There are a lot of reasons why many snowboarders only have one snowboard jacket. They can cost a grip of loot for a decent one and finding one you are partial to in the first place can be difficult enough. Some snowboarders just like the one jacket they have and don't grasp why they should bother with another. But if you require a new jacket or are limited to owning just one then you have to make sure you buy one with all the right features, fit and toughness. And depending on the riding you do, that can mean looking at a broad variety of unique features.
A lot of snowboarders are social boarders. You get together with a handful of friends, crank the mp3 player and consume all day amassing lumps in the terrain park. If you're gonna to crash and burn and get worked, you might as well have a few buddies to hoot about it with. Now that portable music devices are in almost every household, snowboard jackets almost always come outfitted with a unique compartment and holes for ear pieces. If you've got the money then you might want to think about a jacket like the Burton Ronin 2L iPod Jacket to store your tunes.
If you're looking for the most hardcore snowboarders out there, you'll likely find them in the backcountry. These riders lay it on the line in the pursuit of deep powder, lofty drops and nasty couloirs. Their gear has to endure a lot and typically doesn't come discounted. You need a jacket that is as water-resistant as glass and light enough that you won't get worn out just wearing it. There aren't a lot of pockets and extras on these jackets given that everything is gonna to be in your pack. A men's snowboard jacket for the backcountry has to be made to withstand even the harshest environment. While that may cost money, these are jackets that may have to save your life if something goes wrong.
The great mass of persons seeking to buy a men's snowboarding jacket are guys who have just found the sport of snowboarding. If you aren't convinced if it is the fad for you and you just want to try it out, you might not want to spend a lot. Still, you will need a jacket that gives you a lot of protection since you may end up in the snow a lot. This is where you want to verify the waterproofing and breathability ratings. A trash bag is 100% waterproof, but with no breathability, you'll simply sweat yourself to death. A jacket rated 10,000/10,000 is perfect for snowboarding. Jackets with ratings less than 8k probably aren't desirable. And anything higher than 10,000 on either rating is designed for some serious outdoor sports.
Most significantly, don't just get a jacket based on looks. Some of your most wanted models and designs might be on the lower end jackets, but never concede performance for style. If you can find a suitable jacket that also looks good, go for it. But no matter how you appear, you surely won't enjoy snowboarding unless your men's snowboard jacket actually keeps you balmy and dry.
