What do you look for in a Snowboarding Jacket?
 

I just wanted to ask about what people look for in a snowboarding jacket, and which brands do best at meeting what people want.

For me, the primary things I look for, (other than looks), is a powder skirt, a ticket/pass pocket on the sleeve, the number of pockets (for phones, etc.) and mesh armpit vents.

The second things I look for, but that aren't super important, is the waterproof/breathability ratings (I've never gotten a jacket soaked through, even with 5k), wrist gaiters (sometimes they're more annoying than helpful).

I've found that a lot of DC jackets have most of this, but Quiksilver/Roxy stuff does pretty well too.

Any thoughts?

I started looking for new stuff for next season and have really fallen for the 3CS Outerwear. I do believe style plays a large factor into my selection, but I was looking for stuff that I can take into the back country. So their high water resist / breathability played a large factor. But like yourself the little features are nice as well such as the powder skirt, pass holder, tech pockets, detachable hoods. Everyone wants something a little different I am sure and luckily there is endless amounts to choose from.

Powder skirt, wrist gaiter, pockets, headphone slip thru, inner mp3/cell phone pocket, waterproofness/breathability, vents & position of them, pass holder, fit & looks. I need a jacket that has it all, since it's the first place I'm going to stash things like an ipod, phone & goggles.I currently have a Billabong Jackson jacket & think it's the best jacket I've owned. It's just a shell, but it's easy enough to layer under on those rare days when it's needed. Before than I used my brothers Foursquare jacket (not sure which model). That jacket was sick too!

Tied for 1st is Waterproofing and breathability. I doubt I will ever go any lower then 20k on either. Ill likely stay with goretex or equal type fabric.

2nd: functional pockets/waterproof zippers

3nd: Doesnt have the "im a snowboarder so I have to have my clothing 5x bigger then my size" look.

4th proper venting.

Fact is I wont by a jacket without any of these features so they are all tied for first.

things that are important to me:

- waterproof rating (I end up in the snow a lot, so it's important)
- wrist gators are nice but not critical
- good neck seal
- I've had sleeve pockets, didn't use them.
- length and adequately roomy so I can wear armour under it.
- removable hood.
- Lots of pockets, that seal well.
- A zipper that doesn't stick (my biggest complaint with my Special Blend)
- A zipper that unzips from either end (more important for males)

I look for comfort and fit... I hate stiff jackets. Something light but warm in layers and the right pockets as mentioned above. Your right about DC they have nice stuff, sessions and analog too.

I sometimes wonder, does it make such a big difference? I have a 5k jacket and a 10k jacket, and I've never had either one soak through. Admittedly though, I don't spend a lot of time buried in snow for better or worse.

Hahaha xD I think for the same reason, girls don't buy snowboarding pants with suspenders.

Hi everyone, first post.
I am in the middle of buying a jacket right now and I have to be honest I have used nothing but Burton over the seasons. Like everyone else I look for breathability/waterproof first. And you wont get better than a jacket with Gore Tex imo. Everything else after that is looks (I love Burton looks and design hence why I favor them) and pockets etc. Also tapered is also a must.

With my first jacket, I didn't know how to care for it so I washed it too many times and didn't re-nikwax it. Over time the waterproofing got poorer and poorer, and believe me I noticed. My current jacket (Special Blend) is goretex which as shagmasta points out is unbeatable. I just don't get wet with that sumbitch.

It makes a huge difference... especially the breathability. SOme days the waterproof may come in more handy then others, but the ability for a jacket to breath is critical.