Hi there!
I am a skier, and not a snowboarder, but I figured that the same
guidelines that apply to a ski jacket also apply to a snowboarding
jacket, right?
I decided to take your qualifications and find the best in each
category (features, breathability, waterproofness, and value for the
money).
I began my search by going to epinions.com Epinions is a WONDERFUL
site that simply filters the Internet and comes up with the "cream of
the crop" of any type of merchandise that you are looking for.
Usually, there are also reader opinions posted, but I am sad to say
that no one had posted any opinions about snpwboarding jackets. But
I'l certainly give you my own.
I typed in "snowboarding jacket" and came up with the following as the
best in terms of value:
1.
The DNA jacket for 192.00 (USD).
http://www.epinions.com/pr-Outdoor_Apparel-DNA_Snowboarding_Jacket/display_~full_specs
They claim that its 100% polyester exterior supports the utmost of
warmth retention, but I dare say that most jackets like this are made
of 100% polyester.
The lining is made from Doublure 100% polyester. Isolant 100%
polyester insulation keeps you warm. Heatflex 40 technology is
excellent for versatility and high activity. The DT 20000 functional
support system provides waterproofness and breathablility.
All in all, I give this product a 7--partially due to the fact that it
is made by a company that doesnt really make much else in the way of
outdoor gear, and partially because there is nothing really special
about the coat.
2. The Denali, by Northface.
http://www.altrec.com/shop/dir/snowboard/37/
This is from altrec.com, which I consider the definitive source on
outdoor gear. They sell their own brand as well as the best other
brands, and they include very detailed descriptions on all of their
items. So do check it out. Go specifically to their snowboarding
shop, and you will find everything you need, and they ship to
anywhere, from what I understand (my cousin in Italy just bought
something from them online a few days ago, and while he has not
received it, he has had no problems!). Now, on to the details on the
jacket.
Oooh, yeah. This is a nice one. Probably the most popular outdoor
jacket here in the states right now.
It's made with a Polartec® 300 Series water-repellent fleece for added
weather protection. Multi-position sleeve zip vents help keep you dry
and comfortable when you're heating up while climbing and four
zippered pockets help you keep your gear organized.
Shell: Polartec® 300 Series water-repellent fleece fabric/300 Weight
Velour/Laundered two-ply Supplex® nylon fabric
Upper body and elbows reinforced with two layers of Supplex® nylon
(ideal for carrying packs)
Multi-position sleeve zip vents to help keep you dry and comfortable
Two zippered chest pockets
Two zippered handwarmer pockets
Single-hand elastic drawcord hem adjustment feature
Zips into North Face shells for enhanced warmth
Weight: 27 oz. (770 g.) in medium size
In terms of everything that you were looking for, I would say that
this jacket has it all.
Notice that it is made of Polartec, which is THE only acceptable
fleece material to use when in the serious outdoors. If it's not made
of Polartec, it's not going to keep you warm.
Pricewise, this is not bad either, but it definitely will knock my
rating of this jacket down from a 10 to a 9. Still, awesome!
Before you buy it from an expensive website, check on ebay--they
always seem to have a great Northface selection.
In the middle of my search, I came across a top 7 picks for
snowboarding jackets in 2003.
Here is the link to the list:
http://snowboarding.about.com/cs/clothing/tp/Jackets03.htm
I totally trust about.com. They hire experts in any given field and
have them write on things.
I only am embarassed that my top two picks were not even on the list
that they came up with!! :)
I don't know how much more information you need, but I think that i
have covered what you asked for.
If you have any more questions, please feel free to request a
clarification, and I will do whatever it takes to make you happy!
Thanks!
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