The Ultimate Guide to Understanding Snowboard Outerwear

Snowboard outerwear can be a maze of marketing jargon, leaving riders wondering what actually matters. Between waterproofing ratings, breathability specs, and "proprietary" technologies, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. This guide is here to cut through the noise and give you the knowledge you need to choose the right gear for the mountain.

We’ll break down how waterproofing and breathability work, why seam sealing matters, and how different outerwear materials stack up against each other—including Gore-Tex and its competitors. Beyond performance, we’ll also explore the environmental impact of snowboard outerwear and how to make ethical purchasing decisions that align with your values.

Of course, outerwear is just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to staying warm and dry. A solid layering system is key to comfort in varying conditions. If you want to get the most out of your gear, check out our Layering Guide—it’s packed with tips on staying comfortable no matter what the mountain throws at you.

If you’re planning a trip to a new destination, knowing what outerwear and layering system to bring can make or break your experience. Different regions have vastly different conditions, from the wet and heavy snow of the Pacific Northwest to the cold, dry powder of the Rockies. Our Regional Guide breaks down key snowboarding destinations, their typical weather patterns, and the best outerwear choices for each, so you can arrive prepared and ready to ride

 

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Understanding Waterproof and Breathability Ratings

If you’ve ever checked the tag on a snowboard jacket or pants, you’ve likely seen numbers like 10K/10K or 20,000mm/15,000g listed. These numbers refer to waterproofing and breathability ratings, but what do they actually mean? This section breaks it down so you can make an informed decision when choosing outerwear.

How Are Waterproof and Breathability Ratings Measured?

Waterproofing and breathability are tested in a lab under controlled conditions:

• Waterproofing is measured using the hydrostatic head test—a column of water is placed over the fabric, and the height (in millimeters) at which 3 drops of water penetrate the fabric determines the waterproof rating. For example, a 15,000mm rating means the fabric can withstand a 15-meter column of water before leaking.
• Breathability is tested by measuring how much moisture vapor (sweat) can pass through a square meter of fabric in 24 hours. The result is given in grams (g/m²/24h)—higher numbers mean better moisture management.

Understanding Waterproof Ratings

Waterproof ratings, measured in millimeters (mm), indicate how much water pressure a fabric can withstand before leaking. The higher the rating, the more resistant the material is to moisture.

 

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Understanding Breathability Ratings

Waterproofing is only effective if moisture from inside can escape. Breathability is measured in grams (g), representing how much moisture vapor (sweat) can pass through a square meter of fabric in 24 hours.

 

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How Waterproof/Breathable Materials & DWR Work Together

Most waterproof outerwear relies on a membrane system to keep water out while allowing moisture vapor (sweat) to escape. These membranes contain microscopic pores that are small enough to block liquid water droplets but large enough to let moisture vapor pass through, preventing sweat buildup inside the jacket.

• Hydrophobic Membranes (e.g., Gore-Tex, eVent, Sympatex) – Use microscopic pores to allow vapor to pass through while keeping liquid water out.
• Hydrophilic Membranes (e.g., Polyurethane-based coatings like H2No) – Absorb moisture and move it through the membrane via diffusion, often providing good waterproofing but slightly less breathability.

However, these membranes don’t work alone. DWR (Durable Water Repellent) coatings are applied to the outer layer of the fabric to prevent the face fabric from becoming saturated. If the outer fabric absorbs water instead of repelling it, breathability plummets because sweat vapor cannot escape effectively.

• Traditional DWR (Fluorocarbon-based, PFAS) – Highly effective but environmentally harmful.
• PFAS-Free DWR – Newer alternatives that are better for the environment but may require more frequent reapplication.

Once the DWR coating wears off, the outer fabric can become soaked (wetting out), reducing breathability and making the jacket feel cold and heavy. Regular reapplication of DWR treatments helps maintain performance.

To summarize: A waterproof membrane keeps water out, but a functioning DWR coating is what keeps the fabric breathable and comfortable. If your jacket is soaking up water, breathability is compromised, regardless of how high the membrane’s breathability rating is.

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Insulated or Shell Outerwear: Which One is Right for You?

One of the biggest decisions when buying snowboard outerwear is choosing between an insulated jacket/pants or a shell. Both have their advantages, and the right choice depends on your riding style, climate, and layering preferences.

Insulated Outerwear

• Comes with built-in insulation, usually synthetic (like PrimaLoft) or down.
• Warmer without requiring as many layers underneath.
• Best for cold, dry environments or for riders who tend to run cold.
• Less versatile, as you can’t remove insulation on warm days.

Shell Outerwear

• No built-in insulation, designed to be worn with layering underneath.
• Offers maximum versatility, allowing you to adjust warmth based on conditions.
• Lighter and more breathable, great for backcountry riding or high-exertion days.
• Best for wet or variable conditions, where layering adjustments are key.

Softshell vs. Hardshell Outerwear

For most riders, a hardshell jacket and pants are the best choice, offering superior protection from the elements, durability, and versatility. However, another key distinction in outerwear is whether it's a softshell or hardshell. Each has its strengths and weaknesses, depending on your riding style and the conditions you'll face.

Softshell Outerwear

• Made of stretchy, flexible fabrics that offer greater mobility and comfort.
• More breathable than hardshells, making them great for dry conditions or high-output activities like splitboarding.
• Usually water-resistant rather than fully waterproof, meaning they’re not ideal for prolonged exposure to wet snow or heavy storms.
• Best for milder weather, spring riding, or as an outer layer in dry climates.

Hardshell Outerwear

• Made with waterproof membranes like Gore-Tex, Sympatex, or eVent to provide full protection from rain and snow.
• Less breathable than softshells, but designed to keep you dry in harsh or stormy conditions.
• More durable and windproof, making them ideal for backcountry riding, extreme weather, or multi-day trips.
• Best for wet climates, storm riding, and serious protection against the elements.

For the most versatility, a quality shell combined with a proper layering system is often the best choice. If you mostly ride in cold, dry conditions, insulated outerwear can keep you warm with fewer layers. If you ride in warmer, wetter, or more variable climates, a shell gives you more flexibility to regulate body temperature. 

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Seam Sealing: The Overlooked Waterproofing Factor

A high waterproof rating means nothing if your seams let water in. Seams are the most vulnerable points in any waterproof garment because stitching creates tiny perforations that can allow moisture to penetrate. To counteract this, different sealing methods are used, each with varying levels of effectiveness in keeping you dry:

• Fully Taped Seams – Every seam is sealed with waterproof tape, ensuring maximum waterproofing. This is essential for backcountry riders and wet environments where prolonged exposure to moisture is a factor.
• Critically Taped Seams – Only major seams (like shoulders and hood) are sealed. Suitable for dry climates and casual riders, but less effective in heavy snow and wet conditions.
• Welded or Bonded Seams – A seam-free construction using heat bonding instead of stitching. Found in some high-end jackets, these offer maximum waterproofing, flexibility, and durability without the added bulk of traditional seam tape.

Unsealed seams are a weak point in any outerwear garment, meaning moisture can still get through even if the fabric itself is fully waterproof. Choosing the right seam construction makes a major difference in staying dry.

 

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Ethical Purchasing - Put your money in the right place

The production of waterproof and breathable fabrics for snowboard outerwear has significant environmental implications. Many traditional materials rely on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are known as "forever chemicals" due to their persistence in the environment. These substances do not break down naturally and have been linked to various health and ecological concerns.

Many countries are now moving to phase out PFAS-based materials, pushing manufacturers to find more sustainable alternatives. In Australia, new regulations set to take effect in July 2025 will impose stricter controls on the import, production, and sale of PFAS-containing products, accelerating the transition towards environmentally safer waterproofing technologies.

Top Waterproof/Breathable Materials and Their Environmental Impact

• Sympatex – One of the most sustainable options, Sympatex is PFAS-free, 100% recyclable, and waterproof up to 45,000mm. It uses a hydrophilic membrane that does not rely on micropores, making it both eco-friendly and durable.
• Xpore – A newer sustainable membrane, Xpore is PFAS-free, lightweight, and highly breathable. It uses a nanoporous structure to maintain waterproofing while being free from harmful solvents and fluorinated chemicals.
• Patagonia H2No – Patagonia has been pushing for more environmentally responsible waterproofing with its PFAS-free H2No fabric, offering solid waterproofing (~20,000mm) while minimizing its environmental footprint.

How to Make Ethical Outerwear Choices

If you care about the environment and want to make better purchasing decisions, snowboard outerwear is a great place to start. The industry has a long history of relying on harmful chemicals, but in recent years, many brands have been stepping up with more sustainable and ethical manufacturing practices.

A big issue in outerwear production is PFAS, or "forever chemicals." These synthetic compounds don’t break down in nature and have been linked to serious environmental and health concerns. Thankfully, more companies are shifting away from PFAS-based waterproofing, using alternative materials that perform just as well without the lasting damage. In Australia, new regulations coming in July 2025 will restrict the import, production, and sale of PFAS-containing products, meaning brands still using these chemicals will need to adapt fast.

But materials aren’t the only thing that matters. Ethical manufacturing plays a huge role too. Certifications like bluesign®, OEKO-TEX®, and Fair Trade Certified™ help ensure that the fabrics used are safe for people and the planet, and that the workers making your gear are treated fairly. Choosing brands that prioritize these certifications is one of the easiest ways to ensure your outerwear isn’t doing unnecessary harm.

What Can You Do?

• Look for PFAS-free outerwear – Brands like Airblaster, Burton, and Picture Organic are already ahead of the curve with eco-friendly waterproofing.
• Check for sustainability certifications – bluesign®, OEKO-TEX®, and Fair Trade Certified™ are great indicators that a brand is doing things the right way.
• Support brands that value ethical labor practices – Some companies go beyond sustainability and actively invest in fair wages, safe working conditions, and responsible sourcing.
• Buy quality over quantity – Investing in high-quality gear that lasts multiple seasons is always the more sustainable choice than replacing cheap outerwear every year.

The good news? Sustainable and ethical outerwear is no longer a niche thing—it’s becoming the industry standard. By making informed choices, you’re not just getting better gear—you’re also supporting a shift towards a cleaner, more responsible snowboard industry.

Gore-Tex and Its Industry Dominance: Why It’s More Recognizable, Trusted, and Expensive

Gore-Tex is one of the most well-known names in waterproof fabrics, and for good reason. It has historically set the standard for waterproofing and breathability, and its rigorous testing ensures a high level of quality and consistency across all Gore-Tex garments. However, this level of performance comes at a cost—both financially and environmentally. Gore-Tex gear is often more expensive than alternatives due to strict licensing agreements and production standards. Additionally, its reliance on PFAS-based materials has drawn criticism, though Gore-Tex has begun addressing these concerns with its new ePE membrane, a PFAS-free alternative designed to reduce environmental impact while maintaining high performance.

While Gore-Tex remains a strong performer, newer materials like Sympatex, Xpore, and eVent offer comparable waterproofing and breathability while addressing environmental concerns. Gore-Tex’s ePE membrane is a step in the right direction, and it has already been adopted by brands like Arc’teryx and Patagonia in select products. If you’re paying for Gore-Tex, you’re getting tested and proven reliability, but you’re also paying for the brand name and the licensing structure that comes with it. Depending on your needs, there may be equally effective, more sustainable options at a better price.

Why Gore-Tex Stands Out

• Brand Recognition – Gore-Tex has been marketed as the gold standard for waterproofing for decades, making it the most well-known option among consumers.
• Strict Testing Standards – Gore-Tex subjects its products to rigorous quality control, ensuring consistency and durability across all licensed garments.
• Industry Adoption – Many top outdoor brands, from Arc’teryx to Burton, use Gore-Tex in their premium outerwear lines, reinforcing its reputation.

Why Gore-Tex Is More Expensive

If Gore-Tex isn’t necessarily better than other high-end waterproof fabrics, why does it cost so much? One of the biggest reasons is its strict licensing system, which requires brands to pay for:

• Access to Gore-Tex materials.
• Mandatory factory approvals for garment production.
• Stringent Gore-Tex testing requirements.

This licensing model inflates the cost of Gore-Tex gear by 20-40% compared to alternative membranes, as brands must factor in these additional costs when pricing their products. While Gore-Tex’s new ePE membrane is a welcome improvement, it remains to be seen how widely it will be adopted and whether Gore-Tex can match the sustainability progress of brands that have been PFAS-free for years.

 

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Choosing the Right Outerwear for You

Making the right outerwear choices isn’t just about numbers—it’s about understanding where you ride, how often you ride, and what truly keeps you comfortable on the mountain. The best outerwear for you depends on your riding environment, so take the time to learn about your local weather patterns and choose gear suited to your conditions. Investing in the highest-rated outerwear you can afford, with the features you actually need, will keep you drier, warmer, and riding longer. Don’t pay extra for unnecessary features, but don’t cut corners on waterproofing and breathability if you ride in harsh conditions.

Beyond performance, it’s also worth considering the impact of your purchase. The materials and production processes behind snowboard outerwear have a lasting environmental footprint, and as a rider, your money is your vote. Supporting brands that prioritize sustainable materials, ethical manufacturing, and PFAS-free waterproofing helps push the industry in the right direction. Every purchase influences the future of snowboard gear—make it count.

If you're still unsure about what outerwear setup is best for your riding, check out our Layering Guide to learn how to create a flexible, weather-proof layering system. And if you're heading to a new snowboarding destination and want to make sure you're properly prepared, our Regional Outerwear Guide covers the key conditions and best gear choices for major riding locations worldwide.

At the end of the day, no amount of research, numbers, or marketing can replace actual time spent in the snow. The more you ride, the better you’ll understand your personal needs—not just for outerwear, but for all your gear. So get the best kit you can, tailored to your riding style and conditions, and most importantly—get out there and ride!