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Best Backcountry Jackets and Pants For 2020-2021 | Our favourite snowboard outerwear to tackle the backcountry in

We've listed the best backcountry jackets and pants for you to venture out into the unknown in

Venturing out into the backcountry is not something that should be taken lightly. As much fun as it is, getting off the beaten path requires both knowledge and the right equipment.To help keep you safe and comfortable out in the unknown, we’ve listed the best backcountry jackets and pants for snowboarding.

Choosing the right jacket and pants for a backcountry mission can be of crucial importance. You want to make sure the outerwear is waterproof enough to take on any unexpected snow blizzard, and also that it can keep the wind from getting through.

“Choosing the right jacket and pants for a backcountry mission can be of crucial importance”

Another important thing to consider is the outerwear’s ability to breathe. Hiking up mountains is a strenuous activity and you are bound to sweat. What is crucial then, with that in mind, is that the moisture created from sweating will be able to push through the membrane and evaporate into the outside air. This will leave you dry and comfortable inside the jacket. Not only does this feel a lot nicer, it will also prevent you from freezing and catching a cold.

Durability is another key aspect when choosing your next backcountry jacket/pants, and this usually comes with a price tag – a price tag you should, in all honesty, consider paying.

Not only does durable outerwear save you money in the longterm, as you’ll end up having to buy less replacements, it also plays a big part in us all moving towards a more sustainable future. The longer your jacket lasts, the less likely you are to purchase a new one anytime soon. This decrease in buying new outerwear, means less waste through excessive manufacturing.

Have a read through our in-depth guide on ‘how to choose your next snowboard jacket and pants’ if you want to learn more or scroll through our top picks of this winter’s best snowboard jackets and pants!

Our Top Five Snowboard Backcountry Jackets and Pants for 2020-2021


Patagonia Snowdrifter Jacket

PRICE: £360

Patagonia’s Snowdrifter jacket has been a huge favourite amongst the riders who like to spend their time off the beaten path and explore what lies outside the boundaries of the resorts. Designed to tackle anything nature throws your way, the 3L shell is back for its second season with an updated colourway – for both men and women.

Selected for The Whitelines 100 – take a closer look at the Patagonia Snowdrifter Jacket here

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Patagonia Snowdrifter Bib Pants

PRICE: £320

Already proven to be one of the best backcountry-specific pants out there, the Patagonia Snowdrifter bibs haven’t changed much for 20/21 (why change a winning formula).

Offered in both a women’s and men’s specific fit, these 3L bibs are both lightweight and stretchy, making it easier to hike your way through the backcountry. You won’t feel like you’re carrying any extra weight whilst the stretchy material makes it easier for you to move around (the fabric won’t put any restrictions on your movements).

Selected for The Whitelines 100 – take a closer look at the Patagonia Snowdrifter Bib Pants here

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686 Gore-Tex Smarty 3-in-1 Weapon Jacket

PRICE: $600

Offered with a lifetime warranty, this 686 bestseller has got a facelift for 20/21. The Gore-Tex Smarty 3-in-1 Weapon Snowboard Jacket has been upgraded with a Hydrastash compatible powder skirt, new lining and a recycled Clo insulation. If this jacket wasn’t on your radar before, it sure should be now.

Selected for The Whitelines 100 – take a closer look at the 686 Gore-Tex Smarty 3-in-1 Weapon Jacket here

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Bonfire Aspect 2L Stretch Cordura Jacket

PRICE: £170

For 2020/21 Bonfire’s partnered up with Montana’s Great Northern Powder Guides to design a jacket created to withstand the harsh climates of interior Montana – the Bonfire Aspect 2L Stretch Cordura Jacket.

Selected for The Whitelines 100 – take a closer look at the Bonfire Aspect 2L Stretch Cordura Jacket here

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Bonfire 2L Stretch Cordura Bib Pants

PRICE: N/A

Designed to withstand the changeable climate of the Pacific Northwest, Bonfire knows how to deliver long-lasting quality snowboard outerwear and their Bonfire 2L Stretch Cordura Bib pants are no exception.

Selected for The Whitelines 100 – take a closer look at the Bonfire 2L Stretch Cordura Bib Pants here

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686 Hydrastash Quantum Thermagraph Bib

PRICE: $330

686 is introducing the first-ever bib pants with the Hydrastash technology. This means that there’s a refillable ‘bladder’ bag that is placed around your waist inside the pants. A micro-tube is then linked from the bag all the way up through the pants to your mouth. Riding with a bag of water around your waist might seem a bit odd, but the bag has been placed at the very centre of things so it won’t throw you off your balance.

Take a closer look at the 686 Hydrastash Quantum Thermagraph Bib here

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Adidas 3L 20K Jacket

PRICE: £200
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Adidas Snowboarding has upped their outerwear game massively for 20/21. Another great example of what their winter 2021 line has in store is the Adidas 3L 20K jacket.

The waterproofing ranks rather high at 20K, meaning this jacket can take on a lot. Whether you want to take it out for some deep Japow snorkelling or a casual resort cruise, it will have your back.

Take a closer look at the Adidas 3L 20K Jacket here

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Adidas Gore-Tex Adi Jacket

PRICE: €450

For season 20/21 Adidas Snowboarding decided to step up their game and produce more high-quality snowboard outerwear made out of Gore-Tex. By combining their experience in creating stylish street-inspired snowboard outerwear with high quality tech that comes with Gore-Tex, Adidas is now offering the durable Gore-Tex Adi Jacket

Take a closer look at the Adidas Gore-Tex Adi Jacket here

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Adidas 3L Bib

PRICE: £200
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This is hands down the most technical outerwear line we have yet seen from Adidas Snowboarding. New for 20/21, the Adidas 3L Bib pants not only look great but also offer durability at a reasonable price.

Take a closer look at the Adidas 3L Bib here

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Bonfire Elevation Zone Mapped Technology Jacket

PRICE: N/A

With roots deeply embedded in the pacific northwest, Bonfire know how to create outerwear made to withstand the gnarliest of conditions. Having the highest amount of insulation within the Bonfire Platinum Line, the Elevation jacket’s insulation is made out of a synthetic Polartec Powerfill. With the insulation rating as high as 170G/80G (placed on the body) and 80G (on the sleeves and hood), you are most certainly not going to get cold.

Take a closer look at the Bonfire Elevation Jacket here

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Burton AK Gore-Tex 3L Kimmy Stretch Jacket

PRICE: N/A

New for 20/21, the Burton Snowboards AK Gore-Tex 3L Kimmy Stretch Jacket comes with a women’s specific cut, Gore-Tex membrane, and plenty of other features that ensure the high-quality of this bluesign jacket.

Take a closer look at the Burton AK Gore-Tex 3L Kimmy Stretch Jacket here

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Burton AK Gore-Tex Insulated Summit Pant

PRICE: £340

When it comes to keeping the elements out, Gore-Tex does do a banging job. However, if used without insulation, the membrane itself doesn’t do much when it comes to keeping you warm. Burton has brought together the best of both worlds here. Their AK Gore-Tex Insulated Summit pants are equally waterproof, windproof and warm.

Take a closer look at the Burton AK Gore-Tex Insulated Summit Pant here

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FW Catalyst 2L Jacket

PRICE: £320
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The FW women’s Catalyst 2L jacket is a big favourite for 2020/21. It’s got high waterproof/breathability ratings, keeping you dry when venturing out in the unknown. On top of that, it also looks rad. Things can be tech and stylish at the same time, it turns out.

Take a closer look at the FW Catalyst 2L Jacket here

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FW Catalyst 2L Pant

PRICE: £270 / €300
BUY DIRECT FROM SURFDOME

New for 20/21, FW is introducing their women-specific Catalyst 2L snowboard pants. Designed for the backcountry, FW’s used recycled yarn and eco insulation to bring us a pair of high-quality pants (that also consider the environmental impacts of the manufacturing process).

Take a closer look at the FW Catalyst 2L Pants here

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FW Manifest Tour 3L Jacket

PRICE: £500
BUY DIRECT FROM SURFDOME

New for 20/21, FW’s introduced the Manifest tour garment to their range. The Manifest Tour jacket delivers on functionality, style, and sustainability. By using a 4-way stretch nylon fabric, FW has made the jacket ultra-waterproof (20k) and breathable (20k), meaning it can keep the elements out, let moisture out, and move with your body movements (thanks to its stretchiness).

Take a closer look at the FW 3L Root Jacket here

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FW Manifest Tour 3L Bib

PRICE: £400
BUY DIRECT FROM SURFDOME
Stepping up their already top-quality game, FW introduces the all-new Manifest Tour garment that combines high-end backcountry functionality with aesthetics to their line.

The FW Manifest 3L Tour Bib are a fine example of what FW are all about. This garment has soft Cordura panels that allow for greater freedom of movement, making both trekking up and charging down much more comfortable.

Take a closer look at the FW Manifest Tour 3L Bibs here

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Ortovox 3L Guardian Shell Jacket (made for both men and women)

PRICE: £600

When faced with high peaks and steep couloirs it isn’t just important that you’ve got the right gear, but also that you have got the right kind of outerwear to take you through any unexpected weather changes you may encounter. This is why Ortovox has used the Toray Dermizax membrane for the Guardian Jacket. It ranks high in waterproofing, breathability and durability – and also prevents the wind from getting through.

Take a closer look at the Ortovox 3L Guardian Shell Jacket here

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Ortovox 3L Guardian Shell Pant (made for both men and women)

PRICE: £525

Hardshell snowboard pants aren’t exactly your dictionary definition of comfort. However, by adding a full layer of Merino wool on the inside, Ortovox has managed to a problem with their 3L Guardian Shell Pants.

Take a closer look at the Ortovox 3L Guardian Shell Pants here

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Patagonia Women’s Powslayer Jacket

PRICE: $600

The Patagonia Powslayer is made using 100% recycled nylon. By choosing to use recycled nylon rather than virgin nylon, Patagonia’s used fewer resources like water, energy, and fossil fuel in the manufacturing process. By doing this they’ve also diverted waste from landfills, making it an all-around more sustainable option.

Take a closer look at the Patagonia Powslayer Jacket here

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Patagonia Women’s Powslayer Pant

PRICE: £470

The Patagonia Powslayer pants are made for the riders looking to conquer the backcountry – they are lightweight, packable, and feature a minimalist design. Their timeless styling ensures that you’ll be more than happy to pull the Powslayers on twenty years from now without looking like you’ve just put on a pair of your late grandad’s retro pants (may he rest in peace, the absolute ripper).

Take a closer look at the Patagonia Powslayer Pants here

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Patagonia Men’s Powslayer Jacket

PRICE: £600

Whilst being an extremely sustainable option the Patagonia Powslayer is also technically hardcore. A Gore-Tex Pro fabric makes sure this 3L jacket is extremely waterproof, breathable and durable. The ones who tend to face harsher conditions and are afraid that their jacket might not be up for it will find that the Powslayer can tackle more or less anything.

Take a closer look at the Patagonia Powslayer Jacket here

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Patagonia Men’s Powslayer Pants

PRICE: £520

The Patagonia Powslayer pants are made for the riders looking to conquer the backcountry – they are lightweight, packable, and feature a minimalist design. Their timeless styling ensures that you’ll be more than happy to pull the Powslayers on twenty years from now without looking like you’ve just put on a pair of your late grandad’s retro pants (may he rest in peace, the absolute ripper).

Take a closer look at the Patagonia Powslayer Pants here

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Picture Organic Signa Jacket

PRICE: £320 / €350
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Created on the back of a desire to inspire an eco-friendly lifestyle, Picture Organic Clothing is on a mission to develop products that will help to fight climate change. By introducing the Picture Organic 2L Signa Jacket with a bio-sourced hard shell, a dryplay recyclable membrane and DuPont Sorona Insulation, we’d say they’re doing a pretty damn good job at that.

Take a closer look at the Picture Organic Signa Jacket here

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Picture Organic Tanya Jacket

PRICE: £240 / €265
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With a mood-lifting design, the Picture Organic Clothing Tanya Jacket offers the ladies a quality 2L jacket that’s been sustainably produced (it comes with a recycled membrane). Whether you’re more of a neon or burgundy kind of girl, the design will most definitely make you stand out on the mountain.

Take a closer look at the Picture Organic Tanya Jacket here

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Picture Organic Haakon Bib

PRICE: €250 / £230
BUY DIRECT FROM SURFDOME

Every snowboarder should have some bib pants in their closet. If you don’t, the Picture Organic Clothing 2L Haakon bib is a good place to start. This women’s specific bib not only looks and feels great, it’s also produced to sustainable standards.

Take a closer look at the Picture Organic Haakon Bibs here

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Picture Organic Demain Jacket

PRICE: £450 / €500
BUY DIRECT FROM SURFDOME

Part of Picture’s Lab range, the Picture Organic Demain Jacket is the result of the brand’s constant innovation and focus on cutting-edge technology, quality, and sustainability. The Xpore membrane is the reason the jacket has its 25K waterproofing and 20K breathability (making it an eco-friendly, non-toxic, lightweight option for the backcountry).

Take a closer look at the Picture Organic Demain Jacket here

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Picture Organic Demain Bib

PRICE: £330 / €360
BUY DIRECT FROM SURFDOME
By using eco-friendly and non-toxic materials, Picture has created an ultra-lightweight membrane with superior breathability and waterproofness. By serving up a waterproof level of 25K, the Demain pants are a very solid choice if you’re going to be venturing off the beaten path.

Take a closer look at the Picture Organic Demain Bibs here

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Volcom Guch Stretch Gore Jacket

PRICE: £540 / €650 / $620
BUY DIRECT FROM SURFDOME
Respected by his fellow comrades in the industry as a whole, Bryan Iguchi has been developing and testing his signature line with Volcom for years now. The Volcom Guch Stretch Gore Jacket has been and will remain, a favourite of ours for various reasons.

Take a closer look at the Volcom Guch Stretch Gore Jacket here

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Yuki Threads Meadows Jacket

PRICE: £226 / €247 / $287

Hailing from the Land Down Under, Yuki Threads puts a refreshingly honest spin on their products and manufacturing processes. Ladies looking for a stylish yet ethically and sustainably produced snowboard jacket are going to be very pleased with the Meadows Jacket.

Take a closer look at the Yuki Threads Meadows Jacket here

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Yuki Threads Meadows Bib

PRICE: £198 / €215 /$251

The Yuki Threads Meadow Bib pants are made of 100% recycled PET bottles. So, instead of the plastic bottles ending up in landfill and polluting the earth further they are being recycled and given a second life. For both the lining and the 40g insulation in the legs they’ve used 100% recycled nylon.

Take a closer look at the Yuki Threads Meadows Bibs here

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Yuki Threads Northbound Jacket

PRICE: £224 / €246 / $286

Part of the Yuki Threads Heritage line, the Northbound Jacket is a safe bet when looking for a quality snowboard jacket that isn’t just well fitted but also sustainably made.

A classic fit, a waterproof/breathability rating of 15K/15K, a big chunk of excellent features and loads of eco and ethical points are pretty much the Northbound jacket in a nutshell.

Take a closer look at the Yuki Threads Northbound Jacket here

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Yuki Threads Northbound Bib

PRICE: £196 / €215 / $250

This Aussie brand has been around since 2010 but only now making their first appearance in the Whitelines Buyer’s Guide. Yuki Threads stands for social and environmental responsibility, and quality snowboard outerwear and their Northbound Bibs are a fine example of the brand’s core values.

Take a closer look at the Yuki Threads Northbound Bibs here

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