best 3-in-1 snowboard jacket

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The shell can withstand moderate conditions, but heavy, wet snow will make its way through the cheaper membrane and partially taped seams. For those looking to maximize bang for buck, the 3-in-1 style has a lot of appeal. 3-in-1s fall consistently on the budget end of the spectrummost designs cost between $200 and $350and their strong value proposition (at least on paper) make them a popular choice among beginners and casual resort riders. As we touched on above, the vast majority of designs use synthetic fill, which is measured in grams per square meter (typically shortened to g). Second, theyre not efficient insulators and weve found them prone to being drafty on foul-weather days. This makes the jacket a less than ideal choice for powder days and rowdy weather. And like the Bolt above, we were smitten with the performance of the Zip Tech system, which connected to our Volcom pant for bib-like protection. The second Patagonia product to make our list is their mid-range Powder Bowl. Theyve also packed it with a versatile amount of insulation (40g recycled Polyfill) thatll keep the cold off on the lift without overheating on mild, late-season days. Below we break down the top all-mountain snowboards of the 2022 season, from highly versatile models to those that Online shopping is more popular than ever in 2021, and the allure is clear: you can purchase whatever you need from the comfort of your home and often receive it within just a few days. Backcountry designs and technical shells sacrifice a little durability for less weight and improved range of motion and breathability, but weve found even models like the Outdoor Research Hemispheres or Arcteryxs Sabre AR are reliably tough. At $399, its on the pricey side for 2-layer Gore-Texfor reference, the $285 Volcom L above uses the same waterproof tech. Snowboards and Arcteryx offers an extensive lineup of quality ski jackets, from technical hardshells to insulated resort options. The quality of the material plays a role in how well they insulate, but you can make generalizations based on the listed fill weight. The Naikoon cant match the Snowshots warmth, but its a better breather and includes dedicated storage for a lift pass (something the Patagonia omits). Jackets in the mid- and high-end of the market will feature full seam taping, while budget-oriented models like the Volcom Bolt Insulated or Quiksilvers Mission only protect the critical seams. To save money, many manufacturers utilize an in-house design, and proven options here include Patagonias H2No and Flylow Gears Intuitive. Read more about us. Further, you dont get pit zips, so the jacket will run warm on milder days and for sidecountry hikes. But the mesh does an admirable job wicking moisture, and the drop in comfort wasnt too noticeable even on sidecountry hikes. Its properly outfitted with a burly outer layer that sheds moisture and blocks wind, and we found its exterior storage to be generously sized and easy to access on the lift. Burtons AK jacket above covers the bases for serious riders who get out a lot, while their budget-oriented mens Covert and womens Jet Set check the right boxes for occasional resort and park use. Youll likely want a more heavily insulated design. But if you run warm or temperatures are variable (such as in regions of the Pacific Northwest), going with light insulation (or none at all) is best. Is it bristling cold and dry Jason Hummel is a leading adventure photographer and ski mountaineer based in Tacoma,Washington. Not only is it fairly noisy, but it lacks the supple and mobile feel of alternatives like Arcteryxs Sabre AR, Patagonias Powder Bowl, and even the Gore-Tex Pro-equipped Norrna Tamok. They also like a longer back length for more coverage and protection when sitting down on snow. Category: InsulatedInsulation: 100g (body); 80g (sleeves); 60g (hood)Waterproofing: 2L DryFlightWhat we like: Good combination of price and performance for beginners and occasional riders.What we dont: Not well-equipped for wet snow conditions. We use affiliate links andmay receive a small commission on purchases. This typically refers to areas subjected to the most moisture, including the shoulders and front zipper. The upside is this amount of fill keeps you from overheating on mild days or if youll be mixing in a sidecountry hike. Offered in a fun range of colors and designs, the Bristal should be on the short list for park riders. Starting with warmth, the jacket is moderately insulated with 80-gram Polyfill in the body and less bulky 60-gram in the arms. For well under $300, you get Gores proven 2-layer build, a versatile non-insulated design that leaves plenty of room for layering (an insulated version is also available for $295), and a solid storm hood that impressed us with its adjustability and protection on a deep day at British Columbias Red Mountain. At $220, its around $30 to $50 more than its primary competition, and youre not getting any upgrades in terms of protection. The Arcteryx Sabre AR above is ideal for serious resort and occasional backcountry use, but dedicated splitboarders will be better off with the brands Rush Jacket. While its nice to reduce bulk (a common complaint of ours with 3-in-1s), many resort riders are perfectly content with a moderately heavy design. If you dont mind its simple looks, the Volcom L is a well-rounded uninsulated option.See the Men's Volcom L Gore-Tex. Insulated That said, softshells come with clear compromises in protection from snow, so theyre not as capable for resort or season-long use (theyre a better secondary jacket). The North Face isnt a big-time player in the snowboard jacket market, but they do offer a solid range of 3-in-1 designs (TNF calls them Triclimate). For starters, theyre consistently the heaviest and bulkiest options due to the extra zippers and snaps required to connect the mid and outer layers. From their growing collection, we like the Naikoon best, which mixes sustainable efforts like 58-percent-recycled polyester with a stretchy exterior and soft lining for day-long comfort. Below we break down the best snowboard jackets for the 2022 season, which cover everything from resort and park favorites from popular brands like Volcom and Quiksilver to uncompromising, premium designs for serious riders. To be fair, 3-in-1s have their place for those looking to save (including the 686 Smarty Form, which retails for $270), but its good to be aware of the pitfalls. The amount of warmth can vary widely between models, so its important to think through how much fill you realistically need. In use, however, 3-in-1 jackets come with their fair share of compromises. At less than half the price of our top-rated Burton above, there are some inevitable compromises with the budget-oriented Quiksilver. Unlike rain and hardshell jackets, most manufacturers dont provide a fabric denier (a measurement of density and thickness), so it can be hard to compare models without seeing them in person. Travis Rice hardly needs an introductionhis Art of Flight video is a classic way to get stoked for an upcoming seasonand this snowboarding legend has put his name on one of Quiksilvers signature jackets. As with the full AK collection, the Swash and Embark have high price tags ($450 and $460 respectively), and theyll likely be overkill for occasional riders and those just getting into the sport. Their designs are super well-made and have clean stylingthe look and feel often reminds us of Gore-Texand durability and weatherproofing are performance hallmarks. Everything about the design has a premium look and feel: the 3-layer Gore-Tex is light but bombproof, its large hood offers standout coverage while remaining easy to adjust, and the sturdy face fabric holds up well to extended use. The RECCO reflector built into your snowboard jacket or pant is a passive unit that doesnt require batteries and can be picked up by RECCO detectors often carried by resort search and rescue. You also get some nice touches that you dont often find on cheaper jackets, including Burtons smooth and moisture-wicking interior, pit zips, and one of the widest size ranges on the market (from XXS to XXXL). The breathability test is more convoluted and less standardized, but it measures how much water vapor travels from the inside to the outside of the fabric over a 24-hour stretch. On the flip side, organization is decent, and you can cinch down both the wrists and hem (features Armadas discontinued Baxter lacked). We wont lump you in with the skiers: you prefer one plank and comfortable boots, despise moguls, and have a penchant for style. Their Cottonwoods Jacket (its also offered in a matching bib) is their hardwearing and premium resort shell. For one, the hood is on the small side, and we struggled to get it comfortably over our helmet (a size large Smith Quantum). Both jackets are solidly weatherproof and have plush interiors that justify their mid-range price tags. If you like to head out in these types of rough conditions, we recommend upgrading to Roxys Gore-Tex-equipped Glade and Essence collections.See the Roxy Quinn Jacket. He authored Alpine State of Mind, a beautifully presented book of adventure stories and 5 Best Sites to Buy Snowboards and Snowboard Gear, Best Snowboard Gloves and Mittens of 2022-2023, See the Men's Quiksilver Mission Insulated. Three important factors come into play: the quality of the waterproof construction, DWR coating, and seam taping along the interior. Like Flylow above, Trew Gears jackets look best in their tri-color layouts, although the Jefferson and Astoria are available in a range of colorways. Jacket-to-Pant Attachment System Its worth noting that the womens variation of the jacket, the Daphne, differs slightly in design with 80-gram PrimaLoft (rather than 60g) and an additional exterior pocket on the sleeve.See the Men's Flylow Albert See the Women's Flylow Daphne. We find the added material useful for keeping blowing snow outa plus if youll be riding in inclement weather or in powderbut it does come at a small sacrifice in heat-dumping abilities. These secure with buttons at the front of the jacket and are positioned above the hem. The final category is the 3-in-1 jacket, which includes two pieces: a waterproof hardshell and an insulating layer that can be zipped in or out depending on conditions (or worn on its own around town). Construction To improve protection from boarding in deep conditions or in a crash, many riders utilize a powder skirt (also referred to as a waist gaiter). With the ability to separate your board on the way up and secure the halves together for a true snowboarding experience on the way down As the cold weather approaches, that doesn't necessarily mean it's time to stay indoors and shut down for the winter. Category: 3-in-1Insulation: 100g (body); 80g (sleeves)Waterproofing: 2L DryVentWhat we like: A well-rounded and good-looking 3-in-1 jacket.What we dont: Only moderately warm; you pay a premium for the brand. Category: ShellInsulation: NoneWaterproofing: 3L Gore-Tex ProWhat we like: Uncompromising backcountry design: light, mobile, and highly protective.What we dont: Its one of the priciest shells on the market. For waterproofing, many manufacturers use whats commonly referred to as a static-column test: a piece of the jackets shell fabric is set below a 1-inch diameter tube, which is then filled with water until the fabric begins to leak. In both their mid-range 2-layer and lighter and more breathable 3-layer varieties, weve found them to be reliably wind and waterproof even in harsh and wet conditions. Like the powder skirt, jacket-to-pant attachment systems are all about maximizing protection and warmth. Active riders who spend most of their time away from groomers will appreciate its excellent range of motion and breathability. Designs like the Quicksilver Mission and Volcom Bolt below are better options for beginners or fair-weather boarders. Pockets and Organization Like all 3-in-1s, there are compromisesthe jacket is undeniably bulky and wed prefer an adjustable hem on the midlayerbut the Clement is a thoughtfully put together, quality design nevertheless. These nitpicks push the Hemispheres down our list, but if it fits you well, its hard to knock the capabilities and comfort in the backcountry. Taking this to another level is Burtons Therma-Pocket, which surrounds the media pocket with insulation to keep the battery from draining in the cold. Category: ShellInsulation: NoneWaterproofing: 2L Gore-TexWhat we like: Burly construction but decent breathability for active resort and sidecountry use.What we dont: Pricey for a fairly simple 2-layer Gore-Tex design. For most lift-assisted snowboarding, breathability isnt a top consideration. Are winters at your local hill consistently frigid? Armada is a ski brand, but many of their freestyle-focused designs work well for single plankers too. Their lack of insulation means you can tune your layers underneath based on conditions and where youll be ridinggo light for mild-weather days or throw on a thick midlayer to stay warm in cold temperatures. Leaving them unbuttoned can be an annoyance for some peoplethey hang somewhat loosely and add bulkso those folks may prefer a model with a zip-out powder skirt that can be left behind on mild-weather days. Roxy is a clear leader in womens-specific snowboard jackets, and their popular Quinn hits a sweet spot in price and performance for resort use. This mens-specific design (our top womens pick is below) includes the essentials for getting you on the slopes: a wind- and snow-blocking shell, powder skirt, and six total pockets (including a dedicated spot for your pass on the sleeve). A relative newcomer, Picture Organic have separated themselves with sleek styling, competitive pricing, and a strong focus on sustainability. That said, on mild days or for those that like to hike, overheating can be an issue (a shell jacket is best for these circumstances). And finally, their zip-out layers are rarely high-quality pieces. And for a more affordable touring alternative that excels in milder conditions, check out ORs Skytour kitRead in-depth reviewSee the Men's OR Hemispheres See the Women's OR Hemispheres. Why did we rank the Sabre AR above the Rush? In addition, the mesh lining has a fairly cheap look and feelour tester mentioned it was reminiscent of gym shorts. On some mid-range to high-end snowboard jackets, you may see RECCO listed as an included feature. Given the stop and start nature of snowboardingsitting on the lift, strapping in and out of bindings, and hanging out in the parkmany resort riders opt for a jacket with some form of insulation. Both cover the basics thanks to snow- and wind-shedding exteriors with full seam taping and DWR coatings. Patagonia doesnt offer any true entry-level products, but their mens Snowshot and womens Snowbelle cover all the basics for resort riders at a reasonable price. Patagonia is a leader here as well, with an excellent repair program thats managed both online and in their brick-and-mortar stores. In recent years, theres been a noticeable shift in sustainable practices within the snowboarding jacket market. For those who havent been introduced, Trew Gear is an Oregon-based company that excels in the mid-range and high end of the resort and backcountry markets. Either way, we highly recommend not over-insulating, as its far easier to add layers underneath than roasting in a too-warm jacket (which can lead to other issues like your snow goggles fogging up). Durable water repellant coatings (referred to as DWRs) are added to the face fabric to keep the nylon or polyester material from wetting out. No matter your preferences on the lining, we advise putting pit zips on your must-have list (and the good news is that nearly all of our picks above include them). Best of all, the excellent fit and mobility mean you barely notice the jacket throughout the day. In the end, many people will prefer one of the more affordable options on our list, but for those who want the best of the best, we think the Sabre and Sentinel live up to the hype Read in-depth reviewSee the Men's Arc'teryx Sabre AR See the Women's Arc'teryx Sentinel AR. There is some value in the static-column ratinga higher number will typically lead to better waterproofingbut plenty of other factors come into play, including DWR coating, fabric denier, and seam taping. This style of jacket is particularly valuable for those that run cold or live in frigid regions like the Northeast of the United States or in high elevations in the Rocky Mountains. Its also a leader in ventilation thanks to its unique TorsoFlo side vents that extend from the underams all the way to the hem. Category: ShellInsulation: None (light flannel backer)Waterproofing: 3L Gore-TexWhat we like: Great fit and mobility, fantastic protection, and premium look and feel.What we dont: Very pricey. Handwarmer pockets are also useful for stuffing gloved hands, and for those with an RFID pass, look for exterior storage on the left side arm or sleeve. The fact that the Patagonia also saves you $21 is enough for us to give it the edge.See the Men's Picture Organic Naikoon See the Women's Picture Organic Haakon. The downside of the construction is that the jacket is among the stiffest and least comfortable on our list. The insulated model uses quality Thermogreen synthetic fill (80g in the body and 40g in the sleeves) thats just-right for keeping you comfortable on most resort days, and comfort is top-notch thanks to the soft and smooth polyester taffeta lining. We found breathability to be lacking, and the warm construction means you can quickly work up a sweat on a sidecountry trudge, riding in the trees, or when hitting the park. Thats not a knock on the jackets performance, however, and the attention to detail is the best on the market. Plus, their hoods are easy to adjust and fit reasonably well over a helmet. But if youll be hitting the backcountry or even spending a fair amount of time off-trail, a lighter shell will provide a nice boost in mobility and all-around comfort. From a styling perspective, the Volcom is on the bland end of the spectrum with mostly solid colors, a shiny finish, and a simple overall design. And its a similar story for mid-range builds like Volcoms L Gore-Tex, which have higher-end materials that are lighter but still durable. And to top it off, the 60-gram synthetic insulation is just warm enough to take the sting out of a cold day without making yourself prone to overheating. By applying tape to the interior lining, you can provide an effective and mostly watertight seal. Category: 3-in-1Insulation: 160g PolyfillWaterproofing: 2L infiniDRYWhat we like: 3-in-1 versatility and a great value.What we dont: Heavy, bulky, and prone to feeling drafty. Thanks to a considerable rise in backcountry adventuring of late, splitboarding is having a moment. All told, The Bristal is certainly a fun option, but we think most resort-goers will be better off with more well-rounded options like the Quiksilver Mission or Burtons Covert above.See the Armada Bristal Anorak. Further, the shell fabric, while surprisingly soft, is prone to absorbing moisture throughout the day. Durable Water Repellant (DWR) For everything from battening down the hatches in stormy conditions to sidecountry hikes and even the occasional backcountry tour, this Arcteryx is our all-time favorite shell. You may go multiple days without touching them, but then if you decide to hit the sidecountry, the temperature jumps up mid-day, or youve overdone it a little with the layering, opening those underarm vents is a welcome relief. The snowboard jacket market can be separated into three general categories: non-insulated shells, warmer models filled synthetic or down insulation, and 3-in-1 designs. One downside of the stretchy construction is that the jacket is heavier and bulkier than youd expect for a non-insulated build. Pit Zips (Underarm Vents) For ambitious days in the alpine, the Tamok is hard to beat. Rather than focusing on the numbers, we think its best to look at it this way: spending up gets you better waterproofing (Gore-Tex is a safe bet), and if you prioritize breathability, opt for a high-end, uninsulated shell. Price is the biggest obstacleat $225 more than the Burton Swash above, its hard to justify the added expense for most resort boarders. A properly functioning DWR is easy to spot: snow and water will mostly stay on the surface of your jacket and be easy to shake or brush off with your gloves. The Pro construction and extended back length hold up well in the worst of conditions, but its thick materials and comfort-related features are more in line with a resort piece (they add weight and bulk). In terms of fit, the Powder Bowl is on the large and boxy end of the spectrum, but mobility is still quite good, and we were able to layer a wide range of jackets underneath. Starting with shells, these are the most versatile option for season-long use. That said, fit is one area where snowboarding jackets differ slightly. Top it off with a fit thats not too trim and not too baggy and nice touches like stretch wrist gaiters for extra comfort, and its easy to see why the Quinn is a consistent favorite. In addition, weight correlates with the categories weve listed above: shells are the thinnest and lightest, while insulated models typically undercut 3-in-1s. Our current favorite is the Clement, which hits a good mix of price, features, and styling for season-long use. What keeps the Sabre and Sentinel from taking our top spot? How does the Naikoon compare with Patagonias Snowshot above? This jacket features a tough and durable face fabric, a nice array of pockets to keep your essentials secure, and a moderate amount of synthetic insulation (80g in the body and 60g in the sleeves). This in turn helps prevent the internal waterproof membrane from being overwhelmed by moisture, which can cause issues with breathability and even leakage. The Sabre AR (for all round) slots in right in the middle, with a premium Gore-Tex build, light flannel backer, and smartly designed. Snowboarders, this ones for you. Category: InsulatedInsulation: 80g (body); 60g (sleeves)Waterproofing: 2L DryrideWhat we like: A jump in comfort and material quality from our top budget picks.What we dont: Protection is more in line with cheaper jackets. Weve also been impressed by the in-house H2Nos water and wind protection, and the adjustable hood and powder skirt do a nice job sealing out the cold and wet. For carrying the basics like a phone and wallet, its nice to have dedicated storage at chest-height for easy access. Finally, if breathability is a top considerationsuch as for springtime splitboardingyou may want to consider a non-waterproof softshell, which is more air permeable and does a better job keeping you cool. Like our mens budget pick above, Volcom had to cut a few corners to keep the Bolts costs down. As such, it doesnt have that barely-there feel of a premium hardshell like Arc'teryx's Rush above and Norrna's Tamok below. Everything from the minimalist seam taping to the soft flannel backer has been well-executed. A single purchase gets you both your insulated midlayerwith the option to remove it on warm daysas well as your waterproof shell. Further, a growing number of manufacturers, including Burton and Flylow Gear, are using DWR coatings that are PFC-free (short for perfluorocarbons, which is a non-biodegradable chemical). Closely tied to durability is weight: a thicker and very tough snowboard jacket will logically weigh more. What should be immediately clear from both of these tests is that they dont perfectly simulate winter conditions, and we dont recommend relying on them heavily in selecting a jacket. Everything from the Velcro used to secure the flap over the center zipper to the interior lining is a step down in material quality. Where the Powder Bowl suffers is value. For more information about the tech, weve found the RECCO System website to be a good resource. As such, it is the one article of clothing youre most likely to swap out depending on weather conditions. Snowboard jackets are a durable bunch, relying on substantial face fabrics to fend off harsh weather and withstand rough use around chairlifts, park features, and sharp gear. The main sacrifice with the Armadas affordable price tag is its minimalist feature set. Their products incorporate recycled materials, PFC-free durable water repellants, and the company recently become a certified B Corp (joining Burton, Patagonia, and others).

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