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The Best Men’s Snowboard Pants: My Top 20

Last Updated: December 17, 2020 by Nate 21 Comments

Best Mens Snowboard Pants

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 2020-21 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 66 snowboard pants that I researched:

  • The average score was 81.8/100
  • The highest score was 99/100 (see below)
  • The lowest score was 40/100
  • The average price was $250 

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

Quiksilver TR Stretch 2021

Pant: Quiksilver TR Stretch

  • US
  • CANADA

Price: View More Info and Current Price Here

Score: 91.5/100

Insulation: Shell
Waterproofing: 20,000mm 
Breathability:
15,000g
Seams:
Fully Taped

Starting off the list 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
(out of 5)

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 #19

686 Quantum Thermagraph 2021

Pant: 686 Quantum Thermagraph

  • US
  • CANADA

Price: View More Info and Current Price Here

Score: 91.5/100

Insulation: 120g
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
(out of 5)

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 #18

686 Smarty 3-in-1 Cargo 2021

Pant: 686 Smarty 3-in-1 Cargo

  • US
  • CANADA
  • UK/EUROPE

Price: View More Info and Current Price Here

Price: View More Info and Current Price Here (UK/EUROPE)

Score: 91.5/100

Insulation: Removable Liner
Waterproofing: 20,000mm 
Breathability:
15,000g
Seams:
Fully Taped

The #18 pants in this list are unique to this list, in many ways like their counterparts in #19 – 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.

Score Breakdown for the Smarty 3-in-1 Cargo

RATING
(out of 5)

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 #17

Quiksilver Utility 2021

Pant: Quiksilver Utility

  • US
  • CANADA

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, this time in a shell - and cheaper. In fact they're 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
(out of 5)

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

ThirtyTwo TM 2021

Pant: Thirty TWO TM

  • US
  • CANADA

Price: View More Info and Current Price Here

Score: 94/100

Insulation: Shell
Waterproofing: 20,000mm 
Breathability:
20,000g
Seams:
Fully Taped

At #16, we have Thirty Two's TM snowboard pants. 

The TM provide great waterproofing, breathability and functionality and come in at a really reasonable price too. 

Score Breakdown for the TM

RATING
(out of 5)

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

5.0

5/5

TOTAL

94/100

BEST SNOWBOARD PANTS #15

Dakine Smyth 2L Gore-Tex 2021

Pant: Dakine Smyth Pure 2L Gore-Tex

  • US
  • CANADA

Price: View More Info and Current Price Here

Score: 96.5/100

Insulation: Shell
Waterproofing: 28,000mm 
Breathability:
20,000g
Seams:
Fully Taped 

Dakine’s Smyth 2 Layer Gore-Tex pants have 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

RATING
(out of 5)

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 #14

686 Core Gore-Tex 2021

Pant: 686 Core Gore-Tex

  • US
  • CANADA

Price: View More Info and Current Price Here

Score: 96.5/100

Insulation: Shell
Waterproofing: 28,000mm 
Breathability:
20,000g
Seams:
Fully Taped

New from 686 for 2021, the Core Gore-Tex are the second of many gore-tex options on this list, providing the trusted reliable waterproofing and breathabillity that gore-tex is known for. 

Score Breakdown for the Core Gore-Tex

RATING
(out of 5)

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 #13

Volcom Longo Gore-Tex 2021

Pant: Volcom Longo Gore-Tex

  • US
  • CANADA

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 #13 we have the Longo gore-tex. New this year from Volcom, 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
(out of 5)

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

Burton Ballast Gore-Tex 2021

Pant: Burton Ballast Gore-Tex

  • US
  • CANADA

Price: View More Info and Current Price Here

Price: View More Info and Current Price Here (CANADA)

Score: 96.5/100

Insulation: Shell with lining
Waterproofing: 28,000mm 
Breathability:
20,000g
Seams:
Fully Taped

Equaling the score of the 2 jackets before it, the Ballast earns #14 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 second lowest price on this list overall.

Score Breakdown for the Ballast

RATING
(out of 5)

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

Volcom Stretch Gore-Tex 2021

Pant: Volcom Stretch Gore-Tex

  • US
  • CANADA

Price: View More Info and Current Price Here

Score: 97/100

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
(out of 5)

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

4.5

4.5/5

TOTAL

97/100

BEST SNOWBOARD PANTS #10

Burton AK Swash Gore-Tex 2021

Pant: Burton AK Swash Gore-Tex 

  • US
  • CANADA

Price: View More Info and Current Price Here

Price: View More Info and Current Price Here (CANADA)

Score: 97.5/100

Insulation: Shell
Waterproofing: 28,000mm 
Breathability:
20,000g
Seams:
Fully Taped

In at #10, we have the Burton AK Swash Gore-Tex pants. 

These are the first that come in at this score and are the most pricey, coming in just under my maximum. But they come with awesome performance and good looks (IMO). If they're in your budget, they're a great option. 

Check out the Score Breakdown For the AK Swash Gore-Tex

RATING
(out of 5)

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 #9

Burton AK Cyclic gore-tex 2021

Pant: Burton AK Cyclic Gore-Tex

  • US
  • CANADA
  • UK/EUROPE

Price: View More Info and Current Price Here

Price: View More Info and Current Price Here (CANADA)

Price: View More Info and Current Price Here (UK/EUROPE)

Score: 97.5/100

Insulation: Shell
Waterproofing: 28,000mm 
Breathability:
20,000g
Seams:
Fully Taped

In at #9, 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

RATING
(out of 5)

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 #8

Volcom Lo Gore-Tex 2021

Pant: Volcom Lo Gore-Tex

  • US
  • CANADA

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 Lo are one of 4 Volcom offerings in this list and provide a mid-range priced gore-tex option for those seeking out the tried and true of gore-tex for waterproofing and breathability, as well as great functionality as snowboard pants.  

Score Breakdown for the Volcom Lo Gore-Tex

RATING
(out of 5)

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

Patagonia Powder Bowl 2021

Pant: Patagonia Powder Bowl

  • US
  • CANADA

Price: View More Info and Current Price Here

Price: View More Info and Current Price Here (CANADA)

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 or Pow Slayer.

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

RATING
(out of 5)

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

Quiksilver Forever 2L Gore-Tex 2021

Pant: Quiksilver Forever 2L Gore-Tex

  • US
  • CANADA
  • UK/EUROPE

Price: View More Info and Current Price Here

Price: View More Info and Current Price Here (UK/EUROPE)

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
(out of 5)

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

Volcom L Gore-Tex 2021

Pant: Volcom L Gore-Tex Pants

  • US
  • CANADA
  • UK/EUROPE

Price: View More Info and Current Price Here

Price: View More Info and Current Price Here (CANADA)

Price: View More Info and Current Price Here (UK/EUROPE)

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.  

The L are Volcom's 4th, and cheapest, offering on this list. 

Score Breakdown for the Volcom L Gore-Tex

RATING
(out of 5)

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

Burton Banshey Gore-Tex 2021

Pant: Burton Banshey Gore-Tex

  • US
  • CANADA

Price: View More Info and Current Price Here

Price: View More Info and Current Price Here (CANADA)

Score: 97.5/100

Insulation: Shell
Waterproofing: 28,000mm 
Breathability:
20,000g
Seams:
Fully Taped

Apart from being a really reasonably priced gore-tex option with all the performance you'd expect, the Banshey also come with adjustable, removable suspenders. If you don't quite want to go Bib, but want something to help hold your pants up, the Banshey are a great option (and the only pants I've seen that come with suspenders). 

Score Breakdown for the Banshey

RATING
(out of 5)

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

Burton Vent Gore-Tex 2021

Pant: Burton Vent Gore-Tex

  • US
  • CANADA

Price: View More Info and Current Price Here

Price: View More Info and Current Price Here (CANADA)

Score: 97.5/100

Insulation: Shell
Waterproofing: 28,000mm 
Breathability:
20,000g
Seams:
Fully Taped

Burton's Vent Gore-Tex pants are the second 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
(out of 5)

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

Thirty Two TM3 2021

Pant: Thirty Two TM3

  • US
  • CANADA

Price: View More Info and Current Price Here

Score: 99/100

Insulation: Shell
Waterproofing: 30,000mm 
Breathability:
30,000g
Seams:
Fully Taped

In at #2, we have the new snowboard pants from 32 - the 32 TM3. 

If the waterproofing and breathability specs are to be believed, then these are some awesome snowboarding pants at a really reasonable price. 

One of the rare non-Gore-Tex options in this list. 

Score Breakdown for the TM3

RATING
(out of 5)

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

BEST SNOWBOARD PANTS #1

DC Squadron 2021

Pant: DC Squadron

  • US
  • CANADA

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 66 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 the trusted Gore-Tex and assuming you like the style.

Score Breakdown for the Squadron

RATING
(out of 5)

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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Filed Under: Men's Snowboard Pants, Non-Insulated Snowboard Pants Reviews, Snowboard Pants Reviews Tagged With: best mens snowboard pants, best mens snowboard pants 2018-19, best mens snowboard pants 2019-20, best mens snowboard pants 2020-21, best mens snowboard pants 2021, top 10 mens snowboard pants

About Nate

Nate is passionate about and loves learning new things everyday about snowboarding, particularly the technical aspects of snowboarding gear. That, and becoming a better rider and just enjoying and getting the most out of life.

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