
You can toggle (by clicking the "+" sign) each year below to see the lists from past season's.

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 only jackets under $500 have 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 43 non-insulated jackets rated:
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

Jacket: Dakine Barrier 2L Gore-Tex
- US
- CA
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 | 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

Jacket: Armada Haydon 3L Gore-Tex
- US
- CA
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 | 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

Jacket: Dakine Stoker Gore-Tex 3L
- US
- CA
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 | 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

Jacket: Volcom Stone Gore-Tex
- US
- CA
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 | 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

Jacket: Volcom Ten Gore-Tex
- US
- CA
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 | 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

Jacket: Volcom BL Stretch Gore-Tex
- US
- CA
- UK/EU
Price: View more Info and Current Prices Here (UK/EU)
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 | 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

Jacket: 686 Hydrastash Sync Gore-Tex
- US
- CA
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.
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 | 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
- US
- CA
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 | 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

Jacket: Quiksilver Black Alder 2L Gore-Tex
- US
- CA
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 | 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

Jacket: Volcom Longo Gore-Tex
- US
- CA
- UK/EU
Price: View more Info and Current Prices Here (UK/EU)
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 | 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

Jacket: Quiksilver Forever 2L Gore-Tex
- US
- CA
- UK/EU
Price: View more Info and Current Prices Here (UK/EU)
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 | 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

Jacket: Quiksilver Dominate Gore-Tex
- US
- CA
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 | 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

Jacket: Quiksilver Mission 2L Gore-Tex
- US
- CA
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 | 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

Jacket: Volcom L Gore-Tex
- US
- CA
- UK/EU
Price: View more Info and Current Prices Here (UK/EU)
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 | 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

Jacket: 686 Core Gore-Tex
- US
- CA
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 | 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

Jacket: Burton AK Cyclic Gore-Tex
- US
- CA
- UK/EU
Price: View more Info and Current Prices Here (UK/EU)
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 | 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: 686 Gore-Tex GT
- US
- CA
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 | 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

Jacket: Burton Gore-Tex Powline
- US
- CA
- UK/EU
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 | 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
- US
- CA
- UK/EU
Price: View more Info and Current Prices Here (UK/EU)
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 | 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: Burton Gore-Tex 3L Treeline
- US
- CA
- UK/EU
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 | 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.
Check out the links under each jacket for more info and current prices.
For the latest season's list, check out the link below.
>>TOP 20 SNOWBOARD JACKETS (LATEST SEASON)
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