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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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.
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.