Best Budget Snowboard Jackets of 2022
A snowboarding jacket is a key piece of your snowboarding kit. It protects you from snow and cold winds. There are three basic categories of snowboarding jackets; shell, insulated, and 3-in-1 with zip-out mid-layer. The prices of these jackets are based on the features they offer. It ranges from basic budget-friendly options that provide basic features to fully equipped jackets with Gore-Tex shells. A good snowboard jacket should provide features like an adjustable hood, an integrated power skirt, and a plethora of pockets. These are a few features that can make or break a jacket.
So here is the list of the best snowboarding jackets that provide a good set of features at an affordable price.
1. Quiksilver Mission
Face Fabric: Recycled Polyester
Category: Insulated
Insulation: 100g Synthetic
Waterproofing: 2-Layer DryFlight
Quiksilver Mission is a quality insulated jacket at a low price that includes all the essentials for the slopes. The face fabric is an in-house basic WarmFlight synthetic fabric. It is made of recycled polyester fabric from plastic bottles, which is something satisfying for climate activists. In between the outer shell and the inner lining, there is decent insulation with a 100g body fill, 80g fill in the sleeves, and 60g in the hood. The insulation is enough to keep you warm in standard cold conditions but it won’t protect you if the mercury starts to drop further. The lining of the Mission consists of brushed tricot and taffeta, which gives a plush feeling and is comfortable to wear. Together with the soft-feeling shell and the soft inner liner, the Mission has a posh feel to it.
While the Mission is aimed at providing just the essential functionality, it does come with some extra features. It has six pockets that provide you with decent storage. The hand warmers also contain key clippers so you won’t lose your keys. The Mission also has meshed underarms vents to prevent overheating. But with a low price, there are some expected compromises. The softshell fabric absorbs moisture. Seam taping only covers critical areas. While the shell does do the basic job of blocking wind and snow, it won’t hold up to an entire day of rough weather. If you snowboard a lot, you should extend your budget to get a more weatherproof jacket. But it is a great jacket for once-in-a-week park runs.
What I like: A good balance of price and performance, ideal for beginner and casual riders
What I don’t: Pockets are difficult and access and the build is not ideal for wet snow
2. Volcom Bolt – Women’s
Face Fabric: V-Science
Category: Insulated
Insulation: 80g Polyfill
Waterproofing: 2-Layer V-Science
California-based Volcom has earned a strong reputation in the jacket market over the years. It has a range of budget to high-end jackets and many jackets in this range have been a hit amongst many different communities. The Bolt is a cheap snowboard jacket from Volcom, an insulated jacket that comes with some great features. It provides clean styling, a cozy interior, and a basic feature set. It is compatible with Volcom’s Zip Tech system and can be connected with Volcom pants. Together with the snowboard pants, the jacket forms an integrated setup that does a great job of sealing out wind and moisture. The insulation offered by Bolt features an 80g Polyfill in the body and 60g in the sleeves. The jacket does a decent job of keeping you warm and doesn’t feel bulky as well. But it is better to avoid using this jacket in rough weather.
Because the Bolt is a budget product, it also comes with its downsides. To begin with, there is no full seam taping. The jacket is only partially taped; only in critical areas. Partial seam taping makes the jacket unsuitable for heavy snowfall or wet conditions. The Bolt also lacks pit zips, which means it will run warm during long rides. The lack of pit zips also makes the Bolt unsuitable for warm weather. So, you are pretty much stuck with the standard cold conditions. It is a great option for those who get out only a few times a year in the cold.
What I like: Warm, comfortable, snowproof, and an inexpensive option for women riders
What I don’t: Seams are not fully taped, not built for super cold conditions
3. Armada Baxter Insulated
Face Fabric: Polyester with DWR
Category: Insulated
Insulation: 80g Polyfill
Waterproofing: Yes, 2-Layer
Like the other budget jackets on this list, the Armada Baxter Insulated offers only essential features. But those features are quality features. These features don’t feel like something extra, but rather practical. The face fabric of the Baxter is made of 100% polyester which makes for a waterproof and breathable shell. The seams are fully sealed despite lacking a true shell membrane. All the mentioned features combined provide excellent protection from moisture and snow. Inside, the Baxter features 90% recycled Polyfill insulation; 80g in the body and 60g in the sleeves and the hood. Although the insulation isn’t enough, it gives the Baxter a less bulky feel and an excellent fitting. The jacket has a streetwear style and seems almost like a sweatshirt.
The Baxter has a longer length than other jackets to provide more coverage. The length is effective in keeping the snow out. The hood is helmet-compatible with a laminated brim. The external pockets feature headphone ports. There are YKK zippers throughout. All the features mentioned above make the Baxter simple but functional. It is a great jacket if you want to use it in dry weather. However, the only downside to this jacket is that it lacks pockets which limit your storage capacity.
What I like: Warm, comfortable, and looks great
What I don’t: Runs a little large, comes with limited pockets
4. 686 SMARTY 3-in-1
Face Fabric: 2-Layer infiDRY with DWR
Category: 3-in-1
Insulation: 160g Polyfill
Waterproofing: 2-Layer infiDRY
The 686 SMARTY is the only 3-in-1 jacket on this list. Being a 3-in-1, this jacket provides versatility. Also, you get this versatility at a low price. SMARTY is aimed at those looking for the most value. The outer layer is effective in repelling wind and moisture. It also has generous exterior storage which is easier to access as well. The inner zip-out insulated jacket has a 160g synthetic fill which provides excellent warmth. For a 3-in-1, the SMARTY has a really low price. The excellent value of the SMARTY gives tough competition to popular brands like The North Face and Patagonia. The overall feel of the jacket is also high quality. Someone looking for great value would want all of that.
However, it is the heaviest and the bulkiest option on this list. The two-piece system is drafty which makes the jacket less warm than a dedicated insulated snowboard jacket. The jacket also gets warm quickly and opening the pit zips helps only partially. Overall, this 3-in-1 jacket is a decent performer with all the bells and whistles to give popular brands a run for their money. Its versatility is its strong point. The SMARTY is aimed at those looking for a lot of features without spending a lot of money.
What I like: Versatile and great value
What I don’t: The inner insulator feels less breathable; the jacket is also heavy and bulky
5. Roxy Jetty Block – Women’s
Face Fabric: Polyester
Category: Insulated
Insulation: 120g Roxy Warmflight Eco
Waterproofing: 10K Roxy DryFlight
The Roxy Jetty Block is a jacket with fun styling featuring cute prints. From the first time you look at it, you can tell that it’s a jacket for women. The styling and the fitting of the jacket and the overall look of the jacket make it appealing for women. The insulation in the Jetty Block is good with 120g insulation at the body, 100g insulation at the sleeves, and 60g at the hood. The relatively heavy insulation makes the jacket fairly warm. Yet, the Jetty Block somehow still manages to stay a regular fit. It has a true-to-size fit which doesn’t make women look fat. This is perhaps the most appealing feature of the Jetty.
The lining of the Jetty Block is made of lightweight polyester taffeta and embossed taffeta with brushed tricot. The lining makes the jacket comfortable to wear for longer periods. The hood is also removable. The hood is also helmet-compatible and it is 3-way adjustable. The Jetty Block has a removable powder skirt which makes it really easy to get it out of the way if you don’t want to use it. The powder skirt can be used with Roxy pants. However, you only get seam taping in critical areas which limits the jacket’s ability to protect from moisture.
What I like: Lots of functional pockets, looks great, and warm
What I don’t: The stitching comes loose easily.
6. Burton Covert Insulated
Face Fabric: Polyester/Nylon
Category: Insulated
Insulation: 80g Thermolite
Waterproofing: 2-Layer Dryride
Burton’s Covert Insulated jacket has been a favorite in the inexpensive snowboarding jacket section for quite a while now. It checks all the right boxes along with a few nice features that are not found on cheaper jackets. The Covert has a durable face fabric which makes it a long-lasting jacket. It has moderate insulation with 80g insulation at the body and 60g at the sleeves. The jacket isn’t warm enough, but it is less bulky and lightweight. The Covert includes Burton’s smooth and moisture-wicking interior, pit zips, and the widest size range of any jacket on the market ranging from XXS to XXXL. So, the sizing won’t be a problem for anyone. The smooth interior and wide range of sizes to choose from make the Covert comfortable with nice, decent styling.
The jacket has a removable powder skirt so you can remove it if you choose not to use it. The Covert also has a helmet-compatible one-hand adjustable hood. However, the jacket only has partially taped seams. The shell of the jacket is suitable for only moderate conditions. Heavy wet snow makes its way through the shell so it is not suited for those conditions. It is also a couple of bucks more than the competition like the Quiksilver Mission mentioned above with no noticeable changes in waterproofing and other areas.
What I like: Good comfort and quality materials considering its price.
What I don’t: Less snow protection and can run a little hot on warmer days
7. Volcom Brighton Pullover
Face Fabric: V-Science
Category: Shell
Insulation: None
Waterproofing: 2-Layer V-Science
Volcom Brighton Pullover is a snowboarding jacket that is aimed at snowboarders who frequent the parks. The feature set the Brighton Pullover provides also makes it most suitable for parks. Many snowboarders keep the Brighton as their dedicated park jacket while having a separate jacket for side country. It is a lightweight shell made of stretchable material. It has a nice, sort of baggy fitting. There is a lot of room for movement in the chest and shoulder areas. As you can tell, the mobility in Brighton is great which is suited for park riding. That is pretty much what Volcom aimed for with Brighton.
Even though Brighton has an attached powder skirt, the powder skirt is stretchy and doesn’t cause restrictions in movement. Zip-tech allows attachment to pants for more wind and snow protection. The hood is helmet-compatible and easy to adjust. The Brighton only has a few pockets but they are all practical. Brighton is not suitable for wet and heavy snow days. The waterproofing is at the lower end to keep the budget low. The jacket also lacks wrist gaiters which prevent snow from going up the sleeves but no wrist gaiters should not be a big deal for park riding. This is a jacket that works best in parks. If you are a park rider, this jacket is for you.
What I like: Sturdy material, breathable with good airflow, comfortable, and the large hood easily fits over a helmet
What I don’t: Isn’t insulated and you need layers underneath to stay warm.
8. Armada Castine Anorak – Women’s
Face Fabric: Full Dull Plain Weave
Category: Insulated
Insulation: 60g Polyfill
Waterproofing: Yes, 2-Layer
The Armada Castine Anorak Women’s snowboard jacket is a great option for women just starting out in snowboarding. It is a comfortable jacket that provides all the essential functions with a lot of practical features. The lining is quilted taffeta which is very comfortable. The insulation features a recycled Polyfill shell with 60g of insulation on the body and 40g in the hood and sleeves. It is not the warmest jacket and may require a mid-layer for proper warmth. However, it is lightweight and gives a standard stylish fit.
The jacket has decent waterproofing and breathability. It has 100% seamed seals which are effective in keeping the wind and snow out. The Castine has YKK zippers throughout which keep the storage safe and dry. The powder skirt is not removable but is adjustable. The jacket has large interior mesh pockets which provide plenty of storage space. The external pocket has a headphone port. The sleeves have Lycra wrist gaiters which are effective in preventing snow from creeping up the sleeves. The Armada Castine Anorak is a jacket that provides some neat features for its price. It is lightweight, comfortable, and stylish with practical features. It’s not the warmest jacket out there but it is for women getting into snowboarding.
What I like: A protective and stylish jacket at a great price.
What I don’t: This particular style isn’t for everyone.
Best Budget Snowboard Jackets: Comparison Table
| JACKET | FACE FABRIC | CATEGORY | INSULATION | WATERPROOFING |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quiksilver Mission | Recycled Polyester | Insulated | 100g Synthetic | 2-Layer DryFlight |
| Volcom Bolt Insulated | V-Science | Insulated | 80g Polyfill | 2-Layer V-Science |
| Armada Baxter Insulated | Polyester with DWR | Insulated | 80g Polyfill | Yes, 2-Layer |
| 686 SMARTY 3-in-1 | 2-Layer infiDRY | 3-in-1 | 160g Polyfill | 2-Layer infiDRY |
| Roxy Jetty Block | Polyester | Insulated | 120g Warmflight Eco | 10K Roxy DryFlight |
| Burton Covert Insulated | Polyester/Nylon | Insulated | 80g Thermolite | 2-Layer Dryride |
| Volcom Brighton Pullover | V-Science | Shell | None | 2-Layer V-Science |
| Armada Castine Anorak | Full Dull Plain Weave | Insulated | 60g Polyfill | Yes, 2-Layer |
Critical Snowboard Jacket Considerations
There are different types of snowboard jackets suited for different types of snowboarding so research before buying is essential. You should have the know-how of what features different types of jackets offer and what kind of activity they work best for.
Types
There are usually three types of snowboard jackets that you will find.
Shell
Shells are the most versatile option on the market. But they lack insulation so they don’t provide warmth. They can be combined with base and mid-layers to have the desired level of warmth based on conditions.
Shells are breathable which makes them less susceptible to overheating. Shells also have waterproofing to repel snow and moisture. They keep the base layers protected and dry. The only downside is that you would have to spend on buying a separate insulation layer.
Insulated
Insulated jackets have insulation between the outer shell and the inner lining. Synthetic fill is used for insulation instead of down because synthetic insulation is affordable. Insulated jackets are for those who live in cold regions. They overheat in mild weather. They have waterproofing to keep moisture and snow out.
3-in-1
3-in-1 jackets include 2 pieces; a waterproof hard shell and an insulating layer that can be zipped in and out based on conditions. They are a budget-friendly option which makes them a popular option among beginners and casual resort riders.
They are heavy because of buttons and zippers to attach the inner layer. 3-in-1s are the heaviest and the bulkiest option. However, their insulation is compromised because they are often drafty. They are not as warm as a dedicated snowboard jacket.
Furthermore, the inner layers of 3-in-1s are rarely high quality. The fitting of these jackets is also somewhat off. If you wear the outer shell without the inner layer, it fits awkwardly. But 3-in-1s are still loved by those looking to save.
Waterproofing and Breathability
One of the functions of a snowboard jacket is to keep you dry. Most jackets are designed to protect from snow and moisture with varying degrees of performance. Waterproofing is done by DWR coating and seam taping along with the interior.
Gore-Tex is hard to beat when it comes to waterproofing. It has become a standard over the years and has now become the most durable and reliable option today. But Gore-Tex is expensive and doesn’t come in budget options.
The quality of waterproofing drops in budget options. To save costs, many brands use their in-house waterproofing techniques. These techniques themselves can provide good results in some high-end products. But in budget options, they only work in moderate and dry conditions but don’t hold in heavy and wet snowfall.
For resort riders, breathability isn’t an issue. Most jackets are breathable enough for resort riders. But for active riders in side-country and split boarding, breathability is a priority. Non-insulated shells are the most breathable ones. Non-waterproof softshells are even more air-permeable and do a better job at keeping you cool.
Snowboard jackets usually have a waterproof rating in millimeters and a breathability rating in grams. But that is not a reliable way as many other factors influence the breathability and waterproofing of a jacket.
The tests designed by brands don’t simulate real-world conditions, so, you shouldn’t rely on these ratings. A reliable way to find the waterproofness and breathability of a jacket is to use it in the field.
A simple rule of thumb is that more money gets you better waterproofing like Gore-Tex. If you want breathability, then start looking for non-insulated shells.
Weight
The weight of a jacket is somewhat related to the durability and insulation the jacket provides. Thicket jacket weighs more but more thickness means the jacket is more durable and provides more insulation.
Brands don’t provide weight listings on their jackets because it is not a popular point of comparison. Heavier shells with more thickness and bulk restrict movement while lighter shells provide more mobility.
Fit and Sizing
Snowboard jackets are usually large and baggy compared to ski jackets to provide more mobility to the riders. But modern snowboard jackets have a slim cut which gives an almost regular fit. However, park riders still prefer extra space for maximum motion and minimum pinch points. Side-country riders prefer a standard fit. When buying a snowboard jacket, think about the layers that you are going to put underneath to avoid discomfort.
Other Common Features
Along with the basic functionality, other extra features are common in snowboard jackets. You should look for these features as they increase the practicality of the jacket. But keep in mind that the price goes up with the number of features included.
Hood
Hoods are included to protect from wind and heavy snowfall. Removable hoods can be removed in case they are not needed. Removing the hood allows you to shed off some extra weight which adds to the practicality of the jacket. Helmet-compatible hoods make it easier to use a helmet with the hood on providing wind protection with the helmet on.
Pockets
Another common feature is the number of pockets they come with. The more pockets you have, the more space you have to store your goods. Snowboard jackets have pockets for carrying your basics but they also have dedicated jackets for phones and other stuff. High-end jackets come with dedicated phone pockets with insulation to prevent the phone battery from draining.
Powder Skirt
Snowboard jackets also have powder skirts to keep snow out. Powder skirts are also known as waist gaiters. They are a valuable feature but not an essential feature. There are other ways to keep the snow out which are out of scope here. Jackets with a removable powder skirt make it easier to deal with the powder skirt in case you don’t need to use it.
Jacket-to-Pant Attachment System
Many jackets employ a jacket-to-pant attachment system to form an integrated system. This integrated system provides more warmth and keeps the snow from getting in your clothes. The design of these attachment systems varies from brand to brand from a single button in the powder skirt to a zipper system. But most of them work with pants of the same brand.
Wrist Gaiters and Pit Zips
Other features are wrist gaiters that keep the snow from creeping up your arms. Most jackets also come with underarm zippers, also known as pit zips. Their function is to help in cooling when the temperature in the jacket rises due to outside temperature rise or exertion.
