There are two other jacket lists on this website (Top 10 shell (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 2023-2024.
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 70 points (in my jackets rating system), at least 10,000mm of waterproofing and 10,000g of breathability and have a recommended price less than $280.
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 we rated.
Of the 34 Jackets we looked at that were under $280:
O.K. let’s make a start with the top 10.
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CHEAP SNOWBOARD JACKET #10 (Insulated)
CHEAP SNOWBOARD JACKET #9 (Shell)
CHEAP SNOWBOARD JACKET #8 (Insulated)
CHEAP SNOWBOARD JACKET #7 (Shell)
CHEAP SNOWBOARD JACKET #6 (Shell)
CHEAP SNOWBOARD JACKET #5 (Shell)
CHEAP SNOWBOARD JACKET #4 (Shell)
CHEAP SNOWBOARD JACKET #3 (Insulated)
BEST CHEAP SNOWBOARD JACKET #10
Jacket: L1 Ventura
- CA
- UK/EU
Score: 82/100
Insulation: 40g
Waterproofing: 20,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: Critically Taped
Starting off the list at #10, we have the L1 Ventura snowboard jacket.
While the seams are only critically taped, this jacket still scores well due to its highly waterproof and breathable fabric. For this price getting 20K/20K is pretty rare (though becoming more common as you'll see later down this list).
And for the price, the functionality is pretty incredible too, including a removable powder skirt, jacket-to-pants connections and a whole host of pockets.
This is one of 3 insulated options in this list (see also #8 and #3).
Check out the Score Breakdown For the Ventura Below
RATING | Contribution to Final Score | |
|---|---|---|
WATERPROOFING | 4.5 | 27/30 |
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 | 5.0 | 5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 82/100 |
BEST CHEAP SNOWBOARD JACKET #9
Jacket: Volcom Nightbreaker
- CA
Score: 82/100
Insulation: SHELL
Waterproofing: 15,000mm
Breathability: 10,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
Next up we have Volcom's Nightbreaker.
It might have the same waterproofing in terms of its fabric as the Ventura above (see #10), but it features fully taped seams to help boost its overall waterproofness.
And it also has a host of features, making it a functional for all your needs when ripping the mountain.
Check out the Score Breakdown For the Nightbreaker Below
RATING | 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 | 4.0 | 4/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 82/100 |
BEST CHEAP SNOWBOARD JACKET #8
Jacket: DC Servo
- CA
- UK/EU
Score: 83/100
Insulation: 80g
Waterproofing: 15,000mm
Breathability: 10,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
In at #8 is the DC Servo snowboard jacket.
The Servo is the 2nd of 3 insulated jackets in this list (see also #10 and #3). It features 80g of insulation in addition to really decent waterproofing, assisted by its fully taped seams.
That, plus all it's functionality make this jacket really good value for money - with the 2nd to lowest price in this list - and
Check out the Score Breakdown For the Servo Below
RATING | 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 #7
Jacket: Volcom V.CO OP
- CA
Score: 83.5/100
Insulation: SHELL
Waterproofing: 20,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: Critically Taped
Volcom's V.CO Op features great breathability and waterproofing for its price and has a host of functionality features including a host of functional pockets and jacket to pants connections that actually zips together their jackets to their pants (which they call "zip tech").
Check out the Score Breakdown For the V.CO OP Below
RATING | Contribution to Final Score | |
|---|---|---|
WATERPROOFING | 4.5 | 27/30 |
SEAM SEALING | 2.5 | 10/20 |
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 | 83.5/100 |
BEST CHEAP SNOWBOARD JACKET #6
Jacket: 686 Dojo
- CA
- UK/EU
Score: 83.5/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproofing: 20,000mm
Breathability: 15,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
And in at #6, we have 686's Dojo.
With this level of waterproofing, including fully taped seams, and breathability, you'd expect the price on the Dojo to be higher than it is.
It features a relaxed but not super loose fit that allows you to layer underneath and helps with range of motion.
Check out the Score Breakdown For the Dojo Below
RATING | 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 | 0.0 | 0/5 |
POCKETS | 4.5 | 4.5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 83.5/100 |
BEST CHEAP SNOWBOARD JACKET #5
Jacket: thirtytwo Gateway
- CA
Score: 86.5/100
Insulation: SHELL
Waterproofing: 15,000mm
Breathability: 15,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
Next up, in the #5 spot we have thirtytwo's Gateway snowboard jacket (note that the #1 jacket above is also called the Gateway, but it's from 686).
The Gateway has everything you need in a snowboard jacket at a scarcely believable price point. I had to triple check the price on this thing to make sure I was seeing it right. A great option for those on a particularly small budget but still wanting decent specs.
Check out the Score Breakdown For the Gateway Below
RATING | Contribution to Final Score | |
|---|---|---|
WATERPROOFING | 4.0 | 24/30 |
SEAM SEALING | 5.0 | 20/20 |
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 | 3.5 | 3.5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 86.5/100 |
BEST CHEAP SNOWBOARD JACKET #4
Jacket: L1 Diffuse
- CA
Score: 87.5/100
Insulation: SHELL
Waterproofing: 20,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
To get 20K/20K plus fully taped seams on a jacket of this price, is truly the definition of value-for-money. That's what L1's Diffuse provides, making it one of the best value snowboard jackets going around, in my opinion.
Check out the Score Breakdown For the Diffuse Below
RATING | 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 | 0.0 | 0/5 |
POCKETS | 4.0 | 4/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 87.5/100 |
BEST CHEAP SNOWBOARD JACKET #3
Jacket: thirtytwo Lashed Insulated
- CA
Score: 88/100
Insulation: 120g Body | 100g sleeve
Waterproofing: 15,000mm
Breathability: 15,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
The last of 3 insulated jackets in our list (see #10 and #8 for the other 2), thirtytwo's Lashed Insulated provides plenty of waterproofing and breathability along with a pretty high level of synthetic down fill insulation.
This makes it one of the best options for someone on a budget looking for a highly insulated jacket - for those run really cold or tend to ride in cold conditions often.
Check out the Score Breakdown For the Lashed Insulated Below
RATING | Contribution to Final Score | |
|---|---|---|
WATERPROOFING | 4.0 | 24/30 |
SEAM SEALING | 5.0 | 20/20 |
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 | 5.0 | 5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 88/100 |
BEST CHEAP SNOWBOARD JACKET #2
Jacket: thirtytwo Grasser
- CA
Score: 88/100
Insulation: SHELL
Waterproofing: 15,000mm
Breathability: 15,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
The third thirtytwo jacket to make this list, the Grasser, comes in at #2.
As well as the waterproofing and breathability of a typically much higher priced jacket, the Grasser also shows in its functionality that thirtytwo (more known for their snowboard boots) know their snowboarding.
If you prefer a shell, so you can wear this on warmer days, and then layer underneath when it gets colder, the Grasser makes a great option at a reasonable price, given the specs you get with it.
Check out the Score Breakdown For the Grasser Below
RATING | Contribution to Final Score | |
|---|---|---|
WATERPROOFING | 4.0 | 24/30 |
SEAM SEALING | 5.0 | 20/20 |
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 | 5.0 | 5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 88/100 |
BEST CHEAP SNOWBOARD JACKET #1
Jacket: 686 Gateway
- CA
- UK/EU
Score: 88.5/100
Insulation: SHELL
Waterproofing: 20,000mm
Breathability: 15,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
And finally, in at #1, we have 686's Gateway snowboard jacket.
The Gateway, naturally to make the top of this list, features really good waterproofing and a whole host of functionality. If you really need that extra waterproofness but don't have the cash to splash on more expensive jackets, the Gateway should be high on your shortlist.
It's also the third lowest priced jacket on this list.
Check out the Score Breakdown For the Gateway Below
RATING | Contribution to Final Score | |
|---|---|---|
WATERPROOFING | 4.5 | 27/30 |
SEAM SEALING | 5.0 | 20/20 |
BREATHABILITY | 3.5 | 17.5/25 |
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 | 88.5/100 |
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.
great list –
what do you think of thirtytwo jackets and pants? now they are offering 50% which makes them pretty cheap. top jacket and pants goes for 170$ and 110$ so for 280$ you get both with good ratings in terms of impermeability and breathibility.
any thoughts? i didnt see any jackets in your rankings.
kind Regards,
Manuel
Hi Manuel
Thanks for your message.
If you’re getting those prices with good waterproof and breathability specs, then it sounds like a good deal to me.
Hey Nate! I just got the DC Palomar jacket. I usually wear a M on my snowboard jackets. I tried this one today and fits a bit big and it’s a M. I’m afraid if I exchange for a S it won’t fit me at all. This M has plenty of room to move about. Sleeves are long, is this normal?
Do DC jackets run bigger than other brands on market?
Thanks for feedback.
Fermin
Hi Fermin
Thanks for your message.
I don’t think DC jackets necessarily run bigger, but shell jackets often do feel that way – as they often allow for room to layer underneath. In my experience shell jackets tend to feel a little bigger than insulated jackets. But maybe you’ve had shell Ms in the past that are smaller than this one?
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.