Snowboard Outerwear

How do you read waterproof ratings?

Waterproofing is measured in millimetres of water column, which is how much pressure a fabric withstands before moisture seeps through. For Australian riding the number matters more than it does in dry alpine environments, because wet snow saturates gear far faster than light dry powder.

• 10,000mm (10K) handles dry days and light snowfall. Fine for bluebird groomers, but it will wet out in sustained wet snow or rain.
• 15,000 to 20,000mm (15K to 20K) is the sweet spot for Australian conditions. It handles wet, heavy snow all day, and it is what most serious riders should be buying.
• 20,000mm and above is storm day and backcountry territory. GORE-TEX and equivalent membranes live here.

Breathability is the other number. Higher means sweat vapour escapes faster, keeping your base layer dry. Riding hard in warm spring conditions or hiking into the backcountry demands more breathability than lift-served groomer days do.

Is GORE-TEX worth the price?

GORE-TEX is a waterproof-breathable membrane bonded to the outer fabric. Microscopic pores let vapour out while blocking water coming in. Unlike a DWR coating, which wears off over time, a GORE-TEX membrane holds its performance across the life of the garment provided you look after it.

For the wet, slushy snow of mid-season it is the right investment if you ride regularly. If you ride a handful of days a year in good weather, a well-made 15K to 20K jacket will serve you perfectly well and leave money for boots, which matter more to how you actually ride.

What fit and features should you look for?

A jacket should still cover your lower back when you are bent forward with your arms raised, so try it on wearing the layers you actually ride in. The hood has to fit over a helmet, not just over your head.

Beyond that: a powder skirt seals out slush when you fall, pit zips dump heat fast on warm spring days, and pocket layout matters more than it sounds. You want a chest pocket for phone and pass, and an internal pocket big enough for spare goggles.

How should you layer for Australian conditions?

Three layers, and none of them cotton. A base layer in merino or synthetic against the skin, a mid layer such as fleece or a light puffer for warmth you can add or remove, and a shell on top for wind and waterproofing.

Pants work on two layers: base-layer leggings and a shell pant. Insulated pants are warmer on a cold morning but they lock you into one temperature for the whole day, which is a problem when an Australian bluebird morning turns into a warm spring afternoon.

Which outerwear brands do we carry?

• Burton AK is the premium GORE-TEX technical line, built for serious backcountry and storm conditions.
• L1 is rider-owned, with genuine technical specs at a more accessible price. Strong 15K to 20K waterproofing and clean style.
• Airblaster is functional and playful, with a real cult following.
• Yuki Threads is Australian designed, built around Australian conditions and the fit local riders actually want.
• Dakine is reliable technical outerwear and good value through the mid range.

Buying outerwear in Australia

Free shipping on orders over $90, with same and next-day dispatch from our Richmond showroom in Melbourne. Outerwear is worth trying on with your layers before the season starts, so come in and see us if you can get to the shop.

Snowboard Jackets · Snowboard Pants · Bib Pants · Burton AK · Base Layers · Outerwear Buying Guide · GORE-TEX and Waterproofing Explained