Snowboarding Jackets
You are likely to spend more cash on your snowboarding jacket than any other piece of your clothing equipment used for snowboarding. Your snowboard jacket needs to keep you warm and dry and make you easy to spot on the slopes to avoid collisions and make you identifiable. So when you come to choosing a snowboarding jacket what do you need to consider?
Expense
Snowboarding jackets are available for a range of prices. You can guarantee that the cheaper snowboard jackets are cheaper for a reason. Usually the low cost end snowboard jackets are less waterproof or are not as breathable as the top end snowboard jackets. The more expensive a snowboarding jacket the more breathability and waterproofing you should get for your money.
Breathability
The better the breathability of the material of the jacket (letting perspiration out) as well as other features such as vents that allow the snowboard jacket to release extra warmth, the more user friendly and expensive the snowboarding jacket. Good snowboard jackets often come with zip release vents across the torsos hot spots such as under the arm.
Waterproofing
Top end snowboard jackets will often be made of waterproof materials such as 'gore-tex' and have taped seams to provide extra protection. The lower end snowboarding jackets may only provide a water resistant fabric which may need treatment with time.
Shell or Insulated?
The shell jacket is usually the most practical option giving you good mobility and flexbility dependant on weather conditions, but if your cold blooded the option of insulated snowboard jackets exist. The best insulated snowboarding jackets will often have a detachable lining giving the option of removal should the weather turn warm.
Extra Features
Snowboard jackets come with a number of extra features that can be useful. Pockets for maps, passes, mp3 players and tools are common. Powder skirts to prevent the snow going up your back and down your cuffs can be a useful feature if you are a freerider going off piste or generally aiming to slide some powder. Hoods, especially detachable hoods, can be useful when the weather is stormy.
Of all the clothing equipment used for snowboarding the snowboard jacket is the most important to get right. Ensuring mobility and protection from the elements can be make or break for a good time on the slopes
Expense
Snowboarding jackets are available for a range of prices. You can guarantee that the cheaper snowboard jackets are cheaper for a reason. Usually the low cost end snowboard jackets are less waterproof or are not as breathable as the top end snowboard jackets. The more expensive a snowboarding jacket the more breathability and waterproofing you should get for your money.
Breathability
The better the breathability of the material of the jacket (letting perspiration out) as well as other features such as vents that allow the snowboard jacket to release extra warmth, the more user friendly and expensive the snowboarding jacket. Good snowboard jackets often come with zip release vents across the torsos hot spots such as under the arm.
Waterproofing
Top end snowboard jackets will often be made of waterproof materials such as 'gore-tex' and have taped seams to provide extra protection. The lower end snowboarding jackets may only provide a water resistant fabric which may need treatment with time.
Shell or Insulated?
The shell jacket is usually the most practical option giving you good mobility and flexbility dependant on weather conditions, but if your cold blooded the option of insulated snowboard jackets exist. The best insulated snowboarding jackets will often have a detachable lining giving the option of removal should the weather turn warm.
Extra Features
Snowboard jackets come with a number of extra features that can be useful. Pockets for maps, passes, mp3 players and tools are common. Powder skirts to prevent the snow going up your back and down your cuffs can be a useful feature if you are a freerider going off piste or generally aiming to slide some powder. Hoods, especially detachable hoods, can be useful when the weather is stormy.
Of all the clothing equipment used for snowboarding the snowboard jacket is the most important to get right. Ensuring mobility and protection from the elements can be make or break for a good time on the slopes
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