When it comes to snowboarding, having the right gear is essential for a comfortable and enjoyable experience on the slopes. One crucial piece of gear that every snowboarder needs is the right pair of pants. Snowboard pants that is. A pair of pants designed for snowboarding are designed to keep your legs warm, dry, and protected from the elements while also allowing for freedom of movement.
When looking for the best snowboard pants, there are a few key features to consider. First, you’ll want to look for a waterproof pair or pants. In terms of waterproofing, snowboard pants are measured in millimeters and this tells you how much water the pants can withstand before they start to leak. A higher rating means more protection against wet conditions.
Next, it’s important to find pants with a breathable membrane. This allows moisture to escape from inside the pants, preventing you from getting sweaty and uncomfortable while riding. Look for pants with zippered vents for extra ventilation during intense riding sessions.
Insulated pants provide an extra layer for extra warmth for those cold and frigid conditions, and having extra pockets, such as cargo pockets or zippered pockets, can be handy for storing small items while out on the mountain.
Some top brands for snowboard pants include Burton, Volcom, and Flylow Gear. With their high-quality materials and attention to detail, these brands offer pants that are durable, functional, and stylish.
So, whether you’re a casual rider or a backcountry enthusiast, investing in a good pair of snowboard pants is a smart decision. By choosing pants that have the right combination of waterproofing, breathability, and insulation, you’ll be able to stay comfortable and focused on your riding all day long.
1. Volcom L GORE-TEX Snowboard Pants
Type: GORE-TEX
Price Range: $320
What We Love: Leg pockets, thigh pockets, back pockets. These waterproof cargo pants provide all the space you need for downhill or backcountry snowboarding.
When it comes to the best snowboard pants, the Volcom L GORE-TEX Pants stand out from the rest. These pants are equipped with a 2L GORE-TEX waterproof and breathable membrane, ensuring you stay dry in wet conditions while allowing moisture to escape. The pants also feature zippered vents to enhance breathability during intense riding sessions.
In terms of insulation, the Volcom L GORE-TEX fabric Pants provide extra warmth for those cold and frigid conditions, keeping you comfortable on the mountain. Additionally, the pants boast multiple pockets, including cargo pockets and zippered pockets, offering convenient storage for small items while you ride.
Volcom is a top brand known for its high-quality materials and attention to detail. The L GORE-TEX Pants combine functionality with style, making them a popular choice among snowboarders. Whether you’re hitting the backcountry or shredding the slopes in Utah or the Pacific Northwest, these pants will keep you protected from the elements. Choose the Volcom L GORE-TEX Pants for durable, functional, and stylish snowboard pants. For a full review of this product, check out our Volcom L GORE-TEX Pants Review post.
2. Volcom Freakin Snow Chino
Type: V-Science by Volcom
Price Range: $175
What We Love: A warm, dry, all-around high quality pair of snow pants for a reasonable price.
The Volcom Freakin Snow Chino is a versatile and stylish pair of snowboard pants that are perfect for riders who want a unique look on the slopes. These pants combine the functionality of snowboarding pants with the style of chino pants, creating a distinct and fashionable design.
One of the key features of the Freakin Snow Chino is its V-Science 2-Layer Shell. The base layer provides warmth. The shell provides excellent waterproofing, ensuring that you stay dry even in the wettest conditions. The pants also have a high breathability rating, allowing perspiration to escape and preventing overheating.
Another standout feature is the reinforced pant legs, which enhance durability and protect against wear and tear. Additionally, the pants feature zippered vents, allowing you to quickly regulate your body temperature when things heat up.
The Freakin Snow Chino also offers ample storage options with its multiple pockets, including thigh and back pockets. These pockets provide convenient storage for essential items like your phone, wallet, and snacks.
Lastly, the Freakin Snow Chinos come in a variety of colors and sizes, allowing you to find the perfect fit and style for your snowboarding adventures. Made with high-quality materials, these pants offer both functionality and fashion-forward design. For a full review of this product, check out our Volcom Freakin Snow Chino Pants Review post.
3. Burton GORE-TEX Ballast
Type: GORE-TEX
Price Range: $210 – $260
What We Love: These are highly durable pants that make them ideal for snowboarding at resorts or in the backcountry.
The Burton GORE-TEX Ballast pants are a top choice for snowboarders who want the ultimate in protection and performance. These pants are designed with a 2L GORE-TEX waterproof membrane that ensures you stay dry in wet and snowy conditions. The pants also have a high waterproof rating, providing excellent protection against the elements.
One of the standout features of the Ballast pants is their breathability. The pants have zippered thigh vents that allow for easy temperature regulation so you can hit that sweet spot temperature-wise, preventing you from overheating during intense rides. The breathable materials keep you comfortable, even in frigid conditions.
Durability is another key feature of the Ballast pants. They are made with reinforced pant legs that can withstand the wear and tear of long days on the mountain.
In terms of fit and comfort, the Ballast pants feature a relaxed fit, ensuring freedom of movement and allowing you to perform tricks with ease. The pants also have plenty of storage options with multiple zippered pockets for your small essentials.
Overall, the Burton GORE-TEX Ballast pants are a reliable and high-performance choice for snowboarders who value durability, waterproofing, breathability, and freedom of movement. For a full review of this product, check out our Burton GORE-TEX Ballast Pants Review post.
4. Outdoor Research Trailbreaker II Snow Pants
Type: Nylon
Price Range: $124
What We Love: The zippered thigh vents make temperature regulation a cinch and the sustainability of the product is a huge plus.
The Outdoor Research Trailbreaker II Snow Pants are an excellent choice for those seeking high-performance snowboard pants. Located in the Pacific Northwest, Outdoor Research knows a thing or two about keeping the cold and snow at bay.
One of the standout features of these pants is their waterproof and breathable membrane, keeping you dry and comfortable in wet and cold conditions. The pants also boast a durable outer fabric, perfect for backcountry riders who encounter rugged terrain.
Comfort is not compromised with the Trailbreaker II pants, as they feature a relaxed fit for added comfort. They also come with multiple zippered pockets, offering convenient storage options for small essentials.
What sets the Outdoor Research Trailbreaker II pants apart is their innovative heat-regulating system. These pants have zippered outer thigh vents that provide customizable ventilation, preventing overheating during intense rides. Additionally, the pants have a powder skirt and adjustable cuffs, keeping snow and cold air from entering.
The Trailbreaker II Snow Pants from Outdoor Research offer the perfect combination of performance, comfort, and sustainability for all snowboarding enthusiasts. For a full review of this product, check out our Outdoor Research Trailbreaker II Snow Pants Review post.
5. 686 Dojo Pants
Type: infiDry by 686
Price Range: $220
What We Love: Some of the most exceptional waterproofing you can find.
When it comes to snowboard pants, the 686 Dojo Pants are a top contender. Designed with durability and performance in mind, these pants offer a range of features that set them apart from the competition.
One standout feature of the Dojo Pants is their waterproof rating, making them highly resistant to wet conditions. This is complemented by the breathable fabric and breathable membrane, ensuring you stay dry and comfortable on the slopes.
In terms of storage, the Dojo Pants have multiple pockets, including thigh pockets, providing ample room for essentials. They also offer freedom of movement with their relaxed fit allowing you to carve through the snow with ease.
Overall, the 686 Dojo Pants are a great choice for snowboarders who prioritize performance, functionality, and sustainability. Stay warm, dry, and stylish on the mountain with these high-quality pants.
6. Oyuki Goshiki Yamapro 3L Bib Pant
Type: YamaPro by Oyuki
Price Range: $500
What We Love: Exceptionally high-grade materials and expert craftsmanship make the high price worth it.
The Oyuki Goshiki Yamapro 3L Bib Pant is a top choice for serious snowboarders. These pants are designed with the highest quality materials and attention to detail, making them stand out from the competition.
One of the key features of the Goshiki Yamapro Bib Pant is its 3-layer waterproof membrane. With a high waterproof rating, these pants provide excellent protection against wet conditions, ensuring you stay dry and comfortable all day long. Additionally, the pants offer exceptional breathability, allowing perspiration to escape and preventing overheating.
Another standout feature is the bib design, which provides extra warmth and protection in cold and frigid conditions. The adjustable bib straps ensure a perfect fit and prevent snow from entering the pants when you take a tumble.
The Goshiki YamaPro Bib Pant also offers ample storage options with its cargo pockets and zippered pockets. These pockets provide convenient storage for essentials like phones, wallet, and snacks.
Finally, these pants feature reinforced pant legs and cuffs, ensuring durability and protection against wear and tear. They are also made with sustainable and environmentally friendly materials, making them a responsible choice for eco-conscious riders.
Overall, the Oyuki Goshiki YamaPro 3L Bib Pant is a reliable and high-performing choice for snowboarders who demand the best in terms of waterproofing, durability, and functionality.
7. Trew Gear Cooper
Type: Nylon
Price Range: $250
What We Love: The bib design extends the warmth and dryness provided by these pants all the way to your chest. Pair these with a good pair of snowboard boots and a coat and you’re set!
The Trew Gear Cooper snowboard pants are designed to provide both comfort and performance on the slopes. These pants are made with a base layer that features 2-layer waterproof and breathable fabric, ensuring that you stay dry and comfortable in any weather conditions.
The pants are also equipped with zippered vents, allowing you to easily adjust your body temperature when conditions change.
In terms of freedom of movement, the Cooper pants have a relaxed fit, giving you plenty of room to move and perform tricks on your board. They also have reinforced pant legs for added durability, making them suitable for long days on the mountain.
All in all, the Trew Gear Cooper snowboard pants are an excellent choice for riders who value performance, durability, and environmental sustainability.
8. Patagonia Powder Bowl Insulated Pants
Type: Polyester
Price Range: $269
What We Love: Exceptional insulation paired with high breathability makes these ideal for snowboarding in wet or dry conditions.
The Patagonia Powder Bowl Insulated Pants are a top choice for snowboarders seeking both performance and protection. These pants are equipped with a waterproof and breathable fabric, allowing you to stay dry and comfortable in wet conditions. With a 2-layer outer fabric and a DWR finish, these pants have excellent waterproofing, keeping you dry even in the toughest conditions. The pants also feature a breathable membrane and mesh outer thigh vents, allowing for optimal ventilation and preventing overheating.
One of the standout features of the Powder Bowl Insulated Pants is the extra warmth they provide. With a layer of recycled insulation, these pants offer excellent insulation without sacrificing breathability. The pants also have a powder skirt and adjustable cuffs, keeping snow out and warmth in.
For added convenience, these pants have multiple zippered pockets, providing ample space for storing essentials. The pants also have an adjustable waist, ensuring freedom of movement and a comfortable fit.
In terms of environmental impact, Patagonia is known for its commitment to sustainability. The Powder Bowl Insulated Pants are made with recycled materials, reducing their ecological footprint.
Overall, the Patagonia Powder Bowl Insulated Pants are a reliable choice for snowboarders looking for both warmth and performance on the slopes.
9. Columbia Men’s Powder Keg III Pants
Type: Nylon
Price Range: $250
What We Love: A range of sizes, articulated knees, internal stretch panels and an adjustable waist offer high customization.
The Columbia Men’s Powder Keg III Pants are a top choice for snowboarders looking for exceptional performance and comfort. These pants are built to withstand even the harshest winter conditions, making them an ideal choice for cold, wet, or frigid conditions.
One of the key features of the Powder Keg III Pants is their waterproof rating. With a high waterproof rating, these pants offer excellent protection against moisture, keeping you dry and comfortable all day long. Additionally, the pants feature a breathable membrane, allowing sweat to escape while preventing water from entering.
Another notable feature of these pants is the inclusion of cargo pockets with zippered vents. These pockets provide ample space for storing essentials, while the zippered vents allow for extra ventilation when needed. Additionally, the pants have a powder skirt to keep snow at bay, as well as adjustable cuffs for a personalized fit.
When it comes to freedom of movement, the Powder Keg III Pants truly shine. They are designed with articulated knees, allowing for unrestricted movement, whether you’re carving down the slopes or navigating challenging terrain. Plus, the pants come in a range of sizes to ensure the perfect fit.
Overall, the Columbia Men’s Powder Keg III Pants are a reliable and functional option for snowboarders seeking performance, protection, and comfort. These pants are designed to deliver in even the most demanding winter conditions, making them a must-have for any snowboarding adventure.
10. Patagonia Untracked Pants
Type: GORE-TEX
Price Range: $450
What We Love: Waterproof, breathable and featuring a powders skirt to keep snow out, these pants will enable you to go all day long.
Patagonia Untracked Pants are a top choice for serious snowboarding enthusiasts. These pants are made of a burly fabric that come with a waterproof rating that ensures you stay dry even in the wettest conditions. Made with a 3-layer GORE-TEX fabric, the Untracked Pants provide unbeatable protection against moisture. They also feature a breathable membrane to keep you comfortable and prevent overheating.
One of the standout features of these pants is the freedom of movement they offer. With articulated patterning , they allow for unrestricted mobility, making them perfect for navigating challenging terrains or executing complex tricks. The pants also come with a powder skirt to prevent snow entry and adjustable cuffs for a personalized fit.
The Untracked Pants prioritize sustainability, as well. They are made with a PFC-free DWR (durable water repellent) coating, minimizing their environmental impact while still delivering excellent performance. These pants also come with a range of pocket options offering ample storage space for your essentials.
These aren’t just insulated snow pants. The Patagonia Untracked Pants may come with a higher price tag, their unmatched quality, durability, and attention to detail make them a worthy investment for serious riders who require top-of-the-line gear.
Frequently Asked Questions about Snowboard Pants
What are some important features to look for in snowboard pants?
When choosing snowboard pants, it’s important to consider factors such as waterproof rating, breathability, insulation, and fit.
You need to keep your legs warm and dry. Look for pants with a high waterproof rating to keep you dry in wet conditions and a breathable membrane to prevent overheating. Insulated pants are a great choice for cold or frigid conditions, while a proper fit with features like articulated knees and adjustable cuffs ensures freedom of movement.
Are bib pants a good option for snowboarding?
Bib pants are a popular choice among snowboarders due to their extra warmth and added protection against snow entry. They feature extra material to provide a higher waist design with suspenders, offering more coverage and keeping snow out even during intense rides. They are especially popular for backcountry riders or those who frequently venture into deep powder.
How can I find snowboard pants that are environmentally friendly?
Look for snowboard pants that are made with recycled materials and have a PFC-free DWR coating. Brands like Outdoor Research and Trew Gear prioritize sustainability, offering products with minimal environmental impact. Additionally, consider the overall construction and manufacturing processes of the pants to ensure they align with your environmental values.
What is the difference between snowboard pants and ski pants?
A pair of pants is a pair of pants, right? Yes and no.
While there is some overlap in functionality, snowboard pants are typically more baggy pants. They are designed with a looser fit and more freedom of movement to accommodate the dynamic movements involved in snowboarding. Ski pants, on the other hand, usually have a more fitted design and are often equipped with features specific to skiing, such as a gaiter to fit over ski boots.
How much should I expect to pay for a good pair of snowboard pants?
The price range for snowboard pants can vary depending on the brand, features, and materials used. Generally, you can find good quality snowboard pants ranging from $100 to $300. It’s important to consider your own budget and specific needs when deciding on the right pair for you.