Below are Snowboarding Profiles Top 10 cheap snowboard pants.
This list has been updated for the 2023-2024 season.
Not everyone has the means to get the top of the line, first-in-class snowboard pants, so this list has been designed to find the best snowboard pants from those that cost $200 or less. It's not simply a list of the cheapest pants you can find, but rather pants of as good a quality as possible, but costing no more than $200.
As per tradition I have given each pair of pants a score out of 100. This isn’t an exact science but it’s an easy way to represent their quality. Each score is broken down into categories like waterproofness etc.
When there are 2 or more pants on the same score, the pants with the lowest price gets the higher position.
We have made the decision to not update this list for the 2024-2025 season, as we needed the time to focus on snowboards, bindings and boots and because we are focused on catching up on reviews and adding a video element to our reviews. We hope to resume testing and reviewing outerwear in the near future.
Compared to other Snowboard Pants
Below are the stats for the 24 snowboard pants costing less than $200 that we rated:
O.k. let’s take a look at the top 10
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BEST CHEAP SNOWBOARD PANTS #10
Pant: 686 Ghost 2.5L
-
CA
-
UK/EU
Score: 75/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproofing: 10,000mm
Breathability: 10,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
FIT: LOOSE
Starting off the list at #10, we have the 686 Ghost 2.5L snowboard pants.
The Ghost features a loose fit, which 686 calls a throwback to the 90s. If you're down with the style of a baggy fit and the freedom of movement if allows you, the Ghost might be worth checking out.
For the price, you get really decent waterproofing, including fully taped seams, which isn't always found on pants of this price (9 of the 24 pants we looked at had fully taped seams, 7 of which made the top 10). And the seat and knees of the pants are reinforced with 500D Nylon to help those easier to tear areas to stay strong, adding durability.
In addition they offer plenty of functionality, including zippered inner leg vents, gaiters and jacket-to-pants connections with 686 jackets.
Score Breakdown for the Ghost 2.5L
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
WATERPROOFING | 3.0 | 21/35 |
SEAM SEALING | 5.0 | 20/20 |
BREATHABILITY | 3.0 | 15/25 |
VENTING | 5.0 | 5/5 |
GAITERS | 5.0 | 5/5 |
JACKET TO PANTS CONNECTIONS | 5.0 | 5/5 |
POCKETS | 4.0 | 4/5 |
TOTAL | 75/100 |
BEST CHEAP SNOWBOARD PANTS #9
Pant: 686 Infinity Insulated
-
CA
Score: 76/100
Insulation: 40G | infiLOFT®
Waterproofing: 10,000mm
Breathability: 10,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
FIT: Regular
Next up we have the 686 Infinity Insulated snowboard pants.
The Infinity are the only pants on this list to feature insulation. Insulation is pretty rare on men's snowboard pants (of the 24 under $200 that we rated only 4 were insulated) and even rarer when it comes with the performance of these pants.
So, if you run cold or ride in cold conditions a lot and layering underneath is not enough - or if you don't want to have to layer underneath, then these are good bet, if you're on a tight budget.
Compared to the Ghost above, they have a slimmer fit, but still nothing ultra slim or anything and still enough room to layer underneath, when needed.
Score Breakdown for the Infinity Insulated
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
WATERPROOFING | 3.0 | 21/35 |
SEAM SEALING | 5.0 | 20/20 |
BREATHABILITY | 3.0 | 15/25 |
VENTING | 5.0 | 5/5 |
GAITERS | 5.0 | 5/5 |
JACKET TO PANTS CONNECTIONS | 5.0 | 5/5 |
POCKETS | 5.0 | 5/5 |
TOTAL | 76/100 |
BEST CHEAP SNOWBOARD PANTS #8
Pant: Burton Cargo
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CA
-
UK/EU
Score: 76/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproofing: 10,000mm
Breathability: 10,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
FIT: Regular
In at #8, we have the Burton Cargo snowboard pants.
The Cargo provide great waterproofing and breathability for their price. And yes, while that is true for every pair of pants on this list (we wouldn't have anything on here that didn't have at least OK waterproofing and breathability, as we believe this to be the most important factors for your snowboard pants), it is even more so for the Cargo, which are the equal cheapest (along with #2) on a list of already cheap snowboard pants.
They also have a host of features, including ample pocket space.
They come in 3 leg lengths too - short, regular and tall - so you can find the version that fits you the best.
Score Breakdown for the Cargo
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
WATERPROOFING | 3.0 | 21/35 |
SEAM SEALING | 5.0 | 20/20 |
BREATHABILITY | 3.0 | 15/25 |
VENTING | 5.0 | 5/5 |
GAITERS | 5.0 | 5/5 |
JACKET TO PANTS CONNECTIONS | 5.0 | 5/5 |
POCKETS | 5.0 | 5/5 |
TOTAL | 76/100 |
BEST CHEAP SNOWBOARD PANTS #7
Pant: thirtytwo Holdup Cargo
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CA
Score: 77/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproofing: 15,000mm
Breathability: 15,000g
Seams: Critically Taped
FIT: Loose
Coming in at #7 we have the thirtytwo Holdup Cargo.
The Holdup Cargo come with removable suspenders to help keep your pants up. This can be handy if you're looking to keep a loose waist for more layering room or for an even baggier look by sizing up (though these are already pretty baggy) or if you lose some weight and don't want to or can't invest in new pants.
Featuring a loose fit and made with a 4-way stretch fabric, there's no restrictions on freedom of movement in these pants.
While the seams are only critically taped, they do provide a fabric more waterproof than the preceding pants, helping them to still have decent waterproofing and they are a step up in terms of breathability.
Score Breakdown for the Holdup Cargo
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
WATERPROOFING | 4.0 | 28/35 |
SEAM SEALING | 2.5 | 10/20 |
BREATHABILITY | 4.0 | 20/25 |
VENTING | 5.0 | 5/5 |
GAITERS | 5.0 | 5/5 |
JACKET TO PANTS CONNECTIONS | 5.0 | 5/5 |
POCKETS | 4.0 | 4/5 |
TOTAL | 77/100 |
BEST CHEAP SNOWBOARD PANTS #6
Pant: Volcom Freakin Snow Chino
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CA
-
UK/EU
Score: 77/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproofing: 15,000mm
Breathability: 15,000g
Seams: Critically Taped
FIT: Relaxed (with articulation)
At #6, we have Volcom's Freakin Snow Chino pants.
Like the Holdup Cargo above, the Freakin Snow Chino only have critically taped seams, but also like #7 above, they still achieve good waterproofing, through 15,000mm fabric. And also have great breathability.
These pants have plenty of functionality for snowboarding, including Volcom's Zip Tech jacket-to-pants connections, which allows you to fully zip your pants into Volcom snowboard jackets. This helps to keep snow out and to keep exposed skin away from cold air.
Score Breakdown for the Freakin Snow Chino
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
WATERPROOFING | 4.0 | 28/35 |
SEAM SEALING | 2.5 | 10/20 |
BREATHABILITY | 4.0 | 20/25 |
VENTING | 5.0 | 5/5 |
GAITERS | 5.0 | 5/5 |
JACKET TO PANTS CONNECTIONS | 5.0 | 5/5 |
POCKETS | 4.0 | 4/5 |
TOTAL | 77/100 |
BEST CHEAP SNOWBOARD PANTS #5
Pant: thirtytwo Sweeper
-
CA
Score: 82/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproofing: 15,000mm
Breathability: 15,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
FIT: Loose
Next up we have thirtytwo's Sweeper snowboard pants.
The Sweeper may be missing leg vents, but with the waterproofing, including fully taped seams, and breathability performance you get, if it wasn't missing something, it would likely have cost too much to make this list. If you're happy to forgo the leg vents, then you'll get great performance and functionality everywhere else, for a great price.
It doesn't compromise on other features - including gaiters, jacket-to-pants connections and knee patches to reinforce the knee area for extra strength and durability.
They have a loose fit and that combined with the 4-way stretch fabric, mean that you have no limit to your freedom of movement when riding.
Score Breakdown for the Sweeper
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
WATERPROOFING | 4.0 | 28/35 |
SEAM SEALING | 5.0 | 20/20 |
BREATHABILITY | 4.0 | 20/25 |
VENTING | 0.0 | 0/5 |
GAITERS | 5.0 | 5/5 |
JACKET TO PANTS CONNECTIONS | 5.0 | 5/5 |
POCKETS | 4.0 | 4/5 |
TOTAL | 82/100 |
BEST CHEAP SNOWBOARD PANTS #4
Pant: Volcom Roan
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CA
-
UK/EU
Score: 83/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproofing: 20,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: Critically Taped
FIT: RELAXED (with articulation)
Next up at #4 are Volcom's Roan snowboard pants.
Like #5 & #6 earlier in the list, the Roan only has critically taped seams. But it does even more to make up for it with it's Fabric than those other options, featuring 20,000mm rated fabric. That with it's 20,000g rated breathability help these pants give a really good amount of performance for the price.
On top of that they have plenty of functionality for snowboarding, including zippered vents and Volcom's petented Zip Tech jacket-to-pants connections, which allows you to fully zip your pants into Volcom's Zip Tech jackets. This is great for keeping the snow and cold air out.
Score Breakdown for the Roan
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
WATERPROOFING | 4.5 | 31.5/35 |
SEAM SEALING | 2.5 | 10/20 |
BREATHABILITY | 4.5 | 22.5/25 |
VENTING | 5.0 | 5/5 |
GAITERS | 5.0 | 5/5 |
JACKET TO PANTS CONNECTIONS | 5.0 | 5/5 |
POCKETS | 4.0 | 4/5 |
TOTAL | 83/100 |
BEST CHEAP SNOWBOARD PANTS #3
Pant: DC Code
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CA
Score: 83/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproofing: 15,000mm
Breathability: 10,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
FIT: RELAXED (with articulation)
Coming in at #3, we have the DC Code snowboard pants.
Stepping up the waterproofing now, with both 15,000mm and fully taped seams, the Code offer pretty unbelievable waterproofing when you consider the price. The equal highest performing pants in terms of waterproofing in this list (alongside #5 above and #2 and #1 below).
With a relaxed fit, they offer plenty of room for layering underneath and that fit, along with articulation in the legs, helps with freedom of movement. Which is already helped in the first place with the stretch fabric they're made with.
Add to all that about all the functionality that you could ask for, including jacket-to-pants connections, plenty of pocket space and mesh lined, zippered vents and you get pants that offer great value-for-money.
Score Breakdown for the Code
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
WATERPROOFING | 4.0 | 28/35 |
SEAM SEALING | 5.0 | 20/20 |
BREATHABILITY | 3.0 | 15/25 |
VENTING | 5.0 | 5/5 |
GAITERS | 5.0 | 5/5 |
JACKET TO PANTS CONNECTIONS | 5.0 | 5/5 |
POCKETS | 5.0 | 5/5 |
TOTAL | 83/100 |
BEST CHEAP SNOWBOARD PANTS #2
Pant: thirtytwo Gateway
-
CA
Score: 87/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproofing: 15,000mm
Breathability: 15,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
FIT: LOOSE
In the #2 position, we have thirtytwo's Gateway snowboard pants.
Thirtytwo feature a lot in this list and seem to making pants with great performance and features for lower than usual prices. As a snowboard boot company first and foremost, it seems they understand snowboarders pretty well!
Like the other thirtytwo options in this list, the Gateway features a loose fit and 4 way stretch fabric for lots of freedom of movement and plenty of room to layer underneath.
The Gateway are also the equal cheapest (along with #8) snowboard pants on this list.
Score Breakdown for the Gateway
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
WATERPROOFING | 4.0 | 28/35 |
SEAM SEALING | 5.0 | 20/20 |
BREATHABILITY | 4.0 | 20/25 |
VENTING | 5.0 | 5/5 |
GAITERS | 5.0 | 5/5 |
JACKET TO PANTS CONNECTIONS | 5.0 | 5/5 |
POCKETS | 4.0 | 4/5 |
TOTAL | 87/100 |
BEST CHEAP SNOWBOARD PANTS #1
Pant: thirtytwo Blahzay Cargo
-
CA
Score: 88/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproofing: 15,000mm
Breathability: 15,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
FIT: Loose
And finally, in at #1, we have thirtytwo's Blahzay Cargo pants.
The Blahzay Cargo have great waterproofing, including fully taped seams, and breathability for the price - being equal best on this list for both of those things.
They also have about all the features you could possibly need on snowboard pants, including jacket-to-pants connections, gaiters, venting and plenty of pockets, including cargo pockets, as the name suggests.
Like all the thirtytwo pants in this list, they feature a loose fit and 4-way stretch fabric for plenty of room for layering and lots of freedom of movement.
Like all the pants in this list, they come in a variety of colorways.
Score Breakdown for the Blahzay Cargo
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
WATERPROOFING | 4.0 | 28/35 |
SEAM SEALING | 5.0 | 20/20 |
BREATHABILITY | 4.0 | 20/25 |
VENTING | 5.0 | 5/5 |
GAITERS | 5.0 | 5/5 |
JACKET TO PANTS CONNECTIONS | 5.0 | 5/5 |
POCKETS | 5.0 | 5/5 |
TOTAL | 88/100 |
Thanks for reading and I hope this post has helped you to find the best cheap men’s snowboard pants for you.
Check out the links under each pants description for current prices, availability and more information.
I want to thank you so much for doing all this research it makes it so much easier for us to select the correct gear.
Thanks Hannes and you’re very welcome.
Hi,
I am looking for not expensive pants for a beginner. I Found some favorable reviews on The North Face Freedom insulated pants but I noticed that they didn’t make it to your list.
what do you think about them?
Thanks
Michael
Hi Michael
Thanks for your message.
They look like they’d probably do the trick. North Face don’t tend to include comparable waterproofing specs, so it’s hard to compare them to others, so I don’t include them in my research. It does say that they’re fully taped, which is a good sign for waterproofing, but hard to say about the waterproofness of the fabric, without having that info published. You’re probably good though – a lot of pants in this price range are only critically taped and not fully taped.
Nate , thank you for your response .
I am still researching before making a decision. Any thoughts about Burton Covert Pant(insulated and not)
Thank you.
Michael
Hi Michael
The Covert scored 71/100 in my system. The biggest reason they score lower than others on this list is less breathability. They’re a 10K waterprooding/5k breathability. So waterproofing isn’t great either. However for the price, 10K with Fully Taped seams is pretty good. With a little more breathability, they would have made this list. Of course the shell version will be a little more breathable. That said, the insulated version looks to have pretty light insulation, so it may not make that much difference.
What about bibs? Looking at the Quiksilver Utility or Volcom Roan. Six of one, half dozen of the other?
Hi Mark
Thanks for your message.
Have been wanting to do a bibs list for a while, but haven’t been able to find the time!
Comparing the two you’ve mentioned, there’s not a lot in it. Looks like the Roan are a little more breathable but both with the same waterproofing. The Roan looks like it’s supposed to have a looser fit to the Utility, so that’s something else to consider – whether you’d prefer a looser fit or not.
I own the Utility bib and it’s done me well. In terms of waterproofing, it’s certainly not perfect – and in this mid-price range and with 15K waterproofing not expected to be. It keeps me dry on all but the really wet days. I’ll go out in almost anything, so I’ve been out in some relatively heavy rain and it’s kept me dry for a while, but eventually things start to get wet. So just don’t expect gore-tex waterproofing or waterproofing as good as you’d get for like 20K+ waterproofing or anything. I was just out in the rain yesterday and was bone-dry on my top half (gore-tex jacket) but a little wet on my bottom half. We were out in the rain for about 2 1/2 hours.
But yeah, a quick look at specs and it’s pretty much six of one, half dozen the other – so if you wanted to pick on price or on style/fit, then that would be a valid way to choose between them, in this case.
Hope this helps
You’re the best, thanks so much.
You’re very welcome Mark. Happy riding!