6 Best Snowmobile Jackets In 2023

How To Choose The Best Snowmobile Jacket – Buying Guide

Size

Size is an important feature when you are looking for the best snowmobile jacket to invest in. Like many other snow and winter jackets, the sizing guide for snowmobile jackets is the same. However, they may be slight variations amongst different brands of jackets for a snowmobile.

A standard sizing chart for snowmobile jackets is as follows;

Size (in inches)	Men’s small	Men’s medium	Women’s small	Women’s medium
Chest	34-36	38-40	32-34	35-38
Waist	31-33	35-37	26-28	29-32
Hip	34-36	38-40	35-37	38-41
Regular inseam	30	31	29	30

Because jackets for snowmobile extend to hip length, hip sizing is also important. For more sizing variations, examine shorter and taller inseams to get the right size for more varied body types.

Thus, it is wiser to go through jacket reviews so you can further understand and know your exact size for that brand. Additionally, it is highly advised to go for gender-specific and age-appropriate (for kids) choices. This is because; a size medium for men’s jackets may not necessarily fit a woman whose jacket size is medium.

Additionally, because you are more likely to wear your jacket as an outer layer, it is a good idea to go for a size up to ensure it fits well.

Fit

The fit of your jacket goes concurrently with the size. Thus, depending on the design of even the best snowmobile jacket, the right size will get you a proper and perfect fit. However, how does one knows how to identify the right fit? It is pretty simple – number one, you have to feel comfortable and feel confident about the fit when you are wearing the jacket.

You don’t want to feel as though some of the elements of the jacket are pulling at you. Additionally, you don’t want to look like you squeezed into your baby brother or sister’s jacket. The two key sub-features to also remember are to go for a gender-specific jacket as outlined above as well as to remember the circumstances to which you will be using the jacket.

Gender-specific jackets, for example, are excellent at distinguishing how your jacket will fit you. Men jackets for snowmobile feature a slightly different shape design due to the physiological differences between a men’s and a woman’s body. Thus, a men’s jacket will properly fit a man whilst the same will be for women’s snowmobile jackets.

Furthermore, the fit of the jacket will be different according to how you wear it. Typically, you will wear your jacket as an outer layer in the outdoors, thus, its size and fit will differ when compared to other cold-weather jackets.

This is because you are most likely to be wearing sweaters and lighter jackets underneath, so to prevent the discomfort of bulky clothing, it is advised to go for a jacket which is at least a size higher than your regular size. This is so that you can accommodate the layering.

Insulation

Insulation is perhaps one of the most important features to examine after material as it is an excellent determinant of how effective your jacket is. Because they are worn under cold and windy weather, the best jacket for snowmobile should have high performing insulation.

There are several kinds of insulation used for snowmobile jackets. Some of the most common insulation used for the best snowmobile jackets includes cotton filling, Coldshield filling, and Therma tech insulation. Additionally, the thickness of your insulators determines how effective they are.

Typically, the thickness is measured in grams. So for example, depending on the material, if you are presented with two snowmobile jackets – one with 200g type A insulation and 150g type A insulation, the latter will definitely be more effective.

However, remember that if you have 2 jackets for snowmobile one with 200g type A insulation and the other with 150g type B insulation, this doesn’t guarantee that type A will be more effective – it depends on the insulation type.

Because it’s a natural type of insulator, cotton is the most effective of the insulators. Cotton naturally boasts impeccable heat-trapping qualities, thus, it guarantees to keep you warm even in the lowest temperatures. However, cotton insulators become virtually useless when you get wet.

This is because they are very poor and slow at drying thus, you will be exposed to the cold if your cotton filling is soaked. Additionally, because of its poor ventilation, cotton is also very poor at air circulation and ventilation.

Therma Tech insulation on the other end incorporates synthetic material to provide warmth. The technology works by reflecting off cold air from penetrating the body. On the other side of the jacket, it works by trapping heat produced by the body thus, keeping you warm.

The material used for Therma Tech insulation is always synthetic material. Such it maintains elevated levels of breathability and air circulation. Additionally, some of the best snowmobile jacket fabrics boast quick drying properties as well as antimicrobial treatments. This helps to effectively wick out moisture and sweat out of your jacket as well as to prevent bacterial and fungal build up.

The Coldshield Quilted Insulation on the other end works similarly to Therma Tech insulation. It works by providing a breathable synthetic layer that keeps out cold air and traps hot air in. Other good types of insulations for snowmobile jackets include prima loft and fleece insulation.

Ventilation

Ventilation systems on jackets for snowmobile may slightly differ. This is because unlike activities and sports like skiing and snowboarding, snowmobiling requires less aggression and action. Skiing and snowboarding require a lot of bodily movement and action which increases sweat generation.

However, to a certain point no matter how active you are, the ventilation system of your jacket should always be on point. The best jacket for snowmobile should provide as much warmth and insulation as well as wind-breaking qualities. However, they should also offer a good deal of ventilation to keep functionality and ensure you are comfortable.

To outline on basic sciences, when even thickest and most warming of jackets are not breathable, this enhances heat-trapping but does not regulate the temperature.  As a result, your body temperature rises causing you to excessively sweat. And because the jacket is unbreathable this means that you will result in being drenched with sweat and so will the jacket.

If your jacket is drenched in sweat for a long time, this results in a drop of the internal temperature thus, making you cold and making the jacket virtually useless. Thus, it is important to examine the ventilation abilities of your jacket.

Look at both the outer, middle, and inner layers of your body and make sure they all work to complement each other. Qualities such as quick-drying fabrics help to enhance the ventilation of your jacket. Additionally, details such as mesh inner liners and adjustable cuff also help you to regulate air circulation.

Furthermore, look for additional details and functions such as antimicrobial treatments help to complement ventilation. This is because, with the successful moisture wicking, for example, the treatment helps to prevent odors as well as fungal and bacterial build-up which would make it uncomfortable and unsanitary for you.

Additional Features

You want to capitalize as much on your jacket as possible. Thus, to ensure you have invested in the best jacket for snowmobile, look for some of these common additional features;

Treatment and coating

Polymer DWR coatings such as polyurethane films help to enhance your jacket’s water resistant abilities. Depending on the brand and edition of the jacket, the water resistant rating on your jacket highly varies.

Some will have a low 5000mm water pressure whilst some will go as high as 20000mm pressure which enhances their impermeability. Thus, on normal days, you are protected from light rain, snow, and ice. However, on colder days, you may want to waterproof your jacket for full protection.

Treatments such as antimicrobial and odor resistance on the other end help to enhance your jacket’s comfortability, safety, and durability.

Seam construction

A seam construction of your jacket also determines how protective it is. The fabrics of your jacket are stitched together to produce the end product. However, the process of stitch creates tiny puncture holes to which water can easily penetrate making the jacket susceptible to absorbing water.

However, some processes are incorporated after the stitching process to ensure the jacket is at least water resistant or waterproof.  There are basically two types of seam sealing – taped seams that bond together fabrics with a tape or welded which uses heat to seal seams.

These two types are then split into the three common subtypes of jacket seams, namely fully taped, critically taped seamed, and welded seams.

Fully taped seams – this process uses waterproof tape to bond together the fabric and this is done by using a special glue or heat with each seam. This process effectively covers each hole left by the stitching process thus making the entire jacket fabric water resistant.  The rating on the water resistance also depends on the type f material used.

Welded seams – this seam sealing process is slightly similar to taped seam sealing, however, as its name suggests its process involves the use of heat. The welded seam process also incorporates pressure to bond the fabric seams.

This process is considered to be most effective with the assumption that each stitch hole is effectively covered by the heat and pressure process. However, unlike taped seam sealing, the process is not effective for all materials.

If you come across products that incorporate polymers and thermoplastics such as nylon, welded seams work perfectly. The nylon itself as a fabric is heated to seal the holes made by the stitching.

Critically taped seams – this process is similar to taped seam sealing, however, it is limited by only covering the potentially harmful holes.  Thus, critical seams are taped on areas that are most likely to be prone to water damage and penetration. Thus, in most cases, the seals are applied at the hood, neck, and shoulder areas at the exterior of the jacket.

Storage

The best jackets for snowmobiling will come with storage capabilities. This allows you to bring with you essential items that fit into your pockets such as keys and mobile phones. Additionally, inner pockets will protect and house delicate items.

Pocket designs will also affect the safety of your jackets. Thus, because the nature at which the jackets are worn is fast-paced and action-packed, you want more secure pockets. Look for jackets fitted with zippered or Velcro pockets.

Some jackets for snowmobile such as the KLIM Inversion even come with D-rings to allow you to hook on other items such as keys or even your snowmobile gloves.

You might also like: Snowmobile Handlebar Gauntlets

Adjustable hems and cuffs

Adjustable hems and cuffs help to achieve that perfect and personalized fit. And on rougher days, a subtle adjustment and full closure help to keep out snow and rain from penetrating the jacket.

Hood

Some snowmobile jackets will boast removable and drawstring adjustable hoods. Unlike a snowboard or ski helmet, they will not offer that full protection on the slopes. However, they help to complement the jackets warming abilities as well as keeping out snow and rain. Additionally, some jackets even feature hoods with soft and plush lining for that soothing and comfortable feel on your head.

Flexibility

Some jackets offer excellent flexibility and freedom of movement which makes them an ideal option for outdoor sports. Look for features such as a four-way stretch fabric which makes the jacket more flexible.

Cost

It all depends on the kind of jacket and features you are looking for. As a general rule of thumb, you may find a good snowmobile jacket for as low as US$80 as well as find others as high as US$300. It all depends on your budget and what your feature preferences are.

FAQs

Globo Surf Overview

The snowmobile jacket reviews outline just how distinctive they are and how their distinctiveness enhances their functionality. Their ideal highly warming and yet practical design definitely makes them adaptable for their use.  The buying guide above also offers detailed guidance on what to look for when choosing the right snowmobile jacket to go for. The list of the 6 best snowmobile jackets in 2023 outlined above is also an excellent tote to choose your ideal option for the next adventure.

More Snow Mobile Reviews:

•  Snowmobile Boots 
•  Snowmobile Tunnel Bags 
•  Snowmobile Backpacks 
•  Snowmobile Tow Straps 
•  Snowmobile Goggles 
•  Snowmobile Ramps 
•  Snowmobile Pants & Bibs 
•  Snowmobile Covers 
•  Snowmobile Gloves