A good jacket is an important part of every snowboarder’s gear, whether they like to ride at resorts or in the park. The style and performance of snowboards have slowly caught up over the years. The latest models offer great weather protection, cozy comfort, and fun freeride vibes.
Most snowboards are made by core names like Burton, Volcom, and Jones, but you shouldn’t forget about high-end designs from Arc’teryx, Patagonia, and Outdoor Research, among others. The best women’s snowboard jackets of 2024 are broken down below. They range from high-end Gore-Tex shells to insulated vacation pieces and useful 3-in-1 combos. Check out our comparison table and buying tips below the picks for more information.
1. 686 Smarty 3-in-1 Spellbound
The 686 Smarty 3-in-1 Spellbound is the most flexible piece of gear for riders who are just starting to put together their gear. It has a 2-layer shell that is waterproof up to 20K and has fully taped seams. It also has a cozy synthetic midlayer with fleece arms.
In the middle of winter, zip the two jackets together to make one warm piece. On warmer days, wear only the shell (over a baselayer) and save the midlayer for afterward. 686 didn’t skimp on style either. The cuffs and collar have fun stitching details, the neck and arms of the midlayer are lined with cozy Sherpa fleece, and the fit is loose and trendy. It’s a real steal at only $300.
The Smarty Spellbound has all the elements that a modern resort rider might need. You get a powder skirt, pit zips, an inside goggle pocket, a chest pocket with built-in cord access for your headphones, and more. But there are some things that 3-in-1s can’t do: They are always the heaviest and bulkiest because they have so many extra buttons and snaps, and the two-piece design can let in drafts compared to a dedicated insulated jacket.
Finally, the Smarty’s two-layer shell isn’t even close to a high-performance piece; it’s not breathable enough for use in the outdoors. But the 686 Smarty is our favorite 3-in-1 design for people who want the most value and flexibility for lift-assisted or terrain park days. The Roxy Jetty 3-in-1 ($240), The North Face’s ThermoBall Eco-Snow Triclimate ($400), and Patagonia’s 3-in-1 Powder Town ($499) are some other choices in this category.
- Category: 3-in-1
- Insulation: Synthetic (100g) & fleece
- Waterproofing: 2L Infidry
2. Arc’teryx Sentinel
An insulated jacket can keep you warm at a lodge, but it’s not a good idea to take one boot packing into the side-country or split boarding. If you’re working on your turns, a 3-layer shell will let you decide how many layers you wear and let the most airflow through it. The famous Sentinel jacket from Arc’teryx has been the best jacket for exploring off-trail for a long time: The three layers of Gore-Tex are strong, and the back is made of light flannel.
The hood is beautifully designed, and all the buttons are water-resistant. Arc’teryx’s careful design is also shown by the pockets, which include a dump stash inside and hand pockets that can be used with a hipbelt. Pit zips let you let out heat while climbing. Look no further than the Sentinel if you want one of the best freeride cruising shells.
It’s not cheap at $700, but you get what you pay for. It’s hard to find a better-designed and built 3-layer Gore-Tex shell than the Arc’teryx. For what you get, it’s also pretty light (1 lb. 4.4 oz. on our scale in a size small), and it’s slim enough to fit into your pack during hard climbs. On the other hand, some uphill skiers might find it too heavy because of the flannel backer. These riders would rather have a standard hardshell (not one made just for skiing or snowboarding) or even a light softshell or wind jacket on the skin track.
- Category: Shell
- Insulation: Light flannel backer
- Waterproofing: 3L Gore-Tex
3. 686 Athena Insulated
A jacket that costs more than $500 might not be what every skater wants, especially if they only go out a few times a year. This 686 Athena Insulated is a good choice for people who want to save money. For only $200, this jacket has a basic but well-rounded set of features. It comes in a nice range of colors and is waterproof and breathable thanks to 686’s Infidry fabric.
The body is insulated with 80 grams of insulation, the arms are filled with 60 grams of insulation, and the hood is even lighter at 40 grams. One great thing about the Athena is that it has a lot of storage space. It has a pass pocket on the sleeve, an inner phone pocket, a drop-in mesh pocket for goggles or gloves, and even an exterior zippered chest pocket with a key clip. With powder skirts and pit zips, the Athena is perfect for days at the beach.
We aren’t sure if the Athena is a good choice for people who live in wet places like the Pacific Northwest. It’s only 10K waterproof, while more expensive coats are rated up to 20K. The jacket is also only taped at the most important seams, so it will definitely leak when it gets wet. You also can’t change the hood as much as you can with the more expensive Burton above.
The front has only simple drawcords, so you can’t close the hood as well in bad weather. Finally, the insulated shape isn’t very flexible for spring days when it’s not too hot. But the Athena Insulated has a lot to give and looks good too if you’re a casual rider who only goes out a few times a year. The Burton Jet Ridge ($240) is a cheaper option.
- Category: Insulated
- Insulation: 80g (body); 60g (sleeves); 40g (hood)
- Waterproofing: 2L Infidry
4. Volcom 3D Stretch GTX
Volcom is a big name in snowboard jackets, and they make a lot of different styles for use in parks, resorts, and the mountains. Their best jacket for women is the 3D Stretch GTX, which has a stretchy face cloth and liner, Gore-Tex waterproofing, and a thin layer of PrimaLoft Gold Stretch insulation. It’s warm, protective, and very flexible.
Volcom knows exactly what snowboarders need, and the 3D Stretch is a great example. It has a powder skirt, mesh-lined pit zips, and wrist gaiters, among other things. We love how well the Zip Tech system works to connect the jacket to the Volcom pants and make a bib-like security.
At $420, the 3D Stretch is a great deal for tested Gore-Tex. The Patagonia Storm Shift, which costs $499, is the next cheapest GTX jacket on our list, but keep in mind that it’s still not a very high-end jacket. The construction quality isn’t as good as brands like Arc’teryx, Mountain Hardwear, and Patagonia.
You can tell in the cuffs and hood, seams, and general fit and finish. Volcom’s stretchy and soft clothes have a lot of good points, and it’s great to see the California-based company try its hand at the higher end of the market.
- Category: Insulated
- Insulation: PrimaLoft Gold Stretch (60g)
- Waterproofing: 2L Gore-Tex
5. Burton [ak] Embark Gore-Tex 2L
![Burton [ak] Embark Gore-Tex 2L](https://travellergoals.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Burton-ak-Embark-Gore-Tex-2L.jpg)
Burton is almost always linked with snowboarding, and the [ak] badge stands for their high-performance clothing line. The Embark is the most famous women’s jacket in the line. It’s perfect for resort riders because it keeps them warm, dry, and stylish. We really tested the Embark during a rough winter in the Pacific Northwest, and it passed: Even on the wettest days, the 2-layer Gore-Tex fabric kept the water out.
The insulation kept you warm without adding too much bulk, and the features (almost) met all of my needs. The lightweight and quick-drying wrist gaskets, fleece-lined collar, goggle-sized internal pocket, and padded chest pocket kept our phone warm and dry while we were out on the slopes all day.
We don’t like how the Embark’s hood and collar are too big. Even though it’s nice to have a hood that fits over our helmets well enough in the rain, the Embark’s design leaves it open to attack when the hood is removed: It gathers snow and forces it through the loose collar and into the jacket. The collar can’t be tightened, which is a shame.
We found the jacket to run a bit big, so we’d often wear it over just a thin wool baselayer because it was insulated. We were still glad we went up a size for a baggier fit, though. Even with its flaws, the Embark is our top pick for the 2024 season and a clear “yes” for vacation riders who want a stylish jacket that will keep them dry.
- Category: Insulated
- Insulation: PrimaLoft Silver (60g)
- Waterproofing: 2L Gore-Tex
FAQ’s
Q1. What are the top features to consider when choosing a women's snowboard jacket for winter?
Look for coats that are made of materials that are waterproof and breathable, have insulation to keep you warm, hoods and cuffs that can be adjusted, and extras like vents and pockets to make things easier and more comfortable.
Q2. Are these women's snowboard jackets suitable for various winter conditions?
Yes, the jackets that were chosen are made to work in all kinds of winter weather, protecting you from snow, wind, and cold temps. Pick a jacket that fits your needs and the kind of riding you want to do.
Q3. How do I determine the right size for a women's snowboard jacket?
To make sure it fits right, look at the size chart that the brand or maker gives you. Think about your body measures, how you like to layer, and any design details that could affect how well it fits.
