Traditional Jacket

• When snowboarding first became a popular pastime on the slopes, the winter gear available did not meet the need for movement of the snowboarder. Winter jackets at the time were large, puffy and down-filled. While the down in the jacket kept the snowboarder warm when the jacket was dry, it failed to do so after the snowboarder took a few spills. The weight of a wet down-filled jacket also posed problems, as a snowboarder needs to be able to move his arms freely to maintain balance and control the board.
  
  

Insulation

• Insulation in a snowboarding jacket is a necessity. If a snowboarder becomes chilled, the muscles will respond slowly, which could lead to serious wipeouts. Many snowboarding jackets now have an insulating material that simulates the properties of down feathers by trapping warm air next to the body. However, the new material is much more compact and flat, resulting in easier movement. For snowboarding jackets that still use traditional down feathers for insulation, the pockets that the down fill is placed in have been made smaller, which removes some of the bulk and puffiness of the jacket.
  
  

Waterproofing

• The first jackets used for snowboarding were not waterproof and the insulation inside the jacket would absorb the moisture, which resulted in the jacket not only getting heavier but also allowing the warmth to escape. The shells of today's snowboarding jackets are waterproof and provide the snowboarder with greater protection.
  
  

Wind Resistance

• Along with waterproofing, the weave of the material that creates the shell of the snowboarding jacket has also been made tighter. This tighter weave provides wind resistance. As a result, the air next to the snowboarder's body stays warmer.
  
  

Style

• Many professional snowboarders help to design today's snowboarding jackets, aiding manufacturers to address the needs of snowboarders. Snowboarding is a sport that has developed with the younger generations and the styles of the snowboarding jacket reflect this trend with unique patterns, flattering cuts and vibrant colors. Today's snowboarding jacket is a far cry from the puffy, marshmallow-shaped, down-filled jacket that was common in the early days of snowboarding.