GORE-TEX Snowboard Jackets | Buyer's Guide

Arc’teryx was born in the Coast Mountains in British Columbia, so we know staying warm means staying dry. Which is why we use GORE-TEX technology to develop the best snowboarding jackets with maximum durability, breathability, and of course, industry-leading waterproofing to keep you dry in wet snow and harsh weather.

Whether you’re seeking off-piste adventures in the backcountry or taking on the halfpipe, you need a reliable jacket with a particular balance of insulation, ventilation, and fit. Read on to learn more about some key features to look for in a good snowboard jacket and get tailored recommendations from the experts on the best GORE-TEX snowboard jacket for you.

Why Choose a GORE-TEX Snowboard Jacket?

Depending on where you’re riding and what your goals are, you’ll have different needs when it comes to your technical outerwear. Ultra wet conditions, high altitudes, and varied temperature ranges will all influence these priorities, which is why the best snowboard jacket is the one that’s best for you specifically.

Waterproofing & Breathability: The Core of GORE-TEX Jackets

For outerwear in all seasons, GORE-TEX has set the gold standard when it comes to balancing waterproofing and breathability. At its simplest, GORE-TEX is a waterproof membrane that keeps water out (think snow, sleet, and rain) but also allows water vapor to escape (think sweat). While standard waterproofing might keep water out, it also tends to trap moisture in, leaving you damp and cold once you start sweating, especially on steep ascents.

GORE-TEX membranes have tiny pores (20,000 times smaller than a water droplet) that are still big enough to allow water vapor out (700 times larger than a water molecule). For the best performance in any winter conditions, riders need this combination of waterproofing, windproofing, and breathability.

All Arc’teryx GORE-TEX gear has fully sealed seams, waterproof zippers, and durable water repellent (DWR) coatings to prevent moisture from getting in. While other snowboard jacket brands only critically tape the main seams, GORE-TEX requires fully sealed and taped seams to prevent even the smallest leaks. These fully sealed micro seams allow for greater flexibility, which reduces fabric wear, snags, and abrasions. While wide seams can make a jacket stiff, impeding freedom of movement or hindering visibility, micro seams let your jacket move with you.

While it’s important to keep external moisture out, it’s equally imperative to let any internal moisture escape. For this reason, backcountry riders and other athletes prioritize air permeability in their clothing for maximum breathability and excess heat management. This breathability is crucial for resort riders too as mountain temperatures and conditions fluctuate.

GORE-TEX Pro, Active, & Infinium: Which One is Right for You?

Different riders have different priorities in their snow jackets based on where and how they ride. Built for backcountry snowboarders riding in extreme conditions, GORE-TEX Pro offers our most robust weatherproofing and durability. On the other hand, GORE-TEX Active is designed for high aerobic adventures. While they’re still durably waterproof, totally windproof, and very breathable, GORE-TEX Active garments are also super lightweight and packable, making them ideal for layering. Built for even greater comfort and versatility, GORE-TEX Infinium is the perfect jacket for weather protection without being fully waterproof. Of course, GORE-TEX Infinium still protects against cold wind gusts and light rain.

How to Choose the Right GORE-TEX Snowboard Jacket

There’s a lot to consider when picking the best snowboard jacket for you. Do you need an insulated jacket or a lighter shell? What is your layering system? How hard are you on your gear? We’ll talk you through some of the most important considerations to help you make the best decision.

Insulated vs. Non-Insulated Jackets: What’s Best for You?

Along with water repellency and breathability, you also want to consider if you want a full insulated jacket or a lighter, layerable shell. Insulated snowboard jackets are ideal for cold resort conditions and harsh weather, whereas shell jackets are best for layering and adaptability in the backcountry.

Within insulated jackets, you also have options: the choice between down and synthetic insulation. While goose down is famously warm and light, it doesn’t perform well when wet. In high moisture environments like heavy rain or snow, synthetic insulation is a safer bet, since it will keep you warm even if it gets damp. We perfected our Coreloft™ synthetic fill for this reason, insulating moisture-prone areas like jacket sleeves and armpits with our signature synthetic blend to keep you warmer and drier.

Fit & Mobility: How to Get the Right Range of Motion

Your gear should move with you, never hinder you. Which is why our gear is designed with skiing and snowboarding at the heart. Arc’teryx jackets are made of stretchy fabric so they can be flexible and responsive in varied conditions.

For riders especially, we know the importance of articulated sleeves and gusseted underarms for movement. Backcountry riders especially need maximum mobility in their outerwear when skinning up a mountain or carving deep powder turns.

Must-Have Features in a GORE-TEX Snowboard Jacket

When we say our gear is flexible, we don’t just mean malleable; it also has versatile functionality for different conditions and personal preferences. Chest and arm pockets offer multiple storage options, underarm pit zips allow for quick ventilation, and adjustable, helmet-compatible hoods ensure you’re protected from the weather without compromising on visibility. Powder skirts, wrist gaiters, and reinforced cuffs also block out wet snow and ensure maximum durability and protection on even the coldest days.

Weatherproof Features That Matter

While rigid materials and wide seams restrict movement, micro seams enhance mobility, allowing your jacket to move as fluidly as you do. All Arc’teryx GORE-TEX jackets come with fully sealed seams, waterproof zippers, and durable water repellent (DWR) coatings to prevent moisture from getting in. Zippers like pit zips and other mesh ventilation options help riders with heat regulation during intense riding or steep ascents.

While other brands only critically tape the main seams, GORE-TEX requires fully sealed and taped seams across the board to prevent even the smallest leaks. These fully sealed micro seams also allow for greater flexibility, which reduces fabric wear, snags, and abrasions.

Design Considerations: Pockets, Hood Adjustments & More

Especially when it comes to pockets, everyone has their own personal preferences. However, whether you’re riding at a resort or in the backcountry, chest pockets provide secure but convenient access on the slopes. At a resort, some riders might just need a place to store their wallet, keys, and phone. In the backcountry, riders might need to access gear like goggles, sunglasses, skins, and snacks with more urgency.

Hood compatibility can be another polarizing jacket design element, with many people disparaging their restricted visibility and clunky movement. We hear you, which is why our storm-ready hoods are easily adjustable and designed to fit over helmets. High collar protection also adds extra warmth without compromising on clear visibility.

Best Arc’teryx GORE-TEX Snowboard Jackets for Men & Women

Whether you’re shredding in the park or chasing freshies in the backcountry, here are some of our favorite jackets that will keep you warm and dry wherever you’re getting your runs in.

Best Resort & Freeride Jackets

For Men

Designed for cold days in-bounds, the Macai Jacket delivers serious warmth and weather protection with a refined look fit for the slopes. Goose down insulation keeps you warm even on frigid lift rides, and the GORE-TEX outer layer protects you from whatever variable conditions of wind, rain, and snow you’re playing in. The insulated design and helmet-compatible DropHood™ can be removed on clear days, and mesh-lined PowderGuard™ underarm vents let out excess heat without letting snow in.

For major warmth with a freeride focus, wield the Sabre Jacket. Our iconic men’s freeride jacket is built for the backcountry. Made to meet the mountain’s biggest obstacles and turn them into features, the Sabre’s strong, breathable N80p-X 3L ePE GORE-TEX fabric shuts out wind and wet snow so riders can throw down whatever line they want without worrying about their gear. As one of the best touring jackets out there, it’s made to move with you with articulated patterning shaping a clean but unrestrictive fit. The StormHood™ adjusts to maximize peripheral vision in winter storms when you need it most, and the RECCO™ reflector is there to help in search and rescue situations.

For Women

For female freeriders looking for a durable and versatile go-to layer, look no further than the Sentinel Insulated Jacket. Like the Sabre, the Sentinel uses sturdy yet lightweight N80p-X 3L ePE GORE-TEX fabric for maximal weatherproofing with optimal breathability. It’s insulated with 100% recycled Coreloft™ Compact Gold, keeping you warm even if the conditions are wet. WaterTight™ pit zips offer extra ventilation and breathability while the integrated powder skirt keeps snow out. The helmet-friendly StormHood™ tightens up securely for full coverage while still providing exceptional visibility, and an embedded RECCO® reflector aids in emergencies.

For extra warmth, the Andessa Down Jacket combines fully waterproof and windproof GORE-TEX fabric with breathability and easy movement. By combining down and synthetic insulation, the Andessa ensures you stay both warm and dry, using Down Composite Mapping to optimize synthetic Coreloft™ where you need it most: the wet spots along the hem, hood, and underarms. Down Contour LT™ puts 750 fill European Goose down at the core and sleeves for optimal warmth, and a removable powder skirt, PowderGuard™ mesh vents, and a mesh-backed WaterTight™ front zip prevent snow from getting in but allow heat to escape.The Andessa’s shorter length allows for easy layering and mobility, ensuring you’re ready to tackle whatever conditions the mountain has in store that day. The down-insulated collar around the neck offers next-level warmth, along with the storm-ready hood, insulated and adjustable to fit over ski helmets. For those dreamy bluebird days, it’s also removable.

Best Backcountry & Touring Jackets

For Men

Our lightest jackets with GORE-TEX PRO, the Rush Jacket is a big mountain shell for big mountain performance. Using the strongest fabric available from the geniuses at Gore, GORE-TEX PRO provides extreme weatherproofing while still being lightweight, breathable, and comfortable. Again, the helmet-compatible StormHood™ offers additional coverage for wind and precipitation with minimal vision impairment. It’s lightweight and layerable while still keeping you warm and dry in deep powder.

In harsh conditions when you may need some extra heat, the Rush Jacket still has your back because it comes insulated, too. The Rush Insulated Jacket adds warmth with strategic Coreloft™ insulation that stays warm even when wet. The GORE-TEX INFINIUM™ outer layer utilizes our Hadron® face fabric for maximum durability with minimal weight, while still being windproof and water repellant. The insulated StormHood™ also adds warmth, and the embedded RECCO® reflector can aid search and rescue.

For Women

Like its insulated counterpart, the Sentinel comes as a shell, making it perfect for those who want more flexibility in managing their layers. Built for touring and patterned for a full range of motion in the backcountry, the Sentinel Jacket features a warm flannel lining instead of full insulation, and the integrated powder skirt keeps that blower powder floating up the back of the jacket. It still comes with a helmet-compatible StormHood™ and WaterTight™ pit zips for rapid ventilation during the climb. As a bonus, Slide’n Loc™ attachments link this GORE-TEX ski jacket to the Sentinel Pant, creating a snowproof system ready to rock the steepest runs you can throw at it.

If you want the same minimalist versatility with some added insulation, the Rush comes in a women’s version, too. Light, packable, and warm, the Rush is ready when output stops and temperatures drop. Coreloft™ insulation is still effective even in wet conditions. The GORE-TEX INFINIUM™ outer layer utilizes our Hadron® face fabric for maximum durability with minimal weight, while still being windproof and water repellent. The insulated StormHood™ also adds warmth, and the embedded RECCO® reflector can aid search and rescue. As a bonus, it’s also fair trade certified.

Layering & Care Tips for Your GORE-TEX Snowboard Jacket

For successful snowboarding, it’s important to dial in your layering system, especially your mid layers. The base and mid layers are especially important when you’re wearing a non-insulated shell as your outer layer to make sure you’re staying warm as your jacket keeps you dry.

A good base layer wicks moisture away from your skin, while a good outer layer—like a GORE-TEX shell—keeps you dry. In between the two, your mid layer does the work of keeping you warm. When optimizing your layers, consider temperature ranges and exertion levels to ensure your mid layer keeps you warm enough without overheating.

If you’ve opted for more insulation, be sure to use special down detergent when washing your insulated layers. Down loses its efficacy when wet, and if washed improperly, it can clump. Arc’teryx’s Nu Down Detergent thoroughly cleans while restoring loft and insulation in both down and synthetic-insulated layers.

To protect waterproofing, you’ll want to wash waterproof layers with a technical detergent in cool water, since too much heat can harm the finish. However, a little heat can actually help reactivate GORE-TEX’s water-repellent finish, so don’t be afraid of the dryer. You’ll also want to avoid using fabric softeners or bleach on these fabrics, since they can mess with the waterproof coating and breathable membrane. If your jacket starts to absorb water droplets instead of pooling them on the surface, that’s a good indication it’s time to reapply those DWR coatings.

Finding Your Perfect GORE-TEX Snowboard Jacket

Your snowboard jacket should keep you dry in the wettest conditions and warm in the coldest temperatures. Especially if you’re working up a sweat skinning up a mountain in the backcountry, you’ll also want your jacket to be breathable and well-ventilated to keep you from overheating. That’s where we come in.

Whether you’ll be riding mostly at resorts or freeriding in some backcountry powder, Arc’teryx GORE-TEX jackets have you covered. From insulated jackets to lighter weight shells, we’ve spent decades perfecting our snowboard apparel for maximum durability and performance. Find your new favorite snowboard jacket today.