#2 on this list
Gear Men’s Cosmic Jacket
TREW
The TREW Gear Cosmic Jacket is an uninsulated workhorse built for riders who log heavy days and need gear that can shrug off tree branches, ski edges, and rough resort infrastructure. Awarded the top overall men's snowboard jacket honors by GearJunkie, the Cosmic is constructed around a robust three-layer nylon shell fabric finished with a durable water repellent coating, delivering exceptional tear resistance alongside stormproof defense. Weighing in at 723 grams, the Cosmic carries enough physical substance to feel bulletproof on exposed ridges without feeling like a rigid suit of armor. The fit leans comfortably relaxed with an extended drop-tail hem, ensuring your rear stays dry when sitting on wet chairlifts or bending down to fasten bindings. Its pocket configuration is thoughtfully arranged for mountain utility, featuring expansive internal dump pockets that easily swallow spare gloves, climbing skins, or oversized goggles. As a pure three-layer shell, the Cosmic does not provide built-in warmth. On mid-January days when temperatures plummet, you must pair it with a substantial fleece or insulated mid-layer. It is also heavier and less packable than ultralight touring-specific shells, making it better suited for inbounds storm laps, sidecountry gate sessions, and short tours rather than long, fast-and-light mountaineering missions. **Highlights** - Rugged three-layer 100% nylon shell with DWR finish - Relaxed freeride cut with extended drop-tail coverage - Large internal dump pockets for skins and spare goggles - Durable 723-gram build that handles heavy mountain abrasion - Underarm vents for rapid temperature control on ascents **Watch-outs** - No integrated insulation, requiring dedicated mid-layers in the cold - Bulkier and heavier than dedicated splitboard-touring shells
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![[ak] Embark/Swash GORE‑TEX 2L Jacket](/api/public/top-ten-photo/items/best-snowboard-jackets/r3-ak-embark-swash-gore-tex-2l-jacket.webp)
#3 on this list
[ak] Embark/Swash GORE‑TEX 2L Jacket
Burton
The Burton [ak] Embark (women's) and Swash (men's) jackets are long-standing benchmarks in mountain outerwear, highlighted by Treeline Review as premier overall choices for serious snowboarders. Burton’s [ak] line is designed specifically around the mechanics of riding, emphasizing articulated cut patterns, durable fabrics, and dependable storm protection powered by Gore-Tex's proven two-layer membrane. These jackets use a two-layer Gore-Tex construction with mapped internal linings to deliver consistent weatherproofing while keeping internal moisture moving. Burton shapes the shoulders and sleeves with an athletic, ergonomic contour, ensuring the hem stays anchored when reaching for grabs or leaning into turns. The StormForm hood fits cleanly over standard snowboarding helmets without restricting peripheral vision, and the deep internal storage pockets keep backup lenses and electronics warm and dry in severe blizzard conditions. The primary trade-off comes down to the membrane construction relative to price. At approximately $500, you are investing in a two-layer garment rather than a bonded three-layer shell. Two-layer designs use hanging liners that add slight bulk and weight compared to streamlined 3L jackets. Nevertheless, for resort-focused riders who face harsh winter storms and demand bulletproof construction, the [ak] platform remains exceptionally dependable. **Highlights** - Two-layer Gore-Tex membrane for proven stormproofing - Articulated rider-specific fit designed for dynamic movement - Helmet-compatible StormForm contour hood - Fully sealed seams backed by Gore-Seam tape - Ergonomic internal dump pockets for wet gear and goggles **Watch-outs** - Two-layer build with hanging liner adds slight bulk over 3L shells - High investment around $500 for a two-layer design
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Specs side by side
| Spec | Gear Men’s Cosmic Jacket | [ak] Embark/Swash GORE‑TEX 2L Jacket |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 723 g (25.5 oz) | — |
| Shell Type | 3-layer waterproof breathable hardshell | — |
| Fabric | 100% nylon with DWR finish | — |
| Insulation | None (uninsulated shell) | — |
| Fit Profile | Relaxed freeride fit with drop-tail hem | Articulated regular snowboard fit |
| Venting | Underarm pit zippers | — |
| Membrane | — | 2-layer GORE-TEX |
| Seam Construction | — | Fully taped GORE-SEAM |
| Hood Style | — | StormForm contour, helmet-compatible |
| Internal Lining | — | Engineered taffeta and closed cell mesh |
| Retail Price | — | Approximately $500 |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
Gear Men’s Cosmic Jacket
- Rugged 100% nylon 3-layer shell resists heavy abrasion
- Extended drop-tail hem shields hips on wet chairlift seats
- Large internal dump pockets easily accommodate skins or goggles
- Relaxed cut allows unrestricted layering on freezing days
- At 723 grams, it is heavier and bulkier than touring-specific shells
- Zero built-in insulation requires dedicated mid-layers in deep cold
[ak] Embark/Swash GORE‑TEX 2L Jacket
- Reliable, proven weather resistance from fully taped Gore-Tex construction.
- Rider-specific articulated fit eliminates hem lift and sleeve binding.
- StormForm hood integrates seamlessly with modern snowboard helmets.
- Deep internal mesh pockets provide safe storage for lenses and gloves.
- Two-layer build with hanging liner is heavier and bulkier than 3L shells.
- Roughly $500 retail price is steep for a two-layer jacket.
- Excess pack weight makes it less ideal for dedicated backcountry touring.
Prices change constantly — the figure shown is the last verified catalog price, and the buy buttons always go to the current listing.