Below are what I consider to be the top 20 best men’s snowboard pants currently on the market.
This list has been updated for the 2018-19 season.
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.
Note that snowboard pants can be insulated or non-insulated. This post includes both insulated and non-insulated pants but there are no scores given for insulation.
Price hasn’t been taken into account for the scores, however, anything over $400 has not been included. Also, if two pants have the same score the lower priced pair gets the higher position.
Compared to other Snowboard Pants
Below are the stats for all the 77 snowboard pants that I researched:
Note that this list is based on specs only and not by personal experience with these pants. So this is only going by taking the given specs at their face-value. Style, fit durability and weight haven’t been taken into account.
O.k. let’s take a look at the top 20
BEST SNOWBOARD PANTS #20
Pant: Salomon QST Guard
Price: View More Info and Current Price Here
Score: 89/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproofing: 20,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
Starting the list in #10, we have the Salomon QST Guard.
With ample waterproofing and breathability, the QST Guard are a good choice for anyone looking for shell pants. They have the somewhat unusual quality of having a powder skirt on the pants (usually found on jackets, in my experience).
Check out the Score Breakdown For the QST Guard
FACTOR | rating (OUT OF 5) | contribution to final score |
|---|---|---|
Waterproofing | 4.5 | 31.5/35 |
Seam Sealing | 5.0 | 20/20 |
Breathability | 4.5 | 22.5/25 |
Venting | 5.0 | 5/5 |
Gaiters | 5.0 | 5/5 |
Jacket-to-Pants Connections | 0.0 | 0/5 |
Pockets | 5.0 | 5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 89/100 |
BEST SNOWBOARD PANTS #19
Pant: 686 Quantum Thermagraph
Price: View More Info and Current Price Here
Score: 91.5/100
Insulation: 60g
Waterproofing: 20,000mm
Breathability: 15,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
686’s Quantum are one of the only pants that make this list that feature insulation. If you’re someone who runs cold, rides in a cold area regularly, or doesn’t want to layer underneath your pants, then these pants will provide you with that extra warmth that you need.
And part of what makes these pants great for those seeking a bit more warmth, is that the insulation is strategically placed to only warm where needed and not restrict movement and still allow sweat to be wicked away, for great temperature regulation in cold areas.
Score Breakdown for the Quantum Tharmagraph
FACTOR | rating (OUT OF 5) | contribution to final score |
|---|---|---|
Waterproofing | 4.5 | 31.5/35 |
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 after normalizing | 91.5/100 |
BEST SNOWBOARD PANTS #18
Pant: 686 Smarty 3-in-1 Cargo
Price: View More Info and Current Price Here
Score: 91.5/100
Insulation: Removable Liner
Waterproofing: 20,000mm
Breathability: 15,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
The #12 pants in this list are unique to this list, in many ways like their counterparts in #13 – they provide insulation for cold days on the mountain – but they are also the only 3-in-1 pants in this list and provide a removable liner, so you can pick and choose when you want to have that insulation.
Remove the liner and you’re riding with a shell – or keep the liner in there and you’ve got insulated pants for when it gets really cold. Best of both worlds.
Score Breakdown for the Smarty 3-in-1 Cargo
FACTOR | rating (OUT OF 5) | contribution to final score |
|---|---|---|
Waterproofing | 4.5 | 31.5/35 |
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 after normalizing | 91.5/100 |
BEST SNOWBOARD PANTS #17
Pant: Burton Vent
Price: View More Info and Current Price Here
Score: 91.5/100
Insulation: Shell with lining
Waterproofing: 20,000mm
Breathability: 15,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
Burton's Vent Pants are another good option for good waterproofing, breathability and functionality. They are also a little cheaper than the previous two pants.
Score Breakdown for the Vent
FACTOR | rating (OUT OF 5) | contribution to final score |
|---|---|---|
Waterproofing | 4.5 | 31.5/35 |
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 after normalizing | 91.5/100 |
BEST SNOWBOARD PANTS #16
Pant: Quiksilver Utility
Price: View More Info and Current Price Here
Score: 91.5/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproofing: 20,000mm
Breathability: 15,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
Again similar pants in terms of performance and funtionality, but just that bit cheaper again. The cheapest of those on this score.
They are also, in my opinion, the best looking of the 4, but everyone has their own style preferences, of course.
Score Breakdown for the Utility
FACTOR | rating (OUT OF 5) | contribution to final score |
|---|---|---|
Waterproofing | 4.5 | 31.5/35 |
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 after normalizing | 91.5/100 |
BEST SNOWBOARD PANTS #15
Pant: Marmot Freerider Gore-Tex
Price: View More Info and Current Price Here
Score: 92.5/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproofing: 28,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
Whilst I find these pants rather ugly, looks didn’t come into the ratings – and also beauty is certainly in the eye of the beholder and some will like the look of these.
What there’s no arguing about is their performance – featuring awesome waterproofing and breathability courtesy of the Gore-Tex fabric used. There isn’t a jacket-to-pants integration system that I could see, but that’s pretty much the only downside here (apart from the appearance – if you’re looking through my eyes!).
Score Breakdown for the Freerider
FACTOR | rating (OUT OF 5) | contribution to final score |
|---|---|---|
Waterproofing | 5.0 | 35/35 |
Seam Sealing | 5.0 | 20/20 |
Breathability | 4.5 | 22.5/25 |
Venting | 5.0 | 5/5 |
Gaiters | 5.0 | 5/5 |
Jacket-to-Pants Connections | 0.0 | 0/5 |
Pockets | 5.0 | 5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 92.5/100 |
BEST SNOWBOARD PANTS #14
Pant: Burton AK Cyclic Gore-Tex
Price: View More Info and Current Price Here
Score: 92.5/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproofing: 28,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
More attractive (IMHO) and for a lower price than the Marmot Freeride, Burton’s AK Cyclic also make use of Gore-Tex for a highly breathable, highly waterproof pair of snowboard pants.
Score Breakdown for the Cyclic
FACTOR | rating (OUT OF 5) | contribution to final score |
|---|---|---|
Waterproofing | 5.0 | 35/35 |
Seam Sealing | 5.0 | 20/20 |
Breathability | 4.5 | 22.5/25 |
Venting | 5.0 | 5/5 |
Gaiters | 5.0 | 5/5 |
Jacket-to-Pants Connections | 0.0 | 0/5 |
Pockets | 5.0 | 5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 92.5/100 |
BEST SNOWBOARD PANTS #13
Pant: Quiksilver TR Stretch
Price: View More Info and Current Price Here
Score: 94/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproofing: 20,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
At #14 we have Quiksilver’s TR Stretch.
Featuring great waterproofing, breathability and functionality in addition to a stretch fabric that allows freedom of movement without having to go too baggy.
I should like these - I did buy them after all!
Score Breakdown for the TR Stretch
FACTOR | rating (OUT OF 5) | contribution to final score |
|---|---|---|
Waterproofing | 4.5 | 31.5/35 |
Seam Sealing | 5.0 | 20/20 |
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 | 5.0 | 5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 94/100 |
BEST SNOWBOARD PANTS #12
Pant: Ride Alki
Price: View More Info and Current Price Here
Score: 94/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproofing: 20,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
The Ride Alki have the most simple name in this list – but that’s not the only thing going for them – they also have great waterproofing and breathability and all the functionality you could want from snowboard pants.
And all of that at a fairly reasonable price too.
Score Breakdown for the Alki
FACTOR | rating (OUT OF 5) | contribution to final score |
|---|---|---|
Waterproofing | 4.5 | 31.5/35 |
Seam Sealing | 5.0 | 20/20 |
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 | 5.0 | 5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 94/100 |
BEST SNOWBOARD PANTS #11
Pant: Oakley Pro Shell 3L Gore-Tex
Price: View More Info and Current Price Here
Score: 97.5/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproofing: 28,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
New to 2018-19, the Oakley shell brings all the waterproof and breathability you will ever need in a 3L Gore-Tex package. If you like the style and are pretty flush for cash (which you usually have to be for 3L Gore-Tex), they are a great option.
Score Breakdown for the Pro Shell 3L Gore-Tex
FACTOR | rating (OUT OF 5) | contribution to final score |
|---|---|---|
Waterproofing | 5.0 | 35/35 |
Seam Sealing | 5.0 | 20/20 |
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 | 5.0 | 5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 97.5/100 |
BEST SNOWBOARD PANTS #10
Pant: 686 Smarty 3-in-1 Cargo Gore-Tex
Price: View More Info and Current Price Here
Score: 97.5/100
Insulation: Removable Liner
Waterproofing: 28,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
This is basically like the #18 pants on this list - but with Gore-Tex, so an increase in waterproofing and breathability. So, if you want to get pants with a removable liner, and want the performance of Gore-Tex, these are a great option.
Score Breakdown for the Smarty 3-in-1 Gore-Tex
FACTOR | rating (OUT OF 5) | contribution to final score |
|---|---|---|
Waterproofing | 5.0 | 35/35 |
Seam Sealing | 5.0 | 20/20 |
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 | 5.0 | 5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 97.5/100 |
BEST SNOWBOARD PANTS #9
Pant: Volcom Stretch Gore-Tex
Price: View More Info and Current Price Here
Score: 97.5/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproofing: 28,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
The Volcom Stretch Gore-Tex pants offers both the performance of Gore-Tex and the flexibility of stretch.
As well as being stretchy, they are also articulated, giving you ultimate movement in a seriously waterproof and breathable shell.
Score Breakdown for the Volcom Stretch Gore-Tex
FACTOR | rating (OUT OF 5) | contribution to final score |
|---|---|---|
Waterproofing | 5.0 | 35/35 |
Seam Sealing | 5.0 | 20/20 |
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 | 5.0 | 5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 97.5/100 |
BEST SNOWBOARD PANTS #8
Pant: 686 GT Gore-Tex
Price: View More Info and Current Price Here
Score: 97.5/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproofing: 28,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
Another Gore-Tex offering (which is going to dominate most of the rest of this list), the 686 GT Gore-Tex offers about everything you’ll ever need in a snowboard jacket in terms of waterproofing, breathability and functionality.
Score Breakdown for the GT Gore-Tex
FACTOR | rating (OUT OF 5) | contribution to final score |
|---|---|---|
Waterproofing | 5.0 | 35/35 |
Seam Sealing | 5.0 | 20/20 |
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 | 5.0 | 5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 97.5/100 |
BEST SNOWBOARD PANTS #7
Pant: Patagonia Powder Bowl
Price: View More Info and Current Price Here
Score: 97.5/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproofing: 28,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
Not the cheapest, but also not the priciest on this list, the 2 layer Gore-Tex Powder Bowl pants offer waterproofing, breathability and wind proofing in spades.
And they’ll put a much smaller dent in your wallet than some other Patagonia options like the Untracked.
They also come in an insulated version, if you prefer your pants warmer. The insulated version is little pricier though.
Score Breakdown for the Powder Bowl
FACTOR | rating (OUT OF 5) | contribution to final score |
|---|---|---|
Waterproofing | 5.0 | 35/35 |
Seam Sealing | 5.0 | 20/20 |
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 | 5.0 | 5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 97.5/100 |
BEST SNOWBOARD PANTS #6
Pant: Quiksilver Forever 2L Gore-Tex
Price: View More Info and Current Price Here
Score: 97.5/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproofing: 28,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
Quiksilver’s namesake Jacket also made my Jacket’s list. And with performance like this, at a price just a little bit below the previous 2 with the same score, it’s no surprise.
Score Breakdown for the Forever 2L Gore-Tex Pants
FACTOR | rating (OUT OF 5) | contribution to final score |
|---|---|---|
Waterproofing | 5.0 | 35/35 |
Seam Sealing | 5.0 | 20/20 |
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 | 5.0 | 5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 97.5/100 |
BEST SNOWBOARD PANTS #5
Pant: Volcom Lo Gore-Tex
Price: View More Info and Current Price Here
Score: 97.5/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproofing: 28,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
Volcom are known for providing Gore-Tex snowboard jackets and pants at a reasonable price, and the Lo are no exception to that. The only Gore-Tex options in this list that are cheaper are the 3 pants to follow (#4, #3, #2), one of which is also Volcom.
Score Breakdown for the Volcom Lo Gore-Tex
FACTOR | rating (OUT OF 5) | contribution to final score |
|---|---|---|
Waterproofing | 5.0 | 35/35 |
Seam Sealing | 5.0 | 20/20 |
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 | 5.0 | 5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 97.5/100 |
BEST SNOWBOARD PANTS #4
Pant: Dakine Smyth Pure 2L Gore-Tex
Price: View More Info and Current Price Here
Score: 97.5/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproofing: 28,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
Dakine’s Smyth 2 Layer Gore-Tex pants are Dakine’s only entry in this list – but they make it high up – and for good reason.
Great all round performance and at a reasonable price. Plus, although I can’t attest to it personally, they are supposed to be durable as well.
Score Breakdown for the Smyth 2L Pure Gore-Tex
FACTOR | rating (OUT OF 5) | contribution to final score |
|---|---|---|
Waterproofing | 5.0 | 35/35 |
Seam Sealing | 5.0 | 20/20 |
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 | 5.0 | 5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 97.5/100 |
BEST SNOWBOARD PANTS #3
Pant: Volcom L Gore-Tex Pants
Price: View More Info and Current Price Here
Score: 97.5/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproofing: 28,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
The Volcom L jacket also features in my Jackets list. And again, it’s no wonder, given the specs.
Waterproofing, check. Windproof, check. Breathable. Check. Functional. Check. Reasonably priced for Gore-Tex. Check.
Score Breakdown for the Volcom L Gore-Tex
FACTOR | rating (OUT OF 5) | contribution to final score |
|---|---|---|
Waterproofing | 5.0 | 35/35 |
Seam Sealing | 5.0 | 20/20 |
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 | 5.0 | 5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 97.5/100 |
BEST SNOWBOARD PANTS #2
Pant: Burton Ballast Gore-Tex
Price: View More Info and Current Price Here
Score: 97.5/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproofing: 28,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
Equaling the score of a few jackets before it, the Ballast earns #2 by way of being a good bit cheaper.
The Ballast represent great value for money – one of the lowest priced pair of Gore-Tex pants you’ll find. The lowest on this list for sure.
Score Breakdown for the Ballast
FACTOR | rating (OUT OF 5) | contribution to final score |
|---|---|---|
Waterproofing | 5.0 | 35/35 |
Seam Sealing | 5.0 | 20/20 |
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 | 5.0 | 5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 97.5/100 |
BEST SNOWBOARD PANTS #1
Pant: DC Nomad
Price: View More Info and Current Price Here
Score: 100/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproofing: 30,000mm
Breathability: 25,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
Just when you though the world had turned Gore-Tex, DC’s Nomad pants buck the trend. These non-Gore-Tex trend breakers are not only highly waterproof, breathable and functional – they are also, rather surprisingly, lower than the average price of all 89 pants that I looked at.
I can't attest to the waterproofing and breathability ratings, but if they are in any way accurate, these represent great value-for-money as well as great performance, if you're happy to forgo Gore-Tex and assuming you like the style.
Score Breakdown for the Nomad
FACTOR | rating (OUT OF 5) | contribution to final score |
|---|---|---|
Waterproofing | 5.0 | 35/35 |
Seam Sealing | 5.0 | 20/20 |
Breathability | 5.0 | 25/25 |
Venting | 5.0 | 5/5 |
Gaiters | 5.0 | 5/5 |
Jacket-to-Pants Connections | 5.0 | 5/5 |
Pockets | 5.0 | 5/5 |
TOTAL after normalizing | 100/100 |
Thanks for reading and I hope this post has helped you to find the best men’s snowboard pants for you.
Check out the links under each pants description for current prices, availability and more information.
Michael says
December 28, 2016 at 11:51 amHow were the fit of the swords 2l pant. Ivery read some reviews that they are slim and restrictive.
Nate says
December 28, 2016 at 12:27 pmHi Michael
They are slimmer fitting snowboard pants. If you prefer a bit more room in your pants, then these will probably be too fitting for you. The scores here don’t take fit into account, because some people prefer a more tailored fit and others prefer a looser fit – so if you prefer a freer/looser fit, then they won’t be ideal for you.
Lior Lavid says
December 24, 2017 at 2:04 amHi Nate,
First of all i have to say you are my guru!
I bought my last snowboard, slash brainstorm, last year after reading your review.
I am about to buy new snowboard pants and i wondering regarding the volcom L Gore-tex.
I ride mostly at the french Alps where the weather is very cold. these are non-insulated pants.
I am afraid it wont keep me warm enough.
will i have to pair it up with MID layer underneath?
more than that – probably because it is gore-tex pants there isnt data regarding their water resistance (mm…), breathability and ventilation…
I am asumming the water resistance is prity good because the gore tex, right?
what about the other factors?
I am 1.85 meter and wear 34 width pants. do i need the Large size or XL?
Thanks man
Nate says
December 24, 2017 at 3:41 pmHi Lior
Thanks for your message.
Yeah, if you ride in cold conditions, then you will want to have a midlayer underneath for warmth. The gore-tex will do a good job protecting from wind – but it won’t be super warm without insulation in really cold weather.
In terms of the waterproof and breathability ratings, gore-tex is usually rated 28,000mm and 20,000g or 25,000g for waterproofing and breathability respectively. The L gore-tex are 28,000mm and 20,000g breathability according to one source anyway – but those specs are plenty for pretty much every condition – but yeah you’ll need to layer for really cold conditions.
In terms of size, I think it depends on your leg length. Some peoples legs are longer or shorter for their height but from a quick bit of research, it looks like around 33″ is about right for 185cm. And that would be a good size for 34″ waist. So in that case the Large sounds like it would be the best fit.
Hope this helps
Casey says
November 21, 2018 at 10:46 pmHow is the fit in the dc nomad pants?
Thanks!
Nate says
November 22, 2018 at 11:11 amHi Casey
Thanks for your message.
As noted at the top of this post, I don’t test outerwear personally (like I do with boards, bindings and boots) and this list is just based on specs, so I couldn’t say for sure. But based on DCs sizing chart, they have:
1. Tailored
2. Regular
3. Relaxed
4. Drop Crotch
The Nomad are “Regular”.
So at a guess I would say not too slim fitting but not overly baggy.
Hope this helps