There are two other jacket lists on this website (Top 20 non-insulated and Top 10 insulated) – but price isn’t a factor in those lists. For this post I want to present what I think are the best cheap snowboard jackets for men. This list has been updated for 2018-19.
The Jacket’s in this list aren’t necessarily the cheapest you can get – but they will be value-for-money in terms of the performance you get, for a relatively low price.
In my opinion snowboarding jackets below a certain level of waterproofing are a waste of time and money, so there was a minimum quality level needed to make the list. To make this list each jacket had to score at least 75 points (in my jackets rating system) and have a recommended price less than $250.
I have included both insulated and non-insulated jackets so you can find one to suit your preferences.
Compared to Other Jackets
As a means of comparison here are the stats from all of the jackets that I researched.
O.K. let’s make a start with the top 10.
BEST CHEAP SNOWBOARD JACKET #10
Jacket: Volcom Lynx
Price: View More Info and Current Price Here
Score: 78/100
Insulation: 60g
Waterproofing: 15,000mm
Breathability: 15,000g
Seams: Critically Taped
Starting the list in #10, we have the Volcom Lynx.
At more than $50 cheaper than the average price of all the jackets, I looked at, and right on the average score, the Lynx bring plenty of value-for-money to the table.
And you still get great waterproofing and breathability. The only thing it's really missing, for an even better score is Fully Taped, instead of Critically Taped seams.
Check out the Score Breakdown For the Lynx Below
FACTOR | rating (OUT OF 5) | contribution to final score |
|---|---|---|
Waterproofing | 4.0 | 24/30 |
Seam Sealing | 2.5 | 10/20 |
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 | 4.0 | 4/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 78/100 |
BEST CHEAP SNOWBOARD JACKET #9
Jacket: DC Outlier
Price: View More Info and Current Price Here
Score: 83/100
Insulation: 40g
Waterproofing: 15,000mm
Breathability: 10,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
The DC Outlier steps up the waterproofing to #10, by having Fully Taped seams.
It's not as breathable, but if you're willing to sacrifice that for Fully Taped seams, then you get more waterproofing performance for the same price.
Check out the Score Breakdown For the Outlier Below
FACTOR | rating (OUT OF 5) | contribution to final score |
|---|---|---|
Waterproofing | 4.0 | 24/30 |
Seam Sealing | 5.0 | 20/20 |
Breathability | 3.0 | 15/25 |
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 | 83/100 |
BEST CHEAP SNOWBOARD JACKET #8
Jacket: Quiksilver Arrow Wood
Price: View More Info and Current Price Here
Score: 84/100
Insulation: 60g
Waterproofing: 15,000mm
Breathability: 10,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
Like #9 above, Arrow Wood has a 15,000mm waterproof rating and Fully Taped seams.
It also has about all the functionality you'll ever want from a snowboard jacket and, IMO, is a very easy on the eye jacket (though beauty is, of course, in the eye of the beholder).
Check out the Score Breakdown For the Arrow Wood Below
FACTOR | rating (OUT OF 5) | contribution to final score |
|---|---|---|
Waterproofing | 4.0 | 24/30 |
Seam Sealing | 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 Connections | 5.0 | 5/5 |
Pockets | 5.0 | 5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 84/100 |
BEST CHEAP SNOWBOARD JACKET #7
Jacket: 686 S-86
Price: View More Info and Current Price Here
Score: 84/100
Insulation: 80g
Waterproofing: 15,000mm
Breathability: 10,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
The S-86 possess all of the performance that you get from #8 above, but just a little bit cheaper.
You also get a little more insulation, for those that run cold and need the extra warmth.
Check out the Score Breakdown For the S-86 Below
FACTOR | rating (OUT OF 5) | contribution to final score |
|---|---|---|
Waterproofing | 4.0 | 24/30 |
Seam Sealing | 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 Connections | 5.0 | 5/5 |
Pockets | 5.0 | 5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 84/100 |
BEST CHEAP SNOWBOARD JACKET #6
Jacket: Quiksilver Horizon
Price: View More Info and Current Price Here
Score: 84/100
Insulation: 40g
Waterproofing: 15,000mm
Breathability: 10,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
The Horizon features all the performance of the previous 2 jackets on this list.
But it has less insulation. So, if you like the look and fit of it, and want insulation, but just a light insulation, then this might be a good pick for you.
Check out the Score Breakdown For the Horizon Below
FACTOR | rating (OUT OF 5) | contribution to final score |
|---|---|---|
Waterproofing | 4.0 | 24/30 |
Seam Sealing | 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 Connections | 5.0 | 5/5 |
Pockets | 5.0 | 5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 84/100 |
BEST CHEAP SNOWBOARD JACKET #5
Jacket: 686 Peacekeeper
Price: View More Info and Current Price Here
Score: 88/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproofing: 20,000mm
Breathability: 15,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
The Peacekeeper shows a bump in both waterproofing and breathability from the last few jackets, and at the same price.
If you want a jacket without insulation, but great waterproofing and breathability for the price, the Peacekeeper should be high on your list.
Check out the Score Breakdown For the Peacekeeper Below
FACTOR | rating (OUT OF 5) | contribution to final score |
|---|---|---|
Waterproofing | 4.5 | 27/30 |
Seam Sealing | 5.0 | 20/20 |
Breathability | 4.0 | 20/25 |
Powder Skirt | 4.0 | 4/5 |
Venting | 5.0 | 5/5 |
Hood | 3.0 | 3/5 |
Jacket-to-Pants Connections | 5.0 | 5/5 |
Pockets | 4.0 | 4/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 88/100 |
BEST CHEAP SNOWBOARD JACKET #4
Jacket: DC Summit
Price: View More Info and Current Price Here
Score: 83/100
Insulation: 80g
Waterproofing: 15,000mm
Breathability: 10,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
Whilst we take a drop in waterproofing and breathability compared to #5, we also take a drop in price, by around $20.
So, if you're happy with this level of waterprooding and breathability, want a good amount of insulation and want to save a few dollars, this is a great choice.
Check out the Score Breakdown For the Summit Below
FACTOR | rating (OUT OF 5) | contribution to final score |
|---|---|---|
Waterproofing | 4.0 | 24/30 |
Seam Sealing | 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 Connections | 5.0 | 5/5 |
Pockets | 4.0 | 4/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 83/100 |
BEST CHEAP SNOWBOARD JACKET #3
Jacket: Volcom VCO Inferno
Price: View More Info and Current Price Here
Score: 76/100
Insulation: 80g
Waterproofing: 15,000mm
Breathability: 15,000g
Seams: Critically Taped
Again, we take a hit on waterproofing with Critically Taped seams and overall this is the lowest scoring jacket on this list.
But it's also the cheapest on this list by a good $25, is $40 cheaper than the average price on this top 10, and is over $100 cheaper than the average price of all the jackets I looked at.
So, if you're budget is really tight, but you still want something good quality, this is a great option.
Check out the Score Breakdown For the VCO Inferno Below
FACTOR | rating (OUT OF 5) | contribution to final score |
|---|---|---|
Waterproofing | 4.0 | 24/30 |
Seam Sealing | 2.5 | 10/20 |
Breathability | 4.0 | 20/25 |
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 | 3.0 | 3/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 76/100 |
BEST CHEAP SNOWBOARD JACKET #2
Jacket: Volcom Creedle2Stone
Price: View More Info and Current Price Here
Score: 88/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproofing: 15,000mm
Breathability: 15,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
I debated having this as the #1 option, given the value-for-money that it represents.
It is the second cheapest on this list, and a good $80 cheaper than the average price of all jackets I looked at.
But at the same time it has really good waterproofing and breathability.
Check out the Score Breakdown For the Volcom Creedle2Stone Below
FACTOR | rating (OUT OF 5) | contribution to final score |
|---|---|---|
Waterproofing | 4.0 | 24/30 |
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 | 4.0 | 4/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 88/100 |
BEST CHEAP SNOWBOARD JACKET #1
Jacket: The North Face Repko
Price: View More Info and Current Price Here
Score: 93.5/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproofing: 20,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
And in at #1 we have the North Face Repko jacket.
It might only just come under the $250 threshold for this list, but it boasts great waterproofing and breathability and overall a great score. The best score on this list by a good margin.
If you're looking for a shell and one that comes with heaps of performance for a reasonable price, the Repko is definitely worth a look.
Check out the Score Breakdown For the The North Face Repko Below
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 |
Thanks for Reading
I hope this post has helped you to find a reasonably priced jacket suitable for you.
If you know of any other jackets at a reasonable price that you think deserve to be in this list feel free to mention it in the comments below.
First off, Thank you for your help! Found this resource a few days ago and it really helped me rapidly get up to speed to make a educated Snowboard purchase along with some well needed gear.
My question – do you get any incentives from manufactures based on what items make the list? We all have different motivations and I am sure that you have to eat as well 🙂
Hi Adam
Thanks for your message.
No, no incentives from manufacturers. I do make a commission on sales when people click through my links and end up buying (which of course doesn’t add anything to your cost) but definitely no incentives from manufacturers. I do limit the number of brands that I look at – just because otherwise it would be too arduous to do all the brands, but I still try to get a good range in.
Cheap jackets going at 250 dollars? 🙂
Funny.
I know! But that’s snowboard jackets for you.
Relative to the average price of snowboard jackets (averaging close to $300 for the jackets I looked at and some well in excess of $600!), under $250 is pretty good, especially for something that’s got decent waterproofing/breathability and typical functionality for a snowboard jacket. But yeah, I get how $250 for a jacket can sound funny when it’s referred to as cheap!
Also $250 is the max here, there are plenty on this list that are less than that too.
Nate,
Although it’s technically not a snowboarding jacket (labeled as a ski jacket), the Elevation from Canadian company Eira is a fantastic jacket and a great value. I purchased mine for $150, but I’ve seen it as low as $75 on The Clymb. It features 20K waterproofing and 20K breathability, and all the bells and whistles like powder skirt, compression wrist cuffs, tons of pockets, fully-taped seams, etc.
Wow! That’s a great price for a jacket with those specs. You must have gotten a great deal on it. I haven’t had any experience with Eira but from quick research, the Elevation looks like a great jacket. It was $269 recommended price where I looked but down to $121 – always worth shopping around a few different stores to see if you can get the deals for things like this.
I guess when it comes to jackets there’s nothing really to distinguish ski and snowboard – in fact a lot of jackets are labelled as both.