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 2022-23 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 waterproofing 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. 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 53 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.
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O.k. let’s take a look at the top 20
BEST SNOWBOARD PANTS #20
Pant: Volcom SLC Cargo
Price: View More Info and Current Price Here
Score: 78/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproofing: 15,000mm
Breathability: 15,000g
Seams: Critically Taped
Starting off the list at #10 we have Volcom's SLC Cargo pants.
The SLC Cargo are the only in this list to not have fully taped seams, which is it's biggest weakness. Otherwise, it has good waterproofing in it's material, along with good breathability and functionality.
Score Breakdown for the SLC 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 | 5.0 | 5/5 |
TOTAL | 78.0/100 |
BEST SNOWBOARD PANTS #19
Pant: DC Code
Price: View More Info and Current Price Here
Score: 83/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproofing: 15,000mm
Breathability: 10,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
Next up we have DC's Code pants.
Unlike #20 above, but like the rest of this list, the Code have fully taped seams. That along with a waterproofing rating of 15,000mm make these nice and waterproof, particularly for the price - these are the equal cheapest on this list.
There's a bit of a drop in terms of breathability but otherwise have all the functionality most are likely to need.
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 SNOWBOARD PANTS #18
Pant: 686 Dojo Shell
Price: View More Info and Current Price Here
Score: 86.5/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproofing: 20,000mm
Breathability: 15,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
Next, at #18, we have 686's Dojo pants.
The Dojo are the lowest equal priced pants on this list and represent really good value - their waterproofing and breathability for the price make these one of the best bargains going around.
They also provide a loose fit for those who prefer their pants a little baggier and/or want plenty of room to layer underneath.
Score Breakdown for the Dojo
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
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 | 0.0 | 0/5 |
POCKETS | 5.0 | 5/5 |
TOTAL | 86.5/100 |
BEST SNOWBOARD PANTS #17
Pant: Volcom New Articulated
Price: View More Info and Current Price Here
Score: 88/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproofing: 15,000mm
Breathability: 15,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
At #17, we have Volcom's New Articulated snowboard pants.
Not sure why they felt the need to put "new" in the name of these pants this year, especially given it's not their first season - but it doesn't take away from their performance and value.
They have a slimmer fit, but the articulated design helps the pants to move with you, so that that slimmer fit doesn't affect movement.
Score Breakdown for the New Articulated
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 |
BEST SNOWBOARD PANTS #16
Pant: Oakley TC Earth Shell
Price: View More Info and Current Price Here
Score: 90.5/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproofing: 20,000mm
Breathability: 15,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
Coming in at #16, we have Oakley's TC Earth Shell pants.
The TC Earth Shell boast great waterproofing, breathability and functionality - all for a really reasonable price for what you're getting.
Score Breakdown for the TC Earth Shell
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
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 | 4.0 | 4/5 |
TOTAL | 90.5/100 |
BEST SNOWBOARD PANTS #15
Pant: Patagonia Storm Shift
Price: View More Info and Current Price Here
Score: 91.5/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproofing: 28,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
In at #15, Patagonia's Storm Shift are the first of 10 Gore-Tex offerings in this list.
They're a jump in price from those in the list so far, but also offer better performance in terms of waterproofing and breathability - and of course still come under the price threshold for this list.
Score Breakdown for the Storm Shift
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
WATERPROOFING | 5.0 | 35/35 |
SEAM SEALING | 5.0 | 20/20 |
BREATHABILITY | 4.5 | 22.5/25 |
VENTING | 0.0 | 0/5 |
GAITERS | 5.0 | 5/5 |
JACKET TO PANTS CONNECTIONS | 5.0 | 5/5 |
POCKETS | 4.0 | 4/5 |
TOTAL | 91.5/100 |
BEST SNOWBOARD PANTS #14
Pant: Dakine Barrier 2L Gore-Tex
Price: View More Info and Current Price Here
Score: 91.5/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproofing: 28,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
The Dakine Barrier are the 2nd of many Gore-Tex pants on this list - which means, of course that they boast the waterproofing and breathability that Gore-Tex is known for.
Score Breakdown for the Barrier 2L Gore-Tex
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
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 | 4.0 | 4/5 |
TOTAL | 91.5/100 |
BEST SNOWBOARD PANTS #13
Pant: 686 Quantum Thermagraph
Price: View More Info and Current Price Here
Score: 91.5/100
Insulation: 140g
Waterproofing: 20,000mm
Breathability: 15,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
686’s Quantum Thermagraph are one of only three pants that make this list that features 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 Thermagraph
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
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 | 91.5/100 |
BEST SNOWBOARD PANTS #12
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 also 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.
These pants come in short, regular and tall versions.
Score Breakdown for the Smarty 3-in-1 Cargo
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
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 | 91.5/100 |
BEST SNOWBOARD PANTS #11
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 functionality, this time in a shell - and cheaper. In fact they're the second cheapest in the whole list, so a great option for those looking for good performance but without putting too much of a dent in the wallet.
Score Breakdown for the Utility
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
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 | 91.5/100 |
BEST SNOWBOARD PANTS #10
Pant: Flylow Chemical
Price: View More Info and Current Price Here
Score: 93/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproofing: 20,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
In at #10 we have the Flylow Chemical.
Please excuse the ski boots in the image. It was the only image I could find! But they're just as suitable as snowboarding pants.
One of the more waterproof/breathable options going around that don't feature Gore-Tex.
Score Breakdown for the Chemical
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
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 | 4.0 | 4/5 |
TOTAL | 93/100 |
BEST SNOWBOARD PANTS #9
Pant: Volcom Longo Gore-Tex
Price: View More Info and Current Price Here
Score: 96.5/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproofing: 28,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
Next up in #9 we have the Longo gore-tex. The Longo offer a mid-priced Gore-Tex option for those that want Gore-Tex but don't want to have to spend a fortune to get it.
Score Breakdown for the Longo
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
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 | 4.0 | 4/5 |
TOTAL | 96.5/100 |
BEST SNOWBOARD PANTS #8
Pant: Oakley Sub Temp RC Gore-Tex
Price: View More Info and Current Price Here
Score: 96.5/100
Insulation: 60g | Synthetic Insulation
Waterproofing: 28,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
Next in at #8, we have Oakley's Sub Temp RC Gore-Tex.
As the name would suggest, these pants are insulated. The 3rd of 3 in this list that feature insulation.
So a great option for those who need to get a bit more warmth out of their pants. But that doesn't mean they lack in other areas. These pants feature Gore-Tex and the waterproofing and breathability performance that comes with that.
Score Breakdown for the Sub Temp RC Gore-Tex
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
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 | 4.0 | 4/5 |
TOTAL | 96.5/100 |
BEST SNOWBOARD PANTS #7
Pant: 686 Core Gore-Tex
Price: View More Info and Current Price Here
Score: 96.5/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproofing: 28,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
Next up at #7, we have the 686 Core Gore-Tex. Another Gore-Tex offering, providing the trusted reliable waterproofing and breathabillity that Gore-Tex is known for, plus great functionality.
Score Breakdown for the Core Gore-Tex
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
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 | 4.0 | 4/5 |
TOTAL | 96.5/100 |
BEST SNOWBOARD PANTS #6
Pant: Quiksilver Mission Gore-Tex
Price: View More Info and Current Price Here
Score: 96.5/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproofing: 28,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
In at #10, we have the Quiksilver Mission Gore-Tex pants.
The Mission Gore-Tex, as the second lowest priced Gore-Tex option in this list, offer great value and performance.
Check out the Score Breakdown For the Mission Gore-Tex
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
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 | 4.0 | 4/5 |
TOTAL | 96.5/100 |
BEST SNOWBOARD PANTS #5
Pant: Burton Ballast Gore-Tex
Price: View More Info and Current Price Here
Score: 96.5/100
Insulation: Shell with lining
Waterproofing: 28,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
Equaling the score of the 4 jackets before it, the Ballast earns #5 by virtue of being a good bit cheaper.
The Ballast represent great value for money – the lowest priced Gore-Tex pants on this list - and that I've seen anywhere.
The Ballast comes in regular, short and tall versions.
Score Breakdown for the Ballast
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
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 | 4.0 | 4/5 |
TOTAL | 96.5/100 |
BEST SNOWBOARD PANTS #4
Pant: Burton AK Cyclic 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
In at #4, Burton’s AK Cyclic also make use of Gore-Tex for a highly breathable, highly waterproof pair of snowboard pants that feature all the functionality you're likely to ever need.
The AK Cyclic also come in regular, short and tall versions.
Score Breakdown for the Cyclic
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
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 | 97.5/100 |
BEST SNOWBOARD PANTS #3
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
The #3 spot belongs to the 686 GT Gore-Tex.
Nothing much different to say about these pants - they simply have about all the waterproofing, breathability and functionality you're likely to ever need.
Score Breakdown for the GT Gore-Tex
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
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 | 97.5/100 |
BEST SNOWBOARD PANTS #2
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
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
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 | 97.5/100 |
BEST SNOWBOARD PANTS #1
Pant: Burton Vent 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
And finally, in at #1, we have Burton's Vent Gore-Tex pants.
The Vent Gore-Tex score the same as the 3 before them - but they are the cheapest option of these 3, and really reasonably priced for the performance and functionality you get from them. So, if you're looking for Gore-Tex but are on a tighter budget, then these are great options.
Score Breakdown for the Vent Gore-Tex
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
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 | 97.5/100 |
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.
Hey Nate,
Do you have any favorite bibs to check out? Looks like you’ve got a lot of pant options from 686, I am looking to be around $400 price point, 2L gore, tried the cyclic bib actually didn’t love the fit/material…also tried Trew and the fit seemed to ski specific for me, didn’t love the Volcom Guch so thinking of giving 686 a try (and possibly Dakine Stoker). Wanted to see if you had any thoughts or other options. Thanks!
Hey Patrick
Thanks for your message.
Am in the process of putting together a list for bibs, which I probably won’t get to finish until sometime in the new year (super busy right now!). But personally I ride in quicksilver bib pants and I really like them – the Altostratus is a 2L Gore-Tex option. Though I’m not sure if they are actually making them anymore. But 686 is definitely worth a try for sure. You could also check out the Jones Mountain Surf Bib – not gore-tex, but look to be well rated for waterproofing and breathability.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate,
I saw that you do not review certain brands for sake of time and the fact that it would be nearly impossible. Do you consider the North Face or Oakley in your reviews for pants/jackets? Just wondering since I am beginner-intermediate looking for my first full setup and have already bought stuff before looking at your reviews/rankings.
Hi Andrew
Thanks for your message.
It’s hard to compare the likes of North Face to others, as they don’t show waterproof or breathability ratings in the same way as other brands do, so I leave them out for that reason mostly. For Oakley, I did consider the following for this list:
Oakley Cedar 2.0 Biozone
Oakley Crescent 2.0
Oakley TNP Lined shell
But they didn’t score as highly, mostly because of only critically taped seams as opposed to fully taped seams. They would be doable, but that does decrease their overall waterproofing. If you’re not likely to ride in the rain or slushy conditions too much, I don’t think they would be an issue, but if you are, then I’d suggest fully taped seams if at all possible – and minimum 10k waterproofing (which the Oakley ones I mentioned above do have – but they just lack the fully taped seams).
Hope this helps
Would you list change if someone wanted something for spring conditions?
I’m looking for something light weight, allows for easy movement, that can handle slushy/wetter snow, and will be good to ride in 50°f+ days.
I currently have some volcom L goretex pants but they feel a little constricted and maybe just a tad warm for spring riding (although the venting and waterproofing is nice).
Hi ivwshane
For spring conditions, I think the most important thing is, of course, to have a shell and preferably the best breathability and waterproofing you can find/afford. And obviously good ventilation is a must – but most good snowboarding pants will have good thigh zipper vents that open up quite a bit. But yeah, I would definitely skip anything that has any kind of insulation.
Hi! What about DC Brigade Bib Men’s Snowboard Pants? Waterproofing 45.000mm seems ridiculous. Why not on the list?
Hi Nika
Thanks for your message.
This list doesn’t include Bib Pants. Planning to do a separate bib pants list, but haven’t had the time to do so yet.
Dear Nate
Thank you for your content.
Im interested in the baggy style, and nowadays snowboard pants arnt as baggy as they used to be back in the 90s. Whats the baggiest snowboard pants you have came across that are sold now?
Regards
Hi Hamad
Thanks for your message.
Yeah pants definitely not as baggy as they used to be these days. Not sure about as baggy as the 90s, but I find Thirty Two pants are some of the baggier pants around – not all of them, but the Thirty Two TM (see #16 on this list) or if you wanted something cheaper (but not as good) the Blahzay. The TM-3 aren’t as baggy as those two. They’re not tight either, but not as baggy. Just to make the distinction between the TM-3 and TM.
Hope this helps
Great research and list, as usual. I agree with another reader that the Volcom guide pants are incredible and I’ve Volcom for years. That being said I just ordered up your top recommendation for pants and jacket to see how the waterproof/breathable fabric compares with the high end Gore. I’m still keeping my Volcom but branching out to build up my gear quiver. Will report back in a few months. I hope their claims are true as that material, Sympatex sounds next level
Hey Ryan
Thanks for your message. Would be awesome to hear what you think of the Sympatex. Have had a couple of people report that they really like it. Looking forward to hearing your take.
We need the update
Great review! Any chance you can post which ones come in a short version? Thank would be super helpful! Thanks,
Hi Joe
Thanks for your message.
I think the Quiksilver Utility comes in a short version – as does the Burton Ballast, Burton AK Cyclic and 686 Smarty 3-in-1 Cargo. Those are the only one I know of from this list, but are all really good options, IMO. When I update this for next season, I will note which ones come in short versions.
Hope this helps
Hi Nate. I’m day dreaming of snowboarding after this Covid nightmare and came upon your updated list. I wanted to add that I bought awesome pants and a bib from TREW Gear last year. I’m an avid backcountry snowboarder and love the TREW stuff. They’re a small company in Oregon but certainly worth a look. Check them out if you get a chance.
Hi Peter
Thanks for your message. I will have to check out Trew for sure. Thanks for bringing them to my attention, appreciate it.
volcom guide pants are better than all listed!!!!!!!
Hi Phil
Thanks for your enthusiastic support of the Volcom Guide! Only reason they didn’t make this list, is because they’re priced higher than the $400 limit I set for this list. Otherwise, yes they would have made the list.
What you think of Oakley brand in Snowboarding pants? Any idea on it?
Hi Julie
Thanks for your message.
Oakley have some good options. See #11 for example. Note that this list is still to be updated for 2020. Update is coming – hopefully next week.
Why are there no bibs on here? I was hoping to look at a new bib.
Hi Ross
Thanks for your message. I purposely left bibs out to keep the scope narrower – and I’ve been intending on creating a separate post for bibs, but every year, when I intend to do it, time gets away from me. I know it doesn’t help you right now, but hopefully this will be the year!
How is the fit in the dc nomad pants?
Thanks!
Hi 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
Hi 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
Hi 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
How were the fit of the swords 2l pant. Ivery read some reviews that they are slim and restrictive.
Hi 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.