Snowboarding Jackets are jackets designed with a snowboarder in mind, providing varying levels of weather protection and features that make snowboarding more enjoyable.  Since snowboarders enjoy having unlimited mobility, snowboard jackets have a looser fit than comparable ski jackets.  This provides the ability to move the body in multiple positions without having the jacket restricting movement.

Snowboard jackets have distinct sections and features that make them unique.  These include:
-    The Shell
-    The Liner
-    Vents
-    Interior Compartments
-    Exterior Compartments
-    Compatibility with Snowboarding Pants
-    Durability

The shell is the outermost layer of a snowboard jacket, providing the first layer of protection from the harsh elements of winter.  There are multiple technologies that provide protection, but they all base around Waterproof Rating and Breathability or Breathable Rating.  To explain how they relate to each other, let’s use a poncho as an example. A rain poncho is essentially a specially shaped plastic trash bag.  This prevents 100% of moisture from entering, but also prevents any moisture (sweat) from exiting.  Breathability allows moisture inside to escape.

Waterproof Rating is the rating of the ability of the shell to prevent water from entering.  This is measured on a rating scale of 1000, abbreviated as K.  It is common to see jackets between 2K and 3K that are low priced.  These provide very little waterproofing, and you should look for 5K as a minimum.  The importance of this number varies depending on what conditions you will be riding in.  If you snowboard in very cold environments where the snow does not get very slushy, then you will need a lower waterproof rating because the snow is drier.  If you ride east coast wet snow, then you will need a higher waterproof rating because you will be exposed to more water (as opposed to dry snow).  If you like to hike in the backcountry, then you will also want a higher waterproof rating because you will be walking through a lot of snow.

Breathable Rating is the rating of the ability of the shell to allow moisture inside to escape.  This is measured on a rating scale of 1000g.  Look for a rating of 3000g or higher, preferably 5000g.  If you are riding in warmer environments, such as parts of the east coast or spring riding, then you will be sweating more.  You will need a higher breathable rating, so search for 8000g or above.  If you like to hike in the backcountry for runs, then you will want to make sure you have a high breathable rating.  The hiking will make you sweat a lot, and you want to make sure you get it out as much as you can.

The liner in a jacket is what is going to keep you warm. The basic variations of liners you will see are the very basic functional liner (no warming liner, just pockets and vents), the light liner (these vary from light synthetic materials permanently attached to the jacket to lightweight jackets that zip into the shell), and the heavy liners (down or synthetic heat retaining materials in thick layers for maximum warmth). You will choose what liner you need based on where you snowboard.

If you have extremely cold or harsh conditions, a heavy liner is essential. If you snowboard in moderately cold environments, then the light liner is perfect. It gives you some warmth protection, with the ability to wear just the jacket for warmer days or layers under for colder days. The basic functional liner is essentially not a liner. There are normally various mesh or thin cloth pockets inside for holding various items (such as an mp3 player or your ID) as well as mesh for vents in the shell. This kind of liner gives you the most flexibility. You can wear just the shell on warm spring days, a light layer under for cold days, and several layers for those frigid days.

The vents in a snowboard jacket are going to give you the chance to get cool air to your body, in the vent you are getting a little hot.  In addition, it helps to allow sweat to escape quicker than it could through the jacket material.  Common vent placements are chest, armpits, back of arm, and across the back.  You might not think you need vents, but the first warm day you have you will appreciate them.

The interior compartments and exterior compartments are going to be your pockets, both outside and within the jacket.  The main exterior pockets near the stomach/waist on many jackets feature a soft lining intended to be a hand warmer.  Other exterior pockets may include chest pockets, good for maps.  On the inside, there are numerous variations of compartments.  Usually there will be a place for a mp3 player, your wallet, and your goggles.  Some jackets also have interior compartments that are compatible with camelback water pouch, enabling you to easily carry water with you on the slopes.

Many snowboard jackets are compatible with snowboarding pants.  They will frequently zip or snap together, which will create a tight barrier from snow.  Fall once in the snow, especially powder, with a regular jacket, and you will know how much snow can go up your jacket and down your pants. 

Durability in snowboard jackets is important, because this will be a big investment for you.  Price isn’t always the indicator, but generally speaking, a jacket not on sale should cost you at least $150.  You can usually find last years models on huge sales (often up to 50% plus off), in which case they would be much lower.  When you start getting near $300, you are either paying for very specific features or the brand name.  Burton tends to charge a little more for their jackets.  This is partly for the name, but also partly because they make really quality and durable items.  A great way to learn about the jacket, including durability, is to read consumer reviews and ratings on the jacket.  Most websites that sell jackets have a place for customer reviews and feedback.  Refer to those when looking at a particular snowboard jacket