10 Best Women’s Snowboard Jackets in 2022 (Burton, Wantdo, and More)

One size doesn't fit all when it comes to snowboard jackets. Take into account the environment where you snowboard and your preferences to choose the right type of jacket with the best fit and features.

Women's snowboard jackets are available in several different types. Each type offers different benefits, and some are better suited to different environments and conditions than others.

Shell jackets are the simplest snowboard jackets but also one of the most versatile. They are not insulated, which means you will need to layer up for colder conditions. The lack of insulation also makes these jackets suitable for warmer weather, where you won’t need to wear as many layers of clothing to protect yourself from the elements.

Shells are typically waterproof, which makes them a great outer layer for nearly all weather conditions. This jacket is the best choice if you’re looking for something that you can wear on its own during the warmer days of the season, as well as something you can throw some layers on underneath when it gets cold.

Insulated jackets are the best choice for cold weather. These jackets are made with many different types of insulation, but what they all have in common is that they keep you warm.

Regardless of the insulation used, all insulated jackets sport an outer shell designed to protect you from moisture. Not only is the outer shell another sturdy layer to protect you from the cold, but it is also crucial in keeping the insulation inside the jacket dry. 

When some types of insulation become wet, they lose their warming properties, which can leave you soaked, cold, and uncomfortable. This is why it's important to pick an insulated jacket with a strong, highly waterproof shell.

While softshell jackets do share some similarities with shells, they do have some key differences. Mainly, softshells have a design that prioritizes breathability and mobility, while shells do not.

These jackets are made from soft and comfortable fabric, and they will keep you warm without making you sweat because air passes through them easily. In both looks and feel, softshells resemble hoodies. 

Softshell jackets usually have a waterproof coating, but they don’t always hold up as well in wet conditions the way that a shell would. On their own, softshells aren’t ideal for cold and wet weather.

These jackets are best suited to springtime weather if you’re wearing a softshell by itself, but they also make for a great middle layer underneath a jacket that offers more protection.

When it comes to versatility, a three-in-one jacket is the ultimate choice. These jackets are equipped to face all kinds of weather conditions, making them the best option for someone who prioritizes versatility or wants to prepare for any weather.

The outer shell is waterproof, which protects you and the insulating layer from moisture. Underneath the outer layer is an inner insulating layer designed to keep you warm, just like a regular insulated jacket.

What distinguishes three-in-one jackets from the rest is that the outer and inner layers are zipped together. You can wear both layers at the same time to protect yourself from cold and wet conditions, just the outer layer during warmer conditions or just the inner layer during dry conditions.

If you live in a climate with unpredictable weather conditions or anticipate the season to have a lot of variations in weather, a three-in-one jacket is your best bet. However, if you live somewhere with more consistent conditions, you will likely be fine without a three-in-one. 

Like we mentioned above, there are many different types of insulation. Each has its pros and cons, and some will keep you warmer than others. 

Down insulation comes from the feathers of ducks and geese. It is a lightweight insulation option that provides warmth without too much bulk. 

The quality of down is measured by its fill power, which indicates the volume that one ounce of down fills up. Fill power is measured between 450 and 900 cubic inches. The higher the measurement of fill power, the warmer and higher quality the down is. We recommend aiming for a high fill power when buying a snowboard jacket.

The weakness of down is that it loses its warming properties when it gets wet, and it’s also slow to dry. Down insulation should only be worn when it’s protected by an outer shell or in dry conditions. Some jackets use down coated in water-resistant material, which may be worth the investment if you anticipate wet conditions.

Synthetic insulation weaves polyester fibers together to retain heat and keep you warm. While synthetic insulation is not as warm as down, it does have some advantages. Mainly, synthetic materials will continue to insulate even when wet, and they also dry faster than down. 

This material is a great option if you’re seeking an alternative to down insulation or if you regularly snowboard in cold and wet conditions.

Wool insulation is an excellent choice if you live in a colder climate or regularly snowboard in cold and wet conditions. Wool is breathable, comfortable, and it won’t lose its insulating properties if it gets wet. 

However, wool insulation tends to be heavier, which can add weight to the jacket. The added weight can slow you down and make the jacket difficult to carry around when you aren’t wearing it.

If you’re having trouble picking just one type of insulating material, some jackets are made with hybrid insulation. Hybrid insulation may use different materials in different areas of the jacket, or it may use a blend of both materials to insulate the entire jacket. A mix of insulation is great if you're looking for a combination of benefits. 

Some jackets use a blend of wool or down and synthetic insulation. Down may be used to insulate the core for warmth, while synthetic materials are used in areas that are more likely to be exposed to moisture, like the arms and sides. Wool and synthetic materials are sometimes blended together and distributed throughout the entire jacket. 

A key component in any snowboard jacket is how waterproof and breathable it is. A jacket’s level of waterproofing is rated in millimeters. The higher the rating, the more waterproofing capabilities it offers. 

Jackets with a low waterproof rating of 5,000 millimeters or fewer offer minimal resistance to moisture and aren’t able to withstand harsher conditions. Jackets with a high waterproof rating of 11,000 millimeters and above are much more resistant to inclement weather and cold, wet conditions. 

Taped seams are another way manufacturers waterproof snowboard jackets. A jacket that has critically taped seams has its most exposed seams sealed to keep out moisture, such as those on the shoulders, arms, and sides. If a jacket has fully taped seams, then all of the seams are sealed, regardless of how exposed they are. 

The breathability of a jacket often goes hand-in-hand with its waterproof rating. Breathability is measured in grams, referring to the grams of water vapor that can pass through the material. Like with waterproof ratings, the higher the number, the better the material is at transferring humidity outside of the jacket. 

There is no standard for measuring breathability, so how breathable a jacket is varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. A breathability rating of at least 5,000 grams should be sufficient, but there are jackets with breathability ratings that are over 20,000 grams.

The way a jacket fits plays an important role in how many layers you can wear, but a jacket’s fit is also a great way to express yourself and your sense of style. Ultimately, the way to get a snowboard jacket with the best fit is to consider the environment you’re snowboarding in and your style preferences. 

Women’s snowboard jackets are available in slim, regular, and relaxed fits. A slim-fit snowboard jacket sits close to the body. They may not be a great choice if you snowboard in places with seasons that skew very cold, like the northeast, because it is difficult to wear layers underneath slim jackets.

A regular fit snowboard jacket runs true to size and is neither form-fitted nor slouchy. This fit leaves room for layers underneath when it’s cold or can be worn on its own.

A relaxed fit is the go-to style for many snowboarders and tends to run large. This fit is very comfortable and has extra room in the chest and shoulders. It is perfect for accommodating extra layers during cold conditions.

Women's snowboard jackets come with lots of features that make them more comfortable and practical. 

Vents are typically found in the underarm, chest, and side areas of a snowboard jacket’s shell or outer layer. Vents are a great way to cool off while still wearing your jacket. They prioritize breathability so that your jacket does not retain excessive heat or humidity. Vents usually feature a zipper so that you can open or close them whenever you like.

In addition to a helmet, hoods are a great way to protect yourself from snow and ice. Some hoods feature a drawcord that allows you to adjust them to your liking. Others are removable so that you can clean them or keep them off completely if you prefer. 

When looking at hooded snowboard jackets, look for the words "helmet-compatible." Helmet-compatible hoods are large enough to fit comfortably over a helmet, which is key to adding an additional layer of protection when snowboarding. Be sure to keep an eye out for insulated hoods if you’re looking for some extra warmth. 

Powder skirts are commonly found on shells and insulated jackets. A powder skirt is worn around the jacket's waist and is designed to keep snow out if you fall. Some powder skirts can be attached to snow pants or kept out of the way with snaps or loops.

A jacket-to-pant interface eliminates the gap between your jacket and pants, offering the most protection from the snow. Snowboard jackets with this interface can be connected to a compatible pair of snow pants with snaps or loops. The snaps or loops that connect the jacket to the snow pants can usually be found on the powder skirt.

Here are our picks for the top 10 best women's snowboard jackets! We've included jackets based on type, fit, and features. We made our choices based on the points listed in the buying guide below, as well as reviewer comments when available. 

Winter will be here before you know it! Get ready for the cold and snow by checking out these products.

Author: Alexa Nogueira 

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