Best Snowboard Jackets
How to Buy the Best Snowboard Jacket
There are a few factors boarders should consider when checking out jackets: The Tri Layer System, Weatherproofing, and Style. Lets take a lookat at each one.
Respect The Tri Layer System to stay warm, dry and comfortable regardless of the weather. The first layer keeps body heat close to the skin. It usually comes in the form of thermal underwear or spandex for all you pretty boys and girls. Above that you slap on a thick sweater. I choose fleece because its light and always stays dry. The third layer is aptly called the shell. This is the jacket and where style and function meld into one.
A decent jacket protects you in three ways: defends against water, keeps out the wind, and allows air flow. Only buy coats that are waterproof at 120 to 150 centimeters. This means that a plastic tube is placed on the fabric and filled with a specified amount of water before beeding underneath. If that amount is less than 120 then it’s shit, don’t buy it!
There are no specific numbers to look for when considering windproofing, but if it’s sufficiently waterproofed then it should keep the wind out.
Lastly, you need a jacket that breathes. When you start ripping it up the body releases all kinds of moisture. You want the moisture out because it will freeze on the way back up the lifts. A nice jacket will have fabric that releases that moisture into the air. How does a waterproof fabric let water in but not out? I don’t know, it just does. Ask Burton!
As far as style goes thats your perogative. Buy some tight threads that match your personality. Just please don’t color coordinate to the point you look like a freakin magazine model…unless of course your personality is that of a complete douche bag. Done!