I’ve lived in snowboard gear for years. Most of it’s junk. Some lasts a season, some lasts a week. The brands here are the few that keep working when everything else gives up. I don’t care about labels or new drops. I care about staying warm, dry and out there all winter. That’s it.
These are the best snowboard clothing brands for 2026.
Top 3 Snowboard Clothing Brands
Snowboard Clothing Brand Reviews (2026)
1. Burton Snowboards Best Overall
- Founded: 1977, Vermont, USA
- Known for: Outerwear, bibs, and technical layering
- Flagship line: AK GORE-TEX collection
- Materials: GORE-TEX, DRYRIDE, and bluesign-approved fabrics
- Category: Best overall snowboard clothing brand
Burton’s been around forever and everyone’s got an opinion on them. Some riders call them too corporate. Others won’t ride anything else. I’ve owned plenty of their gear over the years and it’s been mostly solid. The AK line is still the benchmark for serious outerwear. I’ve stood around teaching in freezing wind all day and stayed dry when everyone else was soaked through.
They don’t always nail it though. Some of the mid-range jackets and pants feel a bit rushed. You can tell the difference between the AK stuff and the cheaper lines. Still, Burton’s sizing is consistent, the zippers last and their waterproofing actually holds up after a full season. That’s more than I can say for half the gear out there. They also have a very well-rounded lineup of accessories, resort wear, base-layers and mid-layers.
They’re not cheap and you do pay for the name. But they’ve earned it. If you want one brand that covers everything from first lessons to heli drops, Burton’s still the one that gets it (mostly) right.
2. Volcom Best Outerwear
- Founded: 1991, California, USA
- Known for: Street-style snowboard outerwear and strong rider heritage
- Flagship line: Guide GORE-TEX series
- Materials: GORE-TEX, V-Science, REPREVE recycled fabrics
- Category: Best snowboard outerwear brand
Volcom’s outerwear alone makes them one of the best snowboard clothing brands. Their jackets just feel right. Tough, flexible and made for people who actually ride. The Zip Tech system is still one of the smartest features in snowboarding. You zip your jacket to your pants and suddenly face shots, slush and chairlift snowstorms stop being a problem. Makes a massive difference.
I’ve ridden plenty of Volcom gear over the years and it’s always impressed me. The fit is relaxed without feeling sloppy and the fabrics take a beating. Their Gore-Tex pieces in particular hold up against full-on storm days. You can ride bell to bell and stay dry. They also have a bit of personality in their designs, which is rare when so many brands have gone sterile.
Their cheapest lines can be hit or miss though. Heavier materials with more dubious waterproofing. Stick with the higher-end jackets and bibs, and you’ll be set for seasons. Volcom might not make as much noise as they used to, but they quietly make some of the best snowboard outerwear out there.
3. 686 Best Snowboard Bibs
- Founded: 1992, Los Angeles, USA
- Known for: Technical outerwear, bibs, and layering systems
- Flagship line: GLCR GORE-TEX collection
- Materials: infiDRY, GORE-TEX, and recycled insulation
- Category: Best snowboard bibs
686 has come a long way from its early days. Their outerwear has a perfect balance of function and comfort without trying too hard. The fit is solid, the materials feel strong and their bibs are about as good as it gets for the price. I’ve seen plenty of riders live in those things all season without blowing seams or soaking through.
The Hydrastash system is still one of the wildest ideas to actually work. Having water built into your jacket sounds like a gimmick until you use it on a long day. Their infiDRY waterproofing holds up too, even in wet Pacific Northwest conditions. You don’t have to baby their stuff and that counts for a lot.
They’re not cheap, and a few of their designs lean more toward fashion than riding, but when you stick to their technical line, you get legit performance. 686 make gear for people who actually ride. That’s why you still see their bibs everywhere. They also make my all-time favorite snowboard hoodie.
4. Airblaster Rider Favorite
- Founded: 2002, Portland, Oregon
- Known for: Fun, functional outerwear and classic Ninja Suit base layers
- Flagship line: Freedom and Glacier collections
- Materials: Eco fabrics, recycled insulation, 10K-30K waterproof ratings
- Category: Rider-favorite snowboard brand
Airblaster has always done its own thing. The Freedom Suit is one of the simplest, smartest bits of kit ever made. No snow down your back, no gaps, just warm and simple. I’ve worn one in storms where everyone else was digging ice out of their pants.
The Ninja Suit deserves the hype too. It’s one of the few base layers that actually stays put and keeps you comfortable all day. Airblaster’s waterproofing isn’t as high-end as the big tech brands, but it holds up fine unless you’re living in constant wet snow. The fit is easy and functional, not some weird fashion cut.
They’re a cool team who make practical gear that works. You can tell it’s built by people who ride every day. Kudos.
5. The North Face Best-Known Brand
- Founded: 1966, San Francisco, USA
- Known for: Premium outerwear with crossover appeal
- Flagship line: Summit Series and Freedom collections
- Materials: FUTURELIGHT, DryVent, and GORE-TEX
- Category: Best-known outdoor clothing brand
The North Face gets a lot of heat for being too mainstream, but some of their snow gear is absolutely solid. I’ve ridden in their FUTURELIGHT shells on deep, wet days and stayed dry when plenty of other jackets quit. It’s proper waterproofing with good breathability.
You just have to pick carefully. Half their lineup is made for people walking the dog, not riding at high altitudes. The Summit Series stuff is the real deal, but the cheaper gear can be sketchier. The fit can be a little boxy too, so try before you buy if you can.
They’re not the most exciting brand on the hill, but their good pieces hold up. Reliable, simple and easy to find anywhere. Not a bad combo.
6. Picture Organic Best Eco Brand
- Founded: 2008, Clermont-Ferrand, France
- Known for: Sustainable snowboard outerwear and lifestyle gear
- Flagship line: Welcome and Expedition collections
- Materials: Recycled polyester, bio-sourced fabrics, PFC-free waterproofing
- Category: Best eco-friendly snowboard clothing brand
Picture started as a small crew trying to do things differently. They were pushing recycled fabrics and PFC-free coatings before anyone else cared. The stuff actually works too. I’ve ridden a few of their jackets in heavy snow and stayed bone dry. The materials feel solid without being stiff and they’ve nailed the mix between comfort and function.
Some of their designs are a bit loud for my taste, but that’s part of their thing. It’s got personality. You can tell they’re riders making gear they want to wear, not what some marketing team thinks looks cool. Their bibs and mid-layers are legit.
If you care about sustainability but still want gear that rides hard, Picture’s one of the few brands that pulls it off. It’s not perfect, but they’re doing it right more often than not.
7. Smith Optics Best Goggles & Helmets
- Founded: 1965, Sun Valley, Idaho
- Known for: Goggles, helmets, and lens innovation
- Flagship line: I/O MAG, 4D MAG, and Nexus helmets
- Materials: ChromaPop lenses, Koroyd protection, MIPS technology
- Category: Best snowboard goggles and helmets
I love Smith. I’ve tried just about every goggle brand out there and still end up back with them. The lenses are crystal clear and ChromaPop is amazing on flat light days. I’ve ridden in full whiteouts and still been able to see what’s going on. Their sunglasses lineup is equally strong.
Smith helmets are freaking solid too. Light, comfortable and fit perfectly with their goggles. The ventilation works, the liners hold up and they don’t start falling apart after a season. You can tell they test their stuff in real conditions.
They’re expensive, but the quality checks out. If you care about visibility, comfort and advanced tech, Smith is the one to trust.
8. Hestra Best Gloves & Mittens
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- Founded: 1936, Hestra, Sweden
- Known for: High-quality gloves and mittens built for harsh conditions
- Flagship line: Army Leather Heli and Fall Line series
- Materials: Goat leather, synthetic insulation, GORE-TEX and wool liners
- Category: Best snowboard gloves and mittens
Hestra doesn’t mess around. They’ve been making gloves and snowboard mittens longer than most snowboard brands have existed. I’ve ridden through brutal cold, digging students out all day and my hands stayed warm.
The build quality is on another level. You can wax the leather, replace the liners and keep the same pair for years. I’ve seen Hestras survive multiple seasons of abuse that would shred most gloves in a month. They break in instead of breaking down.
They’re pricey and you’ll need to take care of them, but if you want mitts that actually last, there’s nothing close. Every rider I know who’s tried them never goes back to cheap gloves.
9. BlackStrap Best Face Masks
- Founded: 2008, Bend, Oregon
- Known for: Face covers, balaclavas, and technical baselayers
- Flagship line: The Hood Balaclava and Therma Baselayer Series
- Materials: Breathable, moisture-wicking, UPF 50+ stretch fabrics
- Category: Best snowboard face covers and baselayers
Blackstrap started with face covers and they still make the best ones. The Hood has saved my face more times than I can count. It breathes, it stays put and it doesn’t freeze solid like cheap ones do. Their base layers are great too. Warm, light and they don’t stretch out after a few rides. I’ve spoken to the core team there a couple if times too – great people.
The patterns can be loud, but that’s fine. The stuff works. I’ve used the same balaclava for years and it still holds up. Not much more to say than that.
10. Darn Tough Best Snowboard Socks
- Founded: 2004, Vermont, USA
- Known for: Lifetime-guaranteed merino wool socks
- Flagship line: Over-The-Calf Cushion and Function 5
- Materials: Merino wool, nylon, spandex
- Category: Best snowboard socks
Darn Tough socks live up to the name. I’ve gone through piles of other socks that wore out or slipped down after a few runs. These don’t. They stay tight, dry fast and keep your feet warm without feeling bulky.
They cost more but they last for years. And if you ever do wreck a pair, they’ll replace them. I’ve done it myself. Every serious rider I know ends up switching to these and never goes back. They’re the only snowboard socks I trust for long trips or cold days.
Update: I’ve recently had great experiences with Smartwool socks too. Whether they will beat Darn Tough is yet to be seen. Worth checking out though.
11. Dakine
- Founded: 1979, Maui, Hawaii
- Known for: Gloves, backpacks, and outerwear built for snow and surf
- Flagship line: Titan Gloves, Mission Packs, Stoker GORE-TEX Shell
- Materials: Leather, recycled nylon, GORE-TEX
- Category: Best snowboard accessories and outerwear
Dakine gear just works. Their gloves, mitts and packs have been around forever for a reason. The Titan mitts have saved my fingers on days when nothing else could keep up. Their backpacks are built properly too, not just rebranded school bags. You can throw them around for years and they hold together. I’ve used Dakine gear in heavy storms, soaked chairlifts and long-ass travel days and it never quit.
They’re not chasing hype or changing things every season. The designs stay consistent and practical. You can tell their gear is built by people who actually spend time in the cold. Simple, reliable, and tougher than it looks.
12. Flylow
- Founded: 2005, Colorado, USA
- Known for: Durable, freeride-focused outerwear
- Flagship line: Baker Bib, Quantum Jacket, Lab Coat
- Materials: 3-layer fabrics, reinforced seams, DWR coatings
- Category: Premium snowboard outerwear
Flylow started out making ski gear, but riders figured out fast that it holds up just as well for snowboarding. The Baker Bibs are everywhere for a reason. They take a beating and keep going. I’ve had mine go through full seasons of guiding without tearing or soaking through. Their jackets have the same feel — solid, no-nonsense construction that does the job without over-engineering it.
The fit is relaxed and functional. Nothing over-designed, nothing flashy. Just gear made for living outside all winter. If you care more about durability than logos, Flylow is the one to look at.
13. Patagonia
- Founded: 1973, Ventura, California
- Known for: Technical outerwear and sustainable production
- Flagship line: PowSlayer, Storm Shift, Capilene Baselayers
- Materials: Recycled GORE-TEX, H2No, organic cotton
- Category: Best sustainable snowboard clothing
Patagonia makes gear that lasts. Simple as that. I’ve used their shells and mid-layers for years and they’ve never let me down. The PowSlayer is still one of the few lightweight shells that actually stands up to full days of wet snow. The fit’s always a bit mountain guide more than park rider, but it works where it counts.
They put a lot of energy into sustainability and at least they back it up. The repair program is real and I’ve used it. You’ll still pay for the name, but it’s not wasted money. If you want gear that can handle serious winters without drama, Patagonia’s still one of the best options out there.
14. Mountain Hardwear
- Founded: 1993, Richmond, California
- Known for: Technical shells and high-performance insulation
- Flagship line: Boundary Ridge, Firefall/2, Compressor Hoody
- Materials: GORE-TEX, synthetic insulation, stretch fabrics
- Category: Premium technical outerwear
Mountain Hardwear isn’t a core snowboard brand, but the gear earns respect fast once you actually ride in it. Their shells and insulation pieces are proper mountain-grade. I’ve worn their stuff in brutal conditions and stayed dry. The Cloud Bank and Boundary Ridge shells are built like real expedition gear but still move well enough for resort riding.
The fit can feel a bit technical and the branding screams mountaineer over park rat, but that’s fine. Their layering system is one of the best for cold days. Pricey, yeah, but the performance matches it.
15. Arc’teryx
- Founded: 1989, North Vancouver, Canada
- Known for: Ultra-premium outerwear and shell systems
- Flagship line: Alpha, Rush and Sabre collections
- Materials: GORE-TEX Pro, GORE-TEX Active, Coreloft insulation
- Category: Premium mountain-grade snowboard outerwear
Arc’teryx sits in that weird space between overkill and perfection. The gear’s insanely expensive, but it’s also ridiculously well made. Their shells feel surgical. Every seam, zipper and pocket placement is deliberate. The Rush and Sabre jackets are the ones you’ll see guides wearing after everything else falls apart. They don’t soak through, they don’t rip and they still look the same after years of use.
The downside is the price and the vibe. It’s not a snowboard brand and it shows. But if you can stomach the cost, Arc’teryx outerwear is about as bombproof as it gets. It’s gear you buy once and never think about again (hopefully).
Honorable Mentions
Trew Gear – Small Pacific Northwest brand making legit backcountry outerwear. Their bibs are bombproof and the fit feels built for riders, not climbers.
Oyuki – Japan-born, Niseko-tested. Their gloves and outerwear punch way above their size as a brand. Great mix of warmth and flexibility.
Quiksilver / Roxy – The big legacy surf brands don’t get much love from hardcore riders, but they still make surprisingly functional snowboard outerwear.
DC – Yeah, they’re more known for boots (which are freaking awesome), but their jackets and pants are underrated. Clean design, good tech, solid durability.
L1 Premium Goods – Style-first, but they’ve dialed in their waterproofing and materials lately. A good pick for riders who care about how they look without sacrificing function.
Brand Comparison Table
| Brand | Best For | Standout Gear | Known Tech | Origin | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burton | Best Overall | AK Outerwear, Step On Boots | GORE-TEX, Step On System | Vermont, USA | 9.7 |
| Volcom | Best Outerwear | L Gore Jacket, Guide Pro Pants | Zip Tech, Stretch Fabric | California, USA | 9.5 |
| 686 | Best Bibs | Gore-Tex Hydrastash, Smarty 3-in-1 | Hydrastash System, infiDRY Fabric | Los Angeles, USA | 9.4 |
| Airblaster | Rider Favorite | Ninja Suit, Freedom Suit | Eco DWR, 15K Waterproofing | Portland, USA | 9.3 |
| The North Face | Best-Known Brand | Summit Series, Freedom Jacket | DryVent, FUTURELIGHT | California, USA | 9.2 |
| Picture Organic | Best Eco Brand | Welcome Bibs, Object Jacket | Recycled Polyester, PFC-Free DWR | Clermont-Ferrand, France | 9.2 |
| Smith | Best Goggles & Helmets | I/O Mag, Nexus Helmet | ChromaPop Lenses, MIPS | Sun Valley, USA | 9.1 |
| Hestra | Best Mittens | Army Leather Heli Mitt | Goat Leather, G-Loft Insulation | Hestra, Sweden | 9.1 |
| Blackstrap | Best Face Covers | The Hood, Cloudchaser Baselayer | 4-Way Stretch, UPF 50+ | Bend, Oregon, USA | 9.0 |
| Darn Tough | Best Socks | Over-the-Calf Cushion | Merino Wool, Lifetime Warranty | Vermont, USA | 9.0 |
| Dakine | Best Packs & Gloves | Poacher RAS Pack, Titan Mitt | GORE-TEX, Primaloft | Hood River, USA | 9.0 |
| Flylow | Independent Outerwear | Baker Bib, Quantum Jacket | Intuitive Fabric, Cordura Reinforcements | Colorado, USA | 8.9 |
| Patagonia | Best Sustainable Outerwear | PowSlayer, SnowDrifter | H2No Membrane, Recycled Shells | Ventura, USA | 9.1 |
| Mountain Hardwear | Premium Technical Outerwear | Boundary Ridge, Exposure/2 | GORE-TEX, Thermal.Q Elite | California, USA | 9.0 |
| Arc’teryx | Luxury Mountain Outerwear | Sabre, Rush, Alpha | GORE-TEX Pro, Coreloft | North Vancouver, Canada | 9.2 |
Snowboard Clothing Brand Buyer’s Guide
Good snowboard clothing isn’t (all) about looks and labels. I don’t care what brand it is if it doesn’t keep me dry and warm. You can get away with cheaper gear if you only ride a few weekends a year, but if you’re out there all season it’s worth paying for the real stuff. Gore Tex, 20K waterproofing, solid seams, that’s what actually matters. The rest is marketing crap.
Fit makes or breaks it too. I’ve had jackets that looked great but rode up every time I strapped in and pants that filled with snow after one fall. Go for something that moves with you and feels like it was made for snowboarding, not hiking. And don’t overthink style. Every rider ends up covered in snow anyway. The brands that test gear properly like Burton, Volcom, and 686 usually get the basics right without trying too hard.
Buy once, buy right. If something feels flimsy in your hands it’ll fall apart by February. I’d rather spend a bit more and keep it for five seasons than be duct taping cuffs midwinter. Snowboard gear should take a beating and come back for more. Simple as that.
Brands to Avoid
Dope and Montec look okay on Instagram, but that’s about it. The waterproofing isn’t great, the seams don’t hold up and they’re made more for posing than riding. I’ve seen more than a few jackets from those brands soak through before lunch. If you’re serious about snowboarding, skip the influencer stuff and buy gear that’s actually been tested on snow.
Final Thoughts
Most snowboard clothing looks the part. Until you actually ride in it. Then the seams start leaking, the zippers freeze and you realise they’d spent more on marketing than product production. The best snowboard clothing brands don’t pull that crap. They make gear that survives real weather, real crashes and full seasons of abuse.
I’ve stood in lift lines in sideways snow, soaked through every cheap jacket I owned and finally learned that good gear pays for itself fast.
Everything on this list is here because it’s been tested the hard way. Some brands charge more than they should, some have better pieces than others, but all of them actually work. If you care more about staying dry than looking trendy, stick with these. Buy once, wear it for years and forget about it. That’s what good snowboard gear should do.
Volcom is definitely the best snowboard clothing brand for almost everyone. Even their cheaper stuff is freaking awesome. I got the Guch jacket this year and couldn’t be more stoked on it.