Below are what we consider to be the top 10 best men’s snowboard pants currently on the market.
This list has been updated for the 2023-2024 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.
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 all the 43 snowboard pants that we rated:
O.k. let’s take a look at the top 10
BEST SNOWBOARD PANTS #10=
Pant: Airblaster Beast 2L
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CA
IS THIS GEAR RIGHT FOR YOU?
Score: 91.5/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproofing: 30,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: FULLY Taped
Fit: Relaxed
Starting off the list at #10 is Airblaster's Beast snowboard pants.
The Best feature high-end waterproofing, assisted by their fully taped seams, and really good breathability to go with it.
They also feature plenty of functionality, like zipper leg vents and gaiters.
They have Air Blaster's Relaxed + fit, which is a relaxed fit with some extra width in the thigh and knee. That along with a stretch fabric, allows good freedom of movement.
Score Breakdown for the Airblaster Beast
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 #10=
Pant: 686 Smarty 3-in-1 Cargo
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CA
IS THIS GEAR RIGHT FOR YOU?
Score: 91.5/100
Insulation: Removable Liner
Waterproofing: 20,000mm
Breathability: 15,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
Fit: Modern (relaxed but not baggy).
Next up we have 686's Smarty 3-in-1 Cargo snowboard pants.
These pants are unique to this list in a couple of ways.
Firstly, they are only 1 of 2 (see also #6, which has both a shell and insulated version) in this list that has insulation (only 7 of the 43 we rated for this list were insulated, such is the rarity in men's snowboard pants).
And secondly, they feature 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 | 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 #9
Pant: L1 Axial
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IS THIS GEAR RIGHT FOR YOU?
Score: 93/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproofing: 20,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: FULLY Taped
Fit: REGULAR
In at #9, we have L1's Axial snowboard pants.
The Axial provides a ton of performance through it's high-level waterproofing and breathability plus a ton of functional features. These include leg venting, gaiters and connections that connect with L1's jackets to help keep snow out.
They feature a regular fit, which has enough room to layer, but nothing super loose. They are also made with a 4-way stretch fabric to help with freedom of movement.
Score Breakdown for the Axial
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 #8
Pant: thirtytwo TM
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CA
IS THIS GEAR RIGHT FOR YOU?
Score: 94/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproofing: 20,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: FULLY Taped
Fit: LOOSE
Next up we have thirtytwo's TM snowboard pants.
The TM feature a loose fit for those who like their pants baggier. This is a style thing, but also allows for plenty of room to layer and helps with freedom of movement. Also assisting freedom of movement is the 4-way stretch fabric they are made with and their articulated knee patches.
All of that plus great waterproofing, breathability and functionality, including plenty of pockets.
As a nice bonus, the TM are the lowest priced pants in this list.
Score Breakdown for the TM
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 | 5.0 | 5/5 |
TOTAL | 94/100 |
BEST SNOWBOARD PANTS #7
Pant: Volcom Longo Gore-Tex
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CA
IS THIS GEAR RIGHT FOR YOU?
Score: 96.5/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproofing: 28,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: FULLY Taped
Fit: Relaxed (with articulation)
Coming in at #7, are the Volcom Longo Gore-Tex snowboard pants.
The Longo are the first of 6 pants in this list to feature Gore-Tex. Which isn't surprising, given the waterproofing and breathability properties of Gore-Tex.
They have plenty of features, including Volcom's Zip Tech® jacket-to-pants connection. This allows you to zip these pants into Volcom's snowboard jackets, to help keep snow out, as well as reducing the changes for cold breezes when your jacket rises up.
Score Breakdown for the Longo 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: 686 Core Gore-Tex (SHELL AND INSULATED OPTIONS)
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IS THIS GEAR RIGHT FOR YOU?
Score: 96.5/100
Insulation: Shell*
* 60g insulation on the insulated version (scores for both versions below)
Waterproofing: 28,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: FULLY Taped
Fit: Regular
In the #6 position, we have 686's Gore-Tex Core snowboard pants.
The Core come in both shell and insulated versions, so depending on whether you want a shell or insulation, you can have either with these pants. The score for both versions is below. The insulated version adds a small amount to the price.
They are our 2nd Gore-Tex offering, providing the trusted reliable waterproofing and breathability that Gore-Tex is known for, plus great functionality.
Score Breakdown for the Core Gore-Tex (SHELL)
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 |
Score Breakdown for the Core Gore-Tex (INSULATED)
RATING | SCORE WEIGHTING | |
|---|---|---|
WATERPROOFING | 5.0 | 35/35 |
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 | 94/100 |
BEST SNOWBOARD PANTS #5
Pant: Burton Ballast Gore-Tex
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CA
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UK/EU
IS THIS GEAR RIGHT FOR YOU?
Score: 96.5/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproofing: 28,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: FULLY Taped
Fit: REGULAR
Next up we have Burton's Ballast snowboard pants.
The Ballast are made with a 150D polyester weave (which is decently strong for this price-point, to give them more durability) and uses Bluesign® approved materials, to be more environmentally friendly.
They give you the waterproofing and breathability you'd expect from Gore-Tex and fully taped seams, plus a bunch of features, to help them perform specifically as snowboard pants.
Score Breakdown for the Ballast 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 #4
Pant: DC Squadron 30K
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Score: 96.5/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproofing: 30,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: FULLY Taped
Fit: REGULAR
In at #4, we have DC's Squadron snowboard pants.
The Squadron features high-end waterproofing and great breathability and pretty much all the function you'll ever need with snowboarding pants.
They are the 2nd equal lowest priced in this list (along with both #10=).
They also use an eco-friendly (made from plastic bottles) 4 way stretch fabric and articulated legs, to help with freedom of movement.
Score Breakdown for the Squadron 30K
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 #3
Pant: 686 GT Gore-Tex
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CA
IS THIS GEAR RIGHT FOR YOU?
Score: 97.5/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproofing: 28,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: FULLY Taped
Fit: regular (with articulation)
The Gore-Tex GT snowboard pants feature a slightly slimmer fit than most on this list, for those that prefer that look. They're not super slim, so you can still layer underneath, and they make use of articulation, so freedom of movement is still there.
Being Gore-Tex, they naturally provide great waterproofing and breathability and they have some awesome functionality. Included in that functionality is a gaiter that has a BOA flap in it, to allow you to easily lift that flap to adjust your BOA, without having to pull the bottom of your pants up to get to it.
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
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CA
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UK/EU
IS THIS GEAR RIGHT FOR YOU?
Score: 97.5/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproofing: 28,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: FULLY Taped
Fit: Relaxed Fit (with articulation)
In the #2 position we have Volcom's L Gore Tex snowboard pants.
The L Gore-Tex give you the reliability of Gore-Tex to keep you dry, inside and out, and have a host of features, including plenty of pocket space.
Like their Volcom counterparts at #7 in this list, they are built with Zip Tech® jacket-to-pants connections to help keep snow out and to keep you better covered against the elements.
Score Breakdown for the 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
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CA
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UK/EU
IS THIS GEAR RIGHT FOR YOU?
Score: 97.5/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproofing: 28,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: FULLY Taped
Fit: Regular
And finally, in at #1, we have Burton's Vent Gore-Tex snowboard pants.
The Vent, like many in this list (6 to be precise) make use of Gore-Tex fabric to attain high-level waterproofing and breathability.
They are made with eco-friendly materials and have articulation in all the right places to help with freedom of movement.
They feature everything you need, like zippered leg venting, boot gaiters and plenty of zippered pockets, including microfleece lined handwarmer pockets, back pockets and thigh pockets.
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.
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