Top 10 Snowboarding Jackets 2006From Peter Barrett Highly technical fabrics with insane prints, denim, twills and lots of white can be found in this season's list of top snowboarding jackets. We've chosen jackets to fit a variety of budgets and riding styles. 3 in 1 component jackets made a big comeback this year mainly due to their value; it's like getting multiple jackets for the price of one. We noticed a huge range of fit from one brand to the next, so be sure to try them on before buying. Here are our favorite snowboarding jackets for 2006. The Convergent Jacket counts on Helly Hansen's history of building hard working outerwear. Since their background is tall summits and high seas you can be assured that it can handle more than a little snow, wind, ice or action. This jacket is spec'd by an international team of hardcore riders to do more than just look good. Inside there is an iPod pocket, goggle pocket and snap-away powder skirt. On the outside is weather beating HellyTech fabric, pit vents, an adjustable hood and a relaxed fit. The Sessions Istodis is the jacket with a funny name that is totally serious about keeping you protected on the slopes. Sessions builds the Istodis from a storm fighting Active 10K twill fabric. A long list of features including pit zips, an articulated fit and Session's own Surround Sound pocket make the Istodis the choice for the rider focused on improving every aspect of his game. My favorite colors are the heathered gray and brown that look like old denim but work like serious outerwear. The Shenlong from DC packs a bunch of snowboard-ready features into a sick looking coat. This thing has a powder skirt, faux-fur trim, and a stowable face mask to keep you warm on ice cold days. The whole thing is insulated with down and is the warmest jacket that DC makes. If you overheat you can remove the face mask, powder skirt and fur trim, open the pit zips and cool down quickly. You will already look cool since you are wearing one of DC's hottest coats. This straight forward piece from Bonfire offers no-nonsense design and reliability. Inside is a removable liner jacket that is also reversible. Wear it when shoveling the sidewalk and trying to bribe your parents into a new snowboard. Zip the liner in for extra warmth and let Bonfire's TWINTEC constructed shell hold snow and wind at bay while you ride in peace. The hood can be removed and the pit vents opened so you don't have to stop riding when spring rolls around. Oakley's Axel jacket is made for all weather conditions. When it's cold and nasty outside keep the Axel's removable Thermoloft liner in for awesome warmth without much added weight. Flow-thru venting helps control the temps. Another cool thing is a hidden pocket system that closes with magnets and gives you a place for your iPod, phone and other gadgets. When it comes to outerwear, Oakley puts together a lot of rad features with a cut that is better fitting and more functional than most others. For those who travel the globe in pursuit of endless winter, Planet Earth makes their Migration jacket. This piece can take on changing weather or howling winds and always finds its way home safe and sound. Strategically placed pockets give you room for snacks and tunes while a fully adjustable hood lets you see where you're headed when the weather is bad. For those who go their own way, Planet Earth has blessed the Migration with a cool bird print that you won't see on every jacket on the hill. 686 is taking the snowboard world by storm and their Troop jacket is leading the way. The signature Smarty system means that you also get a removable camo jacket. The Troop has top-of-the-line construction with 10k waterproofing and 100% seam taping. 686 equips it with a removable powder skirt, removable hood and sick style. With all the storage room you can stuff your pockets, travel to far away lands, meet new and exciting people and destroy them with your bombastic steez and crushing skills. Volcom kidnaps the latest outerwear technology and has theie way with it. The A.S.Y.M. is all about being a little off kilter which is something Volcom is used to. The jacket gets its name from its offset front zipper. It angles out of the way so it won't rub your chin or let cold air in. Besides being resistant to snow and wind, the A.S.Y.M. is fully seam taped and has pit-zip ventilation. Volcom's touch of unique style makes this jacket one that will let you get away from the crowd. This is a rad jacket that comes in at a cool price. The Ronin line from Burton always combines state of the art features with the style that every one else will be wearing next year, the ALS is no different. Built with park shredders in mind the ALS has a fully articulated cut and is made so you can move. The full-time Contour hood and stretch waist gaiter stay in place while you throw down a sweet nose press or butter into a hands free 540. If you know what that means then this is your jacket! Get into the Citadel and get into Special Blend's top of the line jacket. The Citadel doesn't hold back with SB's best waterproof rating, tons of vents, a fully adjustable hood, storm gaiter, and an articulated cut. The interior has a variable mesh lining to move moisture and help you stay warm and dry. Something else this jacket has is a built in hydration compartment and a free Special Blend sweatshirt as insulation. The Citadel offers you personal protection from bad weather and bad steez. | 
| 