The following are our most recommended Snowboard Jackets for the 2025-2026 season. All the jackets below either meet or exceed the required specs we think you should have in a snowboard jacket.
We like to think of these as our"Spec-Met" or, more accurately, Spec-Met/Exceeded snowboard jackets. These are the ones that did the best at meeting or exceeding our requirements for the 2025-2026 season.
How this List has been Ordered
This list has been split into the following categories:
- Shell (non-insulated) Snowboard Jackets
- Insulated Snowboard Jackets
- Gore-Tex Shell Snowboard Jackets
- Gore-Tex Insulated Snowboard Jackets
The jackets in each category aren't in any particular order.
Pricing
See our Cheap snowboard jackets list for lower budget jackets that still meet the minimum requirements. This list doesn't take price into account, except that we only chose jackets that cost $500 or less, as mentioned above.
If you just want to skip to the bit where you can find current pricing, availability and where to buy them, use the linked quick navigation menu below to go to the "Where to Buy" sections at the end of each category.
If you want to learn how we made our selections, read on in the next session.
What we Consider the Most Important Factors for choosing a Snowboard Jacket
Waterproofing
There are 3 main factors that influence how waterproof a snow jacket is:
- Waterproofness of the fabric used;
- Seam Sealing; and
- Waterproof coating
The jackets below all exceed what we consider to be the minimum levels for waterproofing.
Minimum waterproofness: 10,000mm
Seam Sealing: Fully Taped highly preferred
Breathability
Shell jackets have a natural advantage over insulated jackets for breathability, but different fabrics have different levels of breathability.
The jackets below all exceed what we consider to be the minimum level of breathability.
Minimum Breathability: 10,000g
Insulation
It's a personal preference as to whether or not you want insulation and if so, how much. This will depend on a number of factors, including:
- how hot or cold you run
- the typical temperatures you typically ride in
- Whether you use your snow jacket just for snowboarding or for multi-use
And probably others.
Personally I run hot and I ride in varied temperatures, so I prefer a shell, so that I don't overheat on warmer days and I can just layer underneath on colder days.
Functionality
There are a number of functions that set snow jackets apart from other jackets. These functions affect everything from convenience to comfort.
Powder Skirt
This could have just as easily been put under the waterproofing section, as the powder skirt helps to keep snow going inside your jacket or pants, when you bail. Even if that snow is dry snow it's going to melt and be wet, if you don't get it all out.
As well as doing well in performing its job of keeping snow out, it can also be useful to have a powder skirt that's removable, for those days when you don't want it - or if you use your snow jacket for things other than snowboarding, where the powder skirt wouldn't be useful.
All but one of the jackets featured below have a powder skirt and around 20% of them have removable powder skirts. Some fixed powder skirts are able to be zipped away or clipped away to get them out of the way when you're not using them.
Hood
A hood can also affect waterproofing in that it helps to keep your head dry when there's rain or wet snow. Or even dry snow - which can settle and melt.
But it also helps with warmth and wind protection.
As a lot of us wear helmets when riding these days, it's important to have a hood that can accommodate that helmet - and since we all have different sized heads/helmets, it's important that the hoods are adjustable.
And they need to not only fit over your helmet (or head) but also then be able to be tightened enough so that it won't get blown off - but also do all that in a way that it won't affect your field of vision. So multi-direction adjustability is highly preferable.
All the jackets featured below have adjustable hoods.
Venting
This one could have come under breathability, but since it's something that is not typically found on non-snow jackets, we put it under functionality.
For snowboard jackets, having underarm venting is pretty much a must, if you're riding in warmer conditions - not only does it help to regulate your temperature when you're overheating, but it also helps to your jacket from being too stinky too quickly, so you want have to wash it as often - which is good, because washing a snowboard jacket isn't as straight forward as other clothes, as you have to make sure you retain the waterproof coating that's on the jacket. Washing your jacket the the same way you'd wash other clothes will end up removing that coating.
All the jackets featured below have some form of venting, with most of them having zippered underarm venting.
Jacket to Pant Connections
When you're able to connect your jacket to your pants, it adds another layer of protection to stop snow getting inside. Nothing is able to ride up. A combination of this and a powder skirt makes it almost impossible for snow to get in.
A majority of the jackets below have jacket-to-pant connection systems.
Pockets
It's not just about the number or volume of the pockets in the jacket, it's about the functionality of those pockets. At a minimum we think snowboard jackets should have at least:
Sleeve pass pocket: This pocket is super convenient to keep your pass in and because it's on your forearm, it's really easy to make sure its close to the scanner as you go through the gate. It also allows you to have your pass well away from other cards that you might have in your other pockets that might otherwise interfere with the scanner, if they're too close to your pass.
We prefer zippered pass pockets - I'm sure the hook-and-loop closure (aka velcro) pockets are fine, but they just don't feel as secure as zips.
Media pocket: I'm going to hazard a guess that there are very few who don't bring their phones with them when riding. Having a specific pocket is great to have. Especially if you listen to music and need earphone holes - if you don't have helmet speakers or Bluetooth ear phones.
And these pockets are typically placed on the inside of the jacket and sometimes even have extra insulation, so that it keeps your device warm, which helps the battery to last longer.
Mesh Goggle Pocket: It's great to have a place to put your goggles for when you're taking a break at the lodge or whatever. Yes, you can rest them on your head or helmet, but that can be a recipe for the dreaded fog up! A mesh goggle pocket, gives you somewhere to put them but minimize the risk of a fog up.
Most of the jackets featured below have a good number and variety of pockets, and most include sleeve pass pockets, media pockets and mesh goggle pockets.
Featured SHELL Jackets (non-Gore-Tex)
The following jackets are non-insulated jackets, aka shell snowboard jackets that don't feature Gore-Tex. This is a selection of jackets that meet or exceed all the factors that we think are the most important to consider when choosing a snowboard jacket.
#1: Airblaster Beast Access
Sage
RealTree Snow
Black
Orange
* also available in Mist.
Available Sizes: S M L XL XXL
Fabric Waterproof Rating: 30,000
Seams: Fully Taped
Layers: 2
Breathability Rating: 20,000g
Venting: Zippered underarm vents
Insulation: Shell (no insulation)
Fit: Loose (Airblaster's "Baggy Plus Fit" with "90's oversized fit with tech construction)
Pockets: 2 hand pockets (zip) and 1 chest pocket (outer) zippered too
Powder Skirt: Removable
Hood: Fixed, adjustable, helmet compatible
The biggest downside to this jacket is the lack of a sleeve pass pocket and internal media pocket. But it was just too good otherwise to leave out, and comes with a really reasonable price tag, for the performance. Enough so, that we can forgive it for its pocket misgivings.
#2: Dakine Beacon
Black
Huckleberry
Available Sizes: S M L XL XXL
Fabric Waterproof Rating: 30,000mm
Seams: Fully Taped
Layers: 3
Breathability Rating: 25,000g
Venting: Zippered underarm vents
Insulation: Shell (no insulation)
Fit: Regular
Pockets: 2 hand pockets (zip) | 1 exterior zippered chest pocket | zippered sleeve pass pocket | Goggle pocket
Powder Skirt: non-removable powder skirt, jacket-to-pants connection.
Hood: Fixed, adjustable, helmet compatible
While there is a significant price hike from the Beast Access, this is still a really reasonable price for the waterproofing, breathability and functionality you get, particularly for a 3 layer jacket.
#3: Volcom RNGE Stretch 30K
Moss Green
Brown
Available Sizes: XS S M L XL XXL
Fabric Waterproof Rating: 30,000k
Seams: Fully Taped
Layers: 2
Breathability Rating: 30,000k
Venting: Zippered, mesh lined underarm vents
Insulation: Shell (no insulation)
Fit: Loose
Pockets: Zippered Sleeve pass pocket | chest pockets | Internal media pocket | handwarmer pockets
Powder Skirt: Fixed, adjustable plus jacket-to-pants connection that's zippered - Volcom's "Zip Tech®" , which is the only jacket-to-pants connection that's zippered, that I know of.
Hood: Fixed, adjustable, helmet compatible
Volcom jackets tend to take it next level for functionality and their RNGE Stretch 30K jacket is no exception, with a plethora of pockets, their patented Zip Tech® Jacket-to-Pant connections & adjustable hood and powder skirt. Which adds to exceptional waterproofing and breathability, making this jacket seriously good value-for-for money, IMO.
#4: Jones Shralpinist Stretch Recycled
Lime
Stealth Black
Atlantic Blue
Smoke Grey
Available Sizes: S M L XL
Fabric Waterproof Rating: 30,000k
Seams: Fully Taped
Layers: 3
Breathability Rating: 30,000g
Venting: Zippered underarm vents
Insulation: Shell (no insulation)
Fit: Regular
Pockets: Zippered Sleeve pass pocket | 2 exterior chest pockets - one with a phone sleeve | Internal chest pocket | mesh goggle pocket
Powder Skirt: Fixed, adjustable
Hood: Fixed, adjustable, helmet compatible
#5: thirtytwo TM-3 Recycled
Available Sizes: S M L XL XXL
Fabric Waterproof Rating: 25,000mm
Seams: Fully Taped
Layers: 3
Breathability Rating: 25,000g
Venting: Zippered underarm vents
Insulation: Shell (no insulation)
Fit: Loose
Pockets: Zippered Sleeve pass pocket | 2 exterior chest pockets | Internal chest pocket | handwarmer pockets
Powder Skirt: Fixed, adjustable
Hood: Fixed, adjustable, helmet compatible
Comparison Chart
Airblaster Beast Access | Dakine Beacon | Volcom RNGE Stretch | Jones Shralpinist Stretch | thirtytwo TM-3 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
WATERPROOFING ℹ | 30K (mm) | 30K (mm) | 30K (mm) | 30K (mm) | 25K (mm) |
BREATHABILITY ℹ | 20K (g) | 25K (g) | 30K (g) | 30K (g) | 25K (g) |
SEAMS ℹ | Fully Taped | Fully Taped | Fully Taped | Fully Taped | Fully Taped |
FIT ℹ | Loose | Regular | Loose | Regular | Loose |
Powder | Removable | Fixed | Fixed | Fixed | Fixed |
Hood | Fixed, Helmet Compatible | Fixed, Helmet Compatible | Fixed, Helmet Compatible | Fixed, Helmet Compatible | Fixed, Helmet Compatible |
Pockets | 2x hand warmer | 1x outer chest | sleeve pass packet | goggle pocket | 2x hand warmer | 1x outer chest | sleeve pass packet | internal media pocket | 2x hand warmer | 2x outer chest | sleeve pass packet | goggle pocket | 2x outer chest pockets | 1x internal chest | sleeve pass packet | 2x hand warmer | 2x outer chest | 1x internal chest |
Venting | Zippered underarm | Zippered underarm | Zippered underarm | Zippered underarm | Zippered underarm |
Where to Buy
Check out the links below to discover current pricing, colorway/sizing availability and some buying options.
Affiliate Disclosure: Just a quick heads up, if you make a purchase after clicking on one of the links below, Snowboarding Profiles makes a small commission. This in no way affects the cost of the product and we really appreciate it and it enables us to continue to do what we do.
Airblaster Beast Access
Dakine Beacon
Volcom RNGE Stretch 30K
Jones Shralpinist Stretch
thirtytwo TM-3
Featured SHELL GORE-TEX Jackets
The following are shell jackets (no insulation) that are made using Gore-Tex material.
#1: Volcom L Gore-Tex
Moss Green
Black
Mauve
Brown
Available Sizes: XS S M L XL XXL
Fabric Waterproof Rating: 28,000
Seams: Fully Taped
Layers: 2
Breathability Rating: 20,000g
Venting: Zippered, mesh lined underarm venting.
Insulation: Shell (no insulation)
Fit: Relaxed
Pockets: Zippered sleeve pass pocket | goggle pocket | external chest pocket | Internal media pocket | handwarmer pockets - basically all the pockets and types of pockets you're likely to ever need.
Powder Skirt: Fixed, adjustable plus jacket-to-pants connection that's zippered - Volcom's "Zip Tech®" (like on the RNGE in the non-gore-tex shell list above - I'm pretty sure all of Volcom's snow jackets/pants have the Zip Tech).
Hood: Fixed, adjustable, helmet Compatible.
-------------------------------------
#2: 686 GORE-TEX Core Shell
Limestone Print
Black
Sage
Limestone
* also available in Purple Dawn.
Available Sizes: S M L XL XXL
Fabric Waterproof Rating: 28,000mm
Seams: Fully Taped
Layers: 2
Breathability Rating: 20,000g
Venting: Chest pocket vent - I'd prefer the full underarm zippers, but at least there's something.
Insulation: Shell (no insulation)
Fit: Regular
Pockets: Phone heater chest pocket | goggle pocket | lip balm pocket | chest pocket with key clip | handwarmer pockets
Powder Skirt: fixed adjustable powder skirt with jacket-to-pants connection.
Hood: Fixed, adjustable, helmet Compatible.
686's Core Gore-Tex is great value if you're wanting Gore-Tex but aren't looking to spend as much as you would on most gore-tex jackets. The Core is the lowest priced gore-tex jacket in this list.
The biggest disadvantage is the lack of underarm vents. It just has chest pocket venting - something that may or may not be worth the extra money for you depending on how much value you place on underarm vents.
#3: Burton AK Cyclic Gore-Tex
Atomic Shatter
Blue Teal
Sage
True Black
* also available in Gray Cloud, Jake Blue/True Black, Verry Berry, Chestnut Brown/Blue Teal, and Verry Berry/Gray Cloud.
Available Sizes: XXS XS S M L XL XXL XXXL
Fabric Waterproof Rating: 28,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
Layers: 2
Breathability Rating: 20,000mm
Venting: Zippered, mesh lined underarm venting.
Insulation: Shell (no insulation)
Fit: Regular
Pockets: zippered sleeve (upper arm) pocket | handwarmer pockets | chest pocket | goggle/stash pocket | insulated media pocket
Powder Skirt: Removeable, with jacket-to-pant connection.
Hood: Fixed, adjustable, helmet Compatible.
#4: Mountain Hardwear Sky Ridge™ GORE-TEX
Blue Black
Aspect
Sage
Available Sizes: S M L XL XXL
Fabric Waterproof Rating: 28,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
Layers: 2
Breathability Rating: 20,000mm
Venting: Zippered, mesh lined underarm venting.
Insulation: Shell (no insulation)
Fit: Relaxed
Pockets: Zippered sleeve pass pocket | handwarmer pockets | internal chest pocket | 2 x external chest pockets | goggle pocket - put more simply - the works
Powder Skirt: Fixed, adjustable with jacket-to-pant connections.
Hood: Fixed, adjustable, helmet Compatible.
#5: Flylow Kane
Leaf
Red
Black
Available Sizes: S M L XL XXL
Fabric Waterproof Rating: 30,000mm
Seams: Fully Taped
Layers: 3 (great value for a 3 layer jacket)
Breathability Rating: 30,000g
Venting: Zippered Underarm vents
Insulation: Shell (no insulation)
Fit: Regular
Pockets: 2 handwarmer pockets | 2 external chest pockets | 1 internal pocket - pockets are designed to be accessible when wearing a backpack.
Powder Skirt: None
Hood: Fixed, adjustable, helmet Compatible.
The Kane doesn't feature a powder skirt. So, may not be for you, if that's something you want in your jacket. However, it is very lightweight at just 544g - and part of that lightness comes from doing without the powder skirt. That said, a removable powder skirt would achieve the same, but with the option of having the powder skirt.
Perhaps if you're wearing a backpack with a waist belt that does the job to keep snow out - and they do tout this as more of a backcountry jacket vs a resort jacket with features, such as pocket location and seamless shoulders being designed to be worn with a back pack.
Comparison Chart
Volcom L Gore-Tex | 686 Gore-Tex Core | Burton AK Cyclic Gore-Tex | Mountain Hardwear Sky Ridge Gore-Tex | Flylow Kane | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
WATERPROOFING ℹ | 28K (mm) | 28K (mm) | 28K (mm) | 28K (mm) | 30K (mm) |
BREATHABILITY ℹ | 20K (g) | 20K (g) | 20K (g) | 20K (g) | 30K (g) |
SEAMS ℹ | Fully Taped | Fully Taped | Fully Taped | Fully Taped | Fully Taped |
FIT ℹ | Relaxed | Regular | Regular | Relaxed | Feature 3 |
Powder | Fixed | Fixed | Removable | Fixed | - |
Hood | Fixed, Helmet Compatible | Fixed, Helmet Compatible | Fixed, Helmet Compatible | Fixed, Helmet Compatible | Fixed, Helmet Compatible |
Pockets | Zip sleeve pass | goggle | external chest | internal media | handwarmer | phone heater | goggle | lip balm | chest with key clip | handwarmer | zip sleeve pass | insulated media | goggle | handwarmer | zip sleeve pass | internal chest | external chest | goggle | handwarmer | external chest | internal chest | handwarmer |
Where to Buy
Check out the links below to discover current pricing, colorway/sizing availability and some buying options.
Affiliate Disclosure: Just a quick heads up, if you make a purchase after clicking on one of the links below, Snowboarding Profiles makes a small commission. This in no way affects the cost of the product and we really appreciate it and it enables us to continue to do what we do.
Volcom L Gore-Tex
686 Gore-Tex Core
Burton AK Cyclic Gore-Tex
Mountain Hardwear Sky Ridge Gore-Tex
Flylow Kane
Featured INSULATED jackets (non-Gore-Tex)
Featured INSULATED jackets (non-Gore-Tex)
The Jackets below are all insulated jackets that are still highly waterproof and breathable, but feature some level of insulation for some extra warmth. There is a variety of different levels of insulation to choose from, depending on how warm you want to go.
#1: Jones MTN Surf Recycled Parka
Moss Green
Smoke Gray
Peak Camo
Stealth Black
Available Sizes: S M L XL
Fabric Waterproof Rating: 20,000
Seams: Fully Taped
Layers: 2
Breathability Rating: 20,000g
Venting: Zippered underarm vents.
Insulation: PrimaLoft® PURE (mid-light level insulation)
Fit: Relaxed
Pockets: zippered sleeve pass pocket | 2 external chest pockets | internal chest pocket with phone sleeve | handwarmer pockets
Powder Skirt: Fixed, adjustable
Hood: Fixed, adjustable, helmet Compatible.
#2: 686 Hydra Thermagraph®
Red
Arctic Tundra
Cypress Green
Limestone
* also available in Black, Yellow Gold, Dusty Marine and Smokey Pink.
Available Sizes: S M L XL XXL
Fabric Waterproof Rating: 20,000mm
Seams: Fully Taped
Layers: 2
Breathability Rating: 15,000g
Venting: Zippered mesh lined underarm vents
Insulation: Synthetic. 140g body-mapped (mid-high level of insulation)
Fit: Regular
Pockets: 8 total (5 external, 3 internal) | phone warmer pocket | zippered sleeve pass pocket with clip | goggle pocket | lip balm pocket | chest pocket with key clip | handwarmer pockets - pretty sure that's got all bases covered!
Powder Skirt: Fixed, adjustable - and jacket-to-pant connections.
Hood: Fixed, adjustable, helmet Compatible.
#3: L1 Rankin
Golden Smoke
Sage Carbon
Black
Russet Fossil
Available Sizes: XS S M L XL XXL
Fabric Waterproof Rating: 20,000
Seams: Critically Taped
Layers: 2
Breathability Rating: 20,000g
Venting: Zippered mesh lined underarm vents
Insulation: Recycled Polyester 40g (light)
Fit: Regular
Pockets: Zippered pass pocket | velcro internal media pocket | goggle pocket | chest pocket | handwarmer pockets
Powder Skirt: Fixed, adjustable with jacket-to-pant connections.
Hood: Fixed, adjustable, helmet Compatible.
Having critically taped, rather than fully taped seams is the only real downside of this jacket - it otherwise has everything else well covered - including a reasonable price-tag, especially given the performance you get from it.
#4: Airblaster Beast 2L Insulated
Bode Cactus
Crimson
Tan
Black
* also available in Huckleberry.
Available Sizes: S M L XL XXL
Fabric Waterproof Rating: 30,000mm
Seams: Fully Taped
Layers: 2
Breathability Rating: 20,000g
Venting: Mesh lined zip underarm vents
Insulation: Primaloft® (light weight and low profile)
Fit: Relaxed (Airblaster's "Mid Baggy Fit" )
Pockets: 2 hand pockets (zip) and 1 zippered chest pocket (outer) with media port
Powder Skirt: Removable
Hood: Fixed, adjustable, helmet Compatible.
#5: Burton Reserve 2L Insulated
Sage and Black
Gray Cloud and Lavender
Graffiti Camo
Sunrise Coral*
* also available in True Black, Summit Taupe and Light Teal colorways.
Available Sizes: S M L XL XXL
Fabric Waterproof Rating: 20,000mm
Seams: Fully Taped
Layers: 2
Breathability Rating: 20,000g
Venting: Mesh lined zip underarm vents
Insulation: Synthetic 80g (mid level)
Fit: Regular
Pockets: Zippered sleeve pass pocket | insulated chest pocket for phone | goggle pocket | handwarmer pockets (with ATM pocket within)
Powder Skirt: Fixed, adjustable with jacket-to-pant connections.
Hood: Fixed, adjustable, helmet Compatible.
Comparison Chart
Jones MTN Surf | 686 Hydra Thermagraph | Volcom 2836 | Airblaster Beast 2L | Burton Reserve 2L | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
WATERPROOFING ℹ | 20K (mm) | 20K (mm) | 20K (mm) | 30K (mm) | 20K (mm) |
BREATHABILITY ℹ | 20K (g) | 15K (g) | 20K (g) | 20K (g) | 20K (g) |
SEAMS ℹ | Fully Taped | Fully Taped | Critically Taped | Fully Taped | Fully Taped |
FIT ℹ | Relaxed | Regular | Regular | Relaxed | Regular |
Powder | Fixed | Fixed | Fixed | Removable | Fixed |
Hood | Fixed, Helmet Compatible | Fixed, Helmet Compatible | Fixed, Helmet Compatible | Fixed, Helmet Compatible | Fixed, Helmet Compatible |
Pockets | zip sleeve pass | 2 external chest | internal chest with phone sleeve | handwarmer | zip sleeve pass with clip| media (insulated) | goggle | lip balm | chest with key clip | handwarmer | zip sleeve pass | media | goggle | chest | handwarmer | chest with media port | handwarmers | zip sleeve pass | media (insulated) | goggle | handwarmer (with ATM pocket within) |
Insulation | mid-light | mid-heavy | light | light | mid |
Where to Buy
Check out the links below to discover current pricing, colorway/sizing availability and some buying options.
Affiliate Disclosure: Just a quick heads up, if you make a purchase after clicking on one of the links below, Snowboarding Profiles makes a small commission. This in no way affects the cost of the product and we really appreciate it and it enables us to continue to do what we do.
Jones MTN Surf
686 Hydra Thermagraph
L1 Rankin
Airblaster Beast 2L
Burton Reserve 2L
Featured INSULATED GORE-TEX jackets
Like the jackets above, these jackets feature some level of insulation for extra warmth. The difference being that these ones are constructed using Gore-Tex.
#1: Mountain Hardwear Cloud Bank™ GORE-TEX
Aspect (Orange) Black
Blue Black
* also available in Landslide and Black
Available Sizes: S M L XL XXL
Fabric Waterproof Rating: 28,000
Seams: Fully Taped
Layers: 2
Breathability Rating: 20,000g
Venting: Mesh lined zip underarm vents.
Insulation: Synthetic. 80g body, 60g sleeves and hood (mid level)
Fit: Relaxed
Pockets: Zippered sleeve pass pocket | goggle pocket | internal chest pocket | external chest pocket | handwarmer pockets
Powder Skirt: Fixed, adjustable, with jacket-to-pant connections.
Hood: Fixed, adjustable, helmet Compatible.
#2: Burton Reserve GORE-TEX 2L Insulated
Violet
Black
Fiesta Pro
Gray Cloud
Available Sizes: XS S M L XL XXL
Fabric Waterproof Rating: 28,000mm
Seams: Fully Taped
Layers: 2
Breathability Rating: 20,000g
Venting: Mesh lined zip underarm vents.
Insulation: Synthetic 80g (mid level)
Fit: Regular
Pockets: Zippered sleeve pass pocket | goggle pocket | internal media pocket | 2x external chest pockets | 2x handwarmer pockets
Powder Skirt: Fixed, adjustable, with jacket-to-pant connections.
Hood: Fixed, adjustable, helmet Compatible.
This is essentially the Gore-Tex version of #5 in the Insulated non-Gore-Tex list above.
#3: 686 GORE-TEX Core Insulated
Dusty Marine
Black
Available Sizes: S M L XL XXL
Fabric Waterproof Rating: 28,000mm
Seams: Fully Taped
Layers: 2
Breathability Rating: 20,000g
Venting: Chest pocket vent - I'd prefer the full underarm zippers, but at least there's something.
Insulation: Synthetic 60g (light)
Fit: Regular
Pockets: Velcro pass pocket | Insulated media pocket | chest pocket with key clip | goggle pocket
Powder Skirt: Fixed, adjustable, with jacket-to-pant connections.
Hood: Fixed, adjustable, helmet Compatible.
With the Shell version of this jacket making the Gore-Tex shell list above, its not surprise that the insulated version finds itself here too, given the performance and value.
#4: Volcom DUA Insulated GORE-TEX
Red
Moss Green
Black
Terra Brown
Available Sizes: XS S M L XL XXL
Fabric Waterproof Rating: 28,000mm
Seams: Fully Taped
Layers: 2
Breathability Rating: 20,000g
Venting: Mesh lined zip underarm vents.
Insulation: Synthetic. 80g body, 60g hood and sleeves (mid level)
Fit: Loose/Baggy
Pockets: Media pocket | goggle pocket | handwarmer pockets - missing sleeve pass pocket, unfortunately.
Powder Skirt: Fixed, adjustable plus jacket-to-pants connection with Volcom's "Zip Tech®" - which is pretty much like it sounds - it connects your jacket and pants together by zipping them together. Most jack-to-pant connections clip on.
Hood: Fixed, adjustable, helmet Compatible.
While we could have just as well have put the Volcom L Gore-Tex Insulated here, we figured the DUA deserved a look, given how good a value it is for a Gore-Tex snowboard jacket - and offering a different fit type.
It does miss out on a sleeve pass pocket - is it worth the extra money to go up to the L Gore-Tex from this? That's something only you can decide (it might depend on your fit preference too, with the DUA being baggier than the L).
#5: The North Face Dawnstrike GORE-TEX Insulated
Dusk Meridian Blue
Black
Available Sizes: S M L XL XXL
Fabric Waterproof Rating: 28,000mm
Seams: Fully Taped
Layers: 2
Breathability Rating: 20,000g
Venting: Mesh lined zip underarm vents.
Insulation: Recycled Polyester, Recycled Synthetic. 60g body, 40g hood and sleeves (light)
Fit: Regular
Pockets: zippered sleeve pass pocket | goggle pocket | external chest pocket | internal chest pocket | handwarmer pockets
Powder Skirt: Fixed, adjustable, with jacket-to-pant connections.
Hood: Fixed, adjustable, helmet Compatible.
One of the trickiest things in finding snowboard jackets to recommend was find jackets for under $500, particularly Gore-Tex. A lot are now over that cost, but for most of us, more than that just feels like too much.
Comparison Chart
Mountain Hardwear Cloud Bank Gore-Tex | Burton Reserve GORE-TEX 2L Insulated | 686 Gore-Tex Core Insulated | Volcom DUA Insulated Gore-Tex | The North Face Dawnstrike Gore-Tex | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
WATERPROOFING ℹ | 28K (mm) | 28K (mm) | 28K (mm) | 28K (mm) | 28K (mm) |
BREATHABILITY ℹ | 20K (g) | 20K (g) | 20K (g) | 20K (g) | 20K (g) |
SEAMS ℹ | Fully Taped | Fully Taped | Fully Taped | Fully Taped | Fully Taped |
FIT ℹ | Relaxed | Regular | Regular | Loose | Regular |
Powder | Fixed | Fixed | Fixed | Fixed | Fixed |
Hood | Fixed, Helmet Compatible | Fixed, Helmet Compatible | Fixed, Helmet Compatible | Fixed, Helmet Compatible | Fixed, Helmet Compatible |
Pockets | zip sleeve pass | goggle | external chest | internal chest | handwarmers | zip sleeve pass | goggle | 2 external chest | internal media | handwarmers | velcro sleeve pass | goggle | insulated media | chest with key clip | goggle | media | external chest | handwarmers | zip sleeve pass | goggle | external chest | internal chest | handwarmers |
Insulation | mid | mid | light | mid | light |
Where to Buy
Check out the links below to discover current pricing, colorway/sizing availability and some buying options.
Affiliate Disclosure: Just a quick heads up, if you make a purchase after clicking on one of the links below, Snowboarding Profiles makes a small commission. This in no way affects the cost of the product and we really appreciate it and it enables us to continue to do what we do.
Mountain Hardwear Cloud Bank Gore-Tex
Burton Reserve GORE-TEX 2L Insulated
686 Gore-Tex Core Insulated
Volcom DUA Insulated Gore-Tex
The North Face Dawnstrike Gore-Tex
Whether you want insulated or a shell and whether you want Gore-Tex or not (or aren't bothered either way), hopefully you've been able to find a jacket that suits your purposes and provides you with the things that you need and want our of your snowboard jacket.
Of course, there are many other options, but those are the best that we found that came in a price-tag less than $500 and met or exceeded what we think are the most important things to have with a snowboard jacket.
This is apparently the last year of the current model Cyclic, with an update coming next year. I’ve just picked up a new one, because I’m not a fan of the new design.
Hi Dave, thanks for your input and insight into the new design. Glad you were able to get one before the design changed.