A coat is part of the basic equipment of any snowboarder. How should you choose the right snowboard jacket from the vast range offered in sports stores? Like everything else about this sport, you have to find the right balance. Here are some tips:
Neither too hot nor too light
First of all, don’t be a slave to style at the price of your body temperature. The best snowboard jackets keep you warm when it’s cold but not sweaty when it’s milder or when you’re shredding hard.
To avoid dying of either heat or the shivers, choose a degree of insulation that matches your style of snowboarding. Most people opt for practical 150-gram insulation, but some freestyle athletes enjoy lighter coats with excellent breathability.
Both waterproof and breathable
Moisture is your number one enemy. The drier you are, the more you’re going to have fun. Good snowboarding jackets are waterproof but breathable. The latest technical materials offer a good compromise between these two needs.
Fabrics with a Teflon microporous membrane offer the ultimate efficiency, but you’ll have to consider it an investment because the price can be steep. Make sure your coat is made of tough stuff for all those times you finish a descent on your back.
Neither too loose nor too tight
Most riders like to wear their gear loose. However, too large a coat lets air and snow in and interferes with your movements. Too small a coat doesn’t insulate your body heat properly and isn’t comfortable.
When you’re trying on a coat, zip it up and stretch both arms forward. If it pulls tight across the back or shoulders, it’s too small. You need to make sure you have a full range of movement.
Just right for Baby Bear
Your snowboarding jacket has to look good too. If you want to maximize your investment, choose plain colours like black, grey, red or blue. Coat and pant combinations are also more practical than a one-piece suit. But, if you’re a backcountry fan, look for a good system that won’t leave you with your pants full of powder.
Try, try and try again
Snowboarding sportswear is big business for manufacturers, which accounts for the overwhelming variety of styles out there, not to mention the huge price range. Don’t hesitate to try on all the models that catch your eye, and then get some good advice from a sports store expert.
Above all, you want to make sure that you get good value for your money. Have a great season on the slopes!
