How to Choose Snowboarding Outerwear

A respected construction executive and entrepreneur, Brad Blaicher has industry experience that spans more than two decades. Since 2012, he has served as CEO of OnSite Temp Housing, which he founded. When he’s not working, Brad Blaicher enjoys spending his free time snowboarding.

Snowboarding is a popular outdoor winter sport. To remain safe, it’s important to invest in quality outwear in order to remain warm and dry. When shopping for snowboarding outerwear, it is key to understand the relationship between waterproofing and breathability. When buying snowboard apparel such as a jacket and pants, buyers need something which is both waterproof and breathable.

Waterproof rating is measured in millimeters and is calculated by putting a column of water in a tube and placing it onto a fabric until water begins to penetrate. For instance, if a water column needs to be 10,000 millimeters high before water begins to seep through, the fabric has a 10k rating. For snowboarders, a 5k waterproof rating is considered the least amount of protection acceptable for wet conditions and is ideally suited for snowboarders who ride in cold and dry conditions. On the other hand, 10K waterproof rating guarantees solid performance in various conditions, making it a good choice for snowboarders.

Products with a waterproof rating of more than 10k offer the highest quality of protection and are recommended for snowboarders that stay in the mountains for long periods, especially in wet snow conditions. Breathability rating refers to the weight of water which can penetrate a square meter of fabric within 24 hours. As opposed to waterproof rating, breathability testing protocols aren’t standardized and vary according to brands. However, they range between 5k and 20k and the higher the rating, the more breathable the fabric is. For frequent hikers and those engaging in intensity activities, a 20k+ breathability rating is recommended to reduce sweating and the risk of becoming chilled.