UPDATE: Check out our review of the 2018/2019 Best Snowboard Jackets & Pants here
When it comes to choosing snowboard outerwear, there are a few different schools of thought. For some, snowboard outerwear is a chance to get away with weird, wild colours and designs that you wouldn’t risk donning on the high street, lest you wind up being scraped off the pavement outside Wetherspoon’s.
For others, however, it’s about wrapping up in muted, earthy colours and letting the riding do the talking.
“There are some new kids on the block, alongside legendary brands that have been making winter gear since the days of bungee-cord bindings”
A lot of brands cater for both, as well as all points in between, resulting in a range so big that you could choke a killer whale with the catalogue. Others are more specialist, with a laser focus on one particular style. There are some new kids on the block, alongside legendary brands that have been making winter gear since the days of bungee-cord bindings.
Before pulling the trigger on any snowboard jacket or pair of pants, consider the following:
Waterproofing: the higher the spec, the drier you’ll stay. The ‘mil rating’ refers to how tall a column of water can be stacked on the fabric before it starts to seep through. 10,000ml is the most common rating, as it’s just the job for typical resort riding. Higher ratings cost more, but tend to last longer. Lower ratings aren’t ideal for anything other than spring conditions, but they’re a great lower-cost option for when it’s sunny and slushy.
Breathability: Again, 10,000 is the most prevalent number (measuring how much moisture can escape through the fabric in an hour). If you work up a bit of a sweat when you’re riding, this helps keep your skin from getting clammy and uncomfortable. Backcountry hikers and splitboarders benefit the most, but most casual riders can get away with a lower number.
Features: From the obvious (vents, hoods and pockets) to the obscure (built-in avalanche safety systems), you can find all sorts of clever stuff going on. These can have a huge effect on price, so check you’re not paying through the nose for something you’ll never use.
Aside from that, it’s whatever takes your fancy. From uber-serious Gore-Tex kit to on-trend bib pants and coach jackets, here’s our look at the best snowboard jackets and pants for 2017/18.
Scroll down to view all snowboard jackets & pants, or skip to a particular brand using the links below
686 | adidas | Analog | Atrip | Bonfire | Burton | DC | Holden | Horsefeathers | Nikita | Oakley | Patagonia | Protest | Quiksilver | Rip Curl | Roxy | Sessions | Snooks | The North Face | Volcom
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