Your snow essentials when it comes to stylish pants - get ready to explore winter

Snowboarding can be an enjoyable experience, but a cold, wet backside can ruin it. Good snowboarding pants are crucial to keep you dry, warm, and comfortable throughout the day, no matter the weather or situation. The right pants should balance comfort and technical performance, like being waterproof and not restricting movement. Inferior pants that are comfortable but not waterproof aren't ideal. Overly insulated bibs that restrict mobility are also not suitable.

But how do you select the right pair? It all comes down to a personal mix and match of comfort and performance. Because you need comfort but you also need the pants to be waterproof. So, we’ve got some ideas about them. Check them out!

The market for snowboard pants is diverse, with top brands like Burton, Patagonia, and Jones Snowboards offering great technical options. However, no one pair is perfect for everyone. The best approach is to try multiple styles and sizes while wearing your full snowboarding gear to assess comfort and performance. To help, we have gathered a selection of highly-rated snowboard pants with a focus on warmth, versatility, and waterproofing. Use our guide to understand the fit, material, insulation, and waterproofing features to make an informed decision. Get ready to shred the slopes.

Consider the following before buying top snowboard pants:

1. Fit: E-commerce sites like Backcountry and REI have a standard way of categorizing fit as relaxed, regular, or slim. Choose based on personal preference, but snowboarding gear is often more relaxed than ski gear.

2. Inseam: REI allows for further customization by having an inseam filter.

3. Material: Check material specifications carefully. Look for pants made from durable and recycled materials. Synthetics designed for warmth, mobility, and waterproofing are ideal for snow sports and outerwear.

4. Waterproofing: Consider waterproofing, especially on the knees and backside of the pants. Look for products with seam-sealing or made of Gore-Tex for added durability and waterproofing.

5. Insulation: Maintaining body temperature is crucial for a pleasant day on the slopes. Shell pants have limited insulation, so wearing base layers is necessary on cold days. Look for pants with thigh vents, which help regulate temperature during intense runs or after-ski relaxation.

Here are some pants we recommend:

Burton Carbonate Gore-Tex

The brand is synonymous with snowboarding and its founder, Jake Burton Carpenter, was a trailblazer in the 1970s. The breathable 3-layer bib has Gore-Tex Topo stretch panels and a stretchy torso for weather versatility. Not warm on its own, it allows for layering options. Zippered waterproof pockets keep belongings safe.

Outdoor Research Trailbreaker

Not solely for snowboarding, these pants are versatile, breathable, flexible, and regulate temperature. High customer ratings for comfort, waterproofing, and versatility. Ideal for snowboarders with waterproof lower legs and thermoregulating waistband.

Helly Hansen Insulated Ski Pants

These pants are water and also windproof, having excellent stretch. The warmest on the list with two-ply Primaloft insulation that retains heat without bulk. They’re available in 11 colors, and a slim-cut option is available.

Patagonia Powder Town Pants

Known for sustainability, waterproof and PFC-free, lined with 100% recycled polyester. Warm and flexible, with a built-in Recco reflector for search-and-rescue purposes.

Arc’Teryx Sabre Pants

Do you want a pair of snowboard trousers that will be as useful at the club as they are on the lift? These elegant pants earned our respect for the most modern flex you can have in the snow, while at the mountain. As with all items Arc’teryx, this pair is truly an acquisition but reached through with the components you need if you want to wear them no matter the season.

Flylow Baker Bib Pant

Consider the Flylow Baker Bib for your snowboarding gear. It offers breathability with thigh vents, reinforced knees, and adjustable straps, making it a versatile choice for any terrain. The bib is also stylish and comes in 9 colors, making it suitable for both resort and backcountry runs. The brand was founded by two Colorado natives aiming to create skiwear that balances style and durability.