Hitting the slopes is an exhilarating experience, whether you’re carving through fresh powder on a snowboard or slicing down a groomed trail on skis. But if you want to enjoy and perform your best, you need the right gear. This not only enhances your performance but also ensures your comfort and protection against the elements. In this guide, I’ll delve into the top brands for ski and snowboard gear, helping you make informed choices for your next alpine adventure.
Burton
When it comes to gearing up for snowboarding, Burton stands out as a top choice for riders looking to blend style with top-notch performance. You can stay dry from the outside elements without sweating with the help of a waterproof and breathable Burton snowboarding jacket designed with cutting-edge materials that keep you comfortable and focused on your run.
The durable construction and thoughtful features like adjustable cuffs, hoods, and ventilation systems ensure you can adapt to changing conditions on the mountain. Whether you prefer a sleek and minimalist look or bold colours and patterns that make a statement, there’s a Burton snow jacket that matches your personal style and helps you stand out on the slopes. Burton is a trailblazer in snowboarding apparel and equipment, paving the way since the late 1970s. Known for their commitment to quality, this remains a leading brand in the industry today.
They offer a diverse range of products, catering to every aspect of the sport. Their apparel options are especially notable for layering, ensuring you stay warm and comfortable throughout your day on the slopes. One of their standout categories includes long sleeve T-shirts, ideal for adding a layer of warmth without bulkiness. On the other hand, their base-layer pants or leggings are perfect for providing insulation and moisture-wicking properties, keeping you dry and comfortable all day long.
Are Burton Snowboard Jackets Good?
Here’s a breakdown of why Burton snowboarding jackets stand out as a top choice for serious skiers and snowboarders:
- Fit: The fit is pretty standard and true to size, which is great for comfort and mobility on the slopes;
- Range of motion: Unlike some jackets that can restrict movement, a Burton snowboarding jacket offers a normal range of motion, allowing you to ride freely;
- Quality of materials: Made from high-quality GORE-TEX, they’re known for the top-notch waterproofing and durability in tough conditions;
- Durability: They’re built tough to handle harsh winter weather season after season. Users report they hold up well even in challenging conditions;
- Pockets: Plenty of well-placed pockets for storing gear and essentials, which is essential for convenience on the slopes;
- Waterproofing: Burton snow jackets feature a reliable two-layer GORE-TEX fabric that keeps you dry in wet and snowy conditions, with fully taped seams for extra protection;
- Breathability: They’re designed with ventilation features like underarm vents to regulate body temperature and moisture, ensuring comfort during intense physical activity.
Arc’teryx
Arc’teryx is known for their top-tier outerwear that combines high-quality materials with durability and lightweight design. Their ski jackets, available for both men and women, come in both hardshell and softshell types. The hardshell jackets from Arc’teryx are particularly notable for their use of Gore-Tex technology. This advanced fabric is not only completely windproof and waterproof but also highly breathable. With nine billion pores per square inch, Gore-Tex allows moisture to escape from the body while preventing water from penetrating the jacket.
On the other hand, Arc’teryx softshell jackets offer versatility and comfort. Designed to handle various weather conditions, these jackets provide excellent mobility and ease of movement. Whether you’re cruising down the slopes or hiking through snowy terrain, softshell jackets from Arc’teryx ensure you stay at a comfortable temperature without restricting your agility.
Nils
Nils stands out in the world of outdoor apparel, especially for women who hit the slopes. They prioritise quality but also understand style and inclusivity, making them a top choice for ski and snowboard enthusiasts alike. Their range of products, from jackets to pants and even one-piece snow suits, reflects their commitment to both functionality and fashion. Their use of Gore-Tex technology ensures that you stay warm and dry no matter the conditions, all while looking effortlessly chic.
Take their women’s ski jackets, for example. These are designed with adjustable features at key points like the hips and wrists, allowing for a personalised fit that enhances comfort and complements your body shape. Plus, many of their jackets come with removable fur-lined hoods, adding that extra touch of luxury and style.
Marmot
What sets Marmot apart is their accessibility and quality. You can find high-quality apparel that fits various budgets, ensuring you get premium performance gear without breaking the bank. One standout from their lineup is their glove design. Marmot crafts gloves with cutting-edge materials like Thermal R polyester or PrimaLoft insulation, ensuring your hands stay warm and cosy even in the coldest conditions.
The addition of Gore-Tex technology makes them breathable and waterproof, keeping moisture out while allowing sweat to escape. But it’s the little details that make Marmot gloves shine. Their anatomical design ensures a comfortable fit that moves with you, enhancing dexterity on the slopes. Plus, they’ve thoughtfully included built-in nose wipes, a small yet invaluable feature for handling those inevitable runny noses without irritation.
Patagonia
Patagonia has built a reputation for crafting jackets, pants, and gear that not only perform well on the slopes but also prioritise environmental responsibility. Take their ski jackets, for example. Patagonia uses recycled polyester in their fabrics, which not only helps repel moisture but also reduces their environmental footprint. What’s more, their down insulation meets the highest humane standards, ensuring warmth without compromise.
Patagonia jackets are packed with features that enhance your skiing or snowboarding experience. You’ll find thoughtful details like a single-pull adjustable hood for quick adjustments, interior storm flaps and zipper storage to keep the elements out, and convenient hand warmer pockets for when the chill sets in. They also include practical extras like a zippered chest pocket and a hem cord to snugly fit your jacket.
