To make this list more useful we have broken this list down into two sections:
- The Top 5 Women’s Insulated Snowboarding Jackets; and
- The Top 5 Women’s Non-Insulated Snowboarding Jackets
This list has been updated for the 2023-2024 season.
Note that this list used to include top 5 between $250 and $350 and top 5 under $250, but those are now on a separate page here.
O.k. let’s get into the lists.
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WOMEN'S TOP INSULATED JACKETS
WOMEN'S TOP SHELL (non-insulated) JACKETS
TOP 5 WOMEN'S INSULATED JACKETS
If you’re someone who runs cold – or if you tend to ride in cold conditions, then these jackets are probably for you. Also for anyone who wants their jacket to do the insulating and doesn’t want to worry too much about layering underneath.
Note: These are the top jackets (assessed for waterproofing, breathability and functionality) that also have insulation – but the amount of or the type of insulation hasn’t been assessed.
Price is not taken into account for this list, except that anything over $500 wasn’t considered.
Of the 44 women's insulated jackets that I rated:
INSULATED JACKET #5
Jacket: AIRBLASTER SASSY BEAST
- CA
Score: 88/100
Insulation: 60g (MEDIUM)
WATERPROOF RATING: 30,000MM - waterproofing terminology (hover)
BREATHABILITY: 20,000G - breathability terminology (hover)
SEAMS: FULLY TAPED - taping terminology (hover)
FIT: REGULAR (with articulated arms) - fit terminology (hover)
Starting off the list of insulated jackets at #5, is Airblaster's Sassy Beast snowboard jacket.
The Sassy Beast features great waterproofing and breathability, both very important factors for snowboard jackets.
The Sassy Beast is the lowest priced jacket on this list.
Check out the Score Breakdown For the Sassy Beast Below
RATING | Contribution to Final Score | |
|---|---|---|
WATERPROOFING | 5.0 | 30/30 |
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 | 0.0 | 0/5 |
POCKETS | 4.0 | 4/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 88/100 |
INSULATED JACKET #4
Jacket: 686 GORE-TEX WILLOW
- CA
Score: 93.5/100
Insulation: 60G (MEDIUM)
WATERPROOFING: 28,000MM (GORE-TEX)
BREATHABILITY: 20,000G (GORE-TEX)
SEAMS: FULLY TAPED
FIT: REGULAR (with articulation)
Next up we have 686's Gore-Tex Willow.
The Willow is the first of many Gore-Tex options in this list. Gore-tex offers good waterproofing and breathability. And like all jackets on this list, the Willow has fully taped seams, which further helps with waterproofing.
Aside from that the Willow features all the functionality you're likely to need in a snowboarding jacket.
Check out the Score Breakdown For the Gore-Tex Willow Below
RATING | Contribution to Final Score | |
|---|---|---|
WATERPROOFING | 5.0 | 30/30 |
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 | 4.5 | 4.5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 93.5/100 |
INSULATED JACKET #3
Jacket: Volcom Ell Insulated GORE-TEX
- CA
Score: 94/100
Insulation: 80g (MEDIUM)
WATERPROOFING: 28,000MM (GORE-TEX)
BREATHABILITY: 20,000G (GORE-TEX)
SEAMS: FULLY TAPED
FIT: SLIM (long)
Volcom's Ell Insulated gives you all the benefits of Gore-Tex and all the functionality you need in a snowboarding jacket.
If you're looking for a slimmer but longer fit in your jacket, the Ell might be a good choice for you (note that all these jackets come in several different colorways).
Check out the link below for a similar Volcom option, at a higher price point, but with some different features:
Check out the Score Breakdown For the Ell Insulated Gore-Tex Below
RATING | Contribution to Final Score | |
|---|---|---|
WATERPROOFING | 5.0 | 30/30 |
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 | 94/100 |
INSULATED JACKET #2
Jacket: Roxy Glade Gore-Tex
- CA
Score: 95/100
Insulation: 40g (LIGHT)
WATERPROOFING: 28,000MM (GORE-TEX)
BREATHABILITY: 20,000G (GORE-TEX)
SEAMS: FULLY TAPED
FIT: REGULAR (long)
In at #2 among out insulated snowboard jackets, we have the 686 Glade Gore-Tex.
With the Glade you get all the waterproofing and breathability benefits of fully taped seams and Gore-Tex fabric and a whole lot of functionality. It features a long fit for those who like their snowboarding jacket longer, but without being too baggy - but with enough room to layer underneath.
Check out the link below for a similarly performing Roxy option, allbeit at a higher price point (but still under the $500 threshold we set for this list):
>>Roxy Gore-Tex Stretch Purelines
Check out the Score Breakdown For the Glade Gore-Tex Below
RATING | Contribution to Final Score | |
|---|---|---|
WATERPROOFING | 5.0 | 30/30 |
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 | 5.0 | 5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 95/100 |
INSULATED JACKET #1
Jacket: Burton GORE-TEX Powline Insulated
- CA
- UK/EU
Score: 95/100
Insulation: 80g (MEDIUM)
WATERPROOFING: 28,000MM (GORE-TEX)
BREATHABILITY: 20,000G (GORE-TEX)
SEAMS: FULLY TAPED
FIT: Regular
Finally our #1 insulated women's snowboard jacket for this list, is Burton's Insulated Gore-Tex Powline.
Like the 3 above, the Powline features great breathability and waterproofing courtesy of fully taped seams and Gore-Tex fabric.
That and all the functionality you're ever likely to need, makes this jacket a great option for those seeking high performance out of their snowboarding jacket.
Some other Burton options, which scored the same as this in our scoring system, but have other features and/or more durability, but come in at a higher price-point. The Powline Insulated is the lowest priced of these options:
>>Burton Gore-Tex Pillowline Anorak
Check out the Score Breakdown For the Gore-Tex Powline Insulated Below
RATING | Contribution to Final Score | |
|---|---|---|
WATERPROOFING | 5.0 | 30/30 |
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 | 5.0 | 5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 95/100 |
TOP 5 WOMEN'S NON-INSULATED (SHELL) JACKETS
If you prefer your jacket to be a shell – something that maximizes focus on waterproofing and being breathable and is lighter than an insulated jacket– and you want to be able to do your own insulating with layers and you can use your jacket for spring/warm weather riding as well, without over-heating, then these might be more your style.
Of the 17 non-insulated (shell) jackets that I rated:
NON-INSULATED JACKET #5
Jacket: Burton AK Gore-Tex Kimmy Anorak
- CA
- UK/EU
Score: 90.5/100
Insulation: SHELL
Waterproofing: 28,000mm (Gore-Tex)
Breathability: 20,000g (Gore-Tex)
Seams: Fully Taped
FIT: REGULAR (with articulation)
Starting off the shell snowboard jacket section of this list, at #5, we have Burton's AK Gore-Tex Kimmy Anorak.
The Kimmy Anorak features the great waterproofing and breathability that Gore-Tex is known for and a lot of great functionality features.
The Kimmy Anorak is the only Anorak option in this list.
With enough room for layering underneath for those cold days and a fit that's not too baggy but not so tight that it hinders freedom of movement. The latter is helped by an articulated design.
Check out the Score Breakdown For the AK Gore-Tex Kimmy Anorak Below
RATING | Contribution to Final Score | |
|---|---|---|
WATERPROOFING | 5.0 | 30/30 |
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 | 90.5/100 |
NON-INSULATED JACKET #4
Jacket: L1 Atlas
- CA
Score: 94.5/100
Insulation: SHELL
Waterproofing: 20,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
FIT: REGULAR
Next up we have the L1 Atlas.
The Atlas features some great waterproofing fabric, fully taped seams and really good breathability. Not to mention all the functionality you're ever likely to need in a snowboarding jacket.
It fits so that there's enough room under the jacket for layering but with a fit that's still not sloppy or baggy.
Check out the Score Breakdown For the Atlas 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 | 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 | 94.5/100 |
NON-INSULATED JACKET #3
Jacket: Volcom V.CO Aris GORE-TEX
- CA
- UK/EU
Score: 95.5/100
Insulation: SHELL
Waterproofing: 28,000mm (Gore-Tex)
Breathability: 20,000g (Gore-Tex)
Seams: Fully Taped
FIT: REGULAR
The Volcom V.CO Aris Gore-Tex snowboard jacket has pretty everything you could ever need in a snowboarding jacket from its waterproofing to its breathability to its features.
The fit is streamlined but still with enough room to layer underneath for those colder days.
The V.CO Aris is also the lowest priced jacket in this list.
Check out the link below for a Volcom jacket with similar features and specs as the Aris:
Check out the Score Breakdown For the V.CO Aris GORE-TEX Below
RATING | Contribution to Final Score | |
|---|---|---|
WATERPROOFING | 5.0 | 30/30 |
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 | 4.0 | 4/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 96.5/100 |
NON-INSULATED JACKET #2
Jacket: 686 Gore-Tex Skyline
- CA
Score: 96.5/100
Insulation: SHELL
Waterproofing: 28,000mm (Gore-Tex)
Breathability: 20,000g (Gore-Tex)
Seams: Fully Taped
In as our #2 women's shell snowboard jacket, we have the Gore-Tex Skyline from 686.
The Skyline, like most in this list, takes advantage of Gore-Tex to have high-end waterproofing and breathability, aided by fully taped seams.
Only one jacket in this list (see #3 V.CO Aris) is priced lower than the Skyline.
Check out the Score Breakdown For the Gore-Tex Skyline Below
RATING | Contribution to Final Score | |
|---|---|---|
WATERPROOFING | 5.0 | 30/30 |
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 | 96.5/100 |
NON-INSULATED JACKET #1
Jacket: Burton AK Upshift Gore-Tex
- CA
- UK/EU
Score: 97.5/100
Insulation: SHELL
Waterproofing: 28,000mm (Gore-Tex)
Breathability: 20,000g (Gore-Tex)
Seams: Fully Taped
Finally, in as our #1 women's non-insulated snowboard jacket, we have Burton's AK Upshift Gore-Tex.
Featuring all the waterproofing, breathability and functionality, including a removable powder skirt, helmet adjustable hood, jacket to pants connections and a host of highly specific, functional pockets (including media pocket and zippered sleeve pass pocket), the AK Upshift has everything you're ever likely to need in a snowboarding jacket.
Check out the Score Breakdown For the AK Upshift Gore-Tex Below
RATING | Contribution to Final Score | |
|---|---|---|
WATERPROOFING | 5.0 | 30/30 |
SEAM SEALING | 5.0 | 20/20 |
BREATHABILITY | 4.5 | 22.5/25 |
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 | 97.5/100 |
Thanks for Reading
I hope this list has given you some options for your next or first snowboarding jacket – depending on your needs.
For more info, current prices and availability for any of the jackets above check out the links under each jacket.
Note for changes to this year's list: We have decided to focus on brands that we consider to be snowboard specific or neutral between ski and snowboarding. So brands like Burton, DC, Jones, thirtytwo etc and brands that we consider more neutral. This isn't anything against brands that are more ski focused but we wanted to narrow our focus to be more snowboarding specific for jacket and pants.
Thank you for this list. It really helped us pick a jacket. There are so many choices. Thanks a bunch!