The following jackets are what I consider to be the best snowboard jackets for men for the 2015-2016 season.
As per SnowboardingProfiles tradition each jacket is given a score out of 100 based on a number of different factors like waterproofing, breathability and functionality.
This list is for non-insulated jackets. I will create 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 any jacket over $500 has not 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.
- The average score was 78.5/100
- The highest score was 100/100
- The lowest score was 14/100
- The average price was $279
O.k. let’s get into the top 20
#20: DC Clout Jacket
Jacket: DC Clout
Price: $219
Score: 90.5/100
Insulation: Lining
The first jacket on this list also happens to be the lowest priced jacket on the list. At a good $60 cheaper than the average price for a snowboard jacket the Clout is a great buy for the budget conscious who don’t want to compromise too much on performance.
With a 15,000mm fabric waterproof rating, fully taped seams and a 15,000g breathability rating, the Clouts are about as waterproof and breathable as you’ll need your jacket to be in 95% of conditions.
And with really good functionality too (only really missing the Jacket-to-Pants connection) this Jacket is super value-for-money.
| FACTOR | RATING (OUT OF 5) | CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE |
| Waterproofing: | 4.5 | 27/30 |
| Seams: | 5.0 | 20/20 |
| Breathability: | 4.8 | 24/25 |
| Powder Skirt: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| Venting: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| Hood: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| Jacket-to-pants interface: | 0.0 | 0/5 |
| Pockets: | 4.5 | 4.5/5 |
| TOTAL | 90.5/100 |
#19: Volcom Lido Jacket
Jacket: Volcom Lido
Price: $260
Score: 91.5/100
Insulation: Lining
Also coming in under the average price, is Volcom’s Lido.
It doesn’t quite have the breathability of the Clout’s above but have the same waterproof rating – and what they do have over the Clouts is Jacket-to-pants connections.
Another great buy for those with less to spend.
| FACTOR | RATING (OUT OF 5) | CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE |
| Waterproofing: | 4.5 | 27/30 |
| Seams: | 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 interface: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| Pockets: | 4.5 | 4.5/5 |
| TOTAL | 91.5/100 |
#18: Volcom Brighton Pullover Jacket
Jacket: Volcom Brighton Pullover
Price: $240
Score: 91.5/100
Insulation: Lining
The next jacket on our list is very similar jacket to the Lido above, and made by the same company. The Brighton Pullover, however, has a different look and comes in at $20 cheaper based on recommended prices.
Of course, being a pullover, this one is pulled over your head unlike most snowboarding jackets which zip up.
| FACTOR | RATING (OUT OF 5) | CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE |
| Waterproofing: | 4.5 | 27/30 |
| Seams: | 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 interface: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| Pockets: | 4.5 | 4.5/5 |
| TOTAL | 91.5/100 |
#17: 686 Vector Jacket
Jacket: 686 Vector
Price: $220
Score: 91.5/100
Insulation: Lining
Coming in with the same score as the 2 Volcom’s above, 686’s Vector jacket is pretty similar again spec-wise but are that bit cheaper again.
At just $220 and the performance you get from this sucker, it’s super value-for-money – and in my opinion pretty stylish too.
| FACTOR | RATING (OUT OF 5) | CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE |
| Waterproofing: | 4.5 | 27/30 |
| Seams: | 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 interface: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| Pockets: | 4.5 | 4.5/5 |
| TOTAL | 91.5/100 |
#16: Ride Georgetown Jacket
Jacket: Ride Georgetown
Price: $249
Score: 92/100
Insulation: Lining
Ride’s Georgetown is next on the list and comes with a 15,000mm waterproof rating, fully seamed seals and 10,000g of breathability.
Plus you get every type of pocket you could ever need – and again this jacket is really reasonably priced for the performance you get.
| FACTOR | RATING (OUT OF 5) | CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE |
| Waterproofing: | 4.5 | 27/30 |
| Seams: | 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 interface: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| Pockets: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| TOTAL | 92/100 |
#15: Lib Tech Wayne Jacket
Jacket: Lib Tech Wayne
Price: $299
Score: 93/100
Insulation: Lining
A little bit of a step up in price but also a bit of a step up in performance.
The Wayne boasts a fabric waterproof rating of 20,000mm, fully taped seams and a breathability rating of 15,000g. That’s going to keep you dry and comfortable in practically any conditions.
| FACTOR | RATING (OUT OF 5) | CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE |
| Waterproofing: | 5.0 | 30/30 |
| Seams: | 5.0 | 20/20 |
| Breathability: | 4.8 | 24/25 |
| Powder Skirt: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| Venting: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| Hood: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| Jacket-to-pants interface: | 0.0 | 0/5 |
| Pockets: | 4.0 | 4/5 |
| TOTAL | 93/100 |
#14: DC Command DPM Jacket
Jacket: DC Command DPM
Price: $269
Score: 94.5/100
Insulation: Lining
Another step up in performance (20,000mm waterproof, 20,000g breathable, fully taped seams) but without any extra price added on (in fact they’re cheaper than the Wayne jacket above).
| FACTOR | RATING (OUT OF 5) | CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE |
| Waterproofing: | 5.0 | 30/30 |
| Seams: | 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 interface: | 0.0 | 0/5 |
| Pockets: | 4.5 | 4.5/5 |
| TOTAL | 94.5/100 |
#13: Quiksilver That’s It 3L Gore-Tex Jacket
Jacket: Quiksilver That’s It 3L Gore-Tex
Price: $499
Score: 95/100
Insulation: None
The first of the Gore-Tex jackets in this list naturally comes with a price hike (though there are cheaper Gore-Tex Options in this list). This is particularly pricey.
But you do get quality for your dollar with the That’s It jacket. Gore-Tex is super waterproof and super-breathable. And it’s 3L gore-tex for that extra bit of waterproofing.
And the That’s it comes with awesome functionality too.
The only thing stopping this jacket from a perfect score is that it’s lacking venting. Even though Gore-Tex is really breathable I’d still like to see venting in this jacket.
I personally wouldn’t pay the recommended price for this jacket – but if you can find it at a reduced price it would be a great buy if you are willing to invest in quality.
| FACTOR | RATING (OUT OF 5) | CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE |
| Waterproofing: | 5.0 | 30/30 |
| Seams: | 5.0 | 20/20 |
| Breathability: | 5.0 | 25/25 |
| Powder Skirt: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| Venting: | 0.0 | 0/5 |
| Hood: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| Jacket-to-pants interface: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| Pockets: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| TOTAL | 95/100 |
#12: Dakine Smyth Gore-Tex Jacket
Jacket: Dakine Smyth Gore-Tex (2L)
Price: $320
Score: 95/100
Insulation: None
Dakine’s Smyth Jacket gives you all of the performance benefits of the That’s It jacket above – it will just cost you significantly less to get it.
The Smyth does have venting too – it just lacks in a jacket-to-pants connection system. But this is a great buy and a really good price for a Gore-Tex jacket.
It does have 2L Gore-Tex vs the That’s It’s 3L Gore-Tex – the difference being the 3L offers slightly more waterproofing and sacrifices a little with breathability – but in my experience there isn’t a huge amount of difference.
| FACTOR | RATING (OUT OF 5) | CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE |
| Waterproofing: | 5.0 | 30/30 |
| Seams: | 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 interface: | 0.0 | 0/5 |
| Pockets: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| TOTAL | 95/100 |
#11: Burton AK 2L Cyclic Gore-Tex Jacket
Jacket: Burton AK 2L Cyclic Gore-Tex
Price: $389
Score: 98.5/100
Insulation: Lining
Now we get into the near perfect scoring jackets (in my scoring system anyway) – the first of which, Burton’s AK 2L Cyclic jacket has all the benefits of Gore-Tex (as mentioned above) and a heap of functionality.
| FACTOR | RATING (OUT OF 5) | CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE |
| Waterproofing: | 5.0 | 30/30 |
| Seams: | 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 interface: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| Pockets: | 3.5 | 3.5/5 |
| TOTAL | 98.5/100 |
#10: Burton AK 2L Boom Gore-Tex Jacket
Jacket: Burton AK 2L Boom Gore-Tex
Price: $339
Score: 98.5/100
Insulation: Lining
A very similar jacket to #11 above but $50 cheaper. Personally I’d choose the cheaper option but check out the prices at the links at the bottom of this post, you may be able to find them on sale.
| FACTOR | RATING (OUT OF 5) | CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE |
| Waterproofing: | 5.0 | 30/30 |
| Seams: | 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 interface: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| Pockets: | 3.5 | 3.5/5 |
| TOTAL | 98.5/100 |
#9: Burton AK 2L Velocity Anorak Gore-Tex Jacket
Jacket: Burton AK 2L Velocity Anorak Gore-Tex
Price: $339
Score: 99/100
Insulation: Lining
Again, very similar to the #10 and #11 above – but with some better pocketing – and different styling.
| FACTOR | RATING (OUT OF 5) | CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE |
| Waterproofing: | 5.0 | 30/30 |
| Seams: | 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 interface: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| Pockets: | 4.0 | 4/5 |
| TOTAL | 99/100 |
#8: Quiksilver Forever 2L Gore-Tex Jacket
Jacket: Quiksilver Forever 2L Gore-Tex
Price: $299
Score: 99/100
Insulation: Lining
Quiksilver’s Forever jacket has awesome performance and is extremely well priced for a Gore-Tex jacket.
| FACTOR | RATING (OUT OF 5) | CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE |
| Waterproofing: | 5.0 | 30/30 |
| Seams: | 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 interface: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| Pockets: | 4.0 | 4/5 |
| TOTAL | 99/100 |
#7: Quiksilver TR Exhibition 2L Gore-Tex Jacket
Jacket: Quiksilver TR Exhibition 2L Gore-Tex
Price: $459
Score: 99.5/100
Insulation: Lining
And in at #7 is the TR Exhibition jacket from Quiksilver. The second Quiksilver offering in the top 10 and with all the functionality and features you could ever want in a snowboarding jacket – but it’s a bit more pricey than it’s brother at #8.
| FACTOR | RATING (OUT OF 5) | CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE |
| Waterproofing: | 5.0 | 30/30 |
| Seams: | 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 interface: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| Pockets: | 4.5 | 4.5/5 |
| TOTAL | 99.5/100 |
#6: Burton Vagabond Gore-Tex Jacket
Jacket: Burton Vagabond Gore-Tex
Price: $439
Score: 99.5/100
Insulation: Lining
Not much more to say except that you get exceptional performance in terms of features, waterproofing and breathability. You do pay for it – but if you’ve got the money to invest it could be well worth the investment.
| FACTOR | RATING (OUT OF 5) | CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE |
| Waterproofing: | 5.0 | 30/30 |
| Seams: | 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 interface: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| Pockets: | 4.5 | 4.5/5 |
| TOTAL | 99.5/100 |
#5: Volcom Stretch Gore-Tex Jacket
Jacket: Volcom Stretch Gore-Tex
Price: $420
Score: 99.5/100
Insulation: Lining
Again pricey – but with super-performance. If you can find one of these bad boys on sale then it’s a great investment.
| FACTOR | RATING (OUT OF 5) | CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE |
| Waterproofing: | 5.0 | 30/30 |
| Seams: | 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 interface: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| Pockets: | 4.5 | 4.5/5 |
| TOTAL | 99.5/100 |
#4: Volcom Stone Gore-Tex Jacket
Jacket: Volcom Stone Gore-Tex
Price: $360
Score: 99.5/100
Insulation: Lining
Very much like it’s Volcom partner in crime at #5 above – but with a better price-tag.
| FACTOR | RATING (OUT OF 5) | CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE |
| Waterproofing: | 5.0 | 30/30 |
| Seams: | 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 interface: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| Pockets: | 4.5 | 4.5/5 |
| TOTAL | 99.5/100 |
#3: Volcom L Gore-Tex Jacket
Jacket: Volcom L Gore-Tex
Price: $290
Score: 99.5/100
Insulation: Lining
The #3 jacket on this list, Volcom’s L Gore-Tex, comes in at an awesome price for this kind of performance and features.
Just 290 for a Gore-Tex jacket with all these features is a steal!
| FACTOR | RATING (OUT OF 5) | CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE |
| Waterproofing: | 5.0 | 30/30 |
| Seams: | 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 interface: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| Pockets: | 4.5 | 4.5/5 |
| TOTAL | 99.5/100 |
#2: Burton 3L Arsenal Jacket
Jacket: Burton 3L Arsenal
Price: $329
Score: 100/100
Insulation: Lining
For the #2 jacket on the list, the Burton 3L Arsenal, we have the only non-gore-tex option since #14.
But you get a 20,000 mm fabric waterproof rating, fully sealed seams and a 20,000g breathability rating. It’s not Gore-Tex but in my opinion will be able to handle 99% of conditions that most riders would face.
And if for any reason, you don’t want Gore-Tex but still want a high performing jacket then this is a great option – and it isn’t even that pricey considering the performance you get.
| FACTOR | RATING (OUT OF 5) | CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE |
| Waterproofing: | 5.0 | 30/30 |
| Seams: | 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 interface: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| Pockets: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| TOTAL | 100/100 |
#1: Burton 3L Particle Gore-Tex Jacket
Jacket: Burton 3L Particle Gore-Tex
Price: $499
Score: 100/100
Insulation: Lining
And finally the #1 Jacket on this list. Not for the budget conscious – but if you’ve got the money to invest then you get pretty much the perfect snowboard jacket money can buy (for under $500 – I didn’t include anything in this list that was over 500).
The 3L Particle Gore-Tex jacket features 3L Gore-Tex.
3L Gore-Tex gives you a bit more waterproofing but sacrifices a bit of breathability – so if you ride in wet conditions often then it might be worth the extra investment (3L Gore-Tex tends to be more expensive).
Plus it has all the other functionality you’d want in a snowboard jacket – powder skirt, venting, adjustable hood, jacket-to-pants interface and plenty of pocketing (including hand pockets, chest pockets, media pocket, goggle pocket and pass pocket).
| FACTOR | RATING (OUT OF 5) | CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE |
| Waterproofing: | 5.0 | 30/30 |
| Seams: | 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 interface: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| Pockets: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| TOTAL | 100/100 |
Where to Buy and More Info
For more info and where to find any of the jackets above check out the links below.
Thanks for Reading
I hope this post has helped you to find the best non-insulated snowboard jacket for you.
Check out the link below for the latest season’s Top 20 non-insulated snowboarding jackets.
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