Past Season Jackets Lists | Snowboarding Profiles

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2023-24

BEST SNOWBOARD JACKET #10

Jacket: Thirtytwo TM

Price: See links at the bottom of this page for current pricing

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Score: 94/100 (see score breakdown below)

Insulation: Shell (no insulation)

Starting off the list at #10, we have thirtytwo's TM snowboard jacket.

The TM features a high level of waterproofing and breathability, helping you to stay as dry as possible form both the inside (sweat) and outside (rain/wet snow).

And based on the functionality of this jacket, it's obvious that thirtytwo, as a snowboard boot company, first and foremost, understand snowboarding and the functional aspects that rider's need out of their snowboarding jacket.

It has a relaxed fit, which is great for a shell, as it gives you the opportunity to layer underneath for colder days and helps with range of motion.

The TM is also the 3rd lowest priced jacket in this list.

Score Breakdown for the TM

	RATING (out of 5)	SCORE WEIGHTING
WATERPROOFING	4.5	27/30
SEAM SEALING	5.0	20/20
BREATHABILITY	4.5	22.5/25
POWDER SKIRT	5.0	5/5
VENTING	5.0	5/5
HOOD	5.0	5/5
JACKET TO PANTS CONNECTIONS	5.0	5/5
POCKETS	4.5	4.5/5

TOTAL after normalizing	94/100

BEST SNOWBOARD JACKET #9

Jacket: L1 Alpha

Price: See links at the bottom of this page for current pricing

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Score: 94.5/100

Insulation: Shell

Waterproof Rating: 20,000mm

Breathability: 20,000g

Seams: Fully Taped

Fit: RELAXED

Next up we have L1's Alpha snowboard jacket.

Like every jacket that rated well enough to make this list, the Alpha features great waterproofing and breathability (being the 2 most important factors in a shell jacket, IMO) and has a ton of features that help make this one of the better snowboard jackets going around.

They offer a relaxed fit to allow you to layer plenty underneath for those colder days - or wear it own it's own with a single base layer for warmer days.

It is the most pricey on this list, and just made it under the $500 threshold. But it is a 3 layer jacket, stretchy fabric (with 13% spandex), to add even more to its mobility and is made from recycled materials.

Score Breakdown for the Alpha

	RATING (out of 5)	SCORE WEIGHTING
WATERPROOFING	4.5	27/30
SEAM SEALING	5.0	20/20
BREATHABILITY	4.5	22.5/25
POWDER SKIRT	5.0	5/5
VENTING	5.0	5/5
HOOD	5.0	5/5
JACKET TO PANTS CONNECTIONS	5.0	5/5
POCKETS	5.0	5/5

TOTAL after normalizing	94.5/100

BEST SNOWBOARD JACKET #8

$686 Gore-Tex Hydratash Sync Snowboard Jacket 2024$

Jacket: 686 Hydrastash Sync Gore-Tex

Price: See links at the bottom of this page for current pricing

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Score: 95.5/100

Insulation: Shell

Waterproof Rating: 28,000mm (Gore-tex)

Breathability: 20,000g (GORE-TEX)

Seams: Fully Taped

Fit: REGULAR (with articulation)

One of two 686 Jackets on this list, the Hydrastash Sync comes in at #8.

Apart from all of it's functionality and the benefits of Gore-Tex, the Hydrastash Sync has one other unique quality - it comes with a built in water bladder, that tucks away in the powder skirt - with tubing up through to the top of the jacket. So, if you're wanting a convenient way of carrying water with you on the mountain, without needing a backpack, this jacket is well worth considering.

Score Breakdown for the Hydrastash Sync

	RATING (out of 5)	SCORE WEIGHTING
WATERPROOFING	5.0	30/30
SEAM SEALING	5.0	20/20
BREATHABILITY	4.5	22.5/25
POWDER SKIRT	4.0	4/5
VENTING	5.0	5/5
HOOD	5.0	5/5
JACKET TO PANTS CONNECTIONS	5.0	5/5
POCKETS	4.0	4/5

TOTAL after normalizing	95.5/100

BEST SNOWBOARD JACKET #7

$Volcom Dua Gore-Tex Snowboard Jacket 2024$

Jacket: Volcom DUA Gore-Tex

Price: See links at the bottom of this page for current pricing

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Score: 95.5/100

Insulation: Shell

Waterproof Rating: 28,000mm

Breathability: 20,000g

Seams: Fully Taped

Fit: Relaxed (Volcom's "91 FIT" - described as relaxed but not loose with a larger chest, shoulder and a bit shorter than normal length-wise)

At #7 we have Volcom's Dua Gore-Tex.

The Dua Gore-Tex offers great performance for the buck. It's the cheapest equal jacket in this list (along with #6 below) and a really reasonable price for Gore-Tex and this level of performance.

Score Breakdown for the DUA Gore-Tex

	RATING (out of 5)	SCORE WEIGHTING
WATERPROOFING	5.0	30/30
SEAM SEALING	5.0	20/20
BREATHABILITY	4.5	22.5/25
POWDER SKIRT	4.0	4/5
VENTING	5.0	5/5
HOOD	5.0	5/5
JACKET TO PANTS CONNECTIONS	5.0	5/5
POCKETS	4.0	4/5

TOTAL after normalizing	95.5/100

BEST SNOWBOARD JACKET #6

Jacket: DC Basis 30k

Price: See links at the bottom of this page for current pricing

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Score: 95.5/100

Insulation: Shell

Waterproof Rating: 30,000mm

Breathability: 20,000g

Seams: Fully Taped

Fit: REGULAR

Next up we have the DC Basis 30K.

Offering waterproofing of 30,000mm and great breathability too, this jacket is great value for money, coming in equal cheapest in this list (along with #7 above).

Note that there's also a DC Basis (as opposed to DC Basis 30K) which is cheaper, but also not as waterproof or breathable - it's 10,000mm/5,000g, so quite a bit different).

Score Breakdown for the Basis

	RATING (out of 5)	SCORE WEIGHTING
WATERPROOFING	5.0	30/30
SEAM SEALING	5.0	20/20
BREATHABILITY	4.5	22.5/25
POWDER SKIRT	4.0	4/5
VENTING	5.0	5/5
HOOD	5.0	5/5
JACKET TO PANTS CONNECTIONS	5.0	5/5
POCKETS	4.0	4/5

TOTAL after normalizing	95.5/100

BEST SNOWBOARD JACKET #5

$Burton AK Velocity Anorak Gore-Tex Snowboard Jacket 2024$

Jacket: Burton AK Velocity Anorak Gore-Tex

Price: See links at the bottom of this page for current pricing

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Score: 96.5/100

Insulation: Shell

Waterproof Rating: 28,000mm

Breathability: 20,000g

Seams: Fully Taped

Fit: Regular (with articualtion)

Next up we have Burton's AK Velocity Gore-Tex Anorak.

This is one of six Gore-Tex options in this list - not surprisingly, given the waterproofing and breathability performance that Gore-Tex provides.

If you prefer the idea of an anorak/pullover type jacket over a full zip option, this jacket is worth looking at. It's the only Anorak option in this list (though the Burton Pillowline (see #2 below) does come in an anorak version as well.

Score Breakdown for the AK Velocity Anorak Gore-Tex

	RATING (out of 5)	SCORE WEIGHTING
WATERPROOFING	5.0	30/30
SEAM SEALING	5.0	20/20
BREATHABILITY	4.5	22.5/25
POWDER SKIRT	5.0	5/5
VENTING	5.0	5/5
HOOD	5.0	5/5
JACKET TO PANTS CONNECTIONS	5.0	5/5
POCKETS	4.0	4/5

TOTAL after normalizing	96.5/100

BEST SNOWBOARD JACKET #4

$Volcom L Gore-Tex L Snowboard Jacket 2024$

Jacket: Volcom L Gore-Tex

Price: See links at the bottom of this page for current pricing

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Score: 96.5/100

Insulation: Shell

Waterproof Rating: 28,000mm

Breathability: 20,000g

Seams: Fully Taped

Fit: regular

The 2nd Volcom jacket in this list, the Volcom L Gore-Tex, comes in at a really reasonable price, for it's performance.

Not only does it provide the waterproofing and breathability of Gore-Tex, it also has great functionality for use as a snowboarding jacket - all while being a little more friendly on your wallet.

Another option, with the same performance specs/score, for the factors that we rate, is the Volcom Longo. It's a pricier jacket than the L, but comes with a couple of extra features, a more durable fabric and features a slightly different fit (Volcom's "91 Fit" - see #7 above for more on the "91 Fit").

Score Breakdown for the Volcom L

	RATING (out of 5)	SCORE WEIGHTING
WATERPROOFING	5.0	30/30
SEAM SEALING	5.0	20/20
BREATHABILITY	4.5	22.5/25
POWDER SKIRT	4.0	4/5
VENTING	5.0	5/5
HOOD	5.0	5/5
JACKET TO PANTS CONNECTIONS	5.0	5/5
POCKETS	5.0	5/5

TOTAL after normalizing	96.5/100

BEST SNOWBOARD JACKET #3

$686 Gore Tex Core Shell Snowboard Jacket 2024$

Jacket: 686 Core Gore-Tex

Price: See links at the bottom of this page for current pricing

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Score: 96.5/100

Insulation: Shell

Waterproof Rating: 28,000mm

Breathability: 20,000g

Seams: Fully Taped

Fit: Regular (with articulation)

Whilst the 686 Core Gore-Tex did go up in price this year, it's still one of the cheaper Gore-Tex jackets going around and one of the cheapest options on this list (4th= cheapest).

So, if you're looking to get the benefits of a highly waterproof and breathable shell, but don't have the funds for the more expensive ones, this is worth looking at.

Another 686 option, with the same score based on our rating system, is the 686 GT Gore-Tex. The GT is a little more pricey than the core, but not by a whole lot. It has a couple of extra features, but nothing crazy different. You may prefer the style or one of the colorways of one or the other though.

Score Breakdown for the Core Gore-Tex

	RATING (out of 5)	SCORE WEIGHTING
WATERPROOFING	5.0	30/30
SEAM SEALING	5.0	20/20
BREATHABILITY	4.5	22.5/25
POWDER SKIRT	4.0	4/5
VENTING	5.0	5/5
HOOD	5.0	5/5
JACKET TO PANTS CONNECTIONS	5.0	5/5
POCKETS	5.0	5/5

TOTAL after normalizing	96.5/100

BEST SNOWBOARD JACKET #2

$Burton Gore-Tex Powline Snowboard Jacket 2024$

Jacket: Burton Gore-Tex Powline

Price: See links at the bottom of this page for current pricing

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Score: 97.5/100

Insulation: Shell

Waterproof Rating: 28,000mm

Breathability: 20,000g

Seams: Fully Taped

Fit: Regular

The 2nd Burton offering on this list, the Gore-Tex Powline provides all the functionality, waterproofing and breathability you're ever likely to need in a snowboard jacket - and all for a reasonable price - under the average price for this list and only 4 jackets on this list are cheaper.

There are a couple of other similar Burton offerings, that scored the same in our rating system. Again, we are showing the lowest priced option here, but you could also check out:

1. Burton Gore-Tex Pillowline: The Pillowline is a little more expensive than the Powline, which is likely mainly due to the polyester used which is 150D vs 75D on the Powline. The D (Denier) essentially measures the strength, so the main advantage of the Pillowline over the Powline is that it's stronger so less likely to rip and likely last longer.

2. Burton Gore-Tex Pillowline Anorak: (like the Pillowline but in a pullover version, if you prefer that style).

3. Burton AK Cyclic Gore-Tex: AK Cyclic from has a few extra features and has slightly stronger material again vs the Powline and Pillowline - and another jump in price to go with it, naturally.

Score Breakdown for the Gore-Tex Powline

	RATING (out of 5)	SCORE WEIGHTING
WATERPROOFING	5.0	30/30
SEAM SEALING	5.0	20/20
BREATHABILITY	4.5	22.5/25
POWDER SKIRT	5.0	5/5
VENTING	5.0	5/5
HOOD	5.0	5/5
JACKET TO PANTS CONNECTIONS	5.0	5/5
POCKETS	5.0	5/5

TOTAL after normalizing	97.5/100

BEST SNOWBOARD JACKET #1

Jacket: DC Command 45K

Price: See links at the bottom of this page for current pricing

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Score: 99/100

Insulation: Shell

Waterproof Rating: 45,000mm

Breathability: 30,000g

Seams: Fully Taped

Fit: Regular

And finally, in at #1, we have DC's Command Jacket.

No, those waterproofing and breathability numbers aren't a typo. This is what DC claims them to be. We don't have a test yet to verify that, but assuming it's accurate, then this is one of the most waterproof and breathable jackets going around.

It’s also cheaper than the average price of all the jackets that I looked at and only 3 jackets on this list are cheaper.

If you’re looking for the tried and trusted of Gore-Tex, then this may not be an option – but if you’re willing to take a chance on it, it will save you a few bucks (versus most but not all Gore-Tex jackets on this list), and if it lives up to its billing, then you’ll pick up a super-performer at a super-price.

Score Breakdown for the DC Command

	RATING (out of 5)	SCORE WEIGHTING
WATERPROOFING	5.0	30/30
SEAM SEALING	5.0	20/20
BREATHABILITY	5.0	25/25
POWDER SKIRT	4.0	4/5
VENTING	5.0	5/5
HOOD	5.0	5/5
JACKET TO PANTS CONNECTIONS	5.0	5/5
POCKETS	5.0	5/5

TOTAL after normalizing	99/100

2022-23

Of 49 non-insulated jackets rated:

The average score was 86.7/100
The highest score was 100/100 (see below)
The lowest score was 60.0/100
The average price was $372

BEST SNOWBOARD JACKET #20

Jacket: Helly Hansen Juniper 3.0

Price: See links at the bottom of this page for current pricing

Score: 89.5/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproof Rating: 20,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
Fit: Regular with articulated sleeves

Starting off the list at #20 we have Helly Hansen's Juniper 3.0.

The Juniper 3.0 offers plenty of waterproofing and breathability, as you would expect from a good shell jacket. It also has plenty of functionality to serve you well as a snowboard jacket.

Score Breakdown for the Juniper 3.0

	RATING (out of 5)	SCORE WEIGHTING
WATERPROOFING	4.5	27/30
SEAM SEALING	5.0	20/20
BREATHABILITY	4.5	22.5/25
POWDER SKIRT	5.0	5/5
VENTING	5.0	5/5
HOOD	5.0	5/5
JACKET TO PANTS CONNECTIONS	0.0	0/5
POCKETS	5.0	5/5

TOTAL after normalizing	89.5/100

BEST SNOWBOARD JACKET #19

$Burton AK Velocity Anorak Gore-Tex 2023$

Jacket: Burton AK Velocity Anorak Gore-Tex

Price: See links at the bottom of this page for current pricing

Score: 91.5/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproof Rating: 28,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
Fit: Regular Articulated Fit

Next up we have Burton's AK Velocity Gore-Tex Anorak.

This is the first of many Gore-Tex options in this list - not surprisingly, given the waterproofing and breathability performance that Gore-Tex provides.

If you prefer the idea of an anorak/pullover type jacket over a full zip option, this jacket is worth looking at. It's one of 3 anorak options in this list.

Score Breakdown for the AK Velocity Anorak Gore-Tex

	RATING (out of 5)	SCORE WEIGHTING
WATERPROOFING	5.0	30/30
SEAM SEALING	5.0	20/20
BREATHABILITY	4.5	22.5/25
POWDER SKIRT	5.0	5/5
VENTING	5.0	5/5
HOOD	5.0	5/5
JACKET TO PANTS CONNECTIONS	0.0	0/5
POCKETS	4.0	4/5

TOTAL after normalizing	91.5/100

BEST SNOWBOARD JACKET #18

Jacket: Oakley TC Earth

Price: See links at the bottom of this page for current pricing

Score: 92/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproof Rating: 20,000mm
Breathability: 15,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
Fit: Regular

At #18 we have Oakley's TC Earth Jacket.

New for 2023, the TC Earth boasts all the functionality you'll ever need from a snowboarding jacket - and has really decent waterproofing and breathabillity go along with all that functionality.

Score Breakdown for the TC Earth

	RATING (out of 5)	SCORE WEIGHTING
WATERPROOFING	4.5	27/30
SEAM SEALING	5.0	20/20
BREATHABILITY	4.0	20/25
POWDER SKIRT	5.0	5/5
VENTING	5.0	5/5
HOOD	5.0	5/5
JACKET TO PANTS CONNECTIONS	5.0	5/5
POCKETS	5.0	5/5

TOTAL after normalizing	92.0/100

BEST SNOWBOARD JACKET #17

Jacket: Flylow Dante

Price: See links at the bottom of this page for current pricing

Score: 93.5/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproof Rating: 20,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
Fit: Regular

In at #16, the Flylow Dante is the first of 3 Flylow jackets to make the list this year.

The Dante provides quality in every area you need from a snowboard jacket, including great waterproofing, breathability and functionality.

Score Breakdown for the Dante

	RATING (out of 5)	SCORE WEIGHTING
WATERPROOFING	4.5	27/30
SEAM SEALING	5.0	20/20
BREATHABILITY	4.5	22.5/25
POWDER SKIRT	4.0	4/5
VENTING	5.0	5/5
HOOD	5.0	5/5
JACKET TO PANTS CONNECTIONS	5.0	5/5
POCKETS	5.0	5/5

TOTAL after normalizing	93.5/100

BEST SNOWBOARD JACKET #16

Jacket: Flylow Quantum Pro

Price: See links at the bottom of this page for current pricing

Score: 94.5/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproof Rating: 20,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
Fit: Regular

The next entry from Flylow

is the Quantum Pro.

Score Breakdown for the Quantum Pro

	RATING (out of 5)	SCORE WEIGHTING
WATERPROOFING	4.5	27/30
SEAM SEALING	5.0	20/20
BREATHABILITY	4.5	22.5/25
POWDER SKIRT	5.0	5/5
VENTING	5.0	5/5
HOOD	5.0	5/5
JACKET TO PANTS CONNECTIONS	5.0	5/5
POCKETS	5.0	5/5

TOTAL after normalizing	94.5/100

BEST SNOWBOARD JACKET #15

Jacket: Flylow Malone

Price: See links at the bottom of this page for current pricing

Score: 94.5/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproof Rating: 20,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
Fit: Regular

And the 3rd and final Flylow option this year, is the Malone.

Score Breakdown for the Malone

	RATING (out of 5)	SCORE WEIGHTING
WATERPROOFING	4.5	27/30
SEAM SEALING	5.0	20/20
BREATHABILITY	4.5	22.5/25
POWDER SKIRT	5.0	5/5
VENTING	5.0	5/5
HOOD	5.0	5/5
JACKET TO PANTS CONNECTIONS	5.0	5/5
POCKETS	5.0	5/5

TOTAL after normalizing	94.5/100

BEST SNOWBOARD JACKET #14

Jacket: Oakley Evocative

Price: See links at the bottom of this page for current pricing

Score: 94.5/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproof Rating: 20,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
Fit: Regular

Oakley's 2nd and final offering in this list is the Evocative.

The Evoacative provides all the waterproofing and breathability most will ever need from their snowboard jacket - and all the funcionality most will ever need to.

It's the lowest priced of the 3 jackets (this one and #15 and #16 above) that score 94.5/100.

Score Breakdown for the Evocative

	RATING (out of 5)	SCORE WEIGHTING
WATERPROOFING	4.5	27/30
SEAM SEALING	5.0	20/20
BREATHABILITY	4.5	22.5/25
POWDER SKIRT	5.0	5/5
VENTING	5.0	5/5
HOOD	5.0	5/5
JACKET TO PANTS CONNECTIONS	5.0	5/5
POCKETS	5.0	5/5

TOTAL after normalizing	94.5/100

BEST SNOWBOARD JACKET #13

$Volcom L Gore-Tex 2023$

Jacket: Volcom L Gore-Tex

Price: See links at the bottom of this page for current pricing

Score: 95.5/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproof Rating: 28,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
Fit: Standard Fit (relaxed but not loose)

The first of 4 Volcom jackets in this list, the Volcom L Gore-Tex, is the 3rd cheapest offering in this entire list.

Not only does it provide the performance of Gore-Tex, it also has great functionality for use as a snowboarding jacket - all while doing less damage to the wallet than most on this list.

Score Breakdown for the Volcom L

	RATING (out of 5)	SCORE WEIGHTING
WATERPROOFING	5.0	30/30
SEAM SEALING	5.0	20/20
BREATHABILITY	4.5	22.5/25
POWDER SKIRT	4.0	4/5
VENTING	5.0	5/5
HOOD	5.0	5/5
JACKET TO PANTS CONNECTIONS	5.0	5/5
POCKETS	4.0	4/5

TOTAL after normalizing	95.5/100

BEST SNOWBOARD JACKET #12

$Volcom DUA Gore-Tex 2023$

Jacket: Volcom DUA Gore-Tex

Price: See links at the bottom of this page for current pricing

Score: 95.5/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproof Rating: 28,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
Fit: Relaxed

At #12 we have the Volcom Dua Gore-Tex.

The Dua Gore-Tex is new for 2023 and offers great performance for the buck. It's the cheapest jacket in this list and a really reasonable price for Gore-Tex.

Score Breakdown for the DUA Gore-Tex

	RATING (out of 5)	SCORE WEIGHTING
WATERPROOFING	5.0	30/30
SEAM SEALING	5.0	20/20
BREATHABILITY	4.5	22.5/25
POWDER SKIRT	4.0	4/5
VENTING	5.0	5/5
HOOD	5.0	5/5
JACKET TO PANTS CONNECTIONS	5.0	5/5
POCKETS	4.0	4/5

TOTAL after normalizing	95.5/100

BEST SNOWBOARD JACKET #11

$686 Gore-Tex Hydrastash Sync 2023$

Jacket: 686 Hydrastash Sync Gore-Tex

Price: See links at the bottom of this page for current pricing

Score: 96.5/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproof Rating: 28,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
Fit: Articulated

One of three 686 Jackets on this list, the Hydrastash Sync comes in at #11.

Apart from all of it's functionality and the benefits of gore-tex, the Hydrastash Sync has one other unique quality - it comes with a built in water bladder, that tucks away in the powder skirt - with tubing up through to the top of the jacket. So, if you're wanting a convenient way of carrying water with you on the mountain, without needing a backpack, this jacket is well worth considering.

Score Breakdown for the Hydrastash Sync

	RATING (out of 5)	SCORE WEIGHTING
WATERPROOFING	5.0	30/30
SEAM SEALING	5.0	20/20
BREATHABILITY	4.5	22.5/25
POWDER SKIRT	4.0	4/5
VENTING	5.0	5/5
HOOD	5.0	5/5
JACKET TO PANTS CONNECTIONS	5.0	5/5
POCKETS	5.0	5/5

TOTAL after normalizing	96.5/100

BEST SNOWBOARD JACKET #10

$Volcom Longo Gore-Tex 2023$

Jacket: Volcom Longo Gore-Tex

Price: See links at the bottom of this page for current pricing

Score: 96.5/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproof Rating: 28,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
Fit: Regular

The Volcom Longo comes with all the benefits of Gore-Tex (like a lot on this list!) and great functionality at a mid-range price.

Score Breakdown for the Longo Gore-tex

	RATING (out of 5)	SCORE WEIGHTING
WATERPROOFING	5.0	30/30
SEAM SEALING	5.0	20/20
BREATHABILITY	4.5	22.5/25
POWDER SKIRT	5.0	5/5
VENTING	5.0	5/5
HOOD	5.0	5/5
JACKET TO PANTS CONNECTIONS	5.0	5/5
POCKETS	4.0	4/5

TOTAL after normalizing	96.5/100

BEST SNOWBOARD JACKET #9

$Volcom Melo Gore-Tex Pullover 2023$

Jacket: Volcom Melo Gore-Tex Pullover

Price: See links at the bottom of this page for current pricing

Score: 96.5/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproof Rating: 28,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
Fit: Relaxed

The last Volcom offering for this list, the Melo Gore-Tex Pullover is the second of 3 Anorak/Pullover options on this list.

So, if you'd prefer this style to a full zip option but still want high-end waterproofing, breathability and functionality, this one is well worth considering.

Score Breakdown for the Melo Gore-Tex Pullover

	RATING (out of 5)	SCORE WEIGHTING
WATERPROOFING	5.0	30/30
SEAM SEALING	5.0	20/20
BREATHABILITY	4.5	22.5/25
POWDER SKIRT	4.0	4/5
VENTING	5.0	5/5
HOOD	5.0	5/5
JACKET TO PANTS CONNECTIONS	5.0	5/5
POCKETS	5.0	5/5

TOTAL after normalizing	96.5/100

BEST SNOWBOARD JACKET #8

$686 Gore-Tex GT 2023$

Jacket: 686 Gore-Tex GT

Price: See links at the bottom of this page for current pricing

Score: 96.5/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproof Rating: 28,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
Fit: Articulated

The 686 Gore-Tex GT is 686’s 2nd of 3 jackets to make this list. The Gore-Tex GT comes in at a reasonable price for Gore-Tex and at around the average price for this list. It also has a loose, articulated fit, for lots of freedom of movement - and if you prefer that looser, baggier style.

Score Breakdown for the 686 Gore-Tex GT

	RATING (out of 5)	SCORE WEIGHTING
WATERPROOFING	5.0	30/30
SEAM SEALING	5.0	20/20
BREATHABILITY	4.5	22.5/25
POWDER SKIRT	5.0	5/5
VENTING	5.0	5/5
HOOD	5.0	5/5
JACKET TO PANTS CONNECTIONS	5.0	5/5
POCKETS	4.0	4/5

TOTAL after normalizing	96.5/100

BEST SNOWBOARD JACKET #7

$Burton GORE-TEX Pillowline Anorak 2023$

Jacket: Burton Gore-Tex Pillowline Anorak

Price: See links at the bottom of this page for current pricing

Score: 96.5/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproof Rating: 28,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
Fit: Regular

The final anorak option on this list, the Pillowline Gore-Tex Anorak is the lowest priced anorak option here and a really reasonable price for the performance and functionality that you get.

Score Breakdown for the Pillowline Gore-Tex Anorak

	RATING (out of 5)	SCORE WEIGHTING
WATERPROOFING	5.0	30/30
SEAM SEALING	5.0	20/20
BREATHABILITY	4.5	22.5/25
POWDER SKIRT	4.0	4/5
VENTING	5.0	5/5
HOOD	5.0	5/5
JACKET TO PANTS CONNECTIONS	5.0	5/5
POCKETS	5.0	5/5

TOTAL after normalizing	96.5/100

BEST SNOWBOARD JACKET #6

$686 Gore Tex Core 2023$

Jacket: 686 Core Gore-Tex

Price: See links at the bottom of this page for current pricing

Score: 96.5/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproof Rating: 28,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
Fit: Regular

Whilst the 686 Core Gore-Tex did go up in price this year, it's still one of the cheaper Gore-Tex jackets going around and one of the cheapest options on this list.

So, if you're looking to get the benefits of a highly waterproof and breathable shell, but don't have the funds for the majority of them, this is worth looking at.

Score Breakdown for the Core Gore-Tex

	RATING (out of 5)	SCORE WEIGHTING
WATERPROOFING	5.0	30/30
SEAM SEALING	5.0	20/20
BREATHABILITY	4.5	22.5/25
POWDER SKIRT	4.0	4/5
VENTING	5.0	5/5
HOOD	5.0	5/5
JACKET TO PANTS CONNECTIONS	5.0	5/5
POCKETS	5.0	5/5

TOTAL after normalizing	96.5/100

BEST SNOWBOARD JACKET #5

$Quiksilver Mission Gore-Tex 2023$

Jacket: Quiksilver Mission Gore-Tex

Price: See links at the bottom of this page for current pricing

Score: 96.5/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproof Rating: 28,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
Fit: Modern

Quiksilver's Mission jackets come in a few varieties. This is the Gore-Tex version - a very important distinction from the rest of the Mission series.

And as far as the price for Gore-Tex jackets go, this is one of the lowest priced going around - the 2nd cheapest on this list - and a good bit less than the average price.

Score Breakdown for the Mission 2L Gore-Tex

	RATING (out of 5)	SCORE WEIGHTING
WATERPROOFING	5.0	30/30
SEAM SEALING	5.0	20/20
BREATHABILITY	4.5	22.5/25
POWDER SKIRT	4.0	4/5
VENTING	5.0	5/5
HOOD	5.0	5/5
JACKET TO PANTS CONNECTIONS	5.0	5/5
POCKETS	5.0	5/5

TOTAL after normalizing	96.5/100

BEST SNOWBOARD JACKET #4

$Burton AK 2L Cyclic Gore-Tex 2023$

Jacket: Burton AK Cyclic Gore-Tex

Price: See links at the bottom of this page for current pricing

Score: 97.5/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproof Rating: 28,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
Fit: Regular

The AK Cyclic is Burton's mid-priced Gore-Tex shell option. It's priced higher than the average price for this list, but you do get a high quality option for that price.

It features, as you'd expect, great waterproofing and breathability and also has great functionality for snowboarding.

Score Breakdown for the Burton AK Cyclic

	RATING (out of 5)	SCORE WEIGHTING
WATERPROOFING	5.0	30/30
SEAM SEALING	5.0	20/20
BREATHABILITY	4.5	22.5/25
POWDER SKIRT	5.0	5/5
VENTING	5.0	5/5
HOOD	5.0	5/5
JACKET TO PANTS CONNECTIONS	5.0	5/5
POCKETS	5.0	5/5

TOTAL after normalizing	97.5/100

BEST SNOWBOARD JACKET #3

$Burton GORE-TEX Powline 2023$

Jacket: Burton Gore-Tex Powline

Price: See links at the bottom of this page for current pricing

Score: 97.5/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproof Rating: 28,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
Fit: Regular

The 4th of 5 Burton offerings on this list, the Gore-Tex Powline provides all the functionality, waterproofing and breathability you're ever likely to need in a snowboard jacket - and all for a reasonable price - well under the average price for this list and only 3 jackets on this list are cheaper.

Score Breakdown for the Gore-Tex Powline

	RATING (out of 5)	SCORE WEIGHTING
WATERPROOFING	5.0	30/30
SEAM SEALING	5.0	20/20
BREATHABILITY	4.5	22.5/25
POWDER SKIRT	5.0	5/5
VENTING	5.0	5/5
HOOD	5.0	5/5
JACKET TO PANTS CONNECTIONS	5.0	5/5
POCKETS	5.0	5/5

TOTAL after normalizing	97.5/100

BEST SNOWBOARD JACKET #2

Jacket: DC Command

Price: See links at the bottom of this page for current pricing

Score: 99/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproof Rating: 45,000mm
Breathability: 30,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
Fit: Regular

In at #2, we have DC's Command Jacket.

No those waterproofing and breathability numbers aren't a typo. This is what DC claims them to be. I have no way of verifying that, but if it's true then this is one of the most waterproof and breathable jackets going around.

It’s also a good bit cheaper than the average price of all the jackets that I looked at.

Score Breakdown for the DC Command

	RATING (out of 5)	SCORE WEIGHTING
WATERPROOFING	5.0	30/30
SEAM SEALING	5.0	20/20
BREATHABILITY	5.0	25/25
POWDER SKIRT	4.0	4/5
VENTING	5.0	5/5
HOOD	5.0	5/5
JACKET TO PANTS CONNECTIONS	5.0	5/5
POCKETS	5.0	5/5

TOTAL after normalizing	99/100

BEST SNOWBOARD JACKET #1

$Burton GORE-TEX 3L Treeline 2023$

Jacket: Burton Gore-Tex 3L Treeline

Price: See links at the bottom of this page for current pricing

Score: 100/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproof Rating: 28,000mm
Breathability: 25,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
Fit: Regular

And finally, the #1 jacket on this list.

The Burton Gore-Tex 3L Treeline is new for 2022 and is the only 3 layer Gore-Tex jackets on this list!

The main reason for this is that typically 3L jackets come in at a price outside the $500 limit for this list - and outside most people's budget. But the Treeline, for a 3L is much more reasonably priced. In fact it's the cheapest 3L Gore-Tex that I've seen this year (from all the brands that I look at).

So, if you're looking to try to get the extra waterproofing and breathability from 3L, but don't want to spend $500+, then the Treeline is definitely worth looking at.

Score Breakdown for the Gore-Tex 3L Treeline

	RATING (out of 5)	SCORE WEIGHTING
WATERPROOFING	5.0	30/30
SEAM SEALING	5.0	20/20
BREATHABILITY	5.0	25/25
POWDER SKIRT	5.0	5/5
VENTING	5.0	5/5
HOOD	5.0	5/5
JACKET TO PANTS CONNECTIONS	5.0	5/5
POCKETS	5.0	5/5

TOTAL after normalizing	100/100

2021-22

Of 43 non-insulated jackets rated:

The average score was 89.6/100
The highest score was 100/100 (see below)
The lowest score was 61.0/100
The average price was $394

BEST SNOWBOARD JACKET #20

$Dakine Barrier GORE-TEX 2L$

Jacket: Dakine Barrier 2L Gore-Tex

Score: 91.5/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproof Rating: 28,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
Fit: Standard

Starting off the list at #20 is the Dakine Barrier 2L Gore-Tex.

The Barrier offers great waterproofing and breathability, courtesy of its Gore-Tex fabric - and otherwise has most of the functionality you want from a snowboarding jacket.

Score Breakdown for the Dakine Barrier

	RATING (out of 5)	SCORE WEIGHTING
WATERPROOFING	5.0	30/30
SEAM SEALING	5.0	20/20
BREATHABILITY	4.5	22.5/25
POWDER SKIRT	4.0	4/5
VENTING	5.0	5/5
HOOD	5.0	5/5
JACKET TO PANTS CONNECTIONS	0.0	0/5
POCKETS	5.0	5/5

TOTAL after normalizing	91.5/100

BEST SNOWBOARD JACKET #19

$Armada Haydon 3L GORE-TEX$

Jacket: Armada Haydon 3L Gore-Tex

Score: 93/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproof Rating: 28,000mm
Breathability: 25,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
Fit: Regular

The Armada Haydon is one of 3 3L jackets in this list. Most 3L jackets fall outside the price maximum I set for this, but the Hardon just sneaks under it, offering the superior waterproofing and breathability that 3L Gore-Tex provides.

Score Breakdown for the Haydon 3L Gore-Tex

	RATING (out of 5)	SCORE WEIGHTING
WATERPROOFING	5.0	30/30
SEAM SEALING	5.0	20/20
BREATHABILITY	5.0	25/25
POWDER SKIRT	4.0	4/5
VENTING	5.0	5/5
HOOD	5.0	5/5
JACKET TO PANTS CONNECTIONS	0.0	0/5
POCKETS	4.0	4/5

TOTAL after normalizing	93.0/100

BEST SNOWBOARD JACKET #18

$Dakine Stoker GORE-TEX 3L$

Jacket: Dakine Stoker Gore-Tex 3L

Score: 94/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproof Rating: 28,000mm
Breathability: 25,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
Fit: Regular

Next up we have another Dakine offering - the Dakine Stoker 3L Gore-Tex.

Speaking of 3L jackets that sneak under the price limit - the Stoker is the 2nd of those.

Score Breakdown for the Dakine Stoker 3L Gore-Tex

	RATING (out of 5)	SCORE WEIGHTING
WATERPROOFING	5.0	30/30
SEAM SEALING	5.0	20/20
BREATHABILITY	5.0	25/25
POWDER SKIRT	4.0	4/5
VENTING	5.0	5/5
HOOD	5.0	5/5
JACKET TO PANTS CONNECTIONS	0.0	0/5
POCKETS	5.0	5/5

TOTAL after normalizing	94/100

BEST SNOWBOARD JACKET #17

$VOLCOM STONE GORE-TEX (2L)$

Jacket: Volcom Stone Gore-Tex

Score: 95.5/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproof Rating: 28,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
Fit: Standard (relaxed but not loose)

The Volcom Stone is Volcom's first of 5 offerings on this list.

It's got all the benefits of Gore-Tex and a lot of functionality. Not the cheapest on this list, but it's not much over the average price.

Score Breakdown for the Volcom Stone

	RATING (out of 5)	SCORE WEIGHTING
WATERPROOFING	5.0	30/30
SEAM SEALING	5.0	20/20
BREATHABILITY	4.5	22.5/25
POWDER SKIRT	4.0	4/5
VENTING	5.0	5/5
HOOD	5.0	5/5
JACKET TO PANTS CONNECTIONS	5.0	5/5
POCKETS	4.0	4/5

TOTAL after normalizing	95.5/100

BEST SNOWBOARD JACKET #16

$Volcom Ten Gore-Tex$

Jacket: Volcom Ten Gore-Tex

Score: 95.5/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproof Rating: 28,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
Fit: Regular

The 2nd Volcom option, the Ten, also has great waterproofing, breathability and functionality, but comes in at a good price drop from the Stone.

Score Breakdown for Ten

	RATING (out of 5)	SCORE WEIGHTING
WATERPROOFING	5.0	30/30
SEAM SEALING	5.0	20/20
BREATHABILITY	4.5	22.5/25
POWDER SKIRT	4.0	4/5
VENTING	5.0	5/5
HOOD	5.0	5/5
JACKET TO PANTS CONNECTIONS	5.0	5/5
POCKETS	4.0	4/5

TOTAL after normalizing	95.5/100

BEST SNOWBOARD JACKET #15

$VOLCOM BL STRETCH GORE-TEX$

Jacket: Volcom BL Stretch Gore-Tex

Score: 96.5/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproof Rating: 28,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
Fit: Standard (relaxed but not loose)

Volcom's BL Stretch 2 Layer Gore-Tex, offers all the advantages of Gore-Tex (great waterproofing and breathability) in a stretchy flexible material that allows more freedom of movement in a more fitting fit.

Score Breakdown for the Volcom BL Stretch

	RATING (out of 5)	SCORE WEIGHTING
WATERPROOFING	5.0	30/30
SEAM SEALING	5.0	20/20
BREATHABILITY	4.5	22.5/25
POWDER SKIRT	4.0	4/5
VENTING	5.0	5/5
HOOD	5.0	5/5
JACKET TO PANTS CONNECTIONS	5.0	5/5
POCKETS	5.0	5/5

TOTAL after normalizing	96.5/100

BEST SNOWBOARD JACKET #14

$686 GLCR Gore-Tex HYDRASTASH Sync 2L$

Jacket: 686 Hydrastash Sync Gore-Tex

Score: 96.5/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproof Rating: 28,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
Fit: Articulated

One of three 686 Jackets on this list, the Hydrastash Sync comes in at #14.

Score Breakdown for the Hydrastash Sync

	RATING (out of 5)	SCORE WEIGHTING
WATERPROOFING	5.0	30/30
SEAM SEALING	5.0	20/20
BREATHABILITY	4.5	22.5/25
POWDER SKIRT	4.0	4/5
VENTING	5.0	5/5
HOOD	5.0	5/5
JACKET TO PANTS CONNECTIONS	5.0	5/5
POCKETS	5.0	5/5

TOTAL after normalizing	96.5/100

BEST SNOWBOARD JACKET #13

$PATAGONIA POWDER BOWL Gore-Tex 2L$

Jacket: Patagonia Powder Bowl Gore-Tex

Score: 96.5/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproof Rating: 28,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: Fully Taped

The Powder Bowl is the only Patagonia jacket to make this list. Though, there would be others, if I didn’t put a $500 max in place.

One difference that makes this jacket more affordable than some of Patagonia’s other options is that it’s heavier than their other shells (941g [33.6oz]) and has a slightly lower breathability rating – but the significant difference in price might make this the Patagonia option for most.

Score Breakdown for the Patagonia Powder Bowl

	RATING (out of 5)	SCORE WEIGHTING
WATERPROOFING	5.0	30/30
SEAM SEALING	5.0	20/20
BREATHABILITY	4.5	22.5/25
POWDER SKIRT	4.0	4/5
VENTING	5.0	5/5
HOOD	5.0	5/5
JACKET TO PANTS CONNECTIONS	5.0	5/5
POCKETS	5.0	5/5

TOTAL after normalizing	96.5/100

BEST SNOWBOARD JACKET #12

$QUIKSILVER BLACK ALDER 2L GORE-TEX$

Jacket: Quiksilver Black Alder 2L Gore-Tex

Score: 96.5/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproof Rating: 28,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
Fit: Modern Fit (slimmer)

The Black Alder 2L, 1 of 4 Quiksilver Jackets in this list, is a mid-priced Gore-Tex offering from Quiksilver and features all the performance you would expect from Gore-Tex and all the functionality you would want from a snowboarding jacket.

It has a more modern, slimmer fit for those looking for something not too baggy.

Score Breakdown for the Quiksilver Black Alder

	RATING (out of 5)	SCORE WEIGHTING
WATERPROOFING	5.0	30/30
SEAM SEALING	5.0	20/20
BREATHABILITY	4.5	22.5/25
POWDER SKIRT	4.0	4/5
VENTING	5.0	5/5
HOOD	5.0	5/5
JACKET TO PANTS CONNECTIONS	5.0	5/5
POCKETS	5.0	5/5

TOTAL after normalizing	96.5/100

BEST SNOWBOARD JACKET #11

$Volcom Longo Gore-Tex$

Jacket: Volcom Longo Gore-Tex

Score: 96.5/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproof Rating: 28,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
Fit: Regular

The Volcom Longo comes with all the benefits of Gore-Tex (like most on this list!) and great functionality at a mid-range price.

Score Breakdown for the Longo Gore-tex

	RATING (out of 5)	SCORE WEIGHTING
WATERPROOFING	5.0	30/30
SEAM SEALING	5.0	20/20
BREATHABILITY	4.5	22.5/25
POWDER SKIRT	5.0	5/5
VENTING	5.0	5/5
HOOD	5.0	5/5
JACKET TO PANTS CONNECTIONS	5.0	5/5
POCKETS	4.0	4/5

TOTAL after normalizing	96.5/100

BEST SNOWBOARD JACKET #10

$Quiksilver Forever 2L Gore-Tex Snowboard Jacket$

Jacket: Quiksilver Forever 2L Gore-Tex

Score: 96.5/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproof Rating: 28,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
Fit: Modern Fit (slimmer)

The Forever 2L has all the waterproofing and breathability that most will ever need – and for a really reasonable price for Gore-Tex – and less than the average price of jackets I rated for this list.

I liked this jacket so much I bought it! (the 2019 model).

Score Breakdown for the Quiksilver Forever

	RATING (out of 5)	SCORE WEIGHTING
WATERPROOFING	5.0	30/30
SEAM SEALING	5.0	20/20
BREATHABILITY	4.5	22.5/25
POWDER SKIRT	4.0	4/5
VENTING	5.0	5/5
HOOD	5.0	5/5
JACKET TO PANTS CONNECTIONS	5.0	5/5
POCKETS	5.0	5/5

TOTAL after normalizing	96.5/100

BEST SNOWBOARD JACKET #9

$Quiksilver Dominate Gore-Tex$

Jacket: Quiksilver Dominate Gore-Tex

Score: 96.5/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproof Rating: 28,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
Fit: Regular

The 3rd of the 4 Quiksilver options in this list, the Dominate is new for 2022.

It shares most of the features of the Forever and at the same price - so the biggest decision really is which style you prefer.

Score Breakdown for the Dominate

	RATING (out of 5)	SCORE WEIGHTING
WATERPROOFING	5.0	30/30
SEAM SEALING	5.0	20/20
BREATHABILITY	4.5	22.5/25
POWDER SKIRT	4.0	4/5
VENTING	5.0	5/5
HOOD	5.0	5/5
JACKET TO PANTS CONNECTIONS	5.0	5/5
POCKETS	5.0	5/5

TOTAL after normalizing	96.5/100

BEST SNOWBOARD JACKET #8

$Quiksilver Mission 2L Gore-Tex$

Jacket: Quiksilver Mission 2L Gore-Tex

Score: 96.5/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproof Rating: 28,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
Fit: Modern

Quiksilver's Mission jackets come in a few varieties. This is the gore-tex version. Whilst it's more costly than the other Mission options, it also offers a lot more in terms of waterproofing and breathability, so well worth the extra, if that's important to you.

And as far as price for Gore-Tex jackets go, this is one of the lowest priced going around - and a good bit less than the average price on this list.

Score Breakdown for the Mission 2L Gore-Tex

	RATING (out of 5)	SCORE WEIGHTING
WATERPROOFING	5.0	30/30
SEAM SEALING	5.0	20/20
BREATHABILITY	4.5	22.5/25
POWDER SKIRT	4.0	4/5
VENTING	5.0	5/5
HOOD	5.0	5/5
JACKET TO PANTS CONNECTIONS	5.0	5/5
POCKETS	5.0	5/5

TOTAL after normalizing	96.5/100

BEST SNOWBOARD JACKET #7

$VOLCOM L GORE-TEX$

Jacket: Volcom L Gore-Tex

Score: 96.5/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproof Rating: 28,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
Fit: Standard Fit (relaxed but not loose)

The last of 5 Volcom jackets in this list, the Volcom L, is the 2nd cheapest Gore-Tex offering in this entire list, coming in priced just lower than the Mission Gore-Tex above at #8 and just higher than the 686 Core Gore Tex below at #6 (and also 2nd cheapest overall for this list).

And not only does it provide the performance of Gore-Tex, it also has great functionality for use as a snowboarding jacket - all without doing too much damage to the bank account.

Score Breakdown for the Volcom L

	RATING (out of 5)	SCORE WEIGHTING
WATERPROOFING	5.0	30/30
SEAM SEALING	5.0	20/20
BREATHABILITY	4.5	22.5/25
POWDER SKIRT	4.0	4/5
VENTING	5.0	5/5
HOOD	5.0	5/5
JACKET TO PANTS CONNECTIONS	5.0	5/5
POCKETS	5.0	5/5

TOTAL after normalizing	96.5/100

BEST SNOWBOARD JACKET #6

$686 GLCR Gore Tex Core 2L$

Jacket: 686 Core Gore-Tex

Score: 96.5/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproof Rating: 28,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
Fit: Regular

The 686 Core Gore-Tex jacket is one of the cheaper Gore-Tex jackets going around. It's the cheapest jacket on this list and didn't see a cheaper Gore-Tex option this year.

So, if you're looking to get the benefits of a highly waterproof and breathable shell, but don't have the funds for the majority of them, this is worth looking at.

Score Breakdown for the Core Gore-Tex

	RATING (out of 5)	SCORE WEIGHTING
WATERPROOFING	5.0	30/30
SEAM SEALING	5.0	20/20
BREATHABILITY	4.5	22.5/25
POWDER SKIRT	4.0	4/5
VENTING	5.0	5/5
HOOD	5.0	5/5
JACKET TO PANTS CONNECTIONS	5.0	5/5
POCKETS	5.0	5/5

TOTAL after normalizing	96.5/100

BEST SNOWBOARD JACKET #5

$Burton AK Cyclic Gore-Tex (2L)$

Jacket: Burton AK Cyclic Gore-Tex

Score: 97.5/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproof Rating: 28,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
Fit: Regular

The 1st of 3 Burton jackets on this list, the AK Cyclic is Burton's mid-priced Gore-Tex shell option. Just above the average price for this list, but not by much.

It features, as you'd expect, great waterproofing and breathability and also has great functionality for snowboarding.

Score Breakdown for the Burton AK Cyclic

	RATING (out of 5)	SCORE WEIGHTING
WATERPROOFING	5.0	30/30
SEAM SEALING	5.0	20/20
BREATHABILITY	4.5	22.5/25
POWDER SKIRT	5.0	5/5
VENTING	5.0	5/5
HOOD	5.0	5/5
JACKET TO PANTS CONNECTIONS	5.0	5/5
POCKETS	5.0	5/5

TOTAL after normalizing	97.5/100

BEST SNOWBOARD JACKET #4

$686 GLCR Gore-Tex GT 2L$

Jacket: 686 Gore-Tex GT

Score: 97.5/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproof Rating: 28,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
Fit: Articulated

The 686 Gore-Tex GT is 686’s 3rd and final jacket to make this list. The Gore-Tex GT comes in at a really reasonable price for Gore-Tex and under the average price for this list. It also has a loose, articulated fit, for lots of freedom of movement.

Score Breakdown for the 686 Gore-Tex GT

	RATING (out of 5)	SCORE WEIGHTING
WATERPROOFING	5.0	30/30
SEAM SEALING	5.0	20/20
BREATHABILITY	4.5	22.5/25
POWDER SKIRT	5.0	5/5
VENTING	5.0	5/5
HOOD	5.0	5/5
JACKET TO PANTS CONNECTIONS	5.0	5/5
POCKETS	5.0	5/5

TOTAL after normalizing	97.5/100

BEST SNOWBOARD JACKET #3

$Burton GORE-TEX Powline$

Jacket: Burton Gore-Tex Powline

Score: 97.5/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproof Rating: 28,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
Fit: Regular

The 2nd of 3 Burton offerings on this list, the Gore-Tex Powline is new for 2022.

It provides all the functionality, waterproofing and breathability you're ever likely to need in a snowboard jacket - and all for a reasonable price - well under the average price for this list.

Score Breakdown for the Gore-Tex Powline

	RATING (out of 5)	SCORE WEIGHTING
WATERPROOFING	5.0	30/30
SEAM SEALING	5.0	20/20
BREATHABILITY	4.5	22.5/25
POWDER SKIRT	5.0	5/5
VENTING	5.0	5/5
HOOD	5.0	5/5
JACKET TO PANTS CONNECTIONS	5.0	5/5
POCKETS	5.0	5/5

TOTAL after normalizing	97.5/100

BEST SNOWBOARD JACKET #2

Jacket: DC Command

Score: 99/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproof Rating: 30,000mm
Breathability: 25,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
Fit: Regular

In at #2, we have DC's Command Jacket.

It’s a good bit cheaper than the average price of all the jackets that I looked at, and yes, this jacket isn’t Gore-Tex either! So, if you’re looking for the tried and trusted of Gore-Tex, then this may not be an option – but if you’re willing to take a chance on it, it will save you a few bucks (versus most but not all Gore-Tex jackets on this list), and if it lives up to its billing, then you’ll pick up a super-performer at a super-price.

Score Breakdown for the DC Command

	RATING (out of 5)	SCORE WEIGHTING
WATERPROOFING	5.0	30/30
SEAM SEALING	5.0	20/20
BREATHABILITY	5.0	25/25
POWDER SKIRT	4.0	4/5
VENTING	5.0	5/5
HOOD	5.0	5/5
JACKET TO PANTS CONNECTIONS	5.0	5/5
POCKETS	5.0	5/5

TOTAL after normalizing	99/100

BEST SNOWBOARD JACKET #1

$Burton Gore-Tex 3L Treeline$

Jacket: Burton Gore-Tex 3L Treeline

Score: 100/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproof Rating: 28,000mm
Breathability: 25,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
Fit: Regular

And finally, the #1 jacket on this list.

The Burton Gore-Tex 3L Treeline is new for 2022 and is only 1 of 3 3 layer Gore-Tex jackets on this list.

Typically 3L jackets come in at a price outside the $500 limit for this list - and outside most people's budget. But the Treeline, for a 3L is much more reasonably priced. In fact it's the cheapest 3L Gore-Tex on this list and that I've seen (from all the brands that I look at).

So, if you're looking to try to get the extra waterproofing and breathability from 3L, but don't want to spend $500+, then this the Treeline is definitely worth looking at.

Score Breakdown for the Gore-Tex 3L Treeline

	RATING (out of 5)	SCORE WEIGHTING
WATERPROOFING	5.0	30/30
SEAM SEALING	5.0	20/20
BREATHABILITY	5.0	25/25
POWDER SKIRT	5.0	5/5
VENTING	5.0	5/5
HOOD	5.0	5/5
JACKET TO PANTS CONNECTIONS	5.0	5/5
POCKETS	5.0	5/5

TOTAL after normalizing	100/100

2020-21

This list is for non-insulated jackets only, though some jackets in this list might have a lining but no insulation in that lining. There is a separate list for insulated jackets.

Prices have not been taken into account except where scores are equal the lowest price gets the better spot. Also any jacket over $500 has not been considered for this list.

Compared to other Snowboard Jackets

Below are the stats for all of the snowboard jackets that I researched so you can see how the top 20 here compare. Of 52 non-insulated jackets rated:

The average score was 88.8/100
The highest score was 100/100 (see below)
The lowest score was 49.0/100
The average price was $395

Note: that this list is based on specs only and not by personal experience with these jackets. So this is only going by taking the given specs at their face-value. Style, fit durability and weight haven’t been taken into account.

O.k. let’s get into the top 20

BEST SNOWBOARD JACKET #20

$Dakine Smyth Pure 2L GORE-TEX Jacket 2021$

Jacket: Dakine Smyth Pure 2L Gore-Tex

Price: $299

Score: 91.5/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproof Rating: 28,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
Fit: Standard

The Dakine Smyth 2L is the cheapest of Dakine’s Gore-Tex jackets. And it’s really reasonably priced – a good bit less than the average price of all the jackets I looked at for this list – and well less than the average for a gore-tex jacket.

Score Breakdown for the Dakine Smyth

	RATING (out of 5)	SCORE WEIGHTING
WATERPROOFING	5.0	30/30
SEAM SEALING	5.0	20/20
BREATHABILITY	4.5	22.5/25
POWDER SKIRT	4.0	4/5
VENTING	5.0	5/5
HOOD	5.0	5/5
JACKET TO PANTS CONNECTIONS	0.0	0/5
POCKETS	5.0	5/5

TOTAL after normalizing	91.5/100

BEST SNOWBOARD JACKET #19

$Dakine Sawtooth GORE-TEX 3L Jacket 2021$

Jacket: Dakine Sawtooth 3L Gore-Tex

Price: $449

Score: 94/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproof Rating: 28,000mm
Breathability: 25,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
Fit: Tailored

Next up we have another Dakine offering - the Dakine Sawtooth 3L Gore-Tex.

This is the only 3 layer gore-tex jacket to make this list - 3L options typically cost more than $500 (which was the upper limit I set for this list), but this one was one of the only options to sneak in under that limit.

It's the 2nd of the Dakine options on this list. It boasts a 3 layer gore-tex construction for superior waterproofing and great breathability.

Score Breakdown for the Dakine Sawtooth 3L Gore-Tex

	RATING (out of 5)	SCORE WEIGHTING
WATERPROOFING	5.0	30/30
SEAM SEALING	5.0	20/20
BREATHABILITY	5.0	25/25
POWDER SKIRT	4.0	4/5
VENTING	5.0	5/5
HOOD	5.0	5/5
JACKET TO PANTS CONNECTIONS	0.0	0/5
POCKETS	5.0	5/5

TOTAL after normalizing	94/100

BEST SNOWBOARD JACKET #18

Jacket: Thirty Two TM

Price: $269

Score: 94.5/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproof Rating: 20,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
Fit: Regular

The Thirty Two TM snowboard jacket is one of only 4 in this list that isn't gore-tex. But that's not necessarily a bad thing in this case, with the TM boasting great waterproofing and breathability.

That plus all the functionality you need from a snowboard jacket, makes this a very appealing option, particularly if you're on a budget but still want really good waterproofing/breathability - it's the second lowest priced jacket on this list.

Score Breakdown for the TM

	RATING (out of 5)	SCORE WEIGHTING
WATERPROOFING	4.5	27/30
SEAM SEALING	5.0	20/20
BREATHABILITY	4.5	22.5/25
POWDER SKIRT	5.0	5/5
VENTING	5.0	5/5
HOOD	5.0	5/5
JACKET TO PANTS CONNECTIONS	5.0	5/5
POCKETS	5.0	5/5

TOTAL after normalizing	94.5/100

BEST SNOWBOARD JACKET #17

$Volcom Stone Gore-Tex Snowboard Jacket 2021$

Jacket: Volcom Stone Gore-Tex

Price: $420

Score: 95.5/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproof Rating: 28,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
Fit: Standard (relaxed but not loose)

The Volcom Stone is Volcom's first of 4 offerings on this list. It's is a small step down in terms of price vs the BL Stretch (see #15 below), but also has great performance and functionality.

Score Breakdown for the Volcom Stone

	RATING (out of 5)	SCORE WEIGHTING
WATERPROOFING	5.0	30/30
SEAM SEALING	5.0	20/20
BREATHABILITY	4.5	22.5/25
POWDER SKIRT	4.0	4/5
VENTING	5.0	5/5
HOOD	5.0	5/5
JACKET TO PANTS CONNECTIONS	5.0	5/5
POCKETS	4.0	4/5

TOTAL after normalizing	95.5/100

BEST SNOWBOARD JACKET #16

$Volcom L Gore-Tex Snowboard Jacket 2021$

Jacket: Volcom L Gore-Tex

Price: $270

Score: 95.5/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproof Rating: 28,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
Fit: Standard Fit (relaxed but not loose)

The second of 4 Volcom jackets in this list, the Volcom L, is the 2nd cheapest Gore-Tex offering in this entire list (and 3rd cheapest overall for this list).

And not only does it provide the performance of Gore-Tex, it also has great functionality for use as a snowboarding jacket - all without doing too much damage to the bank account.

Score Breakdown for the Volcom L

	RATING (out of 5)	SCORE WEIGHTING
WATERPROOFING	5.0	30/30
SEAM SEALING	5.0	20/20
BREATHABILITY	4.5	22.5/25
POWDER SKIRT	4.0	4/5
VENTING	5.0	5/5
HOOD	5.0	5/5
JACKET TO PANTS CONNECTIONS	5.0	5/5
POCKETS	4.0	4/5

TOTAL after normalizing	95.5/100

BEST SNOWBOARD JACKET #15

$Volcom BL Stretch Gore-Tex Snowboard Jacket 2021$

Jacket: Volcom BL Stretch Gore-Tex

Price: $440

Score: 96.5/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproof Rating: 28,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
Fit: Standard (relaxed but not loose)

Score Breakdown for the Volcom BL Stretch

	RATING (out of 5)	SCORE WEIGHTING
WATERPROOFING	5.0	30/30
SEAM SEALING	5.0	20/20
BREATHABILITY	4.5	22.5/25
POWDER SKIRT	4.0	4/5
VENTING	5.0	5/5
HOOD	5.0	5/5
JACKET TO PANTS CONNECTIONS	5.0	5/5
POCKETS	5.0	5/5

TOTAL after normalizing	96.5/100

BEST SNOWBOARD JACKET #14

$686 Hydrastash Sync Gore-Tex Snowboard Jacket 2021$

Jacket: 686 Hydrastash Sync Gore-Tex

Price: $439

Score: 96.5/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproof Rating: 28,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
Fit: Articulated

One of three 686 Jackets on this list, the Hydrastash Sync was new for 2020 and now also has a 2021 model.

Score Breakdown for the Hydrastash Sync

	RATING (out of 5)	SCORE WEIGHTING
WATERPROOFING	5.0	30/30
SEAM SEALING	5.0	20/20
BREATHABILITY	4.5	22.5/25
POWDER SKIRT	4.0	4/5
VENTING	5.0	5/5
HOOD	5.0	5/5
JACKET TO PANTS CONNECTIONS	5.0	5/5
POCKETS	5.0	5/5

TOTAL after normalizing	96.5/100

BEST SNOWBOARD JACKET #13

Jacket: Patagonia Powder Bowl Gore-Tex

Price: $399

Score: 96.5/100
Insulation: Shell with lining
Waterproof Rating: 28,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: Fully Taped

The Powder Bowl is the only Patagonia jacket to make this list. Though, there would be a few others, if I didn’t put a $500 max in place.

One of the reason’s that the Powder bowl is a little heavier is that it has a liner. No insulation but a liner – so it will be a little warmer than most in this list – but only by a little bit.

Score Breakdown for the Patagonia Powder Bowl

	RATING (out of 5)	SCORE WEIGHTING
WATERPROOFING	5.0	30/30
SEAM SEALING	5.0	20/20
BREATHABILITY	4.5	22.5/25
POWDER SKIRT	4.0	4/5
VENTING	5.0	5/5
HOOD	5.0	5/5
JACKET TO PANTS CONNECTIONS	5.0	5/5
POCKETS	5.0	5/5

TOTAL after normalizing	96.5/100

BEST SNOWBOARD JACKET #12

$Quiksilver Black Alder GORE-TEX 2L Jacket 2021$

Jacket: Quiksilver Black Alder 2L Gore-Tex

Price: $399

Score: 96.5/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproof Rating: 28,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
Fit: Modern Fit (slimmer)

The Black Alder 2L, 1 of 3 Quiksilver Jackets in this list, is the mid-priced Gore-Tex offering from Quiksilver and features all the performance you would expect from Gore-Tex and all the functionality you would want from a snowboarding jacket.

It has a more modern, slimmer fit for those looking for something not too baggy.

Score Breakdown for the Quiksilver Black Alder

	RATING (out of 5)	SCORE WEIGHTING
WATERPROOFING	5.0	30/30
SEAM SEALING	5.0	20/20
BREATHABILITY	4.5	22.5/25
POWDER SKIRT	4.0	4/5
VENTING	5.0	5/5
HOOD	5.0	5/5
JACKET TO PANTS CONNECTIONS	5.0	5/5
POCKETS	5.0	5/5

TOTAL after normalizing	96.5/100

BEST SNOWBOARD JACKET #11

$Volcom Longo Gore-Tex Snowboard Jacket 2021$

Jacket: Volcom Longo Gore-Tex

Price: $350

Score: 96.5/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproof Rating: 28,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
Fit: Regular

New for 2021, the Volcom Longo comes with all the benefits of gore-tex and great functionality at a mid-range price.

Score Breakdown for the Longo Gore-tex

	RATING (out of 5)	SCORE WEIGHTING
WATERPROOFING	5.0	30/30
SEAM SEALING	5.0	20/20
BREATHABILITY	4.5	22.5/25
POWDER SKIRT	5.0	5/5
VENTING	5.0	5/5
HOOD	5.0	5/5
JACKET TO PANTS CONNECTIONS	5.0	5/5
POCKETS	4.0	4/5

TOTAL after normalizing	96.5/100

BEST SNOWBOARD JACKET #10

$Quiksilver Forever 2L Gore-Tex Snowboard Jacket 2021$

Jacket: Quiksilver Forever 2L Gore-Tex

Price: $349

Score: 96.5/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproof Rating: 28,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
Fit: Modern Fit (slimmer)

I liked this jacket so much I bought it! (the 2019 model) Not only does it provide great value for the performance, but I also really liked the style of it.

Score Breakdown for the Quiksilver Forever

	RATING (out of 5)	SCORE WEIGHTING
WATERPROOFING	5.0	30/30
SEAM SEALING	5.0	20/20
BREATHABILITY	4.5	22.5/25
POWDER SKIRT	4.0	4/5
VENTING	5.0	5/5
HOOD	5.0	5/5
JACKET TO PANTS CONNECTIONS	5.0	5/5
POCKETS	5.0	5/5

TOTAL after normalizing	96.5/100

BEST SNOWBOARD JACKET #9

$Quiksilver Mission 2L Gore-Tex Snowboard Jacket 2021$

Jacket: Quiksilver Mission 2L Gore-Tex

Price: $289

Score: 96.5/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproof Rating: 28,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
Fit: Modern

And as far as price for gore-tex jackets go, this is one of the lowest priced going around - and a good bit less than the average price on this list.

Score Breakdown for the Mission 2L Gore-Tex

	RATING (out of 5)	SCORE WEIGHTING
WATERPROOFING	5.0	30/30
SEAM SEALING	5.0	20/20
BREATHABILITY	4.5	22.5/25
POWDER SKIRT	4.0	4/5
VENTING	5.0	5/5
HOOD	5.0	5/5
JACKET TO PANTS CONNECTIONS	5.0	5/5
POCKETS	5.0	5/5

TOTAL after normalizing	96.5/100

BEST SNOWBOARD JACKET #8

$686 Core Gore-Tex Snowboard Jacket 2021$

Jacket: 686 Core Gore-Tex

Price: $279

Score: 96.5/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproof Rating: 28,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
Fit: Regular

The 686 Core Gore-Tex jacket is new for 2021 and is one of the cheaper gore-tex jackets going around. It's the third cheapest gore-tex jacket on this list and the 4th lowest price.

So, if you're looking to get the benefits of a highly waterproof and breathable shell, but don't have the funds for the majority of them, this is worth looking at.

Score Breakdown for the Core Gore-Tex

	RATING (out of 5)	SCORE WEIGHTING
WATERPROOFING	5.0	30/30
SEAM SEALING	5.0	20/20
BREATHABILITY	4.5	22.5/25
POWDER SKIRT	4.0	4/5
VENTING	5.0	5/5
HOOD	5.0	5/5
JACKET TO PANTS CONNECTIONS	5.0	5/5
POCKETS	5.0	5/5

TOTAL after normalizing	96.5/100

BEST SNOWBOARD JACKET #7

$Burton AK Cyclic Gore-Tex Snowboard Jacket 2021$

Jacket: Burton AK Cyclic Gore-Tex

Price: $399

Score: 97.5/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproof Rating: 28,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
Fit: Regular

The 1st of 3 Burton jackets on this list, the AK Cyclic is Burton's mid-priced gore-tex shell option. Pretty much at the average price for this list, but not by much.

It also has great functionality for snowboarding.

Score Breakdown for the Burton AK Cyclic

	RATING (out of 5)	SCORE WEIGHTING
WATERPROOFING	5.0	30/30
SEAM SEALING	5.0	20/20
BREATHABILITY	4.5	22.5/25
POWDER SKIRT	5.0	5/5
VENTING	5.0	5/5
HOOD	5.0	5/5
JACKET TO PANTS CONNECTIONS	5.0	5/5
POCKETS	5.0	5/5

TOTAL after normalizing	97.5/100

BEST SNOWBOARD JACKET #6

$Burton Vagabond Gore-Tex Snowboard Jacket 2021$

Jacket: Burton Vagabond

Price: $349

Score: 97.5/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproof Rating: 28,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
Fit: Regular

The 2nd of the 3 Burton options in this list, the Vagabond comes in a little cheaper than the Cyclic, but offers the same great performance and functionality.

Score Breakdown for the Vagabond

	RATING (out of 5)	SCORE WEIGHTING
WATERPROOFING	5.0	30/30
SEAM SEALING	5.0	20/20
BREATHABILITY	4.5	22.5/25
POWDER SKIRT	5.0	5/5
VENTING	5.0	5/5
HOOD	5.0	5/5
JACKET TO PANTS CONNECTIONS	5.0	5/5
POCKETS	5.0	5/5

TOTAL after normalizing	97.5/100

BEST SNOWBOARD JACKET #5

$686 GT Gore-Tex Snowboard Jacket 2021$

Jacket: 686 Gore-Tex GT

Price: $349

Score: 97.5/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproof Rating: 28,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
Fit: Articulated

Score Breakdown for the 686 Gore-Tex GT

	RATING (out of 5)	SCORE WEIGHTING
WATERPROOFING	5.0	30/30
SEAM SEALING	5.0	20/20
BREATHABILITY	4.5	22.5/25
POWDER SKIRT	5.0	5/5
VENTING	5.0	5/5
HOOD	5.0	5/5
JACKET TO PANTS CONNECTIONS	5.0	5/5
POCKETS	5.0	5/5

TOTAL after normalizing	97.5/100

BEST SNOWBOARD JACKET #4

Jacket: Thirty Two TM3

Price: $309

Score: 97.5/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproof Rating: 30,000mm
Breathability: 30,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
Fit: Regular

New for 2021, replacing last years Mullair, the TM3 (not to be confused with the boots of the same name!) are 1 of just 4 non-gore-tex options on this list, but boast really good performance and at a price that your bank account might just be able to stomach.

Score Breakdown for TM3

	RATING (out of 5)	SCORE WEIGHTING
WATERPROOFING	5.0	30/30
SEAM SEALING	5.0	20/20
BREATHABILITY	4.5	22.5/25
POWDER SKIRT	5.0	5/5
VENTING	5.0	5/5
HOOD	5.0	5/5
JACKET TO PANTS CONNECTIONS	5.0	5/5
POCKETS	5.0	5/5

TOTAL after normalizing	97.5/100

BEST SNOWBOARD JACKET #3

$Burton Doppler Gore-Tex Snowboard Jacket 2021$

Jacket: Burton Doppler

Price: $259

Score: 97.5/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproof Rating: 28,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
Fit: Regular

The final Burton offering on this list, the Doppler is the cheapest Gore-Tex snowboarding jacket I've seen full stop. So, if you're sold on gore-tex, but don't have a massive budget, then this is an option well worth checking out. It's the cheapest gore-tex option and the cheapest overall on this list too.

Score Breakdown for the Doppler Gore-Tex

	RATING (out of 5)	SCORE WEIGHTING
WATERPROOFING	5.0	30/30
SEAM SEALING	5.0	20/20
BREATHABILITY	4.5	22.5/25
POWDER SKIRT	5.0	5/5
VENTING	5.0	5/5
HOOD	5.0	5/5
JACKET TO PANTS CONNECTIONS	5.0	5/5
POCKETS	5.0	5/5

TOTAL after normalizing	97.5/100

BEST SNOWBOARD JACKET #2

Jacket: DC Command

Price: $299

Score: 99/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproof Rating: 30,000mm
Breathability: 25,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
Fit: Regular

In at #2, we have DC's Command Jacket.

It’s a good bit cheaper than the average price of all the jackets that I looked at, and yes, this jacket isn’t Gore-Tex either. So, if you’re looking for the tried and trusted of Gore-Tex, then this may not be an option – but if you’re willing to take a chance on it, it will save you a few bucks, and if it lives up to its billing, then you’ll pick up a super-performer at a super-price.

Score Breakdown for the DC Command

	RATING (out of 5)	SCORE WEIGHTING
WATERPROOFING	5.0	30/30
SEAM SEALING	5.0	20/20
BREATHABILITY	5.0	25/25
POWDER SKIRT	4.0	4/5
VENTING	5.0	5/5
HOOD	5.0	5/5
JACKET TO PANTS CONNECTIONS	5.0	5/5
POCKETS	5.0	5/5

TOTAL after normalizing	99/100

BEST SNOWBOARD JACKET #1

Jacket: DC Operative

Price: $419

Score: 100/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproof Rating: 45,000mm
Breathability: 30,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
Fit: Regular

And finally, the #1 jacket on this list.

The DC Operative boasts incredible waterproofing and breathability performance. If the numbers are to be believed, it's one of the most waterproof and breathable jackets going around.

And on top of all that, it has all the functionality you'll ever need (and might just make you look like a ninja!)

Score Breakdown for the Operative

	RATING (out of 5)	SCORE WEIGHTING
WATERPROOFING	5.0	30/30
SEAM SEALING	5.0	20/20
BREATHABILITY	5.0	25/25
POWDER SKIRT	5.0	5/5
VENTING	5.0	5/5
HOOD	5.0	5/5
JACKET TO PANTS CONNECTIONS	5.0	5/5
POCKETS	5.0	5/5

TOTAL after normalizing	100/100

Thanks for Reading

I hope this post has helped you to find the best non-insulated snowboard jacket for you.

2019-20

This list is for non-insulated jackets only, though some jackets in this list might have a lining but no insulation in that lining. There is a separate list for insulated jackets.

Prices have not been taken into account except where scores are equal the lowest price gets the better spot. Also any jacket over $500 has not been considered for this list.

Compared to other Snowboard Jackets

Below are the stats for all of the snowboard jackets that I researched so you can see how the top 20 here compare. Of 41 non-insulated jackets rated:

The average score was 89.2/100
The highest score was 100/100 (see below)
The lowest score was 48.0/100
The average price was $368

Note that this list is based on specs only and not by personal experience with these jackets. So this is only going by taking the given specs at their face-value. Style, fit durability and weight haven’t been taken into account.

O.k. let’s get into the top 20

BEST SNOWBOARD JACKET #20

$Volcom BL Stretch Gore-Tex 2020$

Jacket: Volcom BL Stretch Gore-Tex
Price: $420
Score: 95.5/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproof Rating: 28,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
Fit: Standard (relaxed but not loose)

The 1st of 3 Volcom jackets in this list, the BL Stretch 2 Layer Gore-Tex, offers all the advantages of Gore-Tex (great waterproofing and breathability) in a stretchy flexible material that allows more freedom of movement in a more fitting fit.

Score Breakdown for the Volcom Stretch

	RATING (out of 5)	SCORE WEIGHTING
WATERPROOFING	5.0	30/30
SEAM SEALING	5.0	20/20
BREATHABILITY	4.5	22.5/25
POWDER SKIRT	4.0	4/5
VENTING	5.0	5/5
HOOD	5.0	5/5
JACKET TO PANTS CONNECTIONS	5.0	5/5
POCKETS	4.0	4/5

TOTAL after normalizing	95.5/100

BEST SNOWBOARD JACKET #19

$Volcom Stone Gore-Tex 2020$

Jacket: Volcom Stone Gore-Tex
Price: $400
Score: 95.5/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproof Rating: 28,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
Fit: Standard (relaxed but not loose)

The Stone, Volcom's second offering in this list, is a small step down in terms of price vs the BL Stretch, but also has great performance and functionality.

Score Breakdown for the Volcom Stone

	RATING (out of 5)	SCORE WEIGHTING
WATERPROOFING	5.0	30/30
SEAM SEALING	5.0	20/20
BREATHABILITY	4.5	22.5/25
POWDER SKIRT	4.0	4/5
VENTING	5.0	5/5
HOOD	5.0	5/5
JACKET TO PANTS CONNECTIONS	5.0	5/5
POCKETS	4.0	4/5

TOTAL after normalizing	95.5/100

BEST SNOWBOARD JACKET #18

$Volcom L Gore-Tex 2020$

Jacket: Volcom L Gore-Tex
Price: $270
Score: 95.5/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproof Rating: 28,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
Fit: Standard Fit (relaxed but not loose)

The final of the Volcom jackets in this list, the Volcom L, is the 2nd cheapest Gore-Tex offering in this entire list (and 2nd cheapest overall).

And not only does it provide the performance of Gore-Tex, it also has great functionality for use as a snowboarding jacket - all without doing too much damage to the bank account.

Score Breakdown for the Volcom L

	RATING (out of 5)	SCORE WEIGHTING
WATERPROOFING	5.0	30/30
SEAM SEALING	5.0	20/20
BREATHABILITY	4.5	22.5/25
POWDER SKIRT	4.0	4/5
VENTING	5.0	5/5
HOOD	5.0	5/5
JACKET TO PANTS CONNECTIONS	5.0	5/5
POCKETS	4.0	4/5

TOTAL after normalizing	95.5/100

BEST SNOWBOARD JACKET #17

$Quiksilver Black Alder 2L Gore-Tex 2020$

Jacket: Quiksilver Black Alder 2L Gore-Tex
Price: $399
Score: 96.5/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproof Rating: 28,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
Fit: Modern Fit (slimmer)

The Black Alder 2L, 1 of 5 Quiksilver Jackets in this list, is the mid-priced Gore-Tex offering from Quiksilver and features all the performance you would expect from Gore-Tex and all the functionality you would want from a snowboarding jacket.

Score Breakdown for the Quiksilver Black Alder

	RATING (out of 5)	SCORE WEIGHTING
WATERPROOFING	5.0	30/30
SEAM SEALING	5.0	20/20
BREATHABILITY	4.5	22.5/25
POWDER SKIRT	4.0	4/5
VENTING	5.0	5/5
HOOD	5.0	5/5
JACKET TO PANTS CONNECTIONS	5.0	5/5
POCKETS	5.0	5/5

TOTAL after normalizing	96.5/100

BEST SNOWBOARD JACKET #16

$Patagonia Powder Bowl Gore-Tex 2020$

Jacket: Patagonia Powder Bowl Gore-Tex
Price: $399
Score: 96.5/100
Insulation: Shell with lining
Waterproof Rating: 28,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: Fully Taped

The Powder Bowl is 1 of 2 Patagonia jackets to make this list. Though, there would be a few others, if I didn’t put a $500 max on it.

One of the reason’s that the Powder bowl is a little heavier is that it has a liner. No insulation but a liner – so it will be a little warmer than most in this list – but only by a little bit.

Score Breakdown for the Patagonia Powder Bowl

	RATING (out of 5)	SCORE WEIGHTING
WATERPROOFING	5.0	30/30
SEAM SEALING	5.0	20/20
BREATHABILITY	4.5	22.5/25
POWDER SKIRT	4.0	4/5
VENTING	5.0	5/5
HOOD	5.0	5/5
JACKET TO PANTS CONNECTIONS	5.0	5/5
POCKETS	5.0	5/5

TOTAL after normalizing	96.5/100

BEST SNOWBOARD JACKET #15

$686 Hydrastash Sync Gore-Tex 2020$

Jacket: 686 Hydrastash Sync Gore-Tex
Price: $399
Score: 96.5/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproof Rating: 28,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
Fit: Articulated

One of two 686 Jackets on this list, the Hydrastash Sync is new for 2020.

Score Breakdown for the Hydrastash Sync

	RATING (out of 5)	SCORE WEIGHTING
WATERPROOFING	5.0	30/30
SEAM SEALING	5.0	20/20
BREATHABILITY	4.5	22.5/25
POWDER SKIRT	4.0	4/5
VENTING	5.0	5/5
HOOD	5.0	5/5
JACKET TO PANTS CONNECTIONS	5.0	5/5
POCKETS	5.0	5/5

TOTAL after normalizing	96.5/100

BEST SNOWBOARD JACKET #14

Quiksilver TR Stretch Snowboard Jacket 2020

Jacket: Quiksilver TR Stretch
Price: $389
Score: 96.5/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproof Rating: 30,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
Fit: Modern Fit (slimmer)

A rare non gore-tex option on this list (shock horror!), the TR Stretch still offers up excellent waterproofing and breathability. It’s a little above the average price – but not by much and for the performance and functionality you get with it, it’s money well spent, assuming it lives up to it’s ratings.

It is also constructed with (as the name suggests) flexible stretch fabric for greater range of motion in a slimmer design.

Score Breakdown for the Quiksilver TR Stretch

	RATING (out of 5)	SCORE WEIGHTING
WATERPROOFING	5.0	30/30
SEAM SEALING	5.0	20/20
BREATHABILITY	4.5	22.5/25
POWDER SKIRT	4.0	4/5
VENTING	5.0	5/5
HOOD	5.0	5/5
JACKET TO PANTS CONNECTIONS	5.0	5/5
POCKETS	5.0	5/5

TOTAL after normalizing	96.5/100

BEST SNOWBOARD JACKET #13

$Quiksilver Forever 2L Gore-Tex 2020$

Jacket: Quiksilver Forever 2L Gore-Tex
Price: $349
Score: 96.5/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproof Rating: 28,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
Fit: Modern Fit (slimmer)

The cheapest of Quiksilver’s options on this list, the Forever 2L has all the waterproofing and breathability that most will ever need – and for a really reasonable price for Gore-Tex – and less than the average price of jackets in this top 20.

I liked this jacket so much I bought it! (the 2019 model) Not only does it provide great value for the performance, but I also really liked the style of it.

Score Breakdown for the Quiksilver Forever

	RATING (out of 5)	SCORE WEIGHTING
WATERPROOFING	5.0	30/30
SEAM SEALING	5.0	20/20
BREATHABILITY	4.5	22.5/25
POWDER SKIRT	4.0	4/5
VENTING	5.0	5/5
HOOD	5.0	5/5
JACKET TO PANTS CONNECTIONS	5.0	5/5
POCKETS	5.0	5/5

TOTAL after normalizing	96.5/100

BEST SNOWBOARD JACKET #12

$Patagonia Departer Gore-Tex Snowboard Jacket 2020$

Jacket: Patagonia Departer Gore-Tex
Price: $349
Score: 96.5/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproof Rating: 28,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
Fit: Regular

The Patagonia Departer Gore-Tex is a little cheaper than the other Patagonia option in this list – and it’s also lighter at just 646 g (22.8 oz). So, if weight is important to you as well, this could be a great option for you.

Score Breakdown for the Patagonia Departer Gore-Tex

	RATING (out of 5)	SCORE WEIGHTING
WATERPROOFING	5.0	30/30
SEAM SEALING	5.0	20/20
BREATHABILITY	4.5	22.5/25
POWDER SKIRT	4.0	4/5
VENTING	5.0	5/5
HOOD	5.0	5/5
JACKET TO PANTS CONNECTIONS	5.0	5/5
POCKETS	5.0	5/5

TOTAL after normalizing	96.5/100

BEST SNOWBOARD JACKET #11

$Dakine Smyth Pure 2L Gore-Tex 2020$

Jacket: Dakine Smyth Pure 2L Gore-Tex
Price: $299
Score: 96.5/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproof Rating: 28,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
Fit: Standard

The Dakine Smyth 2L is the cheapest of Dakine’s Gore-Tex jackets. And it’s really reasonably priced – less than the average price of all the jackets I looked at for this list – and well less than the average for a gore-tex jacket.

Score Breakdown for the Dakine Smyth

	RATING (out of 5)	SCORE WEIGHTING
WATERPROOFING	5.0	30/30
SEAM SEALING	5.0	20/20
BREATHABILITY	4.5	22.5/25
POWDER SKIRT	4.0	4/5
VENTING	5.0	5/5
HOOD	5.0	5/5
JACKET TO PANTS CONNECTIONS	5.0	5/5
POCKETS	5.0	5/5

TOTAL after normalizing	96.5/100

BEST SNOWBOARD JACKET #10

$Quiksilver Mission 2L Gore-Tex 2020$

Jacket: Quiksilver Mission 2L Gore-Tex
Price: $289
Score: 96.5/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproof Rating: 28,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
Fit: Modern

And as far as price for gore-tex jackets go, this is one of the lowest priced going around - and a good bit less than the average price on this list.

Score Breakdown for the Mission 2L Gore-Tex

	RATING (out of 5)	SCORE WEIGHTING
WATERPROOFING	5.0	30/30
SEAM SEALING	5.0	20/20
BREATHABILITY	4.5	22.5/25
POWDER SKIRT	4.0	4/5
VENTING	5.0	5/5
HOOD	5.0	5/5
JACKET TO PANTS CONNECTIONS	5.0	5/5
POCKETS	5.0	5/5

TOTAL after normalizing	96.5/100

BEST SNOWBOARD JACKET #9

$Burton Frostner 3L Gore-Tex 2020$

Jacket: Burton Frostner 3L Gore-tex
Price: $449
Score: 97.5/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproof Rating: 28,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
Fit: Regular

New for 2020, the Burton Frostner 3L Gore-Tex may isn't the cheapest going around, so you'll want a good budget for it. However, it is one of the only 3 layer jackets to fit under the $500 threshold.

So if you're after the best protection, but still want a somewhat doable price, then the Frostner is worth looking at.

Score Breakdown for the Frostner 3L Gore-tex

	RATING (out of 5)	SCORE WEIGHTING
WATERPROOFING	5.0	30/30
SEAM SEALING	5.0	20/20
BREATHABILITY	4.5	22.5/25
POWDER SKIRT	5.0	5/5
VENTING	5.0	5/5
HOOD	5.0	5/5
JACKET TO PANTS CONNECTIONS	5.0	5/5
POCKETS	5.0	5/5

TOTAL after normalizing	97.5/100

BEST SNOWBOARD JACKET #8

Burton AK Cyclic 2L Snowboard Jacket 2020

Jacket: Burton AK Cyclic Gore-Tex
Price: $399
Score: 97.5/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproof Rating: 28,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
Fit: Regular

The 2nd of 4 Burton jackets on this list, the AK Cyclic is Burton's mid-priced gore-tex option. Slightly above the average price for this list, but not by much.

It also has great functionality for snowboarding.

Score Breakdown for the Burton AK Cyclic

	RATING (out of 5)	SCORE WEIGHTING
WATERPROOFING	5.0	30/30
SEAM SEALING	5.0	20/20
BREATHABILITY	4.5	22.5/25
POWDER SKIRT	5.0	5/5
VENTING	5.0	5/5
HOOD	5.0	5/5
JACKET TO PANTS CONNECTIONS	5.0	5/5
POCKETS	5.0	5/5

TOTAL after normalizing	97.5/100

BEST SNOWBOARD JACKET #7

The North Face Powderflo Snowboard Jacket 2020

Jacket: The North Face Powderflo
Price: $349
Score: 97.5/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproof Rating: 28,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
Fit: Standard

The Powderflo is The North Face’s most affordable non-insulated Gore-Tex option. It has you covered for keeping you dry as well as offering lots of functionality for snowboarding.

Score Breakdown for The North Face Powderflo

	RATING (out of 5)	SCORE WEIGHTING
WATERPROOFING	5.0	30/30
SEAM SEALING	5.0	20/20
BREATHABILITY	4.5	22.5/25
POWDER SKIRT	5.0	5/5
VENTING	5.0	5/5
HOOD	5.0	5/5
JACKET TO PANTS CONNECTIONS	5.0	5/5
POCKETS	5.0	5/5

TOTAL after normalizing	97.5/100

BEST SNOWBOARD JACKET #6

$Burton Vagabond Gore-Tex Snowboard Jacket 2020$

Jacket: Burton Vagabond
Price: $349
Score: 97.5/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproof Rating: 28,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
Fit: Regular

The 3rd of 4 Burton options in this list, the Vagabond comes in a little cheaper than the Cyclic, but offers the same great performance and functionality.

Score Breakdown for the Vagabond

	RATING (out of 5)	SCORE WEIGHTING
WATERPROOFING	5.0	30/30
SEAM SEALING	5.0	20/20
BREATHABILITY	4.5	22.5/25
POWDER SKIRT	5.0	5/5
VENTING	5.0	5/5
HOOD	5.0	5/5
JACKET TO PANTS CONNECTIONS	5.0	5/5
POCKETS	5.0	5/5

TOTAL after normalizing	97.5/100

BEST SNOWBOARD JACKET #5

$686 GT Gore-Tex Snowboard Jacket 2020$

Jacket: 686 Gore-Tex GT
Price: $339
Score: 97.5/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproof Rating: 28,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
Fit: Articulated

The 686 Gore-Tex GT is 686’s 2nd jacket to make this list. The Gore-Tex GT comes in at a really reasonable price for Gore-Tex and under the average price for this list. It also has a loose, articulated fit, for lots of freedom of movement.

Score Breakdown for the 686 Gore-Tex GT

	RATING (out of 5)	SCORE WEIGHTING
WATERPROOFING	5.0	30/30
SEAM SEALING	5.0	20/20
BREATHABILITY	4.5	22.5/25
POWDER SKIRT	5.0	5/5
VENTING	5.0	5/5
HOOD	5.0	5/5
JACKET TO PANTS CONNECTIONS	5.0	5/5
POCKETS	5.0	5/5

TOTAL after normalizing	97.5/100

BEST SNOWBOARD JACKET #4

$Burton Doppler Gore-Tex Snowboard Jacket 2020$

Jacket: Burton Doppler
Price: $259
Score: 97.5/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproof Rating: 28,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
Fit: Regular

Score Breakdown for the Doppler Gore-Tex

	RATING (out of 5)	SCORE WEIGHTING
WATERPROOFING	5.0	30/30
SEAM SEALING	5.0	20/20
BREATHABILITY	4.5	22.5/25
POWDER SKIRT	5.0	5/5
VENTING	5.0	5/5
HOOD	5.0	5/5
JACKET TO PANTS CONNECTIONS	5.0	5/5
POCKETS	5.0	5/5

TOTAL after normalizing	97.5/100

BEST SNOWBOARD JACKET #3

$Dakine Sawtooth 3L Gore-Tex 2020$

Jacket: Dakine Sawtooth 3L Gore-Tex
Price: $449
Score: 98/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproof Rating: 28,000mm
Breathability: 25,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
Fit: Tailored

In at #3 we have the Dakine Sawtooth 3L Gore-Tex.

This is one of only 3, 3 layer gore-tex jackets to make this list - there are more over $500, but this one was one of the only options to sneak in under that limit.

It's the 2nd of the Dakine options on this list. It boasts a 3 layer gore-tex construction for superior waterproofing and great breathability.

Score Breakdown for the Dakine Sawtooth 3L Gore-Tex

	RATING (out of 5)	SCORE WEIGHTING
WATERPROOFING	5.0	30/30
SEAM SEALING	5.0	20/20
BREATHABILITY	5.0	25/25
POWDER SKIRT	4.0	4/5
VENTING	5.0	5/5
HOOD	5.0	5/5
JACKET TO PANTS CONNECTIONS	5.0	5/5
POCKETS	4.0	4/5

TOTAL after normalizing	98/100

BEST SNOWBOARD JACKET #2

$Quiksilver Mamatus 3L Gore Tex 2020$

Jacket: Quiksilver Mamatus 3L Gore-Tex
Price: $469
Score: 99/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproof Rating: 28,000mm
Breathability: 25,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
Fit: Modern

The final Quiksilver option on this list and one of just three 3 layer gore-tex options for this list, the Mamatus just scrapes under the price threshold. But the performance it boasts and the style (though that's of course in the eye of the beholder) make it a tempting option, if your wallet can manage it.

Also available in black if the bright orange isn't your thing.

Score Breakdown for the Quiksilver Mamatus

	RATING (out of 5)	SCORE WEIGHTING
WATERPROOFING	5.0	30/30
SEAM SEALING	5.0	20/20
BREATHABILITY	5.0	25/25
POWDER SKIRT	4.0	4/5
VENTING	5.0	5/5
HOOD	5.0	5/5
JACKET TO PANTS CONNECTIONS	5.0	5/5
POCKETS	5.0	5/5

TOTAL after normalizing	99/100

BEST SNOWBOARD JACKET #1

Jacket: DC Command
Price: $299
Score: 100/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproof Rating: 30,000mm
Breathability: 25,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
Fit: Regular

And finally, the #1 jacket on this list. This jacket used to have waterproof/breathability ratings of 20,000/20,000 (a couple of seasons back) and the upped ratings have only brought the price up by $20. So if you believe these ratings to be true then this is one heck of a jacket for one heck of a price.

Score Breakdown for the DC Command

	RATING (out of 5)	SCORE WEIGHTING
WATERPROOFING	5.0	30/30
SEAM SEALING	5.0	20/20
BREATHABILITY	5.0	25/25
POWDER SKIRT	5.0	5/5
VENTING	5.0	5/5
HOOD	5.0	5/5
JACKET TO PANTS CONNECTIONS	5.0	5/5
POCKETS	5.0	5/5

TOTAL after normalizing	100/100

Thanks for Reading

I hope this post has helped you to find the best non-insulated snowboard jacket for you.

2018-19

This list is for non-insulated jackets only, though some jackets in this list might have a lining but no insulation in that lining. There is a separate list for insulated jackets.

Prices have not been taken into account except where scores are equal the lowest price gets the better spot. Also any jacket over $500 has not been considered for this list.

Compared to other Snowboard Jackets

Below are the stats for all of the snowboard jackets that I researched so you can see how the top 20 here compare. Of 49 non-insulated jackets rated:

The average score was 85.6/100
The highest score was 99.0/100 (see below)
The lowest score was 26.0/100
The average price was $356

O.k. let’s get into the top 20

BEST SNOWBOARD JACKET #20

Jacket: Ride Monthaven
Price: $489
Score: 93.5/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproof Rating: 20,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: Fully Taped

Starting off the list in #20, we have the Ride Monthaven Jacket. Whilst not the cheapest jacket going around, it’s got ample waterprooing, great breathability and most of the other things you could want in a snowboard jacket, like helmet compatible hood, jacket-to-pants connections and a flexible, stretchy fabric.

Score Breakdown for the Ride Monthaven

FACTOR	rating (OUT OF 5)	contribution to final score
Waterproofing	4.5	27/30
Seam Sealing	5.0	20/20
Breathability	4.5	22.5/25
Powder Skirt	5.0	5/5
Venting	5.0	5/5
Hood	5.0	5/5
Jacket-to-Pants Connections	5.0	5/5
Pockets	4.0	4/5

TOTAL after normalizing		93.5/100

BEST SNOWBOARD JACKET #19

Jacket: The North Face Repko
Price: $249
Score: 93.5/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproof Rating: 20,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: Fully Taped

The North Face Repko is the lowest priced jacket in this list. But it doesn’t lack in performance with some great waterproofing and breathability. Plus all the other bells and whistles you would expect in a good snowboard jacket.

Like the Monthaven above, and a couple of others in the list, the Repko is a rare non-gore-tex option that made the list.

Score Breakdown for The North Face Repko

FACTOR	rating (OUT OF 5)	contribution to final score
Waterproofing	4.5	27/30
Seam Sealing	5.0	20/20
Breathability	4.5	22.5/25
Powder Skirt	4.0	4/5
Venting	5.0	5/5
Hood	5.0	5/5
Jacket-to-Pants Connections	5.0	5/5
Pockets	5.0	5/5

TOTAL after normalizing		93.5/100

BEST SNOWBOARD JACKET #18

$Volcom Guide Gore-Tex Jacket$ Jacket: Volcom Guide Gore-Tex
Price: $499
Score: 95.5/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproof Rating: 28,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: Fully Taped

The 1st of 4 Volcom offerings in this list is the Guide. This is their only 3 layer jacket for under $500. Though it only just comes under the $500 specification, the Guide comes with pretty much the ultimate waterproofing and breathability, plus one unique thing about this is that it has a built in face mask. Bonus.

Score Breakdown for the Volcom Guide

FACTOR	rating (OUT OF 5)	contribution to final score
Waterproofing	5.0	30/30
Seam Sealing	5.0	20/20
Breathability	4.5	22.5/25
Powder Skirt	4.0	4/5
Venting	5.0	5/5
Hood	5.0	5/5
Jacket-to-Pants Connections	5.0	5/5
Pockets	4.0	4/5

TOTAL after normalizing		95.5/100

BEST SNOWBOARD JACKET #17

$Burton AK Cyclic Gore-Tex Jacket$ Jacket: Burton AK Cyclic Gore-Tex
Price: $389
Score: 95.5/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproof Rating: 28,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: Fully Taped

Like the Volcom Guide above, the Burton AK Cyclic has all the benefits of gore-tex but with a slightly more friendly price-tag.

Apart from not having some of the pockets that I would like to see in a snowboarding jacket, it also has great functionality.

Score Breakdown for the Burton AK Cyclic

FACTOR	rating (OUT OF 5)	contribution to final score
Waterproofing	5.0	30/30
Seam Sealing	5.0	20/20
Breathability	4.5	22.5/25
Powder Skirt	5.0	5/5
Venting	5.0	5/5
Hood	5.0	5/5
Jacket-to-Pants Connections	5.0	5/5
Pockets	3.0	3/5

TOTAL after normalizing		95.5/100

BEST SNOWBOARD JACKET #16

$Volcom Stone Gore-Tex Jacket$ Jacket: Volcom Stone Gore-Tex
Price: $369
Score: 95.5/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproof Rating: 28,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: Fully Taped

Another small step down in terms of price, but also with great performance and functionality, we next have the Volcom Stone, the 2nd of 4 Volcom offerings in this list.

Score Breakdown for the Volcom Stone

FACTOR	rating (OUT OF 5)	contribution to final score
Waterproofing	5.0	30/30
Seam Sealing	5.0	20/20
Breathability	4.5	22.5/25
Powder Skirt	4.0	4/5
Venting	5.0	5/5
Hood	5.0	5/5
Jacket-to-Pants Connections	5.0	5/5
Pockets	4.0	4/5

TOTAL after normalizing		95.5/100

BEST SNOWBOARD JACKET #15

$Dakine Eliot 3L Gore-Tex$ Jacket: Dakine Eliot 3L Gore-Tex
Price: $475
Score: 96.5/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproof Rating: 28,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: Fully Taped

Whilst the Dakine Eliot is one of the most expensive on this list, it does boast a 3 layer Gore-Tex construction offering some awesome waterproofing and being highly breathable. That plus pretty much everything else you could ask for in a snowboarding jacket and you get a high quality option, if you’ve got the budget for it.

Score Breakdown for the Dakine Eliot 3L Gore-Tex

FACTOR	rating (OUT OF 5)	contribution to final score
Waterproofing	5.0	30/30
Seam Sealing	5.0	20/20
Breathability	4.5	22.5/25
Powder Skirt	5.0	5/5
Venting	5.0	5/5
Hood	5.0	5/5
Jacket-to-Pants Connections	5.0	5/5
Pockets	4.0	4/5

TOTAL after normalizing		96.5/100

BEST SNOWBOARD JACKET #14

$Quiksilver Mamatus 3L Gore-Tex Jacket$ Jacket: Quiksilver Mamatus 3L Gore-Tex
Price: $469
Score: 96.5/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproof Rating: 28,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: Fully Taped

This is the first of a few Quiksilver jackets to appear on this list. Like most of the Quiksilver options (bar one) the Mamutus boasts gore-tex and is also their only 3 layer option.

Score Breakdown for the Quiksilver Mamatus

FACTOR	rating (OUT OF 5)	contribution to final score
Waterproofing	5.0	30/30
Seam Sealing	5.0	20/20
Breathability	4.5	22.5/25
Powder Skirt	4.0	4/5
Venting	5.0	5/5
Hood	5.0	5/5
Jacket-to-Pants Connections	5.0	5/5
Pockets	5.0	5/5

TOTAL after normalizing		96.5/100

BEST SNOWBOARD JACKET #13

$Dakine Sawtooth 3L GORE-TEX jacket$ Jacket: Dakine Sawtooth 3L Gore-Tex
Price: $449
Score: 96.5/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproof Rating: 28,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: Fully Taped

The Dakine Sawtooth 3L Gore-Tex is the 2nd of 3 Dakine options on this list. Like the Eliot, it boasts a 3 layer gore-tex construction for superior waterproofing and great breathability.

It’s a more regular fitting jacket, compared with the longer Eliot. It’s also better looking through my eyes (but beauty is in the eye of the beholder, of course, so that doesn’t come into the ratings).

Score Breakdown for the Dakine Sawtooth 3L Gore-Tex

FACTOR	rating (OUT OF 5)	contribution to final score
Waterproofing	5.0	30/30
Seam Sealing	5.0	20/20
Breathability	4.5	22.5/25
Powder Skirt	4.0	4/5
Venting	5.0	5/5
Hood	5.0	5/5
Jacket-to-Pants Connections	5.0	5/5
Pockets	5.0	5/5

TOTAL after normalizing		96.5/100

BEST SNOWBOARD JACKET #12

Jacket: Patagonia Powder Bowl Gore-Tex
Price: $399
Score: 96.5/100
Insulation: Shell with lining
Waterproof Rating: 28,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: Fully Taped

The Powder Bowl is 1 of 2 Patagonia jacket to make this list. Though, there would be a few others, if I didn’t put a $500 max on it.

One of the reason’s that the Powder bowl is a little heavier is that it has a liner. No insulation but a liner – so it will be a little warmer than most in this list – but only by a little bit.

Score Breakdown for the Patagonia Powder Bowl

FACTOR	rating (OUT OF 5)	contribution to final score
Waterproofing	5.0	30/30
Seam Sealing	5.0	20/20
Breathability	4.5	22.5/25
Powder Skirt	4.0	4/5
Venting	5.0	5/5
Hood	5.0	5/5
Jacket-to-Pants Connections	5.0	5/5
Pockets	5.0	5/5

TOTAL after normalizing		96.5/100

BEST SNOWBOARD JACKET #11

$Volcom BL Stretch GORE-TEX Jacket$ Jacket: Volcom BL Stretch Gore-Tex
Price: $389
Score: 96.5/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproof Rating: 28,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: Fully Taped

The 3rd of 4 Volcom jackets in this list, the BL Stretch offers all the advantages of Gore-Tex in a stretchy flexible material.

Score Breakdown for the Volcom Stretch

FACTOR	rating (OUT OF 5)	contribution to final score
Waterproofing	5.0	30/30
Seam Sealing	5.0	20/20
Breathability	4.5	22.5/25
Powder Skirt	5.0	5/5
Venting	5.0	5/5
Hood	5.0	5/5
Jacket-to-Pants Connections	5.0	5/5
Pockets	4.0	4/5

TOTAL after normalizing		96.5/100

BEST SNOWBOARD JACKET #10

$Quiksilver Forever 2L GORE-TEX Jacket$ Jacket: Quiksilver Forever 2L Gore-Tex
Price: $349
Score: 96.5/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproof Rating: 28,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: Fully Taped

Score Breakdown for the Quiksilver Forever

FACTOR	rating (OUT OF 5)	contribution to final score
Waterproofing	5.0	30/30
Seam Sealing	5.0	20/20
Breathability	4.5	22.5/25
Powder Skirt	4.0	4/5
Venting	5.0	5/5
Hood	5.0	5/5
Jacket-to-Pants Connections	5.0	5/5
Pockets	5.0	5/5

TOTAL after normalizing		96.5/100

BEST SNOWBOARD JACKET #9

$Patagonia Departer GORE-TEX Jacket$ Jacket: Patagonia Departer Gore-Tex
Price: $349
Score: 96.5/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproof Rating: 28,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: Fully Taped

Score Breakdown for the Patagonia Departer Gore-Tex

FACTOR	rating (OUT OF 5)	contribution to final score
Waterproofing	5.0	30/30
Seam Sealing	5.0	20/20
Breathability	4.5	22.5/25
Powder Skirt	4.0	4/5
Venting	5.0	5/5
Hood	5.0	5/5
Jacket-to-Pants Connections	5.0	5/5
Pockets	5.0	5/5

TOTAL after normalizing		96.5/100

BEST SNOWBOARD JACKET #8

$Dakine Smyth Pure 2L GORE-TEX Jacket$ Jacket: Dakine Smyth Pure 2L Gore-Tex
Price: $300
Score: 96.5/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproof Rating: 28,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: Fully Taped

Score Breakdown for the Dakine Smyth

FACTOR	rating (OUT OF 5)	contribution to final score
Waterproofing	5.0	30/30
Seam Sealing	5.0	20/20
Breathability	4.5	22.5/25
Powder Skirt	4.0	4/5
Venting	5.0	5/5
Hood	5.0	5/5
Jacket-to-Pants Connections	5.0	5/5
Pockets	5.0	5/5

TOTAL after normalizing		96.5/100

BEST SNOWBOARD JACKET #7

$Burton GORE-TEX Radial Shell Jacket$ Jacket: Burton Radial Gore-Tex Shell
Price: $275
Score: 96.5/100
Insulation: Shell with lining
Waterproof Rating: 28,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: Fully Taped

Burton’s second entry in this list is the Raidal Gore-Tex Shell (also comes in an insulated version).

Again gore-tex comes to the fore here – and for a gore-tex jacket, this one is actually really reasonably priced and comes with most of the functionality you will ever need from a snowboard jacket. And it has actually gone down in price for 2019 – and by a good $35. It’s nice to see something go down in price in a world where most things are going up.

Score Breakdown for the Burton Radial Shell

FACTOR	rating (OUT OF 5)	contribution to final score
Waterproofing	5.0	30/30
Seam Sealing	5.0	20/20
Breathability	4.5	22.5/25
Powder Skirt	5.0	5/5
Venting	5.0	5/5
Hood	5.0	5/5
Jacket-to-Pants Connections	5.0	5/5
Pockets	4.0	4/5

TOTAL after normalizing		96.5/100

BEST SNOWBOARD JACKET #6

$Volcom L Gore-Tex Jacket$ Jacket: Volcom L Gore-Tex
Price: $260
Score: 96.5/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproof Rating: 28,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: Fully Taped

The final of the Volcom jackets in this list, the Volcom L, is the cheapest Gore-Tex offering in this entire list (and 2nd cheapest overall).

I challenge you to find a lower costing Gore-Tex jacket than this, anywhere!

And not only does it provide the performance of Gore-Tex, it also has great functionality for use as a snowboarding jacket.

Score Breakdown for the Volcom L

FACTOR	rating (OUT OF 5)	contribution to final score
Waterproofing	5.0	30/30
Seam Sealing	5.0	20/20
Breathability	4.5	22.5/25
Powder Skirt	5.0	5/5
Venting	5.0	5/5
Hood	5.0	5/5
Jacket-to-Pants Connections	5.0	5/5
Pockets	4.0	4/5

TOTAL after normalizing		96.5/100

BEST SNOWBOARD JACKET #5

$Quiksilver Black Alder 2L GORE-TEX Jacket$ Jacket: Quiksilver Black Alder 2L Gore-Tex
Price: $399
Score: 97.5/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproof Rating: 28,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: Fully Taped

The Black Alder 2L is the mid-priced Gore-Tex offering from Quiksilver and features all the performance you would expect from Gore-Tex and all the functionality you would want from a snowboarding jacket.

Score Breakdown for the Quiksilver Black Alder

FACTOR	rating (OUT OF 5)	contribution to final score
Waterproofing	5.0	30/30
Seam Sealing	5.0	20/20
Breathability	4.5	22.5/25
Powder Skirt	5.0	5/5
Venting	5.0	5/5
Hood	5.0	5/5
Jacket-to-Pants Connections	5.0	5/5
Pockets	5.0	5/5

TOTAL after normalizing		97.5/100

BEST SNOWBOARD JACKET #4

Jacket: Quiksilver TR Stretch
Price: $389
Score: 97.5/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproof Rating: 30,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: Fully Taped

A rare non gore-tex option on this list (shock horror! ), the TR Stretch offers up superior waterproofing and breathability. It’s a little above the average price – but not by much and for the performance and functionality you get with it, it’s money well spent, assuming it lives up to it’s ratings.

It also constructed with (as the name suggests) flexible stretch fabric.

Score Breakdown for the Quiksilver TR Stretch

FACTOR	rating (OUT OF 5)	contribution to final score
Waterproofing	5.0	30/30
Seam Sealing	5.0	20/20
Breathability	4.5	22.5/25
Powder Skirt	5.0	5/5
Venting	5.0	5/5
Hood	5.0	5/5
Jacket-to-Pants Connections	5.0	5/5
Pockets	5.0	5/5

TOTAL after normalizing		97.5/100

BEST SNOWBOARD JACKET #3

Jacket: The North Face Powderflo
Price: $349
Score: 97.5/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproof Rating: 28,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: Fully Taped

The Powderflo is The North Face’s most affordable non-insulated Gore-Tex option. It has you covered for keeping you dry as well as offering lots of functionality for snowboarding.

Score Breakdown for The North Face Powderflo

FACTOR	rating (OUT OF 5)	contribution to final score
Waterproofing	5.0	30/30
Seam Sealing	5.0	20/20
Breathability	4.5	22.5/25
Powder Skirt	5.0	5/5
Venting	5.0	5/5
Hood	5.0	5/5
Jacket-to-Pants Connections	5.0	5/5
Pockets	5.0	5/5

TOTAL after normalizing		97.5/100

BEST SNOWBOARD JACKET #2

$686 GORE-TEX GT Jacket$

Jacket: 686 Gore-Tex GT
Price: $320
Score: 97.5/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproof Rating: 28,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: Fully Taped

The 686 Gore-Tex GT is 686’s only jacket to make this list – largely because a lot of their jackets are insulated. The Gore-Tex GT comes in at a really reasonable price for Gore-Tex and under the average price for this list. It also has a loose, articulated fit, for lots of freedom of movement.

Score Breakdown for the 686 Gore-Tex GT

FACTOR	rating (OUT OF 5)	contribution to final score
Waterproofing	5.0	30/30
Seam Sealing	5.0	20/20
Breathability	4.5	22.5/25
Powder Skirt	5.0	5/5
Venting	5.0	5/5
Hood	5.0	5/5
Jacket-to-Pants Connections	5.0	5/5
Pockets	5.0	5/5

TOTAL after normalizing		97.5/100

BEST SNOWBOARD JACKET #1

Jacket: DC Command
Price: $299
Score: 99/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproof Rating: 30,000mm
Breathability: 25,000g
Seams: Fully Taped

Score Breakdown for the DC Command

FACTOR	rating (OUT OF 5)	contribution to final score
Waterproofing	5.0	30/30
Seam Sealing	5.0	20/20
Breathability	5.0	25/25
Powder Skirt	5.0	5/5
Venting	5.0	5/5
Hood	5.0	5/5
Jacket-to-Pants Connections	5.0	5/5
Pockets	4.0	4/5

TOTAL after normalizing		99/100

Thanks for Reading

I hope this post has helped you to find the best non-insulated snowboard jacket for you.

2017-18

Top 20 Snowboard Jackets 2017-18 This list is for non-insulated only, though some jackets in this list might have a lining but no insulation in that lining. There is a separate list for insulated jackets.

Prices have not been taken into account except where scores are equal the lowest price gets the better spot. Also any jacket over $500 has not been considered for this list.

Compared to other Snowboard Jackets

Below are the stats for all of the snowboard jackets that I researched so you can see how the top 20 here compare. Of 51 non-insulated jackets rated:

The average score was 83.8/100
The highest score was 100/100
The lowest score was 34.0/100
The average price was $347

O.k. let’s get into the top 20

#20: Oakley Timber 15K BioZone

Jacket: Oakley Timber 15K BioZone
Price: $300
Rating Score: 84/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproof Rating: 15,000mm
Breathability: 10,000g
Seams: Fully Taped

The first jacket on this list, the Oakley Timber 15K Biozone offers a good level of waterproofing and breathability, especially for the price. At $47 cheaper than the average price for the snowboard jackets I looked at, the Timber is a great buy for the budget conscious who don’t want to compromise too much on performance.

With a 15,000mm fabric waterproof rating, fully taped seams and 10,000g breathability rating, the Timber is about as waterproof and breathable as you’ll need your jacket to be in 90% of conditions (percentage not scientific! 😉 ).

And with really good functionality too, in terms of pockets, jacket-to-pants connections, powder skirt etc, the Timber is a good buy for snowboarding, especially if you don’t tend to ride in extreme weather conditions.

Score Breakdown for the Oakley Timber

FACTOR	RATING (OUT OF 5)	CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE
Waterproofing:	4.0	24/30
Seams:	5.0	20/20
Breathability:	3.0	15/25
Powder Skirt:	5.0	5/5
Venting:	5.0	5/5
Hood:	5.0	5/5
Jacket-to-pants interface:	5.0	5/5
Pockets:	5.0	5/5
TOTAL		84/100

#19: Dakine Wyeast

Jacket: Dakine Wyeast
Price: $259
Score: 84/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproof Rating: 15,000mm
Breathability: 15,000g
Seams: Fully Taped

At even better price than the Timber above, and the cheapest jacket in this whole list, the Wyeast gives you slightly better breathability specs with the same amount of waterproofing.

It is however missing jacket-to-pants connections. But if that’s not something you think you’ll ever use or not something that’s a dealbreaker for you, then these are a great buy, especially for the price.

Score Breakdown for the Oakley Timber

FACTOR	RATING (OUT OF 5)	CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE
Waterproofing:	4.0	24/30
Seams:	5.0	20/20
Breathability:	4.0	20/25
Powder Skirt:	5.0	5/5
Venting:	5.0	5/5
Hood:	5.0	5/5
Jacket-to-pants interface:	0.0	0/5
Pockets:	5.0	5/5
TOTAL		84/100

#18: Marmot Freerider Gore-Tex

Jacket: Marmot Freerider Gore-Tex
Price: $475
Score: 91.5/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproof Rating: 28,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: Fully Taped

The first of the Gore-Tex jackets in this list (which unsurprisingly dominate most of the rest of this list, given the waterproof and breathability qualities of gore-tex), is the Freerider by Marmot.

You get a significant jump in price from the first 2 jackets but also a significant jump in performance too.

Score Breakdown for the Marmot Freerider

FACTOR	RATING (OUT OF 5)	CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE
Waterproofing:	5.0	30/30
Seams:	5.0	20/20
Breathability:	4.5	22.5/25
Powder Skirt:	5.0	5/5
Venting:	5.0	5/5
Hood:	5.0	5/5
Jacket-to-pants interface:	0.0	0/5
Pockets:	4.0	4/5
TOTAL		91.5/100

#17: Arc’teryx Iser Gore-Tex

Jacket: Arc’teryx Iser Gore-Tex
Price: $549
Score: 91.5/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproof Rating: 28,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: Fully Taped

Like the Marmot Freeride, the Arc’teryx Iser makes use of gore-tex for high performance in terms of waterproofing and breathability. It’s something you can take out in pretty extreme conditions and stay dry in.

Score Breakdown for the Arc’teryx Iser

FACTOR	RATING (OUT OF 5)	CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE
Waterproofing:	5.0	30/30
Seams:	5.0	20/20
Breathability:	4.5	22.5/25
Powder Skirt:	5.0	5/5
Venting:	5.0	5/5
Hood:	5.0	5/5
Jacket-to-pants interface:	0.0	0/5
Pockets:	4.0	4/5
TOTAL		91.5/100

#16: Ride Monthaven

Jacket: Ride Monthaven
Price: $469
Score: 93.5/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproof Rating: 20,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: Fully Taped

A brief break from gore-tex, we have the Ride Monthaven. A little cheaper than the previous two entries but not as cheap as the first 2. But it has great performance and also great functionality.

Score Breakdown for the Ride Monthaven

FACTOR	RATING (OUT OF 5)	CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE
Waterproofing:	4.5	27/30
Seams:	5.0	20/20
Breathability:	4.5	22.5/25
Powder Skirt:	5.0	5/5
Venting:	5.0	5/5
Hood:	5.0	5/5
Jacket-to-pants interface:	5.0	5/5
Pockets:	4.0	4/5
TOTAL		93.5/100

#15: Burton AK Cyclic Gore-Tex

$Burton AK Gore-Tex 2L Cyclic$ Jacket: Burton AK Cyclic Gore-Tex
Price: $389
Score: 95.5/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproof Rating: 28,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: Fully Taped

The cheapest Gore-Tex offering so far in this list, the Burton AK Cyclic has all the benefits of gore-tex but with a slightly more friendly price-tag than some.

Apart from not having some of the pockets that I would like to see in a snowboarding jacket, it also has great functionality.

Score Breakdown for the Burton AK Cyclic

FACTOR	RATING (OUT OF 5)	CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE
Waterproofing:	5.0	30/30
Seams:	5.0	20/20
Breathability:	4.5	22.5/25
Powder Skirt:	5.0	5/5
Venting:	5.0	5/5
Hood:	5.0	5/5
Jacket-to-pants interface:	5.0	5/5
Pockets:	3.0	3/5
TOTAL		95.5/100

#14: Volcom Guide Gore-Tex

$Volcom GUIDE GORE-TEX$ Jacket: Volcom Guide Gore-Tex
Price: $499
Score: 96.5/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproof Rating: 28,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: Fully Taped

The 1st of 4 Volcom offerings in this list is the Guide. This is their top of the line jacket and has the specs to back it up. This is their only 3 layer jacket.

Score Breakdown for the Volcom Guide

FACTOR	RATING (OUT OF 5)	CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE
Waterproofing:	5.0	30/30
Seams:	5.0	20/20
Breathability:	4.5	22.5/25
Powder Skirt:	5.0	5/5
Venting:	5.0	5/5
Hood:	5.0	5/5
Jacket-to-pants interface:	5.0	5/5
Pockets:	4.0	4/5
TOTAL		96.5/100

#13: Volcom Stretch Gore-Tex

$Volcom BL STRETCH Gore-Tex$ Jacket: Volcom Stretch Gore-Tex
Price: $389
Score: 96.5/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproof Rating: 28,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: Fully Taped

The next Volcom jacket in this list, the Stretch, still offers great performance and functionality but at a cheaper price than the Guide.

Score Breakdown for the Volcom Stretch

FACTOR	RATING (OUT OF 5)	CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE
Waterproofing:	5.0	30/30
Seams:	5.0	20/20
Breathability:	4.5	22.5/25
Powder Skirt:	5.0	5/5
Venting:	5.0	5/5
Hood:	5.0	5/5
Jacket-to-pants interface:	5.0	5/5
Pockets:	4.0	4/5
TOTAL		96.5/100

#12: Volcom Stone Gore-Tex

$Volcom STONE GORE-TEX$ Jacket: Volcom Stone Gore-Tex
Price: $369
Score: 96.5/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproof Rating: 28,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: Fully Taped

Another small step down in terms of price, but also with great performance and functionality, we next have the Volcom Stone, the third of 4 Volcom offerings in this list.

Score Breakdown for the Volcom Stone

FACTOR	RATING (OUT OF 5)	CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE
Waterproofing:	5.0	30/30
Seams:	5.0	20/20
Breathability:	4.5	22.5/25
Powder Skirt:	5.0	5/5
Venting:	5.0	5/5
Hood:	5.0	5/5
Jacket-to-pants interface:	5.0	5/5
Pockets:	4.0	4/5
TOTAL		96.5/100

#11: Volcom L Gore-Tex

$Volcom L Gore-Tex$ Jacket: Volcom L Gore-Tex
Price: $289
Score: 96.5/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproof Rating: 28,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: Fully Taped

The final of the Volcom jackets in this list, the Volcom L, is the cheapest gore-tex offering in this entire list.

I challenge you to find a lower costing gore-tex jacket than this!

And not only does it provide the performance of gore-tex, it also has great functionality for use as a snowboarding jacket.

Score Breakdown for the Volcom L

FACTOR	RATING (OUT OF 5)	CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE
Waterproofing:	5.0	30/30
Seams:	5.0	20/20
Breathability:	4.5	22.5/25
Powder Skirt:	5.0	5/5
Venting:	5.0	5/5
Hood:	5.0	5/5
Jacket-to-pants interface:	5.0	5/5
Pockets:	4.0	4/5
TOTAL		96.5/100

#10: Burton Radial Gore-Tex Shell

$Burton Burton Gore-Tex Radial$ Jacket: Burton Radial Gore-Tex Shell
Price: $309
Score: 96.5/100
Insulation: Shell with lining
Waterproof Rating: 28,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: Fully Taped

Burton’s second entry in this list is the Raidal Gore-Tex Shell (also comes in an insulated version).

Again gore-tex comes to the fore here – and for a gore-tex jacket, this one is actually really reasonably priced and comes with most of the functionality you will ever need from a snowboard jacket.

Score Breakdown for the Burton Radial

FACTOR	RATING (OUT OF 5)	CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE
Waterproofing:	5.0	30/30
Seams:	5.0	20/20
Breathability:	4.5	22.5/25
Powder Skirt:	5.0	5/5
Venting:	5.0	5/5
Hood:	5.0	5/5
Jacket-to-pants interface:	5.0	5/5
Pockets:	4.0	4/5
TOTAL		96.5/100

#9: The North Face Lostrail Gore-Tex

Jacket: The North Face Lostrail Gore-Tex
Price: $349
Score: 97.5/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproof Rating: 28,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: Fully Taped

The first of 2 North Face jackets in this list, the Lostrail receives North Face’s highest ratings for water and wind protection. It’s a little heavier than some of their more expensive options (910grams [32.1oz]) but it’s great value for a jacket with this much water and wind protection

Score Breakdown for the North Face Lostrail

FACTOR	RATING (OUT OF 5)	CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE
Waterproofing:	5.0	30/30
Seams:	5.0	20/20
Breathability:	4.5	22.5/25
Powder Skirt:	5.0	5/5
Venting:	5.0	5/5
Hood:	5.0	5/5
Jacket-to-pants interface:	5.0	5/5
Pockets:	5.0	5/5
TOTAL		97.5/100

#8: Quiksilver Mamatus 3L Gore-Tex

$Quiksilver MAMATUS 3L GORE-TEX$ Jacket: Quiksilver Mamatus 3L Gore-Tex
Price: $469
Score: 97.5/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproof Rating: 28,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: Fully Taped

This is the first of a few Quiksilver jackets to appear on this list. Like most of the Quiksilver options (bar one) the Mamutus boasts gore-tex and is also their only 3 layer option.

Score Breakdown for the Quiksilver Mamatus

FACTOR	RATING (OUT OF 5)	CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE
Waterproofing:	5.0	30/30
Seams:	5.0	20/20
Breathability:	4.5	22.5/25
Powder Skirt:	5.0	5/5
Venting:	5.0	5/5
Hood:	5.0	5/5
Jacket-to-pants interface:	5.0	5/5
Pockets:	5.0	5/5
TOTAL		97.5/100

#7: Quiksilver Forever 2L Gore-Tex

$Quiksilver Forever 2L Gore-Tex$ Jacket: Quiksilver Forever 2L Gore-Tex
Price: $329
Score: 97.5/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproof Rating: 28,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: Fully Taped

The cheapest of Quiksilver’s gore-tex options, the Forever 2L has all the waterproofing and breathability that most will ever need – and for a really reasonable price for gore-tex – and less than the average price of jackets on this list.

Score Breakdown for the Quiksilver Forever

FACTOR	RATING (OUT OF 5)	CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE
Waterproofing:	5.0	30/30
Seams:	5.0	20/20
Breathability:	4.5	22.5/25
Powder Skirt:	5.0	5/5
Venting:	5.0	5/5
Hood:	5.0	5/5
Jacket-to-pants interface:	5.0	5/5
Pockets:	5.0	5/5
TOTAL		97.5/100

#6: Quiksilver Black Alder 2L Gore-Tex

$Quiksilver BLACK ALDER 2L GORE-TEX$ Jacket: Quiksilver Black Alder 2L Gore-Tex
Price: $379
Score: 97.5/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproof Rating: 28,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: Fully Taped

The Black Alder 2L is the mid-priced gore-tex offering from Quiksilver and features all the performance you would expect from gore-tex and all the functionality you would want from a snowboarding jacket.

Score Breakdown for the Quiksilver Black Alder

FACTOR	RATING (OUT OF 5)	CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE
Waterproofing:	5.0	30/30
Seams:	5.0	20/20
Breathability:	4.5	22.5/25
Powder Skirt:	5.0	5/5
Venting:	5.0	5/5
Hood:	5.0	5/5
Jacket-to-pants interface:	5.0	5/5
Pockets:	5.0	5/5
TOTAL		97.5/100

#5: Patagonia Powder Bowl Gore-Tex

Jacket: Patagonia Powder Bowl Gore-Tex
Price: $399
Score: 97.5/100
Insulation: Shell with lining
Waterproof Rating: 28,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: Fully Taped

The Powder Bowl is the cheapest of 2 Patagonia jackets to make this list. It’s heavier than the other one that made it (953g[33.6oz]) and has a slightly lower breathability rating – but the significant difference in price might make this the Patagonia option for most.

One of the reason’s that the Powder bowl is a little heavier is that it has a liner. No insulation but a liner – so it will be a little warmer than most in this list – but only by a little bit.

Score Breakdown for the Patagonia Powder Bowl

FACTOR	RATING (OUT OF 5)	CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE
Waterproofing:	5.0	30/30
Seams:	5.0	20/20
Breathability:	4.5	22.5/25
Powder Skirt:	5.0	5/5
Venting:	5.0	5/5
Hood:	5.0	5/5
Jacket-to-pants interface:	5.0	5/5
Pockets:	5.0	5/5
TOTAL		97.5/100

#4: Dakine Smyth 2L Gore-Tex

$Dakine Smyth 2L Gore-Tex$ Jacket: Dakine Smyth 2L Gore-Tex
Price: $320
Score: 97.5/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproof Rating: 28,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: Fully Taped

The Dakine Smyth 2L is one of two Dakine jackets that’s available in gore-tex. And it’s really reasonably priced – less than the average price of all the jackets I looked at for this list – and well less than the average for a gore-tex jacket.

Score Breakdown for the Dakine Smyth

FACTOR	RATING (OUT OF 5)	CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE
Waterproofing:	5.0	30/30
Seams:	5.0	20/20
Breathability:	4.5	22.5/25
Powder Skirt:	5.0	5/5
Venting:	5.0	5/5
Hood:	5.0	5/5
Jacket-to-pants interface:	5.0	5/5
Pockets:	5.0	5/5
TOTAL		97.5/100

#4: Patagonia Untracked Gore-Tex

Jacket: Patagonia Untracked Gore-Tex
Price: $599
Score: 100/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproof Rating: 28,000mm
Breathability: 25,000g
Seams: Fully Taped

It’s the most expensive in this list – but for anyone looking for the ultimate in performance and functionality and willing to pay the price, and want something that’s also lightweight, the Untracked gives that option at 726g (25.6oz).

Want something even lighter, but even more expensive – then check out the Patagonia Powslayer – it weighs just 547g (19.3oz)!

Score Breakdown for the Patagonia Untracked

FACTOR	RATING (OUT OF 5)	CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE
Waterproofing:	5.0	30/30
Seams:	5.0	20/20
Breathability:	5.0	25/25
Powder Skirt:	5.0	5/5
Venting:	5.0	5/5
Hood:	5.0	5/5
Jacket-to-pants interface:	5.0	5/5
Pockets:	5.0	5/5
TOTAL		100/100

#3: The North Face Free Thinker Gore-Tex

Jacket: The North Face Free Thinker Gore-Tex
Price: $549
Score: 100/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproof Rating: 28,000mm
Breathability: 25,000g
Seams: Fully Taped

With a little more breathability and coming in at a lighter weight – 615 g (21.69 oz) – than the first North Face jacket on this list, the Free Thinker is one of the ultimate snowboarding jackets available.

But you’ve got to have a healthy budget to not have this put a major dent in your wallet.

Score Breakdown for the North Face Free thinker

FACTOR	RATING (OUT OF 5)	CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE
Waterproofing:	5.0	30/30
Seams:	5.0	20/20
Breathability:	5.0	25/25
Powder Skirt:	5.0	5/5
Venting:	5.0	5/5
Hood:	5.0	5/5
Jacket-to-pants interface:	5.0	5/5
Pockets:	5.0	5/5
TOTAL		100/100

#2: Quiksilver TR Stretch

Jacket: Quiksilver TR Stretch
Price: $359
Score: 100/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproof Rating: 30,000mm
Breathability: 30,000g
Seams: Fully Taped

A rare non gore-tex option on this list (shock horror! 🙂 ), the TR Stretch offers up superior waterproofing and breathability. It’s a little above the average price – but not by much and for the performance and functionality you get with it, it’s money well spent, assuming it lives up to it’s ratings.

Score Breakdown for the Quiksilver TR Stretch

FACTOR	RATING (OUT OF 5)	CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE
Waterproofing:	5.0	30/30
Seams:	5.0	20/20
Breathability:	5.0	25/25
Powder Skirt:	5.0	5/5
Venting:	5.0	5/5
Hood:	5.0	5/5
Jacket-to-pants interface:	5.0	5/5
Pockets:	5.0	5/5
TOTAL		100/100

#1: DC Command

Jacket: DC Command
Price: $289
Score: 100/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproof Rating: 30,000mm
Breathability: 25,000g
Seams: Fully Taped

And finally, the #1 jacket on this list. This jacket used to have waterproof/breathability ratings of 20,000/20,000 and the upped ratings have only brought the price up by $20. So if you believe these ratings to be true then this is one heck of a jacket for one heck of a price.

It’s a good bit cheaper than the average price of all the jackets that I looked at, and yes, this jacket isn’t Gore-Tex either. So, if you’re looking for the tried and trusted of gore-tex, then this may not be an option – but if you’re willing to take a chance on it, it will save you a few bucks, and if it lives up to its billing, then you’ll pick up a super-performer at a super-price.

Personally I love the look of this jacket too – but that’s in the eye of the beholder, of course.

Score Breakdown for the DC Command

FACTOR	RATING (OUT OF 5)	CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE
Waterproofing:	5.0	30/30
Seams:	5.0	20/20
Breathability:	5.0	25/25
Powder Skirt:	5.0	5/5
Venting:	5.0	5/5
Hood:	5.0	5/5
Jacket-to-pants interface:	5.0	5/5
Pockets:	5.0	5/5
TOTAL		100/100

Thanks for Reading

I hope this post has helped you to find the best non-insulated snowboard jacket for you.

2015-16

best snowboard jackets

This list is for non-insulated jackets. I will create a separate list for insulated jackets.

Prices have not been taken into account except where scores are equal the lowest price gets the better spot. Also any jacket over $500 has not been considered for this list.

Compared to other Snowboard Jackets

Below are the stats for all of the snowboard jackets that I researched so you can see how the top 20 here compare.

The average score was 78.5/100
The highest score was 100/100
The lowest score was 14/100
The average price was $279

O.k. let’s get into the top 20

#20: DC Clout Jacket

Jacket: DC Clout
Price: $219
Score: 90.5/100
Insulation: Lining

The first jacket on this list also happens to be the lowest priced jacket on the list. At a good $60 cheaper than the average price for a snowboard jacket the Clout is a great buy for the budget conscious who don’t want to compromise too much on performance.

With a 15,000mm fabric waterproof rating, fully taped seams and a 15,000g breathability rating, the Clouts are about as waterproof and breathable as you’ll need your jacket to be in 95% of conditions.

And with really good functionality too (only really missing the Jacket-to-Pants connection) this Jacket is super value-for-money.

FACTOR	RATING (OUT OF 5)	CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE
Waterproofing:	4.5	27/30
Seams:	5.0	20/20
Breathability:	4.8	24/25
Powder Skirt:	5.0	5/5
Venting:	5.0	5/5
Hood:	5.0	5/5
Jacket-to-pants interface:	0.0	0/5
Pockets:	4.5	4.5/5
TOTAL		90.5/100

#19: Volcom Lido Jacket

Jacket: Volcom Lido
Price: $260
Score: 91.5/100
Insulation: Lining

Also coming in under the average price, is Volcom’s Lido.

It doesn’t quite have the breathability of the Clout’s above but have the same waterproof rating – and what they do have over the Clouts is Jacket-to-pants connections.

Another great buy for those with less to spend.

FACTOR	RATING (OUT OF 5)	CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE
Waterproofing:	4.5	27/30
Seams:	5.0	20/20
Breathability:	4.0	20/25
Powder Skirt:	5.0	5/5
Venting:	5.0	5/5
Hood:	5.0	5/5
Jacket-to-pants interface:	5.0	5/5
Pockets:	4.5	4.5/5
TOTAL		91.5/100

#18: Volcom Brighton Pullover Jacket

Jacket: Volcom Brighton Pullover
Price: $240
Score: 91.5/100
Insulation: Lining

The next jacket on our list is very similar jacket to the Lido above, and made by the same company. The Brighton Pullover, however, has a different look and comes in at $20 cheaper based on recommended prices.

Of course, being a pullover, this one is pulled over your head unlike most snowboarding jackets which zip up.

FACTOR	RATING (OUT OF 5)	CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE
Waterproofing:	4.5	27/30
Seams:	5.0	20/20
Breathability:	4.0	20/25
Powder Skirt:	5.0	5/5
Venting:	5.0	5/5
Hood:	5.0	5/5
Jacket-to-pants interface:	5.0	5/5
Pockets:	4.5	4.5/5
TOTAL		91.5/100

#17: 686 Vector Jacket

Jacket: 686 Vector
Price: $220
Score: 91.5/100
Insulation: Lining

Coming in with the same score as the 2 Volcom’s above, 686’s Vector jacket is pretty similar again spec-wise but are that bit cheaper again.

At just $220 and the performance you get from this sucker, it’s super value-for-money – and in my opinion pretty stylish too.

FACTOR	RATING (OUT OF 5)	CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE
Waterproofing:	4.5	27/30
Seams:	5.0	20/20
Breathability:	4.0	20/25
Powder Skirt:	5.0	5/5
Venting:	5.0	5/5
Hood:	5.0	5/5
Jacket-to-pants interface:	5.0	5/5
Pockets:	4.5	4.5/5
TOTAL		91.5/100

#16: Ride Georgetown Jacket

Jacket: Ride Georgetown
Price: $249
Score: 92/100
Insulation: Lining

Ride’s Georgetown is next on the list and comes with a 15,000mm waterproof rating, fully seamed seals and 10,000g of breathability.

Plus you get every type of pocket you could ever need – and again this jacket is really reasonably priced for the performance you get.

FACTOR	RATING (OUT OF 5)	CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE
Waterproofing:	4.5	27/30
Seams:	5.0	20/20
Breathability:	4.0	20/25
Powder Skirt:	5.0	5/5
Venting:	5.0	5/5
Hood:	5.0	5/5
Jacket-to-pants interface:	5.0	5/5
Pockets:	5.0	5/5
TOTAL		92/100

#15: Lib Tech Wayne Jacket

Jacket: Lib Tech Wayne
Price: $299
Score: 93/100
Insulation: Lining

A little bit of a step up in price but also a bit of a step up in performance.

The Wayne boasts a fabric waterproof rating of 20,000mm, fully taped seams and a breathability rating of 15,000g. That’s going to keep you dry and comfortable in practically any conditions.

FACTOR	RATING (OUT OF 5)	CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE
Waterproofing:	5.0	30/30
Seams:	5.0	20/20
Breathability:	4.8	24/25
Powder Skirt:	5.0	5/5
Venting:	5.0	5/5
Hood:	5.0	5/5
Jacket-to-pants interface:	0.0	0/5
Pockets:	4.0	4/5
TOTAL		93/100

#14: DC Command DPM Jacket

Jacket: DC Command DPM
Price: $269
Score: 94.5/100
Insulation: Lining

Another step up in performance (20,000mm waterproof, 20,000g breathable, fully taped seams) but without any extra price added on (in fact they’re cheaper than the Wayne jacket above).

FACTOR	RATING (OUT OF 5)	CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE
Waterproofing:	5.0	30/30
Seams:	5.0	20/20
Breathability:	5.0	25/25
Powder Skirt:	5.0	5/5
Venting:	5.0	5/5
Hood:	5.0	5/5
Jacket-to-pants interface:	0.0	0/5
Pockets:	4.5	4.5/5
TOTAL		94.5/100

#13: Quiksilver That’s It 3L Gore-Tex Jacket

$Quiksilver Thats it 3L gore-tex 2016$ Jacket: Quiksilver That’s It 3L Gore-Tex
Price: $499
Score: 95/100
Insulation: None

The first of the Gore-Tex jackets in this list naturally comes with a price hike (though there are cheaper Gore-Tex Options in this list). This is particularly pricey.

But you do get quality for your dollar with the That’s It jacket. Gore-Tex is super waterproof and super-breathable. And it’s 3L gore-tex for that extra bit of waterproofing.

And the That’s it comes with awesome functionality too.

The only thing stopping this jacket from a perfect score is that it’s lacking venting. Even though Gore-Tex is really breathable I’d still like to see venting in this jacket.

I personally wouldn’t pay the recommended price for this jacket – but if you can find it at a reduced price it would be a great buy if you are willing to invest in quality.

FACTOR	RATING (OUT OF 5)	CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE
Waterproofing:	5.0	30/30
Seams:	5.0	20/20
Breathability:	5.0	25/25
Powder Skirt:	5.0	5/5
Venting:	0.0	0/5
Hood:	5.0	5/5
Jacket-to-pants interface:	5.0	5/5
Pockets:	5.0	5/5
TOTAL		95/100

#12: Dakine Smyth Gore-Tex Jacket

$Dakine Smyth Gore Tex 2016$ Jacket: Dakine Smyth Gore-Tex (2L)
Price: $320
Score: 95/100
Insulation: None

Dakine’s Smyth Jacket gives you all of the performance benefits of the That’s It jacket above – it will just cost you significantly less to get it.

The Smyth does have venting too – it just lacks in a jacket-to-pants connection system. But this is a great buy and a really good price for a Gore-Tex jacket.

It does have 2L Gore-Tex vs the That’s It’s 3L Gore-Tex – the difference being the 3L offers slightly more waterproofing and sacrifices a little with breathability – but in my experience there isn’t a huge amount of difference.

FACTOR	RATING (OUT OF 5)	CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE
Waterproofing:	5.0	30/30
Seams:	5.0	20/20
Breathability:	5.0	25/25
Powder Skirt:	5.0	5/5
Venting:	5.0	5/5
Hood:	5.0	5/5
Jacket-to-pants interface:	0.0	0/5
Pockets:	5.0	5/5
TOTAL		95/100

#11: Burton AK 2L Cyclic Gore-Tex Jacket

$Burton AK 2L Cyclic Gore-Tex Snowboard Jacket 2016$ Jacket: Burton AK 2L Cyclic Gore-Tex
Price: $389
Score: 98.5/100
Insulation: Lining

Now we get into the near perfect scoring jackets (in my scoring system anyway) – the first of which, Burton’s AK 2L Cyclic jacket has all the benefits of Gore-Tex (as mentioned above) and a heap of functionality.

FACTOR	RATING (OUT OF 5)	CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE
Waterproofing:	5.0	30/30
Seams:	5.0	20/20
Breathability:	5.0	25/25
Powder Skirt:	5.0	5/5
Venting:	5.0	5/5
Hood:	5.0	5/5
Jacket-to-pants interface:	5.0	5/5
Pockets:	3.5	3.5/5
TOTAL		98.5/100

#10: Burton AK 2L Boom Gore-Tex Jacket

$Burton AK 2L Boom Gore-Tex Snowboard Jacket 2016$ Jacket: Burton AK 2L Boom Gore-Tex
Price: $339
Score: 98.5/100
Insulation: Lining

A very similar jacket to #11 above but $50 cheaper. Personally I’d choose the cheaper option but check out the prices at the links at the bottom of this post, you may be able to find them on sale.

FACTOR	RATING (OUT OF 5)	CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE
Waterproofing:	5.0	30/30
Seams:	5.0	20/20
Breathability:	5.0	25/25
Powder Skirt:	5.0	5/5
Venting:	5.0	5/5
Hood:	5.0	5/5
Jacket-to-pants interface:	5.0	5/5
Pockets:	3.5	3.5/5
TOTAL		98.5/100

#9: Burton AK 2L Velocity Anorak Gore-Tex Jacket

$Burton AK 2L Velocity Anorak Gore-Tex Snowboard Jacket 2016$ Jacket: Burton AK 2L Velocity Anorak Gore-Tex
Price: $339
Score: 99/100
Insulation: Lining

Again, very similar to the #10 and #11 above – but with some better pocketing – and different styling.

FACTOR	RATING (OUT OF 5)	CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE
Waterproofing:	5.0	30/30
Seams:	5.0	20/20
Breathability:	5.0	25/25
Powder Skirt:	5.0	5/5
Venting:	5.0	5/5
Hood:	5.0	5/5
Jacket-to-pants interface:	5.0	5/5
Pockets:	4.0	4/5
TOTAL		99/100

#8: Quiksilver Forever 2L Gore-Tex Jacket

$Quiksilver Forever 2L Gore-Tex Snowboard Jacket 2016$ Jacket: Quiksilver Forever 2L Gore-Tex
Price: $299
Score: 99/100
Insulation: Lining

Quiksilver’s Forever jacket has awesome performance and is extremely well priced for a Gore-Tex jacket.

FACTOR	RATING (OUT OF 5)	CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE
Waterproofing:	5.0	30/30
Seams:	5.0	20/20
Breathability:	5.0	25/25
Powder Skirt:	5.0	5/5
Venting:	5.0	5/5
Hood:	5.0	5/5
Jacket-to-pants interface:	5.0	5/5
Pockets:	4.0	4/5
TOTAL		99/100

#7: Quiksilver TR Exhibition 2L Gore-Tex Jacket

$Quiksilver TR Exhibition 2L Gore Tex 2016$ Jacket: Quiksilver TR Exhibition 2L Gore-Tex
Price: $459
Score: 99.5/100
Insulation: Lining

And in at #7 is the TR Exhibition jacket from Quiksilver. The second Quiksilver offering in the top 10 and with all the functionality and features you could ever want in a snowboarding jacket – but it’s a bit more pricey than it’s brother at #8.

FACTOR	RATING (OUT OF 5)	CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE
Waterproofing:	5.0	30/30
Seams:	5.0	20/20
Breathability:	5.0	25/25
Powder Skirt:	5.0	5/5
Venting:	5.0	5/5
Hood:	5.0	5/5
Jacket-to-pants interface:	5.0	5/5
Pockets:	4.5	4.5/5
TOTAL		99.5/100

#6: Burton Vagabond Gore-Tex Jacket

$Burton Vagabond Gore-Tex Snowboard Jacket 2016$ Jacket: Burton Vagabond Gore-Tex
Price: $439
Score: 99.5/100
Insulation: Lining

Not much more to say except that you get exceptional performance in terms of features, waterproofing and breathability. You do pay for it – but if you’ve got the money to invest it could be well worth the investment.

FACTOR	RATING (OUT OF 5)	CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE
Waterproofing:	5.0	30/30
Seams:	5.0	20/20
Breathability:	5.0	25/25
Powder Skirt:	5.0	5/5
Venting:	5.0	5/5
Hood:	5.0	5/5
Jacket-to-pants interface:	5.0	5/5
Pockets:	4.5	4.5/5
TOTAL		99.5/100

#5: Volcom Stretch Gore-Tex Jacket

$Volcom Stretch Gore-Tex Snowboard Jacket 2016$ Jacket: Volcom Stretch Gore-Tex
Price: $420
Score: 99.5/100
Insulation: Lining

Again pricey – but with super-performance. If you can find one of these bad boys on sale then it’s a great investment.

FACTOR	RATING (OUT OF 5)	CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE
Waterproofing:	5.0	30/30
Seams:	5.0	20/20
Breathability:	5.0	25/25
Powder Skirt:	5.0	5/5
Venting:	5.0	5/5
Hood:	5.0	5/5
Jacket-to-pants interface:	5.0	5/5
Pockets:	4.5	4.5/5
TOTAL		99.5/100

#4: Volcom Stone Gore-Tex Jacket

$Volcom Stone Gore-Tex Snowboard Jacket 2016$ Jacket: Volcom Stone Gore-Tex
Price: $360
Score: 99.5/100
Insulation: Lining

Very much like it’s Volcom partner in crime at #5 above – but with a better price-tag.

FACTOR	RATING (OUT OF 5)	CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE
Waterproofing:	5.0	30/30
Seams:	5.0	20/20
Breathability:	5.0	25/25
Powder Skirt:	5.0	5/5
Venting:	5.0	5/5
Hood:	5.0	5/5
Jacket-to-pants interface:	5.0	5/5
Pockets:	4.5	4.5/5
TOTAL		99.5/100

#3: Volcom L Gore-Tex Jacket

$Volcom L Gore-Tex Snowboard Jacket 2016$ Jacket: Volcom L Gore-Tex
Price: $290
Score: 99.5/100
Insulation: Lining

The #3 jacket on this list, Volcom’s L Gore-Tex, comes in at an awesome price for this kind of performance and features.

Just 290 for a Gore-Tex jacket with all these features is a steal!

FACTOR	RATING (OUT OF 5)	CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE
Waterproofing:	5.0	30/30
Seams:	5.0	20/20
Breathability:	5.0	25/25
Powder Skirt:	5.0	5/5
Venting:	5.0	5/5
Hood:	5.0	5/5
Jacket-to-pants interface:	5.0	5/5
Pockets:	4.5	4.5/5
TOTAL		99.5/100

#2: Burton 3L Arsenal Jacket

Jacket: Burton 3L Arsenal
Price: $329
Score: 100/100
Insulation: Lining

For the #2 jacket on the list, the Burton 3L Arsenal, we have the only non-gore-tex option since #14.

But you get a 20,000 mm fabric waterproof rating, fully sealed seams and a 20,000g breathability rating. It’s not Gore-Tex but in my opinion will be able to handle 99% of conditions that most riders would face.

And if for any reason, you don’t want Gore-Tex but still want a high performing jacket then this is a great option – and it isn’t even that pricey considering the performance you get.

FACTOR	RATING (OUT OF 5)	CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE
Waterproofing:	5.0	30/30
Seams:	5.0	20/20
Breathability:	5.0	25/25
Powder Skirt:	5.0	5/5
Venting:	5.0	5/5
Hood:	5.0	5/5
Jacket-to-pants interface:	5.0	5/5
Pockets:	5.0	5/5
TOTAL		100/100

#1: Burton 3L Particle Gore-Tex Jacket

$Burton 3L Particle Gore-Tex Snowboard Jacket 2016$ Jacket: Burton 3L Particle Gore-Tex
Price: $499
Score: 100/100
Insulation: Lining

And finally the #1 Jacket on this list. Not for the budget conscious – but if you’ve got the money to invest then you get pretty much the perfect snowboard jacket money can buy (for under $500 – I didn’t include anything in this list that was over 500).

The 3L Particle Gore-Tex jacket features 3L Gore-Tex.

3L Gore-Tex gives you a bit more waterproofing but sacrifices a bit of breathability – so if you ride in wet conditions often then it might be worth the extra investment (3L Gore-Tex tends to be more expensive).

Plus it has all the other functionality you’d want in a snowboard jacket – powder skirt, venting, adjustable hood, jacket-to-pants interface and plenty of pocketing (including hand pockets, chest pockets, media pocket, goggle pocket and pass pocket).

FACTOR	RATING (OUT OF 5)	CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE
Waterproofing:	5.0	30/30
Seams:	5.0	20/20
Breathability:	5.0	25/25
Powder Skirt:	5.0	5/5
Venting:	5.0	5/5
Hood:	5.0	5/5
Jacket-to-pants interface:	5.0	5/5
Pockets:	5.0	5/5
TOTAL		100/100

Thanks for Reading

I hope this post has helped you to find the best non-insulated snowboard jacket for you.

For the latest season's list, check out the link below.

>>LATEST SEASON FEATURED SNOWBOARD JACKETS

Buying Past Season Models

Often models don't change that much from year to year so if you can find a past season model, it will likely be close enough to the latest model but you can get it cheaper, if available and in a suitable size/color/style for you. For past year's models check out the links below to see if they still have any left.


>>Men's Past Season Snowboard Jackets at evo.com
>>Men's Past Season Snowboard Jackets at steepandcheap.com
>>Men's Past Season Snowboard Jackets at tactics.com
>>Men's Past Season Snowboard Jackets at backcountry.com
>>Men's Past Season Snowboard Jackets at blauerboardshop.com
>>Men's Past Season Snowboard Jackets at the-house.com


>>Men's Past Season Snowboard Jackets at evo.com
>>Men's Past Season Snowboard Jackets at steepandcheap.com
>>Men's Past Season Snowboard Jackets at tactics.com
>>Men's Past Season Snowboard Jackets at backcountry.com
>>Men's Past Season Snowboard Jackets at blauerboardshop.com
>>Men's Past Season Snowboard Jackets at the-house.com


>>Men's Past Season Snowboard Jackets at evo.com
>>Men's Past Season Snowboard Jackets at prfo.com


>>Men's Past Season Snowboard Jackets at blue-tomato.com
>>Men's Past Season Snowboard Jackets at snowboard-asylum.com