Snowboarding generates a lot of body heat on the way down and almost none on the lift. You sweat during runs and get cold waiting for chairs. A single thick jacket does not handle this range well. The three-layer system does.
Each layer has a specific job. Getting all three right means staying comfortable across the full range of Australian mountain conditions — from calm bluebird mornings to wet, windy August afternoons at Falls Creek.
Base Layer — The Most Important Layer Most People Underspend On
The base layer sits against your skin and its job is to move moisture away from your body. If your base layer absorbs sweat and holds it against your skin, you get cold fast — wet fabric conducts heat away from your body at a rate that dry fabric does not.
Two main materials: merino wool and synthetic.
Merino wool regulates temperature better than synthetic — warm when wet, cool when you are working hard, naturally odour resistant across multiple days of wear. Worth the extra spend if you are riding multiple days in a row. Le Bent is the brand we carry for merino base layers — their merino-bamboo blend sits against the skin more comfortably than pure merino and performs well across multi-day trips without needing a wash between sessions.
Synthetic base layers dry faster than merino, are lighter, and are usually cheaper. Burton's synthetic base layer range is solid — moisture-wicking, well-constructed, and sized for snowboard-specific movement. Better for single-day trips or riders who prefer to wash gear daily.
What to avoid: cotton. Cotton absorbs moisture and holds it. A cotton t-shirt as a base layer will leave you cold and wet within one run. This is not an exaggeration.
Fit: snug without restricting movement. Too loose and it does not wick properly. Too tight and it restricts circulation.
Mid Layer — Insulation and Temperature Management
The mid layer sits between your base and your outer shell and provides insulation — it traps warm air close to your body. On cold days you need it. On warm spring days you might leave it in the car.
Main options: fleece, synthetic insulation and down.
Fleece is breathable and retains some warmth when wet. Good for high-output days when you are generating a lot of heat and need a layer that breathes. ThirtyTwo make fleece mid layers designed specifically for snowboarding — the cuts work under a shell without binding or bunching, which matters more than most people expect until they try a poorly cut mid layer on the hill.
Synthetic insulation jackets — Burton's mid layer insulation range uses quality fill that packs small and retains warmth better than down when wet. Better for Australian conditions where rain and wet snow are a reality.
Down is the warmest insulation for its weight but loses almost all insulating ability when wet. In Victorian conditions where snow can turn to rain, down mid layers are a risk unless they have a water-resistant treatment.
For most Australian riders: a midweight fleece or synthetic insulation piece works across the season. Leave it in your bag on warm days, pull it on for cold mornings and lift rides.
Outer Layer — Waterproofing and Wind Protection
The outer layer is your shell — it keeps rain, snow and wind out while allowing moisture from your body to escape. Waterproofing and breathability are the two specs that matter.
Waterproofing is measured in millimetres — the higher the number, the more water pressure the fabric resists before leaking. For Australian conditions: 10,000mm is the minimum for a serious trip. 15,000mm and above handles most Victorian weather. Gore-Tex is the premium standard and worth the spend for a week-long trip where conditions can be genuinely wet. Burton's outerwear range covers everything from entry-level DryRide through to Gore-Tex shell jackets at the top end. ThirtyTwo also make well-regarded outerwear with a more skate-influenced cut that suits riders who want something that works on the mountain and doesn't look like ski gear off it.
Breathability is measured in grams — how much moisture vapour passes through the fabric per square metre per 24 hours. Higher is more breathable. An outer layer that is not breathable traps the moisture your base layer moved away from your skin and you end up wet from the inside. Look for 10,000g and above for snowboarding use.
Seam taping matters: fully taped seams mean every stitch line is waterproofed. Critically taped means only the high-exposure seams are taped. For serious riding, fully taped is worth it.
Fit: snowboard jackets are cut longer at the back and have a looser fit than ski jackets — this matters for movement. Try it on with your mid layer underneath before buying. If you are ordering online and unsure on size, call us.
Putting It Together for Australia
A practical setup for Victorian resort riding:
- Base: Le Bent merino-bamboo top and bottom. Spend money here — it is the layer you wear all day.
- Mid: ThirtyTwo fleece or Burton synthetic insulation vest or jacket. Something you can remove and stuff in a backpack when you warm up.
- Outer: 15,000mm waterproof jacket and pant, fully taped seams. Burton Gore-Tex if budget allows, Burton DryRide 20K for a strong mid-range option. ThirtyTwo for a skate-influenced cut with real mountain performance.
For Thredbo and Perisher in NSW: same system. NSW resorts can get cold fast at altitude.
For Mt Baw Baw day trips: a solid outer and merino base is usually enough without a full mid layer.
Shop Outerwear · Shop Snow Clothing · Men's Thermals · Women's Thermals · Snowboard Buying Guide Hub
