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 2021-22 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 61 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: 686 Dojo Shell
Price: View More Info and Current Price Here
Score: 85.5/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproofing: 20,000mm
Breathability: 15,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
Starting off the list at #20 we have 686's Dojo pants.
The Dojo are the lowest 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 | 4.0 | 4/5 |
TOTAL | 85.5/100 |
BEST SNOWBOARD PANTS #19
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 #19, 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 - but it doesn't take away from their performance and value - they're pretty much bang on the average price for this list, but with a score considerably higher than the average.
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 #18
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 first 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 #17
Pant: Quiksilver TR Stretch
Price: View More Info and Current Price Here
Score: 91.5/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproofing: 20,000mm
Breathability: 15,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
Next up at #20 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! (the 2019 model)
Score Breakdown for the TR Stretch
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 #16
Pant: 686 Quantum Thermagraph
Price: View More Info and Current Price Here
Score: 91.5/100
Insulation: 133g
Waterproofing: 20,000mm
Breathability: 15,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
686’s Quantum Thermagraph are one of the only 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 #15
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 #15 pants in this list are unique to this list, in many ways like their counterparts in #16 – 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 #14
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 (#20 the 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 bank account.
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 #13
Pant: Armada Atlantis 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
OK Armada is a ski brand and some won't like that. But in fairness the Armada Atlantis meet all the criteria of great snow pants and make this list on merit.
Score Breakdown for the Armada Atlantis 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 #12
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 #12, we have the 686 Core Gore-Tex. Another gore-tex offering (as most are on this list), 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 #11
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 #11 we have the Longo gore-tex. The Longo offer a really reasonably 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 #10
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.
As one of the cheapest on this list - and the second lowest priced Gore-Tex option, they offer great value.
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 #9
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 #9 by way 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 - and the third equal lowest price on this list overall.
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 #8
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
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 #7
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 #7, Burton’s AK Cyclic also make use of Gore-Tex for a highly breathable, highly waterproof pair of snowboard pants.
The AK Cyclic comes 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 #6
Pant: Volcom Stone 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
Next up at #6, we have Volcom's Stone Gore-Tex.
The 5th Volcom option in this list and the highest equal scoring of them. Not the cheapest on this list, but also not the most pricey - and still well under the $400 limit.
Score Breakdown for the Stone
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 #5
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
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 or Pow Slayer.
They also come in an insulated version, if you prefer your pants warmer. The insulated version is little pricier, but still under that $400 limit.
The Powder Bowl comes in a regular and short option.
Score Breakdown for the Powder Bowl
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 #4
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.
Forgive the image (re the ski boots) - it's the only one quiksilver has for these pants. Everything else they have they use snowboard boots - but for whatever reason they use ski boots on this one. Don't worry, they look much better with snowboard boots 😉
Score Breakdown for the Forever 2L Gore-Tex Pants
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: 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 #2
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
Burton's Vent Gore-Tex pants are the third cheapest of all the Gore-Tex pants on this list. 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 |
BEST SNOWBOARD PANTS #1
Pant: DC Squadron
Price: View More Info and Current Price Here
Score: 99/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproofing: 30,000mm
Breathability: 25,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
Just when you though the world had turned Gore-Tex, DC’s Squadron 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 61 pants that I looked at. And a good bit cheaper again versus the average price of those that made this list (the 3rd= lowest price on this list).
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 the trusted Gore-Tex and assuming you like the style.
Score Breakdown for the Squadron
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
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 | 4.0 | 4/5 |
TOTAL | 99/100 |
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.
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