Snowboard Outerwear

As temperatures fluctuate throughout any given day there’s no reason to be caught out in the cold. Whether you’re hiking the backcountry, a rail park or pipe, you can stay warm and dry by selecting the  proper outerwear to adjust to the forever changing conditions. Comfort is the key to enjoying your day on hill. With some simple techniques and attention to detail, you will spend more time snowboarding than warming your hands under the dryer in the bathroom.

Snowboard Outerwear:

Outerwear should be appropriate for your activity. Jackets and pants must allow perspiration vapor to vent while blocking wind and rain. The material must reduce heat loss and assist the rest of your layers in keeping you dry and comfortable. Snowboard outerwear–which includes insulated jackets, shells/non-insulated jackets, and pants–protects you from the extreme elements you may encounter while snowboarding, such as snow, sleet or rain and wind.

Fabrics:

Most outerwear is made out of tightly woven nylon or polyester. Both are durable and fairly water-resistant, and can be woven in various weights. Rip stop nylon fabrics are a nice option as they tend to be more abrasive. The most popular and well known technology was the introduction of Gore-Tex. Gore-Tex and multi layered fabrics revolutionized cold-weather outerwear. Able to withstand the most severe rain and snow while allowing perspiration vapor to escape, Gore-Tex fabric has proven to be durable and windproof for a wide range of physical activities.

Over twenty years ago, an outer layer that was capable of protecting you from wind, rain, and snow while letting perspiration escape wasn’t available. As an example: Rubber suits worn for rain protection, trapped sweat, made the insulation layer wet, and kept the wearer chilled. Because they weren’t breathable, your options were to get wet from the elements or get wet from your own sweat.

Waterproofing and Breathablility:

On of you first considerations when selecting a snowboard jacket or pant is the waterproof rating. Fabrics for snowboard outerwear are normally treated with a DWR (durable water repellent) coating on them that protects you from the elements such as snow, wind, and rain. You will see these ratings indicated in numerical value such as 5k, 10K, 15K, and so on. To keep it simple, the higher the rating, the more waterproof the garment is. There are several effective performance fabrics available. When making your decision, consider your activity and the level of protection you expect. Here in the NW, it’s ideal to have garments with a 10k waterproof rating or greater to withstand the moisture content contained in our snow.

Make sure the shell is large enough to fit easily over the other layers and that it is easy to care for so that you can maintain its performance over a long period of time. Use it in conjunction with the other elements of layering so you’ll never endure another uncomfortable day on the mountain. Layering works, but you’re only safe from the elements if you make sure your extremities are protected from the damp and cold as well.

Features and Functions:

  • Waterproofing and Breathability:
    • Snowboard outerwear, both insulated and non-insulated, that is waterproof/breathable offers the ultimate in protection from the elements
    • Most snowboarders should choose outerwear that is waterproof/breathable because you spend a lot of time on or near the ground
    • To make sure your waterproof/breathable outerwear is most effective, look for garments that are seam sealed. The ultimate goal is to keep moisture from the outside from passing through the jacket, while still allowing water vapor generated by perspiration to escape.
    • You should note that waterproof/breathable outerwear is usually less breathable than water-repellant garment/water-resistant outerwear
    • Many waterproof/breathable outerwear styles include design elements like zippers and venting systems to allow more perspiration vapor out

  • Water-repellent/Water-resistant:
    • Outerwear that is water-repellant or water-resistant will keep you dry for long periods of time, but unlike waterproof fabrics, these fabrics can become saturated and lose their effectiveness in extreme weather conditions or when you make a lot of contact with the snow
    • Water-resistant garments generally keep out more water for longer periods of time than water-repellant garments. Most fabrics with these characteristics are breathable and will allow water vapor from perspiration to escape while keeping snow, sleet and rain at bay.
    • DWRs, durable water-repellent finishes, are often used in ski outerwear and enhance water-repellency without negatively affecting breathability

  • Waterproof:
    • Outerwear for snowboarding is available that offers various degrees of protection from the wind
    • Windproof garments offer more protection than wind-resistant styles

  • Moisture Wicking:
    • Some outerwear has a moisture wicking layer attached to the underside of the shell that helps promote the release of perspiration vapors and enhances comfort and the body’s ability to stay warm

Insulating Materials:

Your choice of an insulated piece of outerwear versus a non-insulated shell will depend on three main factors, your level of activity, weather conditions, and what you plan to wear underneath.

    • Your level of activity
      • Snowboarders typically expend huge amounts of energy and generate plenty of body heat. If you are this type of intense rider, you are less likely to need an insulated jacket.
      • A better choice to add warmth to your boarding wardrobe are mid-layer insulating pieces in a variety of weights, which can be matched to weather conditions, temperature and your activity level
    • Weather conditions
      • Extreme cold conditions usually require outerwear that offers the added warmth of insulation, even for high-energy snowboarders
    • What you plan to wear underneath
      • If you do not plan to dress in layers, with long underwear and an insulated mid-layer, you will most likely need a garment with some insulation. Keep in mind, however, that a good thermal base layer and an insulating second layer can reduce or eliminate the need for insulating materials in your outerwear, even on a very cold day.
      • Most boarders dress in layers and consider shells more versatile than insulated pieces, because they can function well in a variety of conditions
      • Boarders who choose a non-insulated shell should make sure it is waterproof/breathable
  • Man-made insulations
    • Most insulates are made of polyester and come in a variety of weights and lofts. Generally, the greater the weight and loft, the more warmth the insulation provides.
    • Most snowboarding is an intense physical activity, most boarders who want insulated jackets should choose ones with fairly low degrees of insulation
  • Down
    • Down is nature’s great insulator. It offers a high warmth-to-weight ratio, and is compressible, lightweight and breathable.

Performance Details:

  • There are some design features that will make a real difference to your comfort on the slopes
    • Zippers with big pulls make it easy to zip and unzip your jacket when wearing bulky gloves
    • Storm flaps that conceal zippers help to keep out wind and cold
    • Cuffs are used to keep snow from entering your gloves and jacket
    • Hoods are used to keep your head dry thus keeping you warm
    • Large functional pockets are used to hold valuables such as your wallet and keys

Fit

  • Jackets and pants for snowboarding are designed to fit more loosely than traditional ski outerwear to allow for greater freedom of movement
  • Outerwear should not be so baggy that it gets in the way or actually inhibits your movement

Jackets and Pants:

It is also important to consider the features you will need when it comes to buying Snowboard Jackets or Snowboard Pants.

Features

  • Roomier fit
    • Snowboard pants will have a roomier fit in order to allow for more movement when doing tricks
  • Elastic waist
    • An elastic waist provides for a comfortable fit and also helps to keep out snow
  • Open bottom with gaiter
    • A covering of lightweight, moisture-resistant fabric, used by snowboarders in conditions of deep snow
    • It is attached to the inside of the pant and extends down over the top of the boot to prevent snow from entering your pants
  • Sealed seams
    • Ensures that no water from snow, sleet, or rain enters through the seams of your pants, making sure you stay dry and warm

Additional Options

  • Pockets
    • Pockets offer a good way to store your valuables, such as a wallet and keys
  • Removable suspenders
    • Add extra support to help hold pants up and in place
  • Reinforced seat and knees
    • Have an extra layer of tough fabric in the seat and knees for added protection against the elements
    • These styles are especially good for newcomers to the sport, who tend to spend less time upright than more experienced boarders
  • Side zippers
    • These are a way to offer ventilation
    • The pants have zippers down the side or inside of the legs to allow more airflow when temperatures heat up

    Shop Snowboard Outerwear here==>Men’s Outerwear, Women’s Outerwear, Youth Outerwear

    Check out the rest of TruSnow for more info or give us a call at 1.866.986.SNOW with any questions.