirlibird is a 3-in-1 jacket with an Omni-Tech waterproof-breathable shell and an Omni-Heat insulated liner. It's a budget-friendly option for occasional riders who want flexibility.
Check Price on Amazon7. The North Face Freedom Insulated (Men's)
The Freedom uses The North Face's DryVent waterproof fabric and 80g insulation. It's a straightforward resort jacket from a widely trusted outdoor brand.
Check Price on AmazonWaterproof and Breathability Ratings
| Waterproof Rating | Good For |
|---|---|
| 5,000–10,000mm | Dry, cold climates and light snow |
| 10,000–15,000mm | Most resort riding |
| 15,000–20,000mm | Wet snow, rain, frequent falls |
| 20,000mm+ or Gore-Tex | Very wet climates, backcountry |
Breathability matters too: a jacket that traps sweat leaves you damp and cold. Pit zips help dump heat on warm days or after hiking.
Shell, Insulated or 3-in-1?
| Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Insulated | Warm and simple, one piece | Can be too warm in spring |
| Shell | Versatile, layer as needed | Needs good midlayers |
| 3-in-1 | Flexible, good value | Bulkier, less technical |
Features to Look For
- Powder skirt: an elastic band inside the hem that keeps snow out.
- Helmet-compatible hood: fits over a helmet in storms.
- Pit zips: underarm vents to release heat.
- Pass pocket: a sleeve or chest pocket for lift passes.
- Taped seams: fully taped seams keep water out of stitching.
- Wrist gaiters: stretchy cuffs that seal around gloves.
How to Layer for Snowboarding
- Base layer: moisture-wicking synthetic or merino wool, never cotton.
- Midlayer: fleece or a light insulated jacket for warmth.
- Outer layer: your snowboard jacket to block wind, snow and water.
Adjust the midlayer to the weather. With an insulated jacket, you may only need a base layer.
Fit Tips
Try jackets on over the layers you'll wear. Reach forward as if grabbing your board: sleeves should still cover your wrists. The hem should overlap your snow pants so snow can't get in when you fall. Snowboard jackets are usually cut longer and looser than ski jackets.
More Snowboard Gear
Complete your kit with a snowboard helmet. Shopping for a rider? See gifts for skiers and snowboarders. New to the sport? Start at our snowboarding hub and read types of snowboards.
Frequently Asked Questions
What waterproof rating do I need for a snowboard jacket?
About 10,000mm (10K) suits most resort riding in average conditions. Riders in wet climates or who sit in the snow a lot should look for 15K to 20K or more. Gore-Tex and similar premium membranes are among the most waterproof options.
Should I get an insulated or shell snowboard jacket?
Insulated jackets are simpler and warmer for cold resorts and riders who get cold easily. Shells are more versatile: you add layers underneath, which suits spring riding, backcountry hiking and people who run hot.
What is the difference between a ski and snowboard jacket?
Snowboard jackets usually have a looser, longer cut for freedom of movement and coverage when sitting in the snow. Ski jackets are often more fitted. Many jackets work for both.
How should a snowboard jacket fit?
Roomy enough for a base layer and midlayer underneath, with sleeves long enough to cover your wrists when you reach forward and a hem that covers the top of your pants.
What does 10K/10K mean on a jacket?
The first number is waterproofing in millimeters of water the fabric resists in a lab test. The second is breathability, often in grams of water vapor per square meter per 24 hours. Higher numbers are better for both.