A great day on the mountain starts with the right jacket. But with waterproof ratings, insulation types and fit all to weigh up, choosing snowboard outerwear can feel confusing. Here's a simple guide to the three things that actually matter.
1. Waterproofing (measured in mm)
Waterproofing is rated in millimetres – the higher the number, the more water pressure the fabric resists. As a rough guide: 5,000mm handles light snow, 10,000mm copes with most conditions, and 15,000mm and above keeps you dry through heavy snow, wet chairlifts and long days out. Every ORYO jacket is rated to 15,000mm with a durable water repellent (DWR) finish and fully taped seams.
2. Insulation vs shell
Insulated jackets have warmth built in, ideal for cold, static days. Shell jackets are lighter and let you layer underneath, suiting high-energy riders. ORYO pullover jackets use a three-layer system: a soft-shell polyester outer, a middle layer of 3M Thinsulate for warmth without bulk, and an inner polar fleece for comfort.
3. Fit and features
Snowboard jackets should allow full movement without catching wind. Look for taped YKK zips, underarm vents, a ski-pass pocket, thumb-loop gaiters and a fleece neck warmer – all standard on ORYO jackets.
The bottom line
For most riders, a 15,000mm waterproof rating, Thinsulate insulation and a comfortable, feature-rich fit is the sweet spot. Explore the men's and women's ORYO collections – artist-designed snowboard jackets built to keep you dry, warm and moving all season.