THE BEST MEN’S SNOWBOARD JACKET | SNOWBOARDING BUYER’S GUIDE
From the snow-capped alpine peaks to the powder-choked bowls below, the best waterproof snowboarding jacket keeps you dry all day long. But how do you choose the jacket that is right for you? Some fit terribly but look good. Some are ultra-technical but restrict movement. All claim to be waterproof but few are. Almost none are truly breathable. Finding the best men’s GORE-TEX winter jacket can seem like a daunting process, but it shouldn’t have to be.
It doesn’t matter if you are a rookie chairlift rider, park rat fiend, or a seasoned backcountry expert, snowboarding is all about unrestricted movement and the joy of discovering your unique style.
Your jacket should not only reflect that pursuit but support you in the process by being the lightest, breathable, most waterproof jacket in the world. Sound lofty? Let us sink deep into it and find the jacket right for you.
Want to skip straight to the goods? Find the best men’s GORE-TEX jackets for snowboarding or review our guide below to find the best waterproof breathable men’s jacket.
WHY IS GORE-TEX SO IMPORTANT FOR SNOWBOARDING JACKETS?
While shopping for the right snowboard jacket you may have noticed one feature keeps rising to the surface: GORE-TEX waterproof windproof breathable fabric. There’s a reason—it is the single most important factor in staying dry and warm while snowboarding, but it must be used correctly, and Arc’teryx knows exactly how to use it.
We’ve been using it for decades, and our long-standing partnership with the geniuses at GORE is one of the main reasons we create the best men’s GORE-TEX winter jackets.
IN THE BEGINNING
GORE-TEX has been around for a long time. Over sixty years ago, Bill Gore quit his job after discovering the benefits of working with synthetic polymer PTFE (polymer polytetrafluoroethylene). His son Bob Gore then helped him to create expanded PTFE (ePTFE).
They named it GORE-TEX, and one could argue the application most purely suited to this wonder material has been snowboarding deep, windy powder stashes in brutal mountain conditions, where its ultra-strong, waterproof, and windproof properties allow brands like Arc’teryx to create magic.
No one makes material like GORE-TEX, and no one uses that material to its full potential like Arc’teryx. It’s how we make the world’s best waterproof jackets...together.
THE DETAILS
There are nine billion pores in each square inch of GORE-TEX, each one 20,000 times smaller than a drop of water. In short, no water is getting inside an Arc’teryx snowboarding jacket.
While getting after it in the mountains, it’s crucial to stay dry and warm. GORE-TEX has somehow found a way to keep the water out while kicking moisture out. People brag about the waterproof features all the time, but it’s the breathability of any GORE-TEX apparel that is the hidden bonus.
Skinning or bootpacking? That sweat will dissipate and not soak your base layer. Making big, beauty turns down a powdery ridge? The windproof material will repel that frigid air. And of course, when the snow turns to rain and you’re caught in the maelstrom, nothing keeps out moisture like GORE-TEX.
THE FULL SEND
Snowboarding is a rough and tumble activity that requires strength, flexibility, and boldness. Arc’teryx may be iconic for being obsessive over our design, but that doesn’t mean we’re precious about our products. Arc’teryx makes the best breathable waterproof jackets so that humans can use them like tools to explore the vast outdoors.
It can be as extreme as putting in descents on peaks in distant lands, or as simple as weathering a Salt Lake City winter commute by bike (we prefer the former). So don’t be afraid to invest in Arc’teryx winter jackets...they can handle whatever you have.
WHY CHOOSE ARC’TERYX AS THE BEST SNOWBOARDING JACKET?
Most snowboarders want to look good while playing in the mountains and that makes sense. But the most waterproof jacket makes you look good in more important ways than mere aesthetics, cut, and colours. After all, you look a lot calmer and more collected when you’re not shivering on the chairlift.
Remember, the best jacket is the one you have on while having fun. That’s why we do this. But if you want to do more in the mountains and push yourself while out in the great outdoors, you’ll have to step up your game with one of Arc’teryx best GORE-TEX jackets.
On the surface it’s simple, you must keep warm and dry. Achieving that, however, is harder than it seems. From the micro seams to the waterproof, breathable GORE-TEX material, every detail must be painstakingly addressed.
Arc’teryx has always been a leader in innovation. That’s why we are synonymous with obsessive design. The waterproof zippers repel water. The materials breathe like an alpinist athlete at sea level. The silhouette of each snowboarding jacket makes you look great, but most importantly the best snowboarding jacket moves with you. The articulation of a great piece of gear feels natural and helps you find the flow state that just feels right.
The best GORE-TEX jackets for men and women are detailed and built from the first stitch up. Every Arc’teryx snowboarding jacket is designed with a fit that naturally mimics the shape of the human body.
It’s way more comfortable when the best GORE-TEX jacket takes safety, performance, and fit into account. In addition, the best men’s waterproof jacket uses micro seam technology to reduce the width of the seams. It means less weight for the best lightweight waterproof jackets, less bulk for the best insulated snowboard jackets, and ideal material usage for the best breathable waterproof jacket. But what about up top? The best all weather jacket has the Stormhood™, one of the most essential features and most difficult to achieve.
After all, the best GORE-TEX pro jacket means keeping your head dry and warm and thinking straight as a result. Good thing our product designers have superior ingenuity when it comes to planning and designing the best lightweight waterproof jackets.
WHERE CAN I BUY THE BEST MEN’S SNOWBOARDING JACKETS?
It’s not hard to find the best men’s snowboard jackets, but it does require some planning. What style of snowboarding do you enjoy most? What is your price range? How severe of weather do you plan to be out playing in? Once you dial in your needs, picking a jacket is simple.
As seen in chairlift lineups worldwide, Arc’teryx has the best men’s GORE-TEX winter jackets and can be found in over 2,400 retail outlets around the world. Here are a few:
YOUR LOCAL SHOP
Every mountain town or city worth its salt has a great little shop where you can find Arc’teryx winter jackets. The best part of a small shop is the service you receive; there are few things more valuable than a friendly local who understands the same terrain, weather, and needs that you have.
A snowboarder in Vermont needs a different GORE-TEX jacket than a snowboarder in Whistler, and a high alpine peak-seeking backcountry expert doesn’t use the same equipment as a crack-of-dawn, first-chair-everyday shredder at your local resort. A shop from your area will help pick the exact tool for what you are trying to accomplish. That’s invaluable.
The second reason to go local when picking the best outdoor jacket for what you need is fit. It’s well known that fit is key in feeling confident and comfortable in what you wear, but one little-known fact is that fit affects function too. The way we move in our gear can affect how well our gear performs in the brutal mountain environments we prefer. Use a local shop to get the perfect fit, and never worry about performance again.
One last reason is the warranty. In the unlikely event of a warranty issue, a local shop can help you in person, rather than having to chat over the phone or web to get to the root of your warranty issue.
ARC'TERYX OUTLET
Let’s just say it: gear can be expensive. If you’re seeking deep discounts on gear that takes you deep into the backcountry or to a secret powder stash, then don’t discount the Arc’teryx Outlet option. This is where you get deals on bags, harnesses, clothing, and, of course, the best waterproof jackets. From the Alpha SV to mid layers, Arc’teryx Outlets are a great source for every kind of jacket.
Flexibility is a good reason to shop the Arc’teryx Outlet, as there are both online and brick-and-mortar options. If you live in Vancouver or New York and need to try it on, get on down. If you live in a far-flung, “don’t tell anyone about this place” kind of ski town, well Arc’teryx can ship there too...and you can trust us to keep your secret. Shhhh.
Either way, the Arc’teryx Outlets keep the deals coming on a regular basis, so visit often for discounts on the best lightweight waterproof jackets and more. Plus, free shipping.
ARC'TERYX RETAIL STORES
Have you been to an Arc’teryx retail store yet? If not, make it happen soon. Not only do they stock the best GORE-TEX mountaineering jackets—something hard to find in most shops—but they have a wide range of the best Arc’teryx winter jackets, from SL (superlight) to SV (severe) gear, there’s an outdoor jacket ready to have your back on the next snowboarding trip.
By and far, Arc’teryx retail stores are the easiest location to find knowledgeable, friendly staff to curate the absolute best breathable waterproof jacket in the world, for you. The staff are trained in Arc’teryx gear specifically, and they know the lineup inside out. All you have to do is show up, tell them what you need, and watch them go to work.
ARCTERYX.COM ONLINE STORE
Life is busy; not everyone can make it to a store. The Arc’teryx online store is an incredible option. First off, let’s talk free shipping to destinations within Canada, USA, Germany, UK....well, you get it. We ship to a bunch of places. Now, let’s talk free returns. With those two different services and a bit of patience, all the anxiety of dialing in the perfect fit of any Arc’teryx apparel should be assuaged. Find what you love, check out the super detailed sizing guide, and order without fear.
Another reason to order online? It’s where we keep everything. The Arc’teryx online store is where you’ll find the full range of our products, including our elevated Veilance line, ReGear™ pre-loved equipment, and the most waterproof jackets in the world.
WHY ARE ZIPPERS SO IMPORTANT?
Did you know that zipper design was mostly unchanged for most of the 20th century? Think about it, we evolved from wool pants and leather boots to waterproof snowboarding jackets and step-in bindings, but we still use the same old zippers. What’s up with that?
When Arc’teryx created the first WaterTight™ zipper, a big chance was taken. It had attitude. It was bold. It was completely contrary to what everyone was doing at the time. Then again, when have we ever followed others while in pursuit of improving on the best GORE-TEX winter jacket? It’s why we produce the best breathable and most waterproof jacket in the world, year in and year out.
Back to the zipper, a notorious weak point for waterproof and windproof ratings. The monumental breakthrough for inventing a zipper capable of supplementing the best men’s GORE-TEX winter jacket began by flipping the zipper inside out. It was called “reverse coil design” and it turned the more tightly spaced inner surface of the zipper outwards.
The result is a men’s breathable waterproof jacket with a zipper that provides better protection from the elements. Once the zipper was turned around, a weather barrier was invented that eliminated the need for all those flaps, tabs, and snaps that can allow snow, water, or wind in.
For good measure, we laminated the teeth and slider with a urethane coating so true waterproof snowboarding jacket status could be achieved. Naturally, the competition followed suit, but ours remains the first and the best GORE-TEX jacket men’s zipper for the best GORE-TEX winter jacket. Giddy up.
ARE GORE-TEX JACKETS GOOD FOR BAD WEATHER?
For most people, bad weather is anything less than a sunny bluebird day. For snowboarders and outdoors people, it’s a little more complicated. We revel in the challenge of weather. The rain, the snow, the wind, and the unknown are what drives us to get out there and push ourselves. But to do that without fear of the elements means we need gear to keep us not only safe but happy. Enter the best GORE-TEX winter jackets.
Good outerwear is the singular most important piece of your kit. It’s your shield against the world. Your home away from home. You don’t have to be a mountaineer to appreciate waterproof, breathable material and the articulated flexibility in the best outdoor jackets. Even a beginner snowboarder or hiker will want to stay out in bad weather longer, which equates to learning quicker.
Here are a few ways a good waterproof, windproof winter jacket will help weather Mother Nature’s worst.
STAY DRY
This one is obvious but maybe not for reasons most expect. Staying dry is not just about comfort. It’s the key to staying safe in the mountains. Because water and moisture in general are incredibly efficient conductors, staying dry is by far the most important way to stay alive.
A wet person will not last long in the mountains in winter. You can get cold, but you can never get wet. That’s why we use GORE-TEX to not only keep water out but to let the moisture you make back out.
STAY WARM
Beyond the obvious downfalls of getting sick or dying, staying warm is mostly about comfort. Any snowboarder knows that once you’re cold the day starts to drag. There are numerous ways to stay warm: a quality base layer, the oh-so-important mid layer, excellent gloves, headwear, and your outerwear.
Outerwear is the first line of defense against the wind and water, and GORE-TEX has perfected how to keep it out. Remember to pay close attention to your openings: zippers, clasps, Velcro, and buttons all need to stay closed when the wind blows or precipitation falls.
Pay close attention to fog and mist as an unlikely enemy—while moving at speed, that ethereal moisture adds up and sneaks into your openings and onto your skin, making for a cold chill.
STAY CLOTHED
This may seem weird, but if your jacket is uncomfortable, you will struggle to keep it on or keep it fastened correctly. A bad jacket needs to be opened and closed a lot for temperature regulation. A poor fit means your jacket will creep up and expose your skin or base layer to wind and moisture.
Part of bad weather success means finding gear with a good fit for you, so you don’t have to worry about your jacket. GORE-TEX works closely with Arc’teryx to ensure every new product is of the absolute highest quality and the best GORE-TEX winter jacket for bad weather and worse situations.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE BEST MEN’S JACKETS FOR SNOWBOARDING?
RUSH JACKET
As our lightest weight shell with GORE-TEX PRO, the Rush is a clear leader as the big mountain jacket for big mountain performance. Snowboarders who chase fresh snow and tingle-inducing steeps rely on the Rush for the most rugged protection for splitboarding and snowboarding.
Bottom line, if you love snowboarding the backcountry or the resort, this is your best choice. Don’t sacrifice lightweight or comfortable performance with GORE-TEX PRO, the strongest available fabric from the brain trust at Gore. It’s super durable, extremely waterproof, and windproof enough for the hardest gales —and still stays breathable for comfort on ascents.
A helmet-compatible StormHood™ provides additional coverage with minimal visual impairment. WaterTight™ pit zippers speed ventilation, and articulated patterning maximizes mobility. Men’s GORE-TEX snowboard jackets all aim to be like the Rush.
BETA AR JACKET
Another legend in our midst, or maybe in the mist? The BETA AR is an all-around workhorse jacket for snowboarding, hiking, and everyday life. The material (GORE-TEX PRO...of course) is packable, breathable, durable, and waterproof.
Add in a helmet-compatible DropHood™ with an internal collar for added protection and an embedded RECCO® reflector. It’s the kind of jacket you can spend all day snowboarding in and then still use for your winter Vancouver bike commute on Monday morning (with very sore calves).
SABRE JACKET
Made to meet the backcountry’s biggest obstacles and turn them into features, the Sabre’s strong, breathable N80p-X 3L GORE-TEX fabric shuts out weather so snowboarders can focus on riding only. This is the jacket that takes care of everything while snowboarders explore their creativity.
Freeriding accesses the flow state and a durable, versatile freeride shell with stormproof GORE-TEX protection helps you realize those exhilarating, liberating, and demanding objectives. More than anything, this is one of the best snowboarding jackets and is made to move with articulated patterning, a benefit to all who seek unhindered freedom in the mountains.
The StormHood™ adjusts to maximize peripheral vision in the harshest storms when you need it most. The RECCO™ reflector keeps you on the pros’ radar in search and rescue situations. Headed to the backcountry to tackle a big goal? Wield the Sabre.
SABRE ANORAK
Want to stand out on the mountain? Pull on the beautifully stylish Sabre Anorak, a durable, versatile freeride shell with stormproof GORE-TEX protection. This anorak is progressive in its obsessive design and backcountry snowboarding and splitboarding performance.
This unique silhouette was created to inspire the search for new lines and fresh snow. Durable and breathable, the N80p-X 3L GORE-TEX fabric shuts out the weather. Helmet-compatible, the StormHood™ adjusts to maximize peripheral vision, and an embedded RECCO™ reflector helps beckon SAR techs to your location.
Freedom to move is built in with articulated patterning, a fit that removes restriction, and a full side zip for easy on and off.
BETA AR JACKET STORMHOOD
Do you like to move fast and light? This tough-but-thin version of our iconic BETA is exceptionally light, and durable which makes it versatile. It’s waterproof, windproof, and breathable, as all our best GORE-TEX winter jackets are.
Thinking of going up that gnarly peak? A helmet-compatible StormHood™ keeps your noggin covered from falling rocks or stationary trees without impacting peripheral vision because big, arcing powder turns, and tight tree shredding requires full visual capability to do correctly.
RALLE JACKET
Rallying is when you finally get your kit together and go do that thing you said you would. The Ralle Jacket can help. With its waterproof, windproof, and breathable 40D GORE-TEX fabric, it’s both comfortable and durable.
The uber-versatile StormHood™ adjusts with a single pull, plus allows for full peripheral vision. The Ralle also has ample room for a mid layer and big ol’ pockets to take whatever you need for that mountainous objective. Go get it.
WHAT TO WEAR BENEATH YOUR WINTER SNOWBOARDING JACKET
We’ve all heard it’s what’s inside that really counts. While shredding powder off the chairlift or skinning up big peaks to access steep couloirs, what’s underneath your waterproof breathable jacket is as important as the jacket itself.
Here’s a quick guide on how to layer up properly to get down safely.
SHELL JACKET VS INSULATED JACKET
Before we dive into what to layer below, let’s talk about what kind of jacket you need. A shell jacket is a thinner membrane meant to be used as part of a system involving either a base layer, mid layer, or both. In contrast, an insulated jacket has the insulation built in, and so would only require a base layer beneath.
The advantages of a shell jacket are more latitude in how you use the overall system. Super cold? Add more layers underneath. Hot, sunny spring splitboard mission? Use just the shell over a base layer and pack a mid layer in case weather rolls in. With an insulated jacket, you have less to think about; pack it up and head to the resort, which brings us to another point.
Insulated jackets are aligned with resort riding by weekend shredders, and shell jackets tend to be favoured by splitboarders or expert resort riders who spend the whole day out in the elements and changing conditions.
BASE LAYERS
Before we get started we will answer the question everyone asks: yes, you need a base layer. No, you cannot just wear a t-shirt. A good base layer is critical in the enjoyment of a day riding in the mountains. They are one of the most important factors in keeping you both warm and dry during a day of snowboarding.
While it may seem like a simple piece of gear, what you wear under your warm GORE-TEX jacket can either elevate its performance or make you think you bought the wrong jacket when it’s just a faulty base layer system. Never use cotton. So where to start?
MERINO OR SYNTHETIC?
For simplicity’s sake, there really are two main choices. You can use wool (think Merino), or you can use whatever synthetic creation a brand has come up with, like Polartec® Power Stretch® Pro.
Merino wool has a fervent following in snowboarding that is hard to contend with. People love its natural stretch, lack of itch, and superior wicking abilities. This means how well it transfers moisture away from your skin and into the air, keeping you warm and dry under your GORE-TEX mountaineering or snowboarding jacket.
Merino doesn’t get as stinky as most base layers due to its natural antimicrobial properties, and also stays warm when wet, which makes it great for high-output activities like splitboarding. One of the big benefits of Merino is that it is renewable and natural. But, it can be expensive.
Synthetics—also known as polyester or polypropylene fabrics—are great at wicking sweat away from the body. They do not take on water like Merino, which allows them to dry faster, even while wearing them. Most synthetic base layers are more budget-friendly, so that may factor in after you’ve dumped most of your money into the best GORE-TEX winter jacket you can afford. Unlike Merino, they do not have naturally occurring antimicrobial properties, so manufacturers add treatments to help with odours.
One awesome bonus is many polyester fabrics have a UPF sun protection rating to help cut down on the rays while riding in just your base layer.
Polartec® Power Stretch® Pro is a favourite of synthetic fleece textiles and is used often in conjunction with the best GORE-TEX rain jacketsArc’teryx offers. It offers tons of stretch, lots of warmth, and breathes well. It’s also super durable and doesn’t need to be handled with kid gloves, which is a benefit for most busy mountain-minded snowboarders.
What Base Layer Weight to Choose?
A big factor in choosing base layers is output. Do you ride hard from bell to bell, chasing powder stashes as soon as ski patrol opens them? Or do you pursue the art of the turn on the groomers, enjoying the slow pace of a Zen master?
Base layers come in lightweight, midweight and heavyweight. Heavy may seem like a good option to stay warm but it’s mostly meant for Arctic-like temperatures or frequent stop-and-go activities. Midweight is the most popular for snowboarding, offering a wide spectrum of temperature regulation without too much weight.
Lightweight or super lightweight base layers are for the true athletes and those who naturally run hot. Whichever you choose, you’ll be light years ahead of a t-shirt and cotton zip-up hoodie.
INSULATION: DOWN OR SYNTHETIC?
So, you bought the best waterproof jacket in the world, and you chose a base layer that works for you. What goes between? Mid layers are maybe the most prevalent breathable jackets in mountain sports, but few are waterproof on their own.
Natural down is often touted as the best winter jacket insulation, but it’s not for everyone. Some prefer snowboarding jackets with synthetic insulation, essentially man-made materials that retain warmth.
Synthetic insulation has benefits. For one, you don’t need an animal to get it, and that helps answer an ethical question about down insulation for vegans. Either natural or synthetic can get the job done. Arc’teryx uses both down and synthetic insulation so there’s an option to get the best men’s GORE-TEX winter jacket with either choice.
CORELOFT™ SYNTHETIC INSULATION
Arc’teryx developed their very own in-house synthetic insulation named Coreloft™. This high-quality polyester material isn’t woven and has been siliconized so it resists water. What that means is it will retain warmth even while wet.
Of course, if you’re wearing it under one of our men’s GORE-TEX winter jackets it won’t be a problem.
WHAT OTHER APPAREL SHOULD I USE WITH MY SNOWBOARDING JACKET?
Arc’teryx makes the best men’s GORE-TEX winter jackets on the planet, but they also make other gear to help you have fun and stay safe while snowboarding.
ATOM HOODY
A legend in mountain towns from Whistler to Chamonix, the Atom Hoody is an easily packable mid layer that can also be worn on its own all day long. Every great snowboarding kit is anchored by our best GORE-TEX winter jackets, but as a compact and light addition to that kit, the Atom Hoody throws its hat down hard to be considered an MVP contender.
Atom is the unsung hero of every great day in the mountains. Splitboarding to the summit at dawn for fresh tracks? Atom. Shredding spring corn? Atom. Cruising the village looking for wings and beer? Atom. There is no reason to leave it behind. Coreloft™ insulation keeps it efficient, light, and compressible.
Tyono™ 20 material on the outside balances airflow with wind resistance. A DWR (Durable Water Repellent) finish repels moisture. Plus, it’s stretchy, and stretchy means freedom to move easily with your gear, not against it.
FISSION SV GLOVE
It doesn’t matter if you have the best breathable waterproof jacket in the world if your gloves suck. Fingers are the first to feel frigid temps, so be sure to pair the Fission SV Glove with your best GORE-TEX jacket.
The Fission is the warmest glove from Arc'teryx and uses a waterproof and breathable GORE-TEX insert for full weather protection, just like your jacket. The Octa® Loft breathable insulation lining doesn’t pull out every time you pull your hands out, and it feels good next to your skin.
A two-layer premium goat leather reinforcement holds these beautiful gloves together so you can count on them from many days spent from the first chair to the sunset run to the car.
COARC HELMET CARRY PACK ACCESSORY
Splitboarding isn’t easy, so you have to take every advantage you can. Part of that is owning the best GORE-TEX jacket you can afford. Another is having a place to put your helmet while splitboarding up.
The Coarc is an adjustable helmet-carry system that attaches flawlessly to Arc’teryx technical climbing and snowboard packs. Why do you need it? It frees up space in your back for extra layers and snacks, plus the helmet stays secure yet reachable. The intuitive four-point attachment is easy to use, and the simple, glove-friendly design speeds transitions...for those of you who simply can’t stand still.
RHO LIGHTWEIGHT WOOL NECK GAITER
On a truly cold day, you may have the warmest gloves, beanie, and GORE-TEX winter jacket, but a cold throat will still do you in faster than a Class 5. This warm, soft, and exceptionally versatile gaiter does more than keep the neck warm.
It can be extended up to keep your lips and nose from getting chapped by wind. Pull it up even higher and use it as a headband or a toque. It’s made from Merino wool, so you can bet it won’t get stinky, even after a winter spent splitboarding the Spearhead.
Crafted at a Fair Trade Certified facility as part of the Arc’teryx commitment to transition 80% of products to fair trade certification by 2025. Damn, it feels good to be a gaiter.
CORMAC HEAVYWEIGHT HOODY
Built for colder conditions and designed for trail runs, this hoody is a perfect pairing for a day of snowboarding at the resort or splitboarding to your next objective.
It’s the first layer that puts moisture management and soft comfort ahead of everything. Our very own Phasic AR II material pulls moisture off the body, provides stretch freedom, and is Merrow stitched for a smooth finish next to the skin. The fitted hood adds warmth, and the articulated trim fit frees you to move at speed.
Made with care at a Fair Trade Certified facility. Arc’teryx has been working hard to transition 80% of our products into being fair trade certified by 2025.