Burton Dominant Snowboard

How to Pick the Best Snowboard Jacket

There are a few serious riders boarders should consider when buying a new jacket: The Tri Layer System, Weatherproofing, and Style. Lets take a lookat at each one.

Respect The Tri Layer System to stay warm, dry and comfortable regardless of the conditions. The first layer keeps warmth close to the skin. It usually comes in the form of thermal underwear or spandex for all you pretty boys and girls. On top of that you throw on a warm sweater. I choose fleece because its light and always stays dry. The third layer is aptly called the shell. This is the jacket and where fashion and function meld into one.

A decent jacket protects you in three ways: keeps out the water, keeps out the wind, and allows air flow. Only buy coats that are waterproof at 120 to 150 centimeters. This means that a plastic tube is placed on the fabric and filled with a specified amount of water before bleeding through. If that amount is less than 120 then it’s no good, don’t buy it!

There are no specifications to look for when checking windproofing, but if it’s sufficiently waterproofed then it should keep the wind out.

Lastly, you need a jacket that breathes. When you start ripping it up the body sweats. You want the moisture out because it will freeze when you are stationary. A nice jacket will have fabric that releases that moisture into the air. How does a waterproof fabric let water in but not out? I don’t know, it just does. Ask Burton!

As far as style goes thats up to you. Buy some killer threads that match your personality. Just please don’t color coordinate to the point you look like a freakin magazine model…unless of course your personality is that of a complete douche bag. Done!