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 2017-18 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 $450 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 89 snowboard pants that I researched:
- The average score was 78/100
- The highest score was 100/100
- The lowest score was 51/100
- The average price was $214
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
#20: Marmot Freerider Gore-Tex
Pants: Marmot Freerider Gore-Tex
Price: View more Info and Current Prices Here
Rating Score: 92.5/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproof Rating: 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 |
| Seams: | 5.0 | 20/20 |
| Breathability: | 4.5 | 22.5/25 |
| Venting: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| Gaiters: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| Jacket/Pant Interface: | 0.0 | 0/5 |
| Pockets: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| TOTAL | 92.5/100 |
#19: Burton AK Gore-Tex® Cyclic
Pants: Burton AK Cyclic Gore-Tex®
Price: View more Info and Current Prices Here
Rating Score: 92.5/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproof Rating: 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 |
| Seams: | 5.0 | 20/20 |
| Breathability: | 4.5 | 22.5/25 |
| Venting: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| Gaiters: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| Jacket/Pant Interface: | 0.0 | 0/5 |
| Pockets: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| TOTAL | 92.5/100 |
#18: Oakley Lookout 2L Gore-Tex® Biozone™
Pants: Oakley Lookout 2L Gore-Tex® Biozone™
Price: View more Info and Current Prices Here
Rating Score: 92.5/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproof Rating: 28,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
A mouthful of a name, but equally as high performance as the previous 2 and for the same price as the Cyclic above, #18s Oakley Lookout, will keep you dry both from the weather on wet days and from your sweat on hotter days.
Score Breakdown for the Lookout
| FACTOR | RATING (OUT OF 5) | CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE |
|---|---|---|
| Waterproofing: | 5.0 | 35/35 |
| Seams: | 5.0 | 20/20 |
| Breathability: | 4.5 | 22.5/25 |
| Venting: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| Gaiters: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| Jacket/Pant Interface: | 0.0 | 0/5 |
| Pockets: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| TOTAL | 92.5/100 |
#17: Burton Gore-Tex® Ballast
Pants: Burton Ballast Gore-Tex®
Price: View more Info and Current Prices Here
Rating Score: 92.5/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproof Rating: 28,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
Equaling the score of the 3 jackets before it, the Ballast earns #17 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.
Score Breakdown for the Ballast
| FACTOR | RATING (OUT OF 5) | CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE |
|---|---|---|
| Waterproofing: | 5.0 | 35/35 |
| Seams: | 5.0 | 20/20 |
| Breathability: | 4.5 | 22.5/25 |
| Venting: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| Gaiters: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| Jacket/Pant Interface: | 0.0 | 0/5 |
| Pockets: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| TOTAL | 92.5/100 |
#16: The North Face Slashback Cargo
Pants: The North Face Slashback Cargo
Price: View more Info and Current Prices Here
Rating Score: 92.5/100
Insulation: Shell with lining
Waterproof Rating: 25,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
Of all the jackets on this score, the North Face Slashback Cargos are the lowest priced by a good margin. In fact, assuming that the waterproofing and breathability ratings are accurate, these have got to be strong contenders for the best value snowboard pants going around.
They are the cheapest in the list and the first so far to not feature Gore-Tex.
Score Breakdown for the Slashback Cargo
| FACTOR | RATING (OUT OF 5) | CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE |
|---|---|---|
| Waterproofing: | 5.0 | 35/35 |
| Seams: | 5.0 | 20/20 |
| Breathability: | 4.5 | 22.5/25 |
| Venting: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| Gaiters: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| Jacket/Pant Interface: | 0.0 | 0/5 |
| Pockets: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| TOTAL | 92.5/100 |
#15: Ride Alki
Pants: Ride Alki
Price: View more Info and Current Prices Here
Rating Score: 94/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproof Rating: 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 |
| Seams: | 5.0 | 20/20 |
| Breathability: | 4.5 | 22.5/25 |
| Venting: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| Gaiters: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| Jacket/Pant Interface: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| Pockets: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| TOTAL | 94/100 |
#14: Quiksilver TR Stretch
Pants: Quiksilver TR Stretch
Price: View more Info and Current Prices Here
Rating Score: 94/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproof Rating: 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 (TORAY® Derizax® to get technical) that allows freedom of movement without having to go too baggy.
Score Breakdown for the TR Stretch
| FACTOR | RATING (OUT OF 5) | CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE |
|---|---|---|
| Waterproofing: | 4.5 | 31.5/35 |
| Seams: | 5.0 | 20/20 |
| Breathability: | 4.5 | 22.5/25 |
| Venting: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| Gaiters: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| Jacket/Pant Interface: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| Pockets: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| TOTAL | 94/100 |
#13: 686 Quantum Tharmagraph
Pants: 686 Quantum Tharmagraph
Price: View more Info and Current Prices Here
Rating Score: 94/100
Insulation: 60g
Waterproof Rating: 20,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
686’s Quantum are the only pants that make this list that feature insulation. There are other pants in this list that aren’t pure shells – i.e. they have a lining – but 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 |
| Seams: | 5.0 | 20/20 |
| Breathability: | 4.5 | 22.5/25 |
| Venting: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| Gaiters: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| Jacket/Pant Interface: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| Pockets: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| TOTAL | 94/100 |
#12: 686 Smarty® 3-in-1 Cargo
Pants: 686 Smarty® 3-in-1 Cargo
Price: View more Info and Current Prices Here
Rating Score: 94/100
Insulation: Removable liner
Waterproof Rating: 20,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
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 |
| Seams: | 5.0 | 20/20 |
| Breathability: | 4.5 | 22.5/25 |
| Venting: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| Gaiters: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| Jacket/Pant Interface: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| Pockets: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| TOTAL | 94/100 |
#11: Quiksilver Utility Stretch
Pants: Quiksilver Utility Stretch
Price: View more Info and Current Prices Here
Rating Score: 94/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproof Rating: 20,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
As well as great waterproofing and breathability, the Utility Stretch also features Stretch (as the name suggests 😉 ) like their counterparts at #14. But if you don’t want stretchy pants, the Utility also comes in a non-stretchy version.
These pants are also the most affordable on this score, and all round really affordable, especially given their performance.
Score Breakdown for the Utility Stretch
| FACTOR | RATING (OUT OF 5) | CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE |
|---|---|---|
| Waterproofing: | 4.5 | 31.5/35 |
| Seams: | 5.0 | 20/20 |
| Breathability: | 4.5 | 22.5/25 |
| Venting: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| Gaiters: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| Jacket/Pant Interface: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| Pockets: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| TOTAL | 94/100 |
#10: Volcom Stretch Gore-Tex®
Pants: Volcom Stretch Gore-Tex®
Price: View more Info and Current Prices Here
Rating Score: 97/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproof Rating: 28,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
Upping the waterproofing again, 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 |
| Seams: | 5.0 | 20/20 |
| Breathability: | 4.5 | 22.5/25 |
| Venting: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| Gaiters: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| Jacket/Pant Interface: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| Pockets: | 4.5 | 4.5/5 |
| TOTAL | 97/100 |
#9: 686 GT Gore-Tex
Pants: 686 GT Gore-Tex
Price: View more Info and Current Prices Here
Rating Score: 97.5/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproof Rating: 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 686 GT Gore-Tex
| FACTOR | RATING (OUT OF 5) | CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE |
|---|---|---|
| Waterproofing: | 5.0 | 35/35 |
| Seams: | 5.0 | 20/20 |
| Breathability: | 4.5 | 22.5/25 |
| Venting: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| Gaiters: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| Jacket/Pant Interface: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| Pockets: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| TOTAL | 97.5/100 |
#8: Patagonia Powder Bowl Gore-Tex
Pants: Patagonia Powder Bowl Gore-Tex
Price: View more Info and Current Prices Here
Rating Score: 97.5/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproof Rating: 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.
Score Breakdown for the Powder Bowls
| FACTOR | RATING (OUT OF 5) | CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE |
|---|---|---|
| Waterproofing: | 5.0 | 35/35 |
| Seams: | 5.0 | 20/20 |
| Breathability: | 4.5 | 22.5/25 |
| Venting: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| Gaiters: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| Jacket/Pant Interface: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| Pockets: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| TOTAL | 97.5/100 |
#7: Quiksilver Forever 2l Gore-Tex®
Pants: Quiksilver Forever 2l Gore-Tex®
Price: View more Info and Current Prices Here
Rating Score: 97.5/100
Insulation: Shell with lining
Waterproof Rating: 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
| FACTOR | RATING (OUT OF 5) | CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE |
|---|---|---|
| Waterproofing: | 5.0 | 35/35 |
| Seams: | 5.0 | 20/20 |
| Breathability: | 4.5 | 22.5/25 |
| Venting: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| Gaiters: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| Jacket/Pant Interface: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| Pockets: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| TOTAL | 97.5/100 |
#6: Volcom L Gore-Tex
Pants: Volcom L Gore-Tex
Price: View more Info and Current Prices Here
Rating Score: 97.5/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproof Rating: 28,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
Like the pants above, 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.
Score Breakdown for the Volcom L
| FACTOR | RATING (OUT OF 5) | CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE |
|---|---|---|
| Waterproofing: | 5.0 | 35/35 |
| Seams: | 5.0 | 20/20 |
| Breathability: | 4.5 | 22.5/25 |
| Venting: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| Gaiters: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| Jacket/Pant Interface: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| Pockets: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| TOTAL | 97.5/100 |
#5: Dakine Smyth 2L Gore-Tex
Pants: Dakine Smyth 2L Gore-Tex
Price: View more Info and Current Prices Here
Rating Score: 97.5/100
Insulation: Shell with lining
Waterproof Rating: 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
| FACTOR | RATING (OUT OF 5) | CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE |
|---|---|---|
| Waterproofing: | 5.0 | 35/35 |
| Seams: | 5.0 | 20/20 |
| Breathability: | 4.5 | 22.5/25 |
| Venting: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| Gaiters: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| Jacket/Pant Interface: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| Pockets: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| TOTAL | 97.5/100 |
#4: Volcom Freakin Gore-Tex® Chino
Pants: Volcom Freakin Gore-Tex® Chino
Price: View more Info and Current Prices Here
Rating Score: 97.5/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproof Rating: 28,000mm
Breathability: 20,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
Featuring all the functionality, waterproofing and breathability you’re ever likely to need, in addition to be the cheapest in this list on this score, Volcom’s Freakin Gore-Tex offer great value-for-money in a high quality package.
Score Breakdown for the Volcom Freakin Gore-Tex
| FACTOR | RATING (OUT OF 5) | CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE |
|---|---|---|
| Waterproofing: | 5.0 | 35/35 |
| Seams: | 5.0 | 20/20 |
| Breathability: | 4.5 | 22.5/25 |
| Venting: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| Gaiters: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| Jacket/Pant Interface: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| Pockets: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| TOTAL | 97.5/100 |
#3: Volcom Guide Gore-Tex®
Pants: Volcom Guide Gore-Tex®
Price: View more Info and Current Prices Here
Rating Score: 99/100
Insulation: Shell with lining
Waterproof Rating: 28,000mm
Breathability: 25,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
The only blemish on the score for Volcom’s Guide was some complaints that there are only 2 usable pockets and those are quite small. I don’t personally use the pockets in my pants when riding (I prefer to stash in my jacket) but for some this might be a put-off.
Otherwise, you get one heck of a pair of pants – you do pay for them (most pricey in this list) – but you pay for 3 layer high-quality Gore-Tex construction for the ultimate in water & wind proofing, in addition to next level breathability.
Score Breakdown for the Volcom Guide Gore-Tex
| FACTOR | RATING (OUT OF 5) | CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE |
|---|---|---|
| Waterproofing: | 5.0 | 35/35 |
| Seams: | 5.0 | 20/20 |
| Breathability: | 5.0 | 25/25 |
| Venting: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| Gaiters: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| Jacket/Pant Interface: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| Pockets: | 4.0 | 4/5 |
| TOTAL | 99/100 |
#2: The North Face Powder Guide Gore-Tex
Pants: The North Face Powder Guide Gore-Tex
Price: View more Info and Current Prices Here
Rating Score: 100/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproof Rating: 28,000mm
Breathability: 25,000g
Seams: Fully Taped
The first of 2 that aced my scoring system, North Face’s Powder Guide are a pair of pants for a surprisingly good price, given the performance and functionality they give.
Something North Face seem to really excel at – providing reasonably priced but high performing snowboard pants.
Score Breakdown for the Powder Guide
| FACTOR | RATING (OUT OF 5) | CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE |
|---|---|---|
| Waterproofing: | 5.0 | 35/35 |
| Seams: | 5.0 | 20/20 |
| Breathability: | 5.0 | 25/25 |
| Venting: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| Gaiters: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| Jacket/Pant Interface: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| Pockets: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| TOTAL | 100/100 |
#1: DC Nomad
Pants: DC Nomad
Price: View more Info and Current Prices Here
Rating Score: 100/100
Insulation: Shell
Waterproof Rating: 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 functionable (not a word, I know!) – they are also, rather surprisingly, lower than the average price of all 89 pants that I looked at.
Score Breakdown for the Nomad
| FACTOR | RATING (OUT OF 5) | CONTRIBUTION TO FINAL SCORE |
|---|---|---|
| Waterproofing: | 5.0 | 35/35 |
| Seams: | 5.0 | 20/20 |
| Breathability: | 5.0 | 25/25 |
| Venting: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| Gaiters: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| Jacket/Pant Interface: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| Pockets: | 5.0 | 5/5 |
| TOTAL | 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.
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.
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