If you’re looking for a more in-depth guide to choosing your outerwear, take a look at our ‘how to choose the best snowboard jackets and pants’, but if you’re already clued up on this, scroll down for our shortlist.
Waterproofing and Breathability
What’s important to remember is that it’s all a balancing act between being waterproof and being breathable. If something’s extremely waterproof but doesn’t have that breathability, you begin to sweat. In turn, this means your sweat will have nowhere to go and you’ll be soaked after only a couple of laps.
The waterproof rating is measured in millimetres (mm). This refers to the depth of water that is required to penetrate the fabric (based on filling a one-inch diameter tube). The higher the rating, the more waterproof the outerwear.
Breathability is measured in grams. The ratings refer to the weight of water that can pass through a square metre of fabric in 24hours. Bear in mind though, that the testing protocols aren’t universal and can lack consistency between brands. Usually, you’ll find the breathability ratings to be somewhere between 5k and 20k – with the higher number being a more breathable option.
Shell / Insulation
Another two key factors when it comes to choosing your snowboard outerwear is the fabric and insulation. You can choose between a hard shell, soft shell or an insulated model.
The main benefits of a hardshell is its ability to resist the most extreme weather conditions you’re likely to face on the mountain. The jackets / pants are designed to provide shelter against rain and wind. They’re also designed to be extremely breathable and durable, hence the reason why they’re so often preferred by backcountry enthusiasts.
“You can choose between a hard shell, soft shell or an insulated model”
If you’re looking for something a bit more comfortable, a softshell jacket / pants combo might be more up your street. Softshells often allow for more mobility, whilst also offering a decent amount of waterproofing and breathability.
While you’re scrolling for new snowboard outerwear, why not take a look at the best snowboards, the best snowboard bindings and the best snowboard boots of this season too.
Sustainability and Durability
Choosing more sustainable options has become the norm these days. It’s also, we’re happy to report, something that’s become much popular within the snowboard industry. Brands are putting more effort into producing products sustainably, and this is clear when looking at this season’s outerwear.
When purchasing a new product, you should bear in mind that even though the manufacturing of products has become more sustainable – the key to sustainability lies in the durability of the product itself. It may, for example, be worth spending a bit more money on a jacket that can last you up to five years rather than a cheaper option that might only take you through one season and has to be replaced sooner.
In the end, it’s down to you what you choose to spend your money on. Just make sure that whatever you choose has the right fit, as it’d be a shame if you couldn’t fit an extra layer underneath or the jacket pops its zip after a big lunch down the slope.
Best Snowboard Jackets and Pants for 2024-2025
Burton Futuretrust Snowboard Jacket 2024-2025
PRICE: €380 / £350 / $350
Burton’s Futuretrust 2L Jacket is a fresh addition to their lineup, blending mountain-ready performance with street-smart style. Part of the gender-neutral Futuretrust range, it embraces simplicity in design while packing a punch with premium materials and rider-driven features.
Constructed from 100% recycled, bluesign® approved polyester, the Futuretrust boasts impressive 20K/20K waterproof/breathable credentials. The fabric’s smooth, ultra-matte finish provides a sleek look while the baggy cut offers plenty of movement. A PFC-free DWR treatment keeps you dry without being too heavy on the environment.
The jacket’s shorter, boxier fit is right on trend, equally at home in a Whistler lift line or a London bus line. Thoughtful details abound, from the handwarmer pockets and vents, to the divided zippers and handy key clip. A full-time, adjustable hood and cinchable hem let you batten down the hatches when the weather turns.
For riders going head to toe, matching Futuretrust 2L pants are available. And if you’re after the ultimate in technical performance, the Big B offers a 3L version of the Futuretrust line – though be prepared for a bump in price.
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Burton Futuretrust Snowboard Pants 2024-2025
PRICE: €350 / £325 / $320
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Volcom Longo Snowboard Jacket 2024-2025
PRICE: €430
Gallic side-hit enthusiast Althur Longo’s signature jacket is back for 2024/25, throwing up a bat-signal that all who crave premium-quality outerwear should follow.
Waterproofing wise this thing is absolutely top-shelf, sporting a two-layer Gore-Tex outer shell. It’s also got fully taped seams, mesh-lined vents, and can even be zipped into your Volcom pants. In short, nary a snowflake will find its way through, even in the most challenging conditions.
As a highly-breathable shell jacket, this is as versatile as they come; in peak winter you can layer up underneath, and in spring it will keep you slush-free without cooking you at the same time. For the latter, we’d also recommend taking advantage of the option to remove the hood.
As for pockets, there’s an easy-access goggle pocket as well as one for your phone, and oversized hand pockets for the rest of your bits and bobs. In fact the whole thing runs a little on the baggy side, which will suit those who want alpinist tech without the dubious figure-hugging aesthetic.
With four distinct colourways from which to choose, you’re pretty much guaranteed to find a Volcom Longo jacket that you like. Allez!
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Volcom Longo Snowboard Pants 2024-2025
PRICE: €195
When it comes to choosing outerwear, most riders tend to make their jacket the big purchase, and pair that with a cheaper, less techy pair of pants. However, as anyone who spends more time than they’d like on their arse – not to mention those who have experienced a sweaty undercarriage during a late-season session – would tell you, perhaps it should be the other way round.
The Volcom Longo snowboard pants contain much of the same top-tier tech as its namesake jacket – most significantly the uber-hardy Gore-Tex fabric that needs no introduction. Plus the knees have extra reinforcement, which is something all snowboarders can appreciate. The combination of breathable liner, mesh-lined vents and mega-comfy handwarmer pockets ensure that these are ready for any and all weathers.
They boast a pretty relaxed fit, and the size range goes all the way up to XXL, so there’s no danger of the drainpipe look here. You can keep them up with a belt or by adjusting the waistband, but for best results pair them with Volcom jacket that boasts the zip interface. A no-brainer would be to stick it with the Longo jacket – which has a colourway to match each variant of the pants – and seal yourself against the snow whilst looking like a million francs.
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686 Skyline Snowboard Jacket 2024-2025
PRICE: €440 / £391 / $400
We’ll start by ripping off the plaster – getting your hands on this top-notch jacket will require putting your hand in your pocket. The 686 Skyline certainly ain’t cheap – but as far as ‘bang for your buck’ goes, this thing is the Death Star.
Designed in collaboration with big-mountain maestro Hana Beaman, this is light and airy enough for springtime splitboard missions, and with the right layering is ideal for the colder months too. In fact, even what facing down the most unforgiving of peak-winter storms, the 686 Skyline jacket will make you feel like Neo at the end of The Matrix.
When it’s time to batten down the hatches, both the helmet-compatible hood and the powder skirt are fully adjustable and designed to keep you snug as a bug. When you’ve got the zip all the way up, the sections of inner collar that are most likely to rub against your face have been lined with uber comfy, chafe-free Merino wool.
The 686 Skyline jacket is also crammed with handy features, including a pocket specifically for you phone that is designed to keep it warmer, and therefore increase its battery life. There’s also a lip balm pocket, a goggle stash pocket, a key clip and more. Worth every penny, in other words.
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686 Skyline Willow Snowboard Pants 2024-2025
PRICE: €366 / £326 / $330
Have you ever bought a great-looking pair of pants, only for them to start seeping water after a few trips? Skimping on legwear is never something we’d recommend, especially if you are at either end of the experience spectrum (that is to say, either still spending a fair bit of time on your bum, or venturing out on mega hikes or splitboard missions).
The 686 Willow pants will keep both parties right thanks to mega Gore-Tex waterproofing and fully taped seams. The high-waisted design is comfortable (especially with the neoprene side panels, and Merino wool in the inner belt area) and also helps to keep the snow out of places it doesn’t belong. Some light insulation will keep you cosy when the mercury drops, but on warmer days just unleash the inner leg vents to cool down quickly.
Features-wise the 686 Willow has plenty going on, useful when you need them and anonymous when you don’t. If you use a boot with a Boa dial on the tongue, there’s a window in the gaiter to make on-the-go adjustments a breeze. One of the inner pockets can even prevent thieves from nicking your bank card data.
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Picture Organic Clothing U78 Snowboard Jacket 2024-2025
PRICE: £365
Picture Organic Clothing first caught our eye roughly fifteen years ago, and we do mean that literally. Back then the French outerwear brand’s liberal use of bold, bordering-on-day-glo colours was hard to miss. However, Picture’s ‘Utility’ line goes in the opposite direction, with a palette that couldn’t be more muted if it tried.
That’s in keeping with the ‘function-over-fashion approach of the collection, which includes the Picture U78 jacket. With a 20,000ml waterproof rating and 15,000g breathability, not to mention the fully taped seams, this is a lot more formidable than it looks. You can bank on it to handle much more than just resort cruising, up to and including backcountry missions in less-than-stellar conditions.
Accessories-wise this goes through the standard bingo card – wrist gaiters, pass pocket, adjustable hood – without straying into gimmicky features or unnecessary bells and whistles. And of course, it wouldn’t be Picture clobber without a hefty dose of eco-friendliness. The water-repellant coating on the U78 jacket is fluorocarbon-free, and almost half of the polyester has been reclaimed from old garments.Hell, the brand’s website even points you towards ways to buy Picture gear second-hand. So lots of green points, then – and a few beigey ones too.
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Picture Organic Clothing U28 Snowboard Bib Pants 2024-2025
PRICE: £295
From the same ‘Utility’ collection as the U78 jacket, here’s the Picture U28 snowboard bib pants. Its pedigree is pretty much the same, from the impressive specs to the far-from-flashy colourways and the frankly boring name. Even the fact that they are bib pants rather than standard trousers sits nicely with all of the above – what could be more functional than the classic dungaree design that keeps snow locked out, will never slide down after a slam, and even allows for an extra pocket?
The Picture U28 bib pants may boast a ‘regular’ fit, but the knees and waist have been tailored to avoid the dreaded straight-leg look – and with easily adjustable waistband and shoulder straps, getting them to sit just right is a piece of cake. For your bits and bobs there are zipped thigh pockets as well as the usual ones for your hands, and the cuffs have been made extra durable.
If it’s head-turning dungarees you want, go ask the Mario brothers. However, if you’re after a set that will get the job done with minimal faff (also quite unlike the Mario brothers, as it happens – have they ever fixed a pipe in their life?) then pick up the Picture U28 bib pants.
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