A snowboarding jacket is a must-have for any serious snowboarder--but various features, brands and fabrics can make choices seem daunting. Heading to a sporting goods store will help you decide which type fits your personality and comfort level--and will allow you to receive expert opinion.
Step 1
Decide what type of jacket you want, notes abc-of-snowboarding.com. Jackets generally come in three layers. The first layer is the foundation, which is usually a thin, polyester lining. The second layer is the insulation, made up of a warm fabric such as fleece. Finally, the outer layer is made of waterproof fabric like nylon to keep you dry. Professionals may only want the light outer shell to keep them dry. However, snowboarders in colder climates will need all three layers.
Step 2
Look for the features that you want in a snowboarding jacket. Newer snowboarding jackets offer AV output holes so you can wire your MP3 player headphones through the jacket while your player stays dry and safe inside. Ski pass holders on the inside of the jacket also make it easy for you to secure your lift and ski passes. An elasticized waist band will help keep snow off of your back, notes Dick's Sporting Goods.
Step 3
Gather your other snowboarding equipment and take inventory of the things you already have. For instance, if you already own snug-fitting snow pants, you may not need a tight waist band around the inside of your coat. You may also want your snowboarding jacket to match the rest of your gear--so take note of colors and styles you already have.
Step 4
Wear the snowboarding jacket in the store. Move around in it and make sure there isn't pull in the shoulders. While snowboarding you'll need a full range of motion to ensure that you can land jumps and properly balance. Assume some of your typical snowboarding positions in the store to assess the jacket's fit. While you want the jacket to fit closely to the body, you don't want it to inhibit movement which could possibly cause injury.
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