#4 on this list
Gear Women’s Stella PRIMO Jacket
TREW
The TREW Gear Stella PRIMO Jacket is a hard-wearing technical shell engineered for women who charge hard in foul conditions and demand serious outer-layer durability. Chosen as the best overall women's snowboard jacket by GearJunkie, the Stella PRIMO utilizes a non-insulated three-layer platform that balances storm protection with breathability, shedding wind, wet coastal snow, and blowing sleet. At 624 grams, the jacket hits an effective middle ground: it feels stout enough to resist abrasion from packs and trees, yet light enough to pack down or wear comfortably on uphill sidecountry bootpacks. The cut is roomy enough across the shoulders and chest to accommodate thick insulating mid-layers without feeling boxy. Long pit zips let you dump heat quickly during spring days, while the extended drop tail protects against wet snow when sitting down on snow-covered knolls to adjust bindings. Because the Stella PRIMO has zero internal insulation, it will not keep you warm on its own during midwinter chairlift rides. Riders must take ownership of their own layering system, adding down or synthetic mid-layers on cold days and stripping back when the sun comes out. If you primarily ride cold resort lifts and prefer an all-in-one insulated coat, this will require an adjustment, but for versatile weather defense, it is exceptional. **Highlights** - Three-layer waterproof/breathable shell construction - Balanced 624-gram weight with rugged face fabric - Generous pit zips for rapid heat regulation - Articulated cut with drop-tail hem for snow protection - Large exterior and interior pockets for mountain essentials **Watch-outs** - Non-insulated build requires thoughtful base- and mid-layering - Tough shell fabric feels slightly stiff until broken in
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#5 on this list
Reserve 2L
Burton
The Burton Reserve 2L is designed for resort riders who want dependable weatherproofing and built-in warmth without crossing into high-end technical pricing. Named the top budget men's snowboard jacket by Switchback Travel, the Reserve 2L combines Burton's proprietary two-layer DRYRIDE waterproof membrane with 80 grams of recycled ThermacoreEco insulation. This jacket solves the common problem of freezing chairlift rides. The 80g synthetic fill targets the body's core, holding warmth on cold midwinter days while remaining low-profile enough to prevent an overly puffy feel through the arms. The DRYRIDE two-layer shell easily sheds typical resort snowfall, and standard snowboard details—like a microfleece chin guard, powder skirt, and zippered handwarmer pockets—make long days at the resort comfortable straight out of the box. The compromises lie in thermal flexibility and high-output breathability. Because the insulation is built directly into the jacket, the Reserve 2L can quickly become too warm on sunny spring afternoons or during physical hikes to sidecountry terrain. Furthermore, Burton's DRYRIDE laminate, while dependable for normal snowfall, does not match the breathability or extreme wet-weather endurance of Gore-Tex. For everyday winter resort laps at around $290, however, it represents excellent value. **Highlights** - 80g ThermacoreEco synthetic insulation for chairlift warmth - Two-layer DRYRIDE waterproof/breathable membrane - Integrated jacket-to-pant interface for powder protection - Microfleece-lined chin guard and hand pockets for comfort - Competitive price point under $300 **Watch-outs** - Fixed insulation limits usability on warm spring riding days - DRYRIDE fabric is less breathable than premium three-layer membranes
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Specs side by side
| Spec | Gear Women’s Stella PRIMO Jacket | Reserve 2L |
|---|---|---|
| Jacket Type | 3-layer technical shell | — |
| Insulation | None (uninsulated shell) | 80g ThermacoreEco synthetic fill |
| Weight | 624 g | — |
| Venting | Dual underarm pit zips | — |
| Fit Profile | Relaxed freeride cut with drop tail | Regular snowboard fit |
| Shell Membrane | — | 2-layer DRYRIDE waterproof fabric |
| MSRP | — | Around $290 |
| Primary Category | — | Insulated resort snowboard jacket |
| Key Feature | — | Integrated powder skirt and jacket-to-pant interface |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
Gear Women’s Stella PRIMO Jacket
- Durable three-layer fabric provides exceptional resistance to wet coastal snow
- Drop-tail hem prevents cold seats and snow entry when adjusting bindings
- Generous underarm pit zips dump heat quickly during strenuous hikes
- Articulated cut accommodates bulky mid-layers without restricting movement
- Zero internal insulation requires careful mid-layer management on cold days
- Burly face fabric feels stiff and crinkly until thoroughly broken in
- At 624 grams, it is heavier than dedicated backcountry-specific shells
Reserve 2L
- Dependable 80g ThermacoreEco insulation eliminates the need for bulky midlayers.
- Proven two-layer DRYRIDE shell reliably blocks winter wind and snowfall.
- Integrated powder skirt and jacket-to-pant interface seal out deep snow.
- Sub-$300 pricing offers strong value for an insulated, feature-rich resort jacket.
- Fixed insulation causes overheating during spring riding or hiking.
- DRYRIDE laminate lacks the breathability of premium three-layer membranes.
- Heavier and less packable than uninsulated technical shells.
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