By: Sarah Ziffer: Women's & Kid's Techwear Buyer | November 2, 2022
Choosing your next snowboard jacket is no small thing. Not only will your jacket's construction keep you protected from the elements while you chase winter to its logical conclusion, but your snowboard jacket is also your identity on the hill. Strangers will know you in the lift line as “Red Jacket Lady.” Your friends will spot your Hollywood heroics from the chairlift by the signature blue pullover you always wear. Your kids will find their way through the snowstorm by following the trademark splash of neon on your hood. So when you make your choice, make sure you’re doing it right. We’ve put together this list of the best women’s snowboarding jackets of the year to help you find your signature look, and feel confident that it has all of the features you need, no matter who you are and why you ride.
This year is a big one for women’s snowboarding jackets at evo. One jacket we’re really excited about is Desiree Melancon’s new pro model, which has held up in all the elements we've put it through.
Embrace the harshest winter weather and spend more time snowboarding with the unisex-styled and retro-inspired Volcom Melancon GORE-TEX Jacket. Backed by the GORE-TEX guarantee plus with fully-taped seams, this jacket offers all-day waterproofing and bone-dry shelter from snow and sleet while the mesh-lined underarm zipper vents work to dump excess heat when things heat up. Level up your 90’s and early 2000’s vibes this season with the chic yet performance-oriented Volcom Melancon GORE-TEX Jacket. Some jackets bring you trendy looks, and some jackets bring you highly technical performance. This jacket brings you both. If you don’t like the look of a more classic technical shell, but do like the functionality, give this retro throwback GORE-TEX shell a try.
Brittany, Assistant Buyer: "You can’t go wrong with the unisex style and fit. I highly recommend this jacket for anyone wanting a comfortable snowboard jacket with all the features. Plus, the GORE-TEX really keeps you dry. Trust me, I’ve ridden with it in the rain."
Read Volcom Melancon GORE-TEX Jacket In-Depth Review
Insulation | Construction/Waterproofing | Original Price |
Shell | 2L GORE-TEX | $400 |
The North Face Dragline Jacket is an all-new shell that's both fashion and function-forward for all your winter recreation needs. DryVent™ 3L technology is fully engineered to be waterproof, windproof, and breathable while an internal media port and plenty of pockets mean you can jam out all day long. Pull on the matching Dragline Bibs and walk the groomed runway with The North Face Dragline Jacket.
This jacket is another one that we love for keeping its commitment to high performance and unconventional style. While it stays pretty in line with the design of many other breathable 3-layer jackets, it makes things up with a funky color block pattern that stands out from the masses.
Insulation | Construction/Waterproofing | Original Price |
Shell | 3L DryVent | $424.95 |
Stomp on the gas in the Burton AK 2L GORE-TEX Upshift Jacket, a waterproof and breathable shell made for heavy activity. This lightweight shell has the [ak] stamp of approval, so you know you're in good hands on your local hill: resistant to rips, tears, and scuffs, this jacket's built to handle the rigors of life on a mountainside. This one has well-placed pockets, a storm-ready hood, and all the versatility that comes from a shell layer. [ak] all day!
What sets this jacket apart is Burton’s Living Lining Tech, which is some mind-defying science that makes it more breathable when you’re hot, and more insulating when you’re cold. It’s just so crazy that it works, and the added warmth on cold days makes it a great choice for riders looking to switch from insulated jackets to a shell, but are a bit nervous at the thought of going fully without insulation.
Insulation | Construction/Waterproofing | Original Price |
Shell | 2L GORE-TEX | $424.95 |
The Picture Organic Allea 3L Xpore Jacket can handle epic days thanks to the numerous pockets that let you bring all of the essentials. The Xpore membrane keeps moisture at bay and the fully taped seams and waterproof zippers on the vents and pockets keep everything you've stashed nice and dry. The adjustable hood, cuffs, and hems let you dial the fit when the snow starts nuking, and the jacket-to-pants interface pairs perfectly with Picture Organic snow pants for a kit that's ready for serious adventures.
This Picture jacket is just plain cool. It’s a 3-layer shell, which makes it perfect for everything from the resort to the backcountry, and it has a long-cut clean silhouette to go alongside that versatile performance. But all that aside, it’s made entirely with bio-sourced and recycled fabrics, making it a one-of-a-kind jacket in terms of ecologically minded construction.
Insulation | Construction/Waterproofing | Original Price |
Shell | 3L Xpore | $549.95 |
L1 continues to progress the boundary for what high-performance mountain gear can be, integrating sleek streetwear influences into the fit and style of their outerwear without compromising on the garment's utility and functionality. The L1 Snowblind Jacket holds true as a primo example of this progression. A membrane of 20K waterproofing and 20K breathability ensure complete protection from outside elements and prevention of internal moisture build-up while 150g of insulation provides safeguard from cold. The Snowblind Jacket has a large chest pocket for storage and a slightly oversized fit for comfort both on and off the slopes.
Standout style, excellent warmth, and great value are the three things we love most about this jacket. If that sounds like what you’re looking for, look no further than this dope insulated anorak.
Insulation | Construction/Waterproofing | Original Price |
150g Synthetic | 2L Waterproof/Breathable | $268.95 |
Hard to justify a non-stretch garment in this day and age. Good thing you don't have to. The Volcom VS 3L Stretch GORE-TEX Jacket is the high-tech jacket of your dreams, and it's ready to take you through long days on the mountain. With 3-layer GORE-TEX you know it's going to be waterproof, breathable, and lightweight. Add in clutch features from Volcom like insulated hand gaiters, a removable face mask, and Zip Tech compatibility, and the Volcom VS Stretch GORE-TEX Jacket is one high-performing shell that's ready for any adventure in the snow.
This jacket is perhaps the most technical on the list. The 3-layer GORE-TEX shell is super lightweight, packable, and breathable, and the stretch fabric makes it even that much better for life on the go. All that being said, it's easy to see why we love to recommend the VS Stretch to splitboarders, pow surfers, and anyone who earns their turns.
Insulation | Construction/Waterproofing | Original Price |
Shell | 3L GORE-TEX | $600 |
Form and function effortlessly collided to make the Roxy Chloe Kim Overhead Jacket the iconic pullover you've been seeking. The longer fit will have you oozing in comfort and style while the durable water-resistant membrane and high-performance insulation ensure you're always protected from the elements. It's geared up with underarm vents, a powder skirt, an adjustable hood, stretch wrist gaiters, and so much more. With so many options to choose from these days, why not go with the one that stands out? It's time to rip lines and take names all season long in the Roxy Chloe Kim Overhead Jacket.
This jacket is fresh to death and as unique as they come. Forget anoraks, this thing is a fully teched-out pullover, designed with exceptionally clean lines for eye-catching elegance. And we love that it does all that without sacrificing top-of-the-line performance. It is a Chloe Kim pro model after all.
Insulation | Construction/Waterproofing | Original Price |
60g PrimaLoft | 2L DryFlight | $369.95 |
A toasty favorite with color options galore. The Burton Prowess Jacket combines on-hill functionality with off-hill style. An exaggerated drop hem looks great and protects the booty, while a sherpa fleece-lined collar is cozy and warm. Breathe easy knowing you're covered by 10K DRYRIDE fabric and eco-friendly THERMOLITE® insulation and get after it!
This is a great option if you’re looking for something that serves easy double duty as a technical snowboard jacket and all-around winter coat. It’s long-cut, warm and cozy, fully waterproof, breathable, and super cute.
Insulation | Construction/Waterproofing | Original Price |
80g Thermolite | 2L DRYRIDE Durashell | $279.95 |
Peanut butter and jelly, chicken and waffles, spaghetti and meatballs. Trew Gear and evo. Great things happen in collaboration. Introducing the PNW Originals Collection by TREW and evo. Gear designed for the PNW, by those who live and play in the PNW. A fully featured piece at a blue-collar price point, the Trew Gear Astoria Jacket takes care of all the waterproofing, weather protection, and on-hill functionality so you and winter can work beautifully in tandem. Evidenced by the large pit vents, ample pocket storage, amazing 3-way adjustable hood, and 20K/15K waterproof/breathability, the Trew Astoria Jacket is soon to be a PNW staple found all along the Cascade corridor.
We’re beyond stoked that TREW has allowed us to offer this jacket as our go-to price-point option. It has a classic hardshell look, excellent waterproofing and breathability, and offers seriously incredible value for a wide range of riders. If you need an excellent shell that is made to last, it’s really hard to go wrong with this one.
Insulation | Construction/Waterproofing | Original Price |
Shell | 2L Waterproof / Breathable | $299.95 |
Feature packed to meet the demands of backcountry adventurers, sidecountry explorers, and resort riders alike, the Oyuki Nimi YamaPro 3L Jacket is at the pinnacle of technical performance, breathability, and durability like the rest of their YAMAPRO™ line. For the determined and daring rider looking to take some risks, this durable piece keeps you warm and dry no matter the conditions. With pockets galore and a nifty helmet-compatible storm hood, the Nimi Jacket's simple yet intentional features are designed to create a lasting piece of gear that goes with you from crowded resorts to the more remote corners of snow-covered lands.
This is one of the favorite jackets of many of our most hardcore staff members. It is exceptionally made, and offers some of the highest performance on the market, especially in the powder. We love to recommend this one to expert riders and powder aficionados whenever we can.
Insulation | Construction/Waterproofing | Original Price |
Shell | 3L YAMAPRO | $499.95 |
Our techwear buyers have an endless amount of knowledge on all things outerwear stemming from years of experience in the outdoor industry in tandem with their countless hours spent outside in all conditions around the world. From hot to cold, snow, rain, wind, and even sunshine, they know what clothing will keep you comfortable. evo's buyers assess all products coming to market, lean into this knowledge, and put together this selection of the best products. They have a unique perspective as they truly see everything offered across the category.
Growing up in Florida, I missed out on the chance to get involved in snow sports. Tired of the heat, and seeking out the mountains, I moved to Seattle to start a new adventure. A few years after moving to WA I fulfilled my dream of learning to snowboard and immediately fell in love with it. After just one time out on a friend’s board I was hooked. I outfitted myself from head to toe with gear from evo, and got a season pass at Snoqualmie.
I quickly realized that snowboarding inspired me to live a lifestyle centered around the outdoors. I left my job at a fashion company to come and work for evo and become immersed in the culture and experiences that make the snowboarding community so vibrant. I have been at evo since 2017, am currently the women's and kids' techwear buyer, and enjoy learning and experiencing everything this incredible community has to offer.