Snowboard Jackets
A snowboard jacket needs to block snow, handle sweat, vent on park laps, and still look right at the lodge. Bob's stocks a lineup of snowboarding jackets from 686, Burton, and The North Face, with the waterproof ratings and insulation weights that matter for New England winters. Find your fit, then check out our snowboards and bindings to round out your setup.
Shop Snowboard Jackets at Bob's Sports Chalet
A jacket built for riding handles things a regular winter coat won't, from sitting in wet snow to venting heat on a hike back up the park. At Bob's Sports Chalet, we carry men's and women's snowboard jackets for every kind of rider, whether you're buying your first technical shell or upgrading gear you've long since worn out. Browse our snowboards while you're here, and our Bristol or Avon team can help you find the right fit.
What to Look for in a Snowboard Jacket
A few features separate a real snowboard jacket from an everyday coat. Here's what matters when you're comparing options.
Waterproofing Rating
Snowboard jackets carry a waterproof rating in millimeters, usually somewhere between 5,000mm and 20,000mm or higher. The bigger the number, the longer the fabric holds out water before it wets through. Riders spend a lot of time sitting and kneeling in the snow, so aim for at least 10,000mm in New England, and go higher if you ride through storms or spend long days out.
Venting
Riding is warm work, especially when you're hiking a feature or lapping the park. Pit zips and leg vents let you dump heat fast without stopping to change layers, then close up when you get back on the lift. Mesh-lined vents keep snow out while they're open, which is worth looking for.
Powder Skirts and Features
A powder skirt is the elastic band inside the hem that seals against your waist and keeps snow from coming up your back on a fall or a deep day. Other details worth checking: a helmet-compatible hood, a media or pass pocket, wrist gaiters, and a jacket-to-pant connection system for a fully sealed setup.
Fit and Cut
Snowboard jackets tend to run longer and roomier than ski jackets, which give you coverage when you're seated and freedom of movement through a turn. Some riders want a relaxed, skate-inspired cut, while others prefer something trimmer. Either way, size with your layers in mind and try it on over the base layers and fleece you actually ride in.
Snowboard Jacket Brands at Bob's Sports Chalet
We stock snowboard jackets in men's and women's cuts across shells and insulated builds. Here are some of the brands riders count on:
- Burton: the biggest name in snowboarding, with jackets at every price point and features like a jacket-to-pant connection built in.
- Ride: rider-focused outerwear with dependable waterproofing and strong value for the money.
- The North Face: proven technical outerwear with strong waterproofing and warmth, in riding cuts alongside their everyday styles.
- 686: known for smart construction and thoughtful details, with a following among riders who spend real time on the hill.
Frequently Asked Questions About Men's and Women's Snowboard Jackets
What is the difference between a snowboard jacket and a ski jacket?
The differences come down to cut and features. Snowboard jackets usually run longer in the body and roomier through the shoulders, since riders sit in the snow and need a range of motion for turns and grabs. They also tend to have generous venting and features like wrist gaiters. Plenty of riders wear ski jackets and plenty of skiers wear snowboard jackets, so the choice often comes down to fit and style.
Should a snowboard jacket be loose or fitted?
That's up to you. A looser cut gives you room to layer and move, which is why it's the traditional snowboard fit. A trimmer jacket reduces flapping and looks sharper on the hill. Whichever you pick, make sure you can reach overhead and bend forward without the hem riding up your back.
What waterproofing rating do I need for a snowboard jacket?
For most riders in New England, 10,000mm is enough for wet snow and a full day on the mountain. If you ride in heavy storms, spend all day out, or sit in the snow a lot while you're learning, look for 15,000mm or higher. Lower ratings can work for cold, dry climates or occasional riding.
What snowboard jacket brands does Bob's Sports Chalet carry?
We carry Burton, Ride, The North Face, and 686, among others, in men's and women's snowboard jackets. As a Connecticut retailer, the jackets we sell are genuine and backed by the manufacturer's warranty.
Stay Dry on the Hill with Bob's Sports Chalet
From your first shell to a full technical upgrade, we've got the snowboard jackets to keep you dry through a New England winter. Shop online with free economy shipping on orders over $75, or swing by our Bristol or Avon shop to try things on. While you're at it, round out your kit with snowboard pants and snowboard gloves made for the same weather.
