How to Pick a Snowboard Jacket

In the past decade, snowboarding has become one of the hottest winter sports. As such, each winter season, you will likely see thousands of new and seasoned snowboarders at the resorts. Some are dressed appropriately. Others are wearing things such as baseball jackets and other types of clothing that will do precious little to keep you warm and dry. If you are a new snowboarder, here is some advice about buying a snowboarding jacket.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Step 1

Wear or bring warm clothing. In most cases, snowboarders will wear long underwear, a turtleneck and a pullover under their jackets. If you are trying on snowboards during the warmer seasons, bring these items with you. Otherwise, you can not be assured of a proper fit.

Step 2

Determine the correct fit. A snowboard jacket should be loose enough for comfort. Make sure that the jacket does not restrict the movements of your upper body.

Step 3

Choose a snowboard jacket that extends down to your hips. This will keep your midriff warm. Additionally, it will keep your buttocks warm when sitting on cold, wet chairlift seats.

Step 4

Find a snowboard jacket with a high waterproof rating. Fabrics such as Gore Tex and Entrant are the most reliable.

Step 5

Choose breathable jackets. Some snowboard jackets come with zippered vents under the armpits. If possible, find jackets with zip-pulls on the zippers, so you don't have to take your gloves off to open the zippers.

Step 6

Pick out durable jackets, with double or triple-stitched seams.

Tips & Warnings

It's better to insulate through wearing layers than it is to buy a heavily-insulated jacket. You can always remove layers, but you can't remove the insulation.

Short fitted jackets may be attractive, but they do little to keep you warm. One-piece ski suits keep you warm, but pose obvious problems for female snowboarders.

Short fitted jackets may be attractive, but they do little to keep you warm.

One-piece ski suits keep you warm, but pose obvious problems for female snowboarders.

Article Written By Lisa Mercer

In 1999, Lisa Mercer’s fitness, travel and skiing expertise inspired a writing career. Her books include "Open Your Heart with Winter Fitness" and "101 Women's Fitness Tips." Her articles have appeared in "Aspen Magazine," "HerSports," "32 Degrees," "Pregnancy Magazine" and "Wired." Mercer has a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from the City College of New York.

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