Whitespace AMF Riding Cargo Jacket Review

Let’s talk about those magical moments on the mountain: the first lift with expertly etched corduroy beckoning below, the untouched side stash you drop into for some massive slashes, or that final run basking in alpenglow when every turn feels like your best one yet. That’s the kind of vibe the Whitespace AMF Riding Cargo Jacket brings to the hill. It’s not just a jacket, nor simply a shell; it’s an energy. So strap in and let’s get to the details!

First Impression

Freeing this eager outerwear from its stifling bag, the first thing that hit me was the color. My jacket came in the Dark Mauve Purple color which has an edgy regalness to it. Situated at the intersection of bold and classy, it stands out without being too loud. It doesn’t demand eyeballs, but it earns a second look with a lingering gaze. Think “mature steeze.” The AMF has two other color options that swing in different directions. There’s the classic Victorian Blue if you desire to blend into the lift line, or there’s Khaki Camo if you crave something more unique.

My other initial impression is that this snowboard jacket is absolutely oversized. That’s by design, but Whitespace did not hold back. At first I was wondering if I should have sized down, but since I’m no alpine racer, I figured I’d be ok. More on the fit in a bit. Whitespace seems to be figuring out their tech and sizing as they go. 

Tech

The AMF Riding Cargo Jacket isn’t all about looks – it brings the brawn. It didn’t clarify on the tags, but a little online sleuthing reports a 20K rating in both waterproofing and breathability, which checks the box of my required minimums to stay dry. I’ve worn this thing on a couple of wet days, and the 2-layer shell combined with the Bemis 3L taped seams keeps the elements where they belong – out there. Plus, a mesh liner and PAS Ventilation team up to breathe with ease whether you’re hiking backcountry or sessioning sunny spring parks.

There is no powder skirt, but the waist is adjustable, and it’s no issue if you wear bibs anyway. The YKK Vislon Zippers feel super dependable. I like that the main zip has a longer leash on it which makes it easy to grab and tug without removing a glove. All in all, it’s the kind of shell you can trust when Mother Nature decides to go full send.

Features

This snowboard jacket has cargo in the name, and it lives up to it. Pockets for days. There are zippered, roomy dual pockets where you’d expect them, again with easy-to-grab leashes. The pass pocket on the left sleeve is well-placed and includes a clip to secure your keys. A duo of chest pockets add to the storage capabilities, and one is designated as the media stash with a headphone cord port, because yes, some of us are still dropping lines to Wu-Tang and Metallica. To top off the pocket report, there is yet another pair, this time on the shoulders with velcro flap closures.

The hood is fixed, which is pretty standard, and you can tighten it with a single pull if the wind really starts whipping. There is no internal goggle stash pocket. That’s not typically on anyone’s must-have list, but it’s worth noting as I prefer having one. I do appreciate the internal hanging loop so you can air this bad boy out after a long day of slapping the slopes.

Look and Feel

I mentioned previously that this is most definitely a snowboard jacket with an oversized fit. The baggy situation isn’t always my bag, but the Whitespace AMF pulls it off by remaining lightweight, comfortable and stylish. You don’t really feel like you’re wearing excess material, yet there’s plenty of room to throw a puffy underneath on days when Old Man Winter is extra frigid. It’s got a sturdy, durable feel combined with a slightly structured drape that moves with you, whether you’re spinning off a kicker, getting after it in the trees, or dropping cliffs into the fluffy stuff.

I’d be remiss if I didn’t revisit that Dark Mauve Purple. It’s like the hidden color of a backcountry dreamscape – a touch mysterious, totally unique, and undeniably smooth. Bonus style points: the jacket’s low-key branding and clean lines let your riding do the talking.

Who is it for?

This thing was clearly built by riders, for riders. If you’re the type of snowboarder who wants a jacket that performs in variable weather, moves with you, and turns a few heads in the lodge without looking like a highlighter, the Whitespace AMF Riding Cargo Jacket is for you.

More specifically, all-mountain riders who want to carve cord in the morning and punish some powder bowls in the afternoon are going to be served well by this snowboard jacket. The same is true for freeride fans who put a premium on movement and breathability. Even backcountry dabblers that want a shell that will work hard without weighing them down won’t go wrong with this coat.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Excellent Weather Protection & Breathability: With a 20K waterproof and breathability rating, 2-layer shell, and Bemis 3L taped seams, it keeps you dry in wet conditions while offering good ventilation for various activities.

• Abundant Storage & Thoughtful Features: Living up to its “Cargo” name, it boasts numerous zippered pockets (including a media stash with a headphone port and a secure pass pocket), dependable YKK Vislon zippers with easy-grab leashes, and an adjustable waist.

• Unique Style & Comfortable Oversized Fit: The jacket offers a distinctive, edgy regalness (especially in Dark Mauve Purple) with low-key branding. Its oversized fit is comfortable, allows for layering, and moves well with the rider, without feeling excessively baggy.

Cons:

• No Internal Goggle Stash Pocket: While not a dealbreaker for everyone, the absence of an internal pocket specifically for goggles is noted as a missing preference for some users.

• No Powder Skirt: Although the adjustable waist can mitigate this for some, the lack of a dedicated powder skirt might be a minor inconvenience for those not wearing bibs, depending on snow conditions.

Overall Impression

It’s not overbuilt, and it’s not undercooked. It’s in that Goldilocks zone of outerwear – just right. The Whitespace AMF Riding Cargo Jacket hits that rare sweet spot by combining high-performance tech, all the necessary features, a comfortable fit, and plenty of style (especially if you opt for that dark mauve colorway). So go ahead, zip it up, strap in, and let the mountain know: mauve is the new black.

Related Jackets We Like on Snow

1. Helly Hansen ULLT Jacket
2. Burton Men’s [AK] Hover GORE-TEX Jacket
3. Jones Snowboards Shralpinist Jacket