Product: Volcom Anderson Snowboard Jacket
Price: $280.00 (USD) recommended retail
My rating: 9.2/10
Hello and welcome to our review of the Volcom Anderson jacket.
In this review we will cover a few different categories to determine an overall score out of 10 for the Anderson. Those categories are:
- Waterproofing
- Breathability
- Insulation
- Other Functionality (powder skirts, hoods etc)
- Style; and
- Value
O.k let’s get right into it and see how the Volcom Anderson did.
Waterproofing
I will make a rating on two different waterproofing factors in this section. The first one is the waterproof rating of the jacket’s fabric and the other is concerned with the sealing of the seams of the jacket.
Learn more about the key specs required for a snowboard jacket
Waterproof rating
Snowboard jackets are typically rated on their fabric somewhere between 5,000mm and 20,000m. The Anderson is made out of Gore-Tex. Whilst this does not come with a millimetre rating for all intents and purposes we can give it a 20,000+.
Goretex is a highly waterproof and breathable material and so is ideal for the slopes. You do tend to pay a little more for gore-tex because of its awesome qualities but it’s worth the extra. And as you’ll see later on the Anderson isn’t actually too costly.
Waterproof rating score = goretex = 2/2
Seams
On gore-tex gear the seams are always fully sealed – it’s actually part of the agreement for manufacturers using the goretex technology. So you know that you have a highly waterproof garment when you are dealing in goretex.
I have a goretex (non-snowboarding) rain jacket and that thing has never let even a hint of a drop of water in – and it’s been under some heavy as rain.
Seams sealed score = fully = 2/2
Breathability
Again with the Anderson we are dealing with Goretex, this means that it will have great breathability qualities – so you can get the sweat wicked away as you ride.
Goretex is the equivalent of the 20,000g rating or higher.
Breathability score = goretex = 2/2
Insulation
Adding extra insulation to a jacket is another way to add warmth on the mountain. I haven’t personally had the need for it myself but some people feel the cold more.
A lot of keeping warm on the mountain comes down to the waterproofing and breathability factors (staying dry – be it from rain, snow or sweat, is a big step to staying warm) which is why insulation is only allocated one point towards the final score.
The Anderson has a lining in the jacket for a bit of extra insulation. Some jackets have extra material in there (like thinsulate or polyfill or some other type of filler for extra insulation).
Insulation score = 0.5/1
Other Functionality
Other parts of the jacket, such as a powder skirt, a hood and vents, can contribute to your dryness warmth and comfort.
Powder Skirt
These are really handy if you don’t want snow down your pants or up your shirt! They’re not perfect but can really help especially on a powder day.
The Anderson does come equipped with a powder skirt so it’s a tick there.
Powder skirt = yes = 1/1
Hood
The Anderson also comes with what looks like a decent hood.
Whilst not a must have (I have one and use it occasionally but could live without it) it is pretty good to have sometimes.
Hood = Yes = 1/1
Venting
Most snowboarding jackets come with venting under the arms that can be zipped up when it’s cold and zipped down when it’s hot and sweaty.
The Anderson is no exception here.
Venting = Yes = 0.25/0.25
Pockets
This jacket doesn’t seem to have a heap of pockets and this is not a focus of the jacket. Whilst this isn’t a huge thing it’s one of those little things that can be a bit annoying when there aren’t enough of them (or there aren’t functional pockets like audio sleeves).
Because pockets certainly aren’t and shouldn’t be a deal breaker I only allocate 0.25 out of the final 10 points to pockets.
Pockets = some = 0.15/0.25
Style
The one area where a lot of jackets made from goretex seem to fall behind in is style. Unfortunately the Anderson is one of those. Whilst it is by no means ugly, it is a little bit lacking in personality.
This seems to be the case with a lot of gore-tex options not sure why this is and I’m sure this will change as this material matures and evolves.
I would rate the style of the Anderson a 3/5 – not ugly but not very interesting.
Style score = 0.3/0.5
Final Score
So adding up all the scores above the Volcom Anderson receives a total of 9.2 out of 10!
| FACTOR | RATING (OUT OF 5) | CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE |
| Waterproofing (material): | 5.0 | 2/2 |
| Waterproofing (seams sealed): | 5.0 | 2/2 |
| Breathability: | 5.0 | 2/2 |
| Insulation: | 2.5 | 0.5/1 |
| Powder Skirt: | Yes | 1/1 |
| Hood: | Yes | 1/1 |
| Venting | Yes | 0.25/0.25 |
| Pockets | 3.0 | 0.15/0.25 |
| Style | 3.0 | 0.3/0.5 |
| TOTAL | 9.2 out of 10 |
Of course everyone has different priorities and you may put more emphasis on style and pockets (which were the only real weaknesses of the jacket).
Overall this Jacket will excel in everything you want out of a snow jacket – except perhaps attracting the ladies! But on the other hand you wouldn’t scare them away with this jacket either (you’ll just need to rely on your charming wit!).
Value for Money
O.k. onto more serious things 🙂
Is this jacket worth what you pay for it? $280 is a serious bargain for a jacket with the specs that this one has. Jackets made with goretex usually go for well in excess of $300 so this is definitely value for money.
Where to Buy?
I found The Volcom Anderson available at the-house.com and backcountry.com. You can check the current prices at the links below.
>>Volcom Anderson at the-house.com
>>Volcom Anderson at backcountry.com
To learn in more detail for what to look out for in a snowboard jacket check out this post.
I hope this review has helped you learn more about this jacket and helps in your decision process.
If you have any questions, comments and feedback I’m always happy to receive them in the comments below. Thanks for reading and keeping enjoying the ride!
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