Keeping your feet and torso toasty is key to a happy riding day, but don’t sleep on the importance of pants. Sure, snowboard pants are a fashion statement, but they can also provide key comfort and warmth on a frozen chairlift, or breathability while climbing a remote mountainside.
The best designs fit just right without falling down or being restrictive. In athletic pairs, the knees are articulated and the legs are tapered. The hems need to be wide enough to seamlessly pair with the bulky neck of snowboard boots, especially for boot adjustments midday.
Depending on the climate, additional elements where you ride, and the performance qualities you need, there’s a wide range of snowboard pants for the frontcountry and backcountry that can check those boxes.
We’ve divided this list into categories to help you find the best snowboard pants for you. The men’s products are in the upper half of the guide and the women’s snowboard pants are separated in the second half. For more help choosing the right pants, we’ve included a complete buying guide along with a handy FAQ and comparison table.
Scroll through to see all of our recommended buys or jump to the category you’re looking for:
- Best Overall: Volcom L GORE-TEX Pants
- Best Budget Men’s Snowboard Pants: The North Face Freedom Insulated Pants
- Runner-Up Best Overall Men’s Snowboard Pants: Burton Cargo Snow Pants
- Best Insulated Snowboard Pants for Men: Mountain Hardwear Cloud Bank GORE-TEX Insulated Pant
- Best Men’s Snowboard Pants for the Backcountry: Flylow Baker Bib
- Best Men’s Snow Suit: Airblaster Beast Suit
- Best Men’s Snow Bib: Trew Gear Trewth Bibs
- Best Overall Women’s Snowboard Pants: Volcom Aston GORE-TEX Pants
- Best Budget Women’s Snowboard Pants: The North Face Aboutaday Pants
- Runner-Up Best Overall Women’s Snowboard Pants: Burton Gloria Stretch 2L
- Best Insulated Snowboard Pants for Women: 686 Smarty 3-in-1 Cargo Pant
- Best Women’s Snowboard Pants for the Backcountry: Norrona Tamok GORE-TEX Pro Bib
- Best Women’s Snow Suit: Airblaster Sassy Beast Suit
- Best Women’s Snow Bib: TREW Gear Chariot Bib
- Best of the Rest
- Dakine Sender Stretch 3L Pant — Women’s & Men’s
- Jones Snowboards Women’s Shralpinist Stretch 3L Pants
- Women’s Roxy Rising High Pants
- FW Manifest Tour 3L Bibs — Men’s & Women’s
Click to View Post Navigation
- The Best Men’s Snowboard Pants of 2023
- Volcom L GORE-TEX Pants
- The North Face Freedom Insulated Pants
- Burton Cargo Snow Pants
- Mountain Hardwear Cloud Bank GORE-TEX Insulated Pant
- Flylow Baker Bib
- Airblaster Beast Suit
- Trew Gear Trewth Bibs
- Best Women’s Snowboard Pants
- Volcom Aston GORE-TEX Pants
- The North Face Aboutaday Pants
- Burton Gloria Stretch 2L
- 686 Smarty 3-in-1 Cargo Pant
- Norrona Tamok GORE-TEX Pro Bib
- Airblaster Sassy Beast Suit
- TREW Gear Chariot Bib
- Best of the Rest
- Dakine Sender Stretch 3L Pant — Women’s & Men’s
- Jones Snowboards Women’s Shralpinist Stretch 3L Pants
- Women’s Roxy Rising High Pants
- FW Manifest Tour 3L Bibs — Men’s & Women’s
- Snowboard Pants Comparison Chart
- Why You Should Trust Us
- Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose Snowboard Pants
- FAQ
The Best Men’s Snowboard Pants of 2023
Volcom L GORE-TEX Pants
Specs
- Fit Relaxed fit with articulated knees
- Material Nylon with 2-layer GORE-TEX
- Waterproof rating (mm) 28,000
- Breathability (g) 20,000
- Insulation None
- Sustainable features Bluesign-approved nylon + PFC-free laminate shell
Specs
- Fit Relaxed fit with articulated knees
- Material Nylon with 2-layer GORE-TEX
- Waterproof rating (mm) 28,000
- Breathability (g) 20,000
- Insulation None
- Sustainable features Bluesign-approved nylon + PFC-free laminate shell
Pros
- Reinforced in high-wear areas
- High-quality waterproofing
- Nice looking
Cons
- Some riders find them to be excessively baggy
The North Face Freedom Insulated Pants
Specs
- Fit Slim
- Material Nylon blend with 2-layer DryVent construction
- Waterproof rating (mm) Unknown
- Breathability (g) Unknown
- Insulation Synthetic
- Sustainable features Heatseeker insulation is made from 50% post-consumer recycled material
Specs
- Fit Slim
- Material Nylon blend with 2-layer DryVent construction
- Waterproof rating (mm) Unknown
- Breathability (g) Unknown
- Insulation Synthetic
- Sustainable features Heatseeker insulation is made from 50% post-consumer recycled material
Pros
- Excellent value
- Ideal for cold conditions
Cons
- Not the most breathable
Burton Cargo Snow Pants
Specs
- Fit Regular
- Material Polyester twill weave with 2-layer DryRide membrane
- Waterproof rating (mm) 10,000
- Breathability (g) 10,000
- Insulation None
- Sustainable features Bluesign-approved
Specs
- Fit Regular
- Material Polyester twill weave with 2-layer DryRide membrane
- Waterproof rating (mm) 10,000
- Breathability (g) 10,000
- Insulation None
- Sustainable features Bluesign-approved
Pros
- Good value
- Nice balance of warmth and breathability
Cons
- Not super roomy in the crotch area
- May be a bit short for riders over 6′
Mountain Hardwear Cloud Bank GORE-TEX Insulated Pant
Specs
- Fit Regular
- Material 2-layer GORE-TEX 75D dobby weave and 100% recycled polyester
- Waterproof rating (mm) 28,000
- Breathability (g) 25,000
- Insulation Synthetic stretch insulation, including 40 g at seat and 60 g at knees
- Sustainable features 100% recycled polyester in fabric, 100% recycled synthetic insulation
Specs
- Fit Regular
- Material 2-layer GORE-TEX 75D dobby weave and 100% recycled polyester
- Waterproof rating (mm) 28,000
- Breathability (g) 25,000
- Insulation Synthetic stretch insulation, including 40 g at seat and 60 g at knees
- Sustainable features 100% recycled polyester in fabric, 100% recycled synthetic insulation
Pros
- Insulated in key areas
- Highly waterproof
Cons
- Hand pockets could be better articulated for the hands
Flylow Baker Bib
Specs
- Fit Athletic
- Material 3-layer hardshell polyester with DWR finish
- Waterproof rating (mm) 20,000
- Breathability (g) 20,000
- Insulation None
- Sustainable features None
Specs
- Fit Athletic
- Material 3-layer hardshell polyester with DWR finish
- Waterproof rating (mm) 20,000
- Breathability (g) 20,000
- Insulation None
- Sustainable features None
Pros
- 7 pockets
- YKK waterproof zippers
Cons
- Pricier choice
Airblaster Beast Suit
Specs
- Fit Relaxed with slightly tailored legs
- Material 2-layer Eco-Vortex that’s 100% recycled polyester
- Waterproof rating (mm) 30,000
- Breathability (g) 20,000
- Insulation None
- Sustainable features PFC-free DWR, recycled polyester fabric
Specs
- Fit Relaxed with slightly tailored legs
- Material 2-layer Eco-Vortex that’s 100% recycled polyester
- Waterproof rating (mm) 30,000
- Breathability (g) 20,000
- Insulation None
- Sustainable features PFC-free DWR, recycled polyester fabric
Pros
- Drop seat for bathroom breaks
- Integrated wrist gaiters and adjustable wrist cuffs
- Fully taped seams
Cons
- A bit too warm for super-sunny or hot spring laps
- An investment
Trew Gear Trewth Bibs
Specs
- Fit Relaxed
- Material 3-layer
- Waterproof rating (mm) 20,000
- Breathability (g) 20,000
- Insulation None
- Sustainable features Bluesign certified
Specs
- Fit Relaxed
- Material 3-layer
- Waterproof rating (mm) 20,000
- Breathability (g) 20,000
- Insulation None
- Sustainable features Bluesign certified
Pros
- Fabric is pretty robust
- Short, regular, and tall length options
Cons
- The transceiver pocket needs to be larger — a beacon is a squeeze
Best Women’s Snowboard Pants
Volcom Aston GORE-TEX Pants
Specs
- Fit Stretch slim
- Material GORE-TEX 2-layer stretch
- Waterproof rating (mm) 28,000
- Breathability (g) 20,000
- Insulation None
- Sustainable features None
Specs
- Fit Stretch slim
- Material GORE-TEX 2-layer stretch
- Waterproof rating (mm) 28,000
- Breathability (g) 20,000
- Insulation None
- Sustainable features None
Pros
- Zippers for ventilation
- Fully taped seams
- Belt loops
Cons
- No eco-friendly traits
The North Face Aboutaday Pants
Specs
- Fit Fitted
- Material DryVent 100% recycled nylon with non-PFC DWR
- Waterproof rating (mm) Unavailable
- Breathability (g) Unavailable
- Insulation Yes, 60g Heatseeker Eco
- Sustainable features Insulation is 50% post-consumer recycled polyester, 100% recycled nylon fabric, non-PFC DWR
Specs
- Fit Fitted
- Material DryVent 100% recycled nylon with non-PFC DWR
- Waterproof rating (mm) Unavailable
- Breathability (g) Unavailable
- Insulation Yes, 60g Heatseeker Eco
- Sustainable features Insulation is 50% post-consumer recycled polyester, 100% recycled nylon fabric, non-PFC DWR
Pros
- Zippered hand pockets
- Comparatively low price
Cons
- Both backside pockets lack zippers
- Lack side zippers to expand hem for greater ease with boots
Burton Gloria Stretch 2L
Specs
- Fit Slim
- Material 2-layer stretch polyester fabric
- Waterproof rating (mm) 10,000
- Breathability (g) 10,000
- Insulation None
- Sustainable features Bluesign-approved materials
Specs
- Fit Slim
- Material 2-layer stretch polyester fabric
- Waterproof rating (mm) 10,000
- Breathability (g) 10,000
- Insulation None
- Sustainable features Bluesign-approved materials
Pros
- Lower cost
- Eco-friendly manufacturing
- Very comfortable
Cons
- Low-waisted design is too low for some (or requires a belt or suspenders)
- No zippers on the hand pockets limits utility
686 Smarty 3-in-1 Cargo Pant
Specs
- Fit Regular
- Material 2-layer infiDry made with recycled fabric plus DWR
- Waterproof rating (mm) 20,000
- Breathability (g) 15,000
- Insulation Removable fleece liner
- Sustainable features Climate-neutral certified
Specs
- Fit Regular
- Material 2-layer infiDry made with recycled fabric plus DWR
- Waterproof rating (mm) 20,000
- Breathability (g) 15,000
- Insulation Removable fleece liner
- Sustainable features Climate-neutral certified
Pros
- Fully taped seams
- BOA-compatible system in the lower leg for fit compatibility
- 500-denier reinforced hem
Cons
- The insulation is not integrated into the pant, which can be a pro or con depending on the user
Norrona Tamok GORE-TEX Pro Bib
Specs
- Fit Athletic, relaxed fit that accommodates snowboard boots and backcountry touring
- Material 3-layer 200D GORE-TEX PRO with a 100% recycled nylon face and 200D Vectran fabric leg reinforcements
- Waterproof rating (mm) 28,000
- Breathability (g) 25,000
- Insulation No
- Sustainable features More than 50% of the fibers used in construction are recycled, 100% recycled nylon face
Specs
- Fit Athletic, relaxed fit that accommodates snowboard boots and backcountry touring
- Material 3-layer 200D GORE-TEX PRO with a 100% recycled nylon face and 200D Vectran fabric leg reinforcements
- Waterproof rating (mm) 28,000
- Breathability (g) 25,000
- Insulation No
- Sustainable features More than 50% of the fibers used in construction are recycled, 100% recycled nylon face
Pros
- Impressive GORE-TEX PRO waterproofing and breathability
- Many pocket options (2 thigh pockets, a key pocket, and 2 chest pockets)
Cons
- Price
- No RECCO reflector
Airblaster Sassy Beast Suit
Specs
- Fit Baggy with slightly tailored legs
- Material 2-layer Eco-Vortex made with 100% recycled polyester
- Waterproof rating (mm) 30,000
- Breathability (g) 20,000
- Insulation 40g PrimaLoft insulation
- Sustainable features PFC-free DWR, recycled polyester fabric
Specs
- Fit Baggy with slightly tailored legs
- Material 2-layer Eco-Vortex made with 100% recycled polyester
- Waterproof rating (mm) 30,000
- Breathability (g) 20,000
- Insulation 40g PrimaLoft insulation
- Sustainable features PFC-free DWR, recycled polyester fabric
Pros
- Drop seat for bathroom breaks
- Integrated wrist gaiters and adjustable wrist cuffs
Cons
- A bit too warm for super-sunny or hot spring laps
- Pricier choice
TREW Gear Chariot Bib
Specs
- Fit Form-fitted, athletic
- Material 3-layer nylon fabric
- Waterproof rating (mm) 20,000
- Breathability (g) 20,000
- Insulation None
- Sustainable features Bluesign-certified
Specs
- Fit Form-fitted, athletic
- Material 3-layer nylon fabric
- Waterproof rating (mm) 20,000
- Breathability (g) 20,000
- Insulation None
- Sustainable features Bluesign-certified
Pros
- Internal dual-direction leg vents
- RECCO reflector
Cons
- Premium price
Best of the Rest
Dakine Sender Stretch 3L Pant — Women’s & Men’s
Specs
- Fit Relaxed
- Material 4-way stretch recycled polyester with PFC-free DWR and 3L plain weave ultralight backer
- Waterproof rating (mm) 20,000
- Breathability (g) 20,000
- Insulation None
- Sustainable features 100% recycled and recyclable fabric
Specs
- Fit Relaxed
- Material 4-way stretch recycled polyester with PFC-free DWR and 3L plain weave ultralight backer
- Waterproof rating (mm) 20,000
- Breathability (g) 20,000
- Insulation None
- Sustainable features 100% recycled and recyclable fabric
Pros
- RECCO
- Fully taped seams
- Integrated belt loops
Cons
- Thigh pockets could be a tad larger
- Pricer option
Jones Snowboards Women’s Shralpinist Stretch 3L Pants
Specs
- Fit Relaxed
- Material 3-layer 100% recycled 40-denier polyester fabric, 100% 20-denier recycled polyester backer, and PFC-free DWR
- Waterproof rating (mm) 30,000
- Breathability (g) 30,000
- Insulation None
- Sustainable features OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified, which verifies the safety of the materials for health and the environment
Specs
- Fit Relaxed
- Material 3-layer 100% recycled 40-denier polyester fabric, 100% 20-denier recycled polyester backer, and PFC-free DWR
- Waterproof rating (mm) 30,000
- Breathability (g) 30,000
- Insulation None
- Sustainable features OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified, which verifies the safety of the materials for health and the environment
Pros
- RECCO
- 5 pockets
Cons
- Premium
- Not insulated
Women’s Roxy Rising High Pants
Specs
- Fit Very fitted
- Material 56% polyester, 32% recycled polyester, 12% elastane
- Waterproof rating (mm) 15,000
- Breathability (g) 10,000
- Insulation None
- Sustainable features PFC-free DWR treatment, recycled polyester blend
Specs
- Fit Very fitted
- Material 56% polyester, 32% recycled polyester, 12% elastane
- Waterproof rating (mm) 15,000
- Breathability (g) 10,000
- Insulation None
- Sustainable features PFC-free DWR treatment, recycled polyester blend
Pros
- High-reaching neoprene waist panel
- Belt loops
Cons
- Pockets are small and not ergonomic or utility-focused
- Too lean-fitting for some ladies
FW Manifest Tour 3L Bibs — Men’s & Women’s
Specs
- Fit Athletic but a bit roomy
- Material 85% nylon, 15% spandex
- Waterproof rating (mm) 20,000
- Breathability (g) 20,000
- Insulation None
- Sustainable features None
Specs
- Fit Athletic but a bit roomy
- Material 85% nylon, 15% spandex
- Waterproof rating (mm) 20,000
- Breathability (g) 20,000
- Insulation None
- Sustainable features None
Pros
- Zip and snap-button system can hold up cuff for protection
- Large thigh pockets
Cons
- Premium price tag
Snowboard Pants Comparison Chart
| Snowboard Pant | Price | Fit | Material | Waterproof
Rating (mm) |
Breathability
(g) |
Insulation |
| M – Volcom L Pants | $295 | Relaxed | Nylon with 2-layer
GORE-TEX |
28,000 | 20,000 | No |
| M – The North Face
Freedom Insulated Pants |
$169 | Slim | Nylon blend with
2-layer DryVent |
N/A | N/A | Yes |
| M – Burton Cargo Snow Pants | $185 | Regular | Polyester twill weave
with 2-layer DryRide |
10,000 | 10,000 | No |
| M – Mountain Hardwear Cloud
Bank GORE-TEX Insulated Pant |
$350 | Regular | 2-layer GORE-TEX 75D dobby weave and 100% recycled polyester | 28,000 | 25,000 | Yes |
| M – Flylow Baker Bib | $430 | Athletic | 3-layer hardshell polyester with DWR finish | 20,000 | 20,000 | No |
| M – Airblaster Beast Suit | $430 | Relaxed | 2-layer Eco-Vortex | 30,000 | 20,000 | No |
| M – Trew Gear Trewth Bibs | $439 | Relaxed | 3-layer | 20,000 | 20,000 | No |
| W – Volcom Aston GORE-TEX Pants | $280 | Stretch slim | GORE-TEX 2-layer
stretch |
28,000 | 20,000 | No |
| W – The North Face Aboutaday Pants | $159 | Fitted | DryVent 100% recycled | N/A | N/A | Yes |
| W – Burton Gloria Stretch 2L | $195 | Slim | 2-layer stretch polyester fabric | 10,000 | 10,000 | No |
| W – 686 Smarty 3-In-1 Cargo Pant | $230 | Regular | 2-layer infiDry | 20,000 | 15,000 | Yes |
| W – Norrona Tamok GORE-TEX
Pro Bib |
$699 | Athletic | 3-layer 200D GORE-TEX PRO, nylon face, 200D Vectran fabric leg reinforcements | 28,000 | 25,000 | No |
| W – Airblaster Sassy Beast Suit | $430 | Baggy | 2-layer Eco-Vortex | 30,000 | 20,000 | Yes |
| W – TREW Gear Chariot Bib | $439 | Athletic | 3-layer nylon fabric | 20,000 | 20,000 | No |
| M & W – Dakine Sender Stretch
3L Pant |
$450 | Relaxed | 4-way stretch recycled polyester with PFC-free DWR and 3L plain weave ultralight backer | 20,000 | 20,000 | No |
| Jones Snowboards Women’s
Shralpinist Stretch 3L Pants |
$450 | Relaxed | 3-layer 100% recycled 40-denier polyester fabric, 100% 20-denier recycled polyester backer, and PFC-free DWR | 30,000 | 30,000 | No |
| W – Roxy Rising High Pants | $199 | Very Fitted | 56% polyester, 32% recycled polyester, 12% elastane | 15,000 | 10,000 | No |
| FW Manifest Tour 3L Bibs | $500 | Athletic | 85% nylon, 15% spandex | 20,000 | 20,000 | No |
Why You Should Trust Us
Our GearJunkie snowboard gear testers include a range of experience levels from intermediate to expert, both men and women. We also have backcountry splitboarders (with AIARE 2 certification), backcountry snowmobilers, and certified instructors on staff. We meet for an annual gear testing week to swap notes, including a recent ride week at Crested Butte Mountain Resort, which is known for its extremely steep terrain.
Leading the gear testing, Senior Editor Morgan Tilton specializes in snowsports. She’s been snowboarding since 2002, when she switched from skiing on two planks to one, which she’d been doing since age 4 at Telluride Ski Resort. While she grew up competing in slopestyle competitions, today Morgan lives in the Elk Mountains, where she snowboards in-bounds, splitboard tours and mountaineers, heads out on sled-accessed adventures, and pow surfs in between. She’s traveled to some incredible places with her snowboard, including Vancouver Island.
Editor Austin Beck-Doss has been snowboarding since 2005, and our contributing photographer Eric Phillips is a formerly certified Level II PSIA-AASI instructor.
We’ve tested snowboard pants in a range of conditions from California to the Colorado Rockies and high-alpine environments. Our apparel has protected us in ice-cold wind, on long lift rides, on long backcountry tours, and while romping through deep powder.
While testing snowboard pants, we consider fit, durability, functionality, fit, ease of movement, and overall value. We also take into consideration the most novel, style-specific, popular, highly rated, and legacy products across a range of price points. We’re confident these are the best snowboard pants on the market today.
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose Snowboard Pants
Every rider needs a reliable pair of snowboard pants. Sure, you can technically ride in just about any kind of pants, but the comfort and waterproofing that comes with a high-quality purpose-built pair are unmatched.
With so many great options to choose from, it can be difficult to select a single pair of snowboard pants. Between materials, features, and price, there are quite a few factors to consider when navigating the snowboard pants market. In this handy how-to-choose guide, we’ve compiled all of the information you need to make an informed purchase.
How Snowboard Pants Differ From Ski Pants
While ski pants and snowboard pants are similar, there are some key differentiators within the functionality of snowboard pants and the style. While some riders find snowboard-specific pants come with certain advantages, others are perfectly happy using generalized snow pants that work for both skiing and snowboarding.
The key: Be sure the snow pant cuff is wide enough or expandable to fit over snowboard boots, which vary in size. Some boots have a wider circumference than others due to size, inserts, an integrated BOA, dense material, or being a larger size. Many ski pants have a cuff that is too narrow to quickly and easily slide over snowboard boots, while others are unable to fit over snowboard boots at all. Cuffs on snowboard pants are often adjustable and can expand via sturdy snaps or zippers or stretchy material.
Snowboard-specific pants also usually fit on the baggier side to allow for plenty of flexibility in a crouched position and for a wide stance. Snowboarding involves a lot of dynamic lower-body movement — especially in the terrain park. If maximum flexibility is a concern, we recommend seeking out a slightly baggy snowboard-specific pant.
Because snowboarders tend to spend more time sitting down on the snow than skiers, some snowboard pants also come with fabric reinforcement in the rear.
Snowboard Bibs and Snowboard Pants
The choice between snowboard pants and bibs comes down to a combination of personal preference and function. Bibs are suspended by shoulder straps and are generally more effective at keeping snow out. Pants are held up by the waistband and offer less insulation because there is less material.
On deep powder days, a bib can be a game-changing addition to your kit. For this reason, we specifically recommend bibs to those who regularly ride in areas with lots of snowfall. Backcountry riders also tend to enjoy the extra coverage and protection provided by bibs.
Bibs always make going to the bathroom so much easier. Many bibs come with a drop seat, which is essentially a flap that opens in the back. Drop seats are handy when you need to squat and go in the backcountry as well as when you want to stay layered up in an indoor bathroom at the ski lodge.
Resort Riding and Backcountry Riding
If you plan to regularly snowboard in the backcountry, you’ll want pants or bibs that are up to the task. Riding in the backcountry means hiking uphill, and there are a few key features that can make the experience much more enjoyable.
First, backcountry riders need breathable outerwear. When hiking, you will generate heat, which can quickly lead to perspiration. Sweating in the backcountry is not ideal, since the moisture quickly becomes cold and uncomfortable as soon as the hike is over.
For this reason, we recommend seeking breathable materials and well-designed vents. For backcountry snowboarding, insulated pants are generally not recommended.
Additionally, backcountry snowboard pants should have reinforced fabric around the inner ankle and calf. While skinning or climbing uphill, the interior pant can be exposed to the sharp edge of the opposing split-ski or crampons, which can lead to tears if your pants have not been properly designed for the job. Riding a backcountry snowmobile for access can also lead to beat-up cuffs, especially if they aren’t reinforced.
If you do a lot of in-bounds boot packing or uphill hiking, consider a pair with reinforced fabric around the inner ankle, too. Boot packing at the resort can also lead to interior scuffs from your snowboard boots. Even when we’re skating through the lift line at the resort or connecting runs via flat meadows or groomed corduroy, it’s easy to beat up the interior pant legs with a board’s metal edge.
Resort riding is generally less demanding on your outerwear. Because the bathrooms and lodge are always relatively close by, you don’t have to worry as much about bathroom breaks or temperature control.
Most resort riders prefer a relatively simple pair of traditional snowboard pants.
Materials and Durability
Snowboard pants need to be durable enough to hold up to the demands of shredding through the trees and ripping deep carves. On this list, we’ve recommended many high-quality pairs of snowboard pants, but some are more durable than others.
Most ski pants are primarily made of nylon, polyester, or a blend of both. Many styles are reinforced in key wear areas to prevent premature material failure.
If durability is a primary concern, be sure to find a pair of pants with two-layer or three-layer fabric construction. Burly zippers and fully taped seams are also a plus.
Insulation and Warmth
Most snowboard pants on the market are not insulated. The primary job of snowboard pants is to keep you dry and protect your body from the surrounding weather. Because most snowboard pants are in the shell category, most riders wear various base layers underneath to keep their legs warm and comfortable. Base layers range in thickness and the amount of warmth they provide, thanks to a variety of fibers.
However, if you tend to run cold or regularly ride in extra cold conditions, you may want to purchase snowboard pants with built-in insulation. Some styles come with insulation strategically located only in key cold-prone areas. On this list, we have included insulated and uninsulated snowboard pants.
Waterproofing and Breathability
While wearing snowboard pants, you’ll likely sit on wet surfaces and ride through falling snow or rain, depending on the climate. Reliable water resistance is an absolute must. Many of the styles included on this list come with high-end waterproof membranes and outer fabrics.
Within the outerwear industry, GORE-TEX is generally considered top-tier waterproof protection. The best well-made waterproof snowboard pants will come with taped seams, waterproof zippers, and a DWR coating.
Every snowboarder has a different comfort zone when it comes to temperature regulation and layering. For those who tend to run warm, breathable and well-ventilated outerwear may be absolutely essential.
In general, snowboard pants will offer varying degrees of ventilation and breathability depending on their design. When backcountry riding or bootpacking, grueling uphill treks call for air-permeable outer layers.
Sustainable Features
With each passing season, the snowsports outerwear industry incorporates more and more sustainable manufacturing practices and recycled materials. If sustainable features are a priority for you, be sure to check each manufacturer’s specifications for material sources, sustainable manufacturing certifications, and so on.
Jones Snowboards definitely sets the gold standard for sustainability with the brand’s recently launched apparel line for women and men. All of the Jones Outerwear materials are OEKO-TEX and/or Bluesign-certified. The majority are 100% recycled, and they utilize PFC-free DWR (except the GORE-TEX Pro fabric).
Bluesign is a top-tier certification for textile products that are safe for the environment, workers, and customers. We’ve included multiple Bluesign-certified pants and bibs on this list.
Key Features
Ventilation
Different types of fabric have varying levels of breathability in snowboard pants. You can read the breathability and waterproof ratings to get an idea of how easily the fabric breathes. The more waterproof a fabric is, generally the less breathable it is. If a pant is insulated, expect it to feel warmer.
Regardless of the insulation, breathability, and waterproofness of a pant, it’s typically a great idea to invest in a pair with ventilation if you plan to ride in the warmer spring months. Riding on powder days or in the trees can also quickly build body heat, even on midwinter days.
Ventilation is also great if you generally ride in a milder climate, don’t take cooldown breaks from top to bottom, or tend to build heat while riding. If you plan to uphill at the resort or if you explore boot-accessed hike-to terrain or backcountry splitboard, ventilation is mandatory.
Ventilation usually includes zippered openings along the interior thigh. Bibs often utilize the drop-seat zipper as a ventilation zipper on the exterior legs. It’s nice when pants have an interior mesh liner to offer some protection from snow drift (and privacy) while you ride or sit on the lift airing out your lower half. Full snowsuits usually also have ventilation below the arms.
Pockets
If you prefer to carry items in your pants versus your jacket, be mindful of the pockets in the snowboard pants you choose. Some are just for looks, while others are extremely functional.
The options range from hand pockets — sometimes zippered and other times with no closure at all — to various cargo pockets on the thighs and sometimes pockets on the backside. We find the most functional pockets are either deep hand pockets that are zippered and spacious or big, well-positioned thigh pockets.
If you’re looking for bibs for backcountry exploration, it’s nice for those designs to have a thigh or chest pocket that accommodates a beacon. For some, carrying a beacon against the torso can feel more comfortable and functional than toting a beacon in a thigh pocket.
In contrast, it’s easier to grab a phone out of a leg pocket while riding or skinning in the backcountry than to unzip a jacket to access a bib’s chest pocket. The caveat — a chest pocket is generally warmer and will help preserve the battery life.
Built-In Gaiters
Snowboard pants have built-in gaiters that open wide and stretch down over boots to the ankle. This is one differentiator between pants that work well for ski boots versus snowboard boots because ski boots have a narrower neck.
In a unique innovation, the 686 has a BOA-compatible gaiter, which is a window where the front-facing BOA — a dial that turns to tighten the cable laces in a boot — can be accessed and stays operable with the gaiter pulled down. Of course, that setup isn’t as effective with dual BOA systems.
Reinforced Cuffs
Reinforced cuffs are a key detail. When we’re at the resort and skating through the lift line or connecting runs via flat meadows or groomed corduroy, it’s easy to beat up the interior pant legs with our board’s metal edge.
When we’re uphilling, kick turns can slice that fabric. During splitboard mountaineering objectives, our crampons easily snatch the other pant leg. For post-ride après, walking around without rolling up our hems wears and tears the fabric, too.
Some snowboard pant designs have additional tough material wrapped around the interior portion of the hem, which also reaches up toward the calf. The textile coat increases the pant leg’s durability and overall lifespan. Once the outer fabric splits, the pant’s waterproof membrane can get exposed and start to shred, so it’s not the easiest fix even if you have a sewing kit.
Jacket-to-Pant Interface
A handful of brands feature a system that allows the company’s jackets and pants to connect to one another in order to prevent snow or wind drift on the lift. These styles also provide good protection when we’re bending over to strap our boots into our bindings or when we take a tumble on a rowdy powder day.
Volcom has a superior and proprietary system with a burly zipper that connects the jacket to the pant. It’s durable, comfortable, and easy to use. Other brands, like 686, have fabric strips on the jacket that extend through loops on the pants and snap closed, which helps maintain some connection and prevents a full-on gap in the event of a tumble.
RECCO
RECCO is an integrated lightweight reflector that’s often added to snowsports apparel. It’s a passive, searchable technology that rescuers can use to help locate a lost person.
Organized rescuers use handheld detectors to help find the reflector, which can complement a search during an avalanche burial. From the air, helicopter detectors can also search for a RECCO reflector.
Price
The prices in our snowboard pants guide range from budget-friendly choices like The North Face Insulated Freedom Pants ($169) to the Trew Gear Trewth Bibs ($439) or very pricey Norrona Tamok GORE-TEX Pro Bib ($699). The average snowboard pants are in the $300-400 range.
Often, the higher the price, the greater the waterproofing, breathability, and fabric reinforcement. You also might notice more pockets, zippered pockets, high-quality zippers, or more fabric in general.
Lower-cost options are often not as durable, nor will they be as stout against resounding, repeated weather like biting wind, snow, rain, hail, or sleet. But for mild climates or moderate conditions, budget options can work fine for a handful of seasonal outings at the hill.
Fit & Function
Well-designed snowboard pants are nicely fitted and articulated for function, which also parlays into style. To be paired with snowboard boots, the hems need to be modifiable and splay at various degrees.
The gaiters need to accommodate the broad width of a snowboard boot, especially if the closure features a BOA system versus traditional laces, which are more streamlined.
Often, the pants are tailored in the upper portion and bell out toward the pant leg hem. The knees are articulated for ergonomics and comfort while cleaning out binding plates and strapping in and out or while jibbing around the resort or park.
For some brands, snowboard pants for men are a bit less form-fitting or athletic-shaped and are baggier compared to designs made for women.
If you think a pair of tailored ladies’ snowboard pants or roomy lads’ snowboard pants would fit your riding style, get ‘em regardless of how you identify.
FAQ
All of the snowboard pants and bibs we’ve included on this list are high-quality products. But Volcom, Trew Gear, Airblaster, Burton, and Jones Snowboards are a handful of well-established brands that are known for their top-notch outerwear. Many other brands make outstanding products, too.
Snowboarders might find ski pants that are not marketed toward snowboarders that work super well for their riding style and the climate and conditions where they ride.
That said, snowboard pants are designed to fit over snowboard boots with cuffs that expand or have a wide enough circumference to slide over the wider neck of a snowboard boot, which is larger than a ski boot. The same goes for the boot gaiters, which are designed to work with snowboard boots.
Snowboard pants tend to have a baggier fit compared to streamlined ski pants.
On this list, the majority of our top picks are snowboard-specific pants that are optimal for snowboarding. Some pants work for both skiing and snowboarding.
If you tend to run cold or regularly ride in frigid conditions, you may want a pair of insulated snow pants. However, it’s important to note that insulated pants can become uncomfortable when the weather turns warm.
Most riders prefer uninsulated pants for their superior versatility. In cold conditions, layers can always be added for extra warmth.
Insulated pants are not recommended if you plan to boot pack often at the resort or snowboard in the backcountry.
The pants versus bibs decision ultimately comes down to personal preference. Neither is strictly better, though both have a few key advantages and disadvantages.
Bibs are great for keeping snow out while surfing through chest-deep powder and the most popular designs these days have nailed the drop seat, so going to the bathroom is easy for guys and gals in the backcountry or at the lodge. While bibs can offer protection including against the lower back from wind, many bibs are made with breathable materials, so they aren’t too stuffy or hot while they offer a barrier.
Pants are simple, though they can’t keep the elements out as well as a bib can. If you prefer to wear a midlayer beneath a shell jacket or want the quick ease of removing your midlayer midday when it warms up, it can be more comfortable and more convenient to wear snowboard pants versus bibs.
The simple answer is yes. For maximum comfort while snowboarding, you should wear waterproof outerwear, which will prevent your pants from soaking through when you sit down, if you take a tumble, on powder days, and when it snows while you’re on a lift ride or standing in line.
Backcountry snowboarding involves a lot of uphill walking and riding through deep, untracked snow. For these reasons, backcountry snowboarding requires reliably waterproof pants that are also durable, breathable, and relatively stretchy.
A few of our favorite backcountry snowboard pants and bibs include the Jones Snowboards Shralpinist Stretch Recycled Pants ($450) and the Flylow Baker Bib ($430).