Snowboarding
Jacket Buying Guide
You don't want to buy a snowboard jacket and end up hating it. This snowboard jacket buying guide will help you figure out what you want out of your jacket. Don't get caught up with your image just yet first focus on the necessities.
Snowboard Jacket Buying Guide: Waterproofing & Breath-Ability
Ideally you would have a different jacket for all the different climate conditions. However, some of us don't have a budget large enough for that. You need to first know the what conditions you will be riding in. If you are riding in the northwest it's going to be wet you should get a jacket made out of Gore-tex or with a waterproof rating of 10,000mm or more. If it is going to be really cold, like in the northeast you should make sure that you buy a snowboard jacket with good insulation. Down jackets are the best because you don't sacrifice weight for warmth. If it's going to be dry like in Colorado, you will be fine with a jacket that has 5,000mm and 5,0000gm.
For the most part I wear a windbreaker. If it is cold I just put a couple extra layers on. So don't rule out a windbreaker because they are light and versatile.
Snowboard Jacket Buying Guide: How it Fits
Snowboard Jackets come in all different styles, slim, baggy, puffy, and in-between. This is something you will want to consider when trying to put your whole image together. Slim jackets are good because you probably will not ripped it as much if you like riding in the trees, but might not be as warm because you will not a lot of room for layering. Baggy jackets are awesome because they leave a lot of room on the inside to layer up, but are usually a bit heavier. Puffy jackets are warm. They are usually made of down or down-alternative, the down side is sometimes the fabric is weaker and can be torn by branches.
Snowboard Jacket Buying Guide: Other Features
I love pockets. Having a lot of good pockets is one of the coolest things about a jacket. You never can have too many. They are great for storing all kinds of things, goggles, extra lenses, keys, CANDY, Ipods...etc. Another feature is the ventilation system. It is certainly not necessary to have them, but having vents is a nice feature if things get a little warm. Some jackets come with pass holders which can save you from taking off your gloves. If you are riding in powder a lot you might want a snowboard jacket with a powder guard. They help prevent snow from going up and into your jacket. Other features that you will find on the more expensive jackets are tapped seams and waterproof zippers.
Figure out what you will want from your jacket, then start putting your "look" together and start shopping for your new snowboard jacket. For some tips on putting your "look" together click here
Good luck!
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