Mens Snowboard Jacket
Snowboarding is the ultimate sporting experience for an outdoors enthusiast. However, since snowboarding environments are often very hostile, it is important to be equipped with the right apparel. By far the most important item in your snowboarding apparel wardrobe is your mens snowboard jacket. When you're traveling down the side of a mountain at speeds in excess of 20 MPH, in temperatures below 20 degrees Fahrenheit, protection from the elements is essential.
While you want to be safe from incoming snow flurries and freezing temperatures, you also want to look good. Fortunately most snowboarding jackets are every bit as stylish as they are protective. A snowboarding jacket is more than just protective gear, it is a statement of creativity and individuality. For this reason most professional snowboarders have custom-designed jackets.
Among the most popular mens snowboard jacket brands are: A-beta Circuit, Billabong, Burton, Bonfire, DC Shoe Co., Foursquare, Helly Hansen, K2, Oakley, Roxy, Salomon, Sessions, Special Blend, and Volcom. All of these brands focus on several main attributes; style, durability, waterproofing, comfort, and breathability.
When it comes to the value of a mens snowboard jacket, waterproofing is one of the highest priorities for obvious reasons. Companies usually measure the waterproofing efficacy of a jacket by putting a measuring beam (measured in millimetres) on top of the material and then filling the beam with water. When the water starts to leak through the material, the measurement is made.
For example, if the water begins to leak through at 5,000 mm, then 5,000 mm would be considered the waterproofing efficacy rating of that material. Most companies use this kind of measurement when referring to the quality of their snowboarding jackets.
In general, you want to purchase a jacket with a waterproof rating of at least 10,000-20,000 millimetres. It is important to note that the thickness of a snowboarding jacket does not indicate it's waterproof efficacy, because the material that makes it waterproof is a very thin layer located within the outer layers of the jacket.
Look for the waterproof rating on the tag, and make sure the jacket is 100% waterproof. You should also look for jackets that are wind resistant, comfortable and made of sturdy materials like Goretex.
Most mens snowboard jackets over $100 provide all of the comfort and durability needed to snowboard. However settling for the cheapest snowboarding jacket may not be your best option, especially if you are planning on using it repeatedly throughout the season. This doesn't necessarily mean you have to spend a fortune on a good jacket, as there are plenty of good deals to be found online.
You can try browsing sites like Ebay and Amazon to find the latest designs from the hottest brands for decent prices. Generally, a good snowboarding jacket will cost anywhere from $100-$300 or more.
If you are only going to use the jacket a few times in friendly climates, then you can get by with spending only $50 on the jacket. Regardless of the brand you choose, it is important to make sure the mens snowboard jacket is going to stand up to nature's requirements.