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 2021-22.
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 $270 (note that this has gone up this year - was at $250 for the last 5 years, so needed an upgrade).
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.
Of the 42 Jackets I looked at that were under $270:
O.K. let’s make a start with the top 10.
BEST CHEAP SNOWBOARD JACKET #10
Jacket: DC Bandwidth
Price: View More Info and Current Price Here
Score: 73/100
Insulation: 80g
Waterproofing: 15,000mm
Breathability: 10,000g
Seams: Critically Taped
Starting off the list at #10, we have the DC Bandwidth.
Being one of the cheapest jackets you can get with 15,000mm waterproofing (though unfortunately not fully taped seams), and most of the functionality you can think of, the Bandwidth is great for those on a smaller budget, but still want decent performance from their snowboard jacket.
Check out the Score Breakdown For the Bandwidth Below
RATING | Contribution to Final Score | |
|---|---|---|
WATERPROOFING | 4.0 | 24/30 |
SEAM SEALING | 2.5 | 10/20 |
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 | 73/100 |
BEST CHEAP SNOWBOARD JACKET #9
Jacket: Volcom Scortch
Price: View More Info and Current Price Here
Score: 75.5/100
Insulation: 80g
Waterproofing: 15,000mm
Breathability: 15,000g
Seams: Critically Taped
Next up at #9, we have the Volcom Scortch.
Really good waterproofing and breathability for the price, let down a little by having critically taped seams as opposed to fully taped, but I would expect a higher price if it also had fully taped seams. It's only 1 of 3 jackets on this list to not have fully taped seams, but it's also one of the best performing jackets outside of that factor.
Check out the Score Breakdown For the Scortch Below
RATING | Contribution to Final Score | |
|---|---|---|
WATERPROOFING | 4.0 | 24/30 |
SEAM SEALING | 2.5 | 10/20 |
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 | 75.5/100 |
BEST CHEAP SNOWBOARD JACKET #8
Jacket: Volcom Deadly Stones
Price: View More Info and Current Price Here
Score: 75.5/100
Insulation: 80g
Waterproofing: 15,000mm
Breathability: 15,000g
Seams: Critically Taped
The second Volcom offering on this list, the Deadly Stones, offers great waterproofing material and great breathability, particularly for the price.
The seams are only critically taped, which is the biggest downside, but as the second lowest priced jacket on this list, you're getting real bang for your buck with this one.
Check out the Score Breakdown For the Deadly Stones Below
RATING | Contribution to Final Score | |
|---|---|---|
WATERPROOFING | 4.0 | 24/30 |
SEAM SEALING | 2.5 | 10/20 |
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 | 75.5/100 |
BEST CHEAP SNOWBOARD JACKET #7
Jacket: 686 GEO
Price: View More Info and Current Price Here
Score: 76/100
Insulation: 80g
Waterproofing: 10,000mm
Breathability: 10,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
The GEO from 686 comes in at #7.
If you're looking for an insulated jacket at a great price, the GEO is a great option. It doesn't have insanely waterproof material or amazing breathability, which you wouldn't expect for the price, but it does have fully taped seams, and great functionality.
Check out the Score Breakdown For the GEO Below
RATING | Contribution to Final Score | |
|---|---|---|
WATERPROOFING | 3.0 | 18/30 |
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 | 76/100 |
BEST CHEAP SNOWBOARD JACKET #6
Jacket: Armada Trenton
Price: View More Info and Current Price Here
Score: 77/100
Insulation: 60g
Waterproofing: 10,000mm
Breathability: 10,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
Some might say a jacket from a ski brand has no place on this list - but hey, if it does what you need it to, inside your budget (importantly for this list), and your down with the style, then no reason why it shouldn't be an option.
And the Trenton is a decently waterproof/breathable jacket with great functionality, all at a good price, so fits nicely into this lists parameters.
Check out the Score Breakdown For the Trenton Below
RATING | Contribution to Final Score | |
|---|---|---|
WATERPROOFING | 3.0 | 18/30 |
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 | 77/100 |
BEST CHEAP SNOWBOARD JACKET #5
Jacket: Armada Bergs
Price: View More Info and Current Price Here
Score: 77/100
Insulation: 60g
Waterproofing: 10,000mm
Breathability: 10,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
Coming in at #5 we have the Armada Bergs.
The Bergs has very similar specs to it's Armada counterpart above (#7), but comes in a little cheaper.
Check out the Score Breakdown For the Bergs Below
RATING | Contribution to Final Score | |
|---|---|---|
WATERPROOFING | 3.0 | 18/30 |
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 | 77/100 |
BEST CHEAP SNOWBOARD JACKET #4
Jacket: Burton Frostner
Price: View More Info and Current Price Here
Score: 78/100
Insulation: shell
Waterproofing: 10,000mm
Breathability: 10,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
Next up we have the Burton Frostner.
It won't blow you away with its specs, but for the price it's a bargain, with fully taped seams and great functionality.
The Frostner is one of only two shell jackets in this list, the rest are insulated. So if you're looking for a shell at a really good price, the Frostner is a great option.
Check out the Score Breakdown For the Frostner Below
RATING | Contribution to Final Score | |
|---|---|---|
WATERPROOFING | 3.0 | 18/30 |
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 | 78/100 |
BEST CHEAP SNOWBOARD JACKET #3
Jacket: Quiksilver Quest
Price: View More Info and Current Price Here
Score: 83/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproofing: 15,000mm
Breathability: 10,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
At #3, we have Quiksilver's Quest jacket.
Boasting fully taped seams and 15,000mm waterproofing, the Quest, in addition to great functionality, the Quest is a great bargain for the price.
It's also only one of two shell jackets in this list, so if you're looking for a shell in this price range, this is a great option.
Check out the Score Breakdown For the Quest 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 #2
Jacket: DC Servo
Price: View More Info and Current Price Here
Score: 83/100
Insulation: 80g
Waterproofing: 15,000mm
Breathability: 10,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
The Servo is great value for money. It has great functionality, a good level of waterproofing and fully taped seams - and all for the lowest priced on this list.
Not only is it way under the average price of all the jackets I looked at, it's also under the average price of the 42 I looked at that were under $270.
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 #1
Jacket: 686 Hydra Thermagraph
Price: View More Info and Current Price Here
Score: 88.5/100
Insulation: 120g
Waterproofing: 20,000mm
Breathability: 15,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
Finally at #1, we have the Hydra Thermagph from 686.
The Hydra Thermagraph is the only jacket on this list to boast 20,000mm waterproofing and it has the fully taped seams to back it up.
That plus great and functionality and good breathability, make this a great bargain, given the price.
A particularly great option for those looking for higher than average insulation in their jacket.
Check out the Score Breakdown For the Horizon 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.
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.