A toasty torso and toes are key to a happy riding day, but don’t sleep on the importance of pants. Sure, snowboard pants are a fashion statement. But they also provide key comfort, warmth, and protection on a frozen chairlift or breathability while booting or skinning up a remote mountainside.
The best designs fit well without falling down or being restrictive. Athletic pairs have knees that are articulated, and the legs are well tapered like on the Jones Shralpinist Stretch Recycled Pants. The hems need to be wide enough to seamlessly slide over the broad neck of snowboard boots, especially for boot adjustments midday. Other fits provide more comprehensive coverage, like the Airblaster Men’s Beast Suit. Some pants, including the Burton Men’s Cargo Pants, deliver basic 2-layer, 10K protection against occasional snowfall, which can be plenty of protection in milder winter climates.
Depending on your shred zone and the performance you need, there’s a wide range of snowboard pants for the frontcountry and backcountry that can check the boxes. For more help choosing the right snow pants, read the Buyer’s Guide or jump to the Price & Value summary. Still weighing your options? Consult our Comparison Chart to see how ski pants stack up. Otherwise, take a look at our goods for the 2024-2025 season.
Editor’s Note: We updated our Snowboard Pants buyer’s guide on November 13, 2024 with the L1 Premium Goods Axial Pant.
The Best Snowboard Pants of 2025
- Best Overall Snowboard Pants: Volcom GORE-TEX L & Women’s Aston GORE-TEX
- Best Budget Pants: Burton Cargo Pants & Women’s Gloria Stretch 2L
- Best Insulated Pants: The North Face Insulated Freedom & Women’s Picture Exa
- Most Durable & Stylish Snowboard Pants: L1 Premium Goods Axial Pant
- Best for Backcountry: Jones Shralpinist Stretch Recycled Bibs & Women’s Pants
- Best Snowboarding Snow Suit: Airblaster Beast Suit & Women’s Sassy Beast Suit
- Best for Resort: Trew Gear TREWth PRIMO Bib & Women’s Chariot PRIMO Bib
- Fit: Relaxed fit with articulated knees
- Material: Nylon with 2-layer GORE-TEX
- Waterproof rating (mm): 28,000
- Breathability (g): 20,000
- Insulation: None
- Sustainable features: Bluesign-approved nylon + PFC-free laminate shell
Pros
- Reinforced in high-wear areas
- High-quality waterproofing
- Nice looking
Cons
- Some riders find them to be excessively baggy
- Fit: Stretch slim
- Material: GORE-TEX 2-layer stretch
- Waterproof rating (mm): 28,000
- Breathability (g): 20,000
- Insulation: None
- Sustainable features: None
Pros
- Zippers for ventilation
- Fully taped seams
- Belt loops
Cons
- No eco-friendly traits
- Fit: Regular
- Material: Polyester twill weave with 2-layer DryRide membrane
- Waterproof rating (mm): 10,000
- Breathability (g): 10,000
- Insulation: None
- Sustainable features: Bluesign-approved
Pros
- Good value
- Nice balance of warmth and breathability
Cons
- Not super roomy in the crotch area
- May be a bit short for riders over 6′
- Fit: Slim
- Material: 2-layer stretch polyester fabric
- Waterproof rating (mm): 10,000
- Breathability (g): 10,000
- Insulation: None
- Sustainable features: Bluesign-approved materials
Pros
- Lower cost
- Eco-friendly manufacturing
- Very comfortable
Cons
- Low-waisted design is too low for some (or requires a belt or suspenders)
- No zippers on the hand pockets limits utility
- Fit: Slim
- Material: Nylon blend with 2-layer DryVent construction
- Waterproof rating (mm): Unknown
- Breathability (g): Unknown
- Insulation: Synthetic
- Sustainable features: Heatseeker insulation is made from 50% post-consumer recycled material
Pros
- Excellent value
- Ideal for cold conditions
Cons
- Not the most breathable
- Fit: Regular
- Material: 100% circular polyester, PFC-free DWR, Coremax tricot lining
- Waterproof rating (mm): 20K
- Breathability (g): 20K
- Insulation: Yes — recycled thermal STD 40 gsm insulation
- Sustainable features: Upcycled/recycled fabric, PFC-free surface treatment, recycled insulation
Pros
- Insulation provides comfort on below freezing days
- Innovative cinch for hem stowaway (accessed via hand pockets)
- Roomy and stylish
- Circular polyester's upcycled fabrics avoid landfill
Cons
- At 770 g, the pants feel a tad heavier than other pairs
- Insulation could be too much on super sunny, warm spring days
- High-reaching waistband might not be everyone’s choice style



- Fit: Regular/Relaxed
- Material: 3-layer 100% recycled 70-denier 4-way stretch face fabric, 100% recycled 20-denier polyester backer, and PFC-free DWR
- Waterproof rating (mm): 30,000
- Breathability (g): 30,000
- Insulation: None
- Sustainable features: 100% recycled fabric, OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified, which verifies the safety of the materials for health and the environment
Pros
- Soft, stretchy fabric for unlimited movement
- Lifetime warranty
- Designed by snowboards, for snowboarders
- 100% recycled
Cons
- Lightweight – easy to get cold when not moving or on chairlift
- Price
- Fit: Relaxed
- Material: 3-layer 100% recycled 40-denier polyester fabric, 100% 20-denier recycled polyester backer, and PFC-free DWR
- Waterproof rating (mm): 30,000
- Breathability (g): 30,000
- Insulation: None
- Sustainable features: OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified, which verifies the safety of the materials for health and the environment
Pros
- RECCO
- 5 pockets
Cons
- Premium
- Not insulated



- Fit: Relaxed with slightly tailored legs
- Material: 2-layer Eco-Vortex that’s 100% recycled polyester
- Waterproof rating (mm): 30,000
- Breathability (g): 20,000
- Insulation: None
- Sustainable features: PFC-free DWR, recycled polyester fabric
Pros
- Drop seat for bathroom breaks
- Integrated wrist gaiters and adjustable wrist cuffs
- Fully taped seams
Cons
- A bit too warm for super-sunny or hot spring laps
- An investment
- Fit: Baggy with slightly tailored legs
- Material: 2-layer Eco-Vortex made with 100% recycled polyester
- Waterproof rating (mm): 30,000
- Breathability (g): 20,000
- Insulation: 40g PrimaLoft insulation
- Sustainable features: PFC-free DWR, recycled polyester fabric
Pros
- Drop seat for bathroom breaks
- Integrated wrist gaiters and adjustable wrist cuffs
Cons
- A bit too warm for super-sunny or hot spring laps
- Pricier choice
- Fit: Semi-loose
- Material: PNW 3L Primo Fabric woven with 100% recycled nylon
- Waterproof rating (mm): 20,000
- Breathability (g): 20,000
- Insulation: None
- Sustainable features: 100% recycled nylon, Bluesign certified
Pros
- Heavy-duty and waterproof
- Rugged Durability
- Extended sizes
Cons
- Small chest pockets for phones
- Fit: Slim-fitting with a range of movement
- Material: PNW-level 3L Primo Fabric woven with 100% recycled nylon, Bluesign certified
- Waterproof rating (mm): 20,000mm
- Breathability (g): 20,000
- Insulation: No
- Sustainable features: 100% recycled nylon, Bluesign certified
Pros
- Plenty of pockets
- 270-degree dropseat
- Sustainable proprietary textile that’s 100% recycled and very waterproof
- Jacquard elastic suspenders with silicon gripper
Cons
- A bit short for longer torsos, consider sizing up
- Fit: Relaxed
- Material: 4-way stretch recycled polyester with PFC-free DWR and 3L plain weave ultralight backer
- Waterproof rating (mm): 20,000
- Breathability (g): 20,000
- Insulation: None
- Sustainable features: 100% recycled and recyclable fabric
Pros
- RECCO
- Fully taped seams
- Integrated belt loops
Cons
- Thigh pockets could be a tad larger
- Pricer option
- Fit: Regular
- Material: 2-layer infiDry made with recycled fabric plus DWR
- Waterproof rating (mm): 20,000
- Breathability (g): 15,000
- Insulation: Removable fleece liner
- Sustainable features: Climate-neutral certified
Pros
- Fully taped seams
- BOA-compatible system in the lower leg for fit compatibility
- 500-denier reinforced hem
Cons
- The insulation is not integrated into the pant, which can be a pro or con depending on the user
- Fit: Regular
- Material: 2-layer GORE-TEX 75D dobby weave and 100% recycled polyester
- Waterproof rating (mm): 28,000
- Breathability (g): 25,000
- Insulation: Synthetic stretch insulation, including 40 g at seat and 60 g at knees
- Sustainable features: 100% recycled polyester in fabric, 100% recycled synthetic insulation
Pros
- Insulated in key areas
- Highly waterproof
Cons
- Hand pockets could be better articulated for the hands
- Fit: Athletic
- Material: 3-layer hardshell polyester with DWR finish
- Waterproof rating (mm): 20,000
- Breathability (g): 20,000
- Insulation: None
- Sustainable features: None
Pros
- 7 pockets
- YKK waterproof zippers
Cons
- Pricier choice
- Fit: Relaxed and accommodates snowboard boots and backcountry touring
- Material: 3-layer 200-denier GORE-TEX ePE-based PFC-free technology (fabric, membrane, treatment), 100% recycled nylon face
- Waterproof rating (mm): 28,000 and a DWR finish
- Breathability (g): 20,000
- Insulation: No
- Sustainable features: ePE-based PFC-free fabric, membrane, and surface treatment
Pros
- Impressive GORE-TEX PRO waterproofing and breathability
- More than 50% of the fibers used in construction are recycled
- Many pocket options
Cons
- Price
- No RECCO reflector
- Suspenders are finicky to adjust
- Fit: Very fitted
- Material: 56% polyester, 32% recycled polyester, 12% elastane
- Waterproof rating (mm): 15,000
- Breathability (g): 10,000
- Insulation: None
- Sustainable features: PFC-free DWR treatment, recycled polyester blend
Pros
- High-reaching neoprene waist panel
- Belt loops
Cons
- Pockets are small and not ergonomic or utility-focused
- Too lean-fitting for some ladies
- Fit: Relaxed / baggy
- Material: 45% nylon, 55% cotton
- Waterproof rating (mm): 10,000
- Breathability (g): 10,000
- Insulation: None
- Sustainable features: None
Pros
- 90’s inspired throwback design style
- Unisex design
- Offers jacket – pant connection
Cons
- Go easy on the fabric in tight trees – they tear easily

Snowboard Pants Comparison Chart
Snowboard Pant | Price | Fit | Material | Waterproof Rating (mm) | Breathability (g) | Insulation |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
M – Volcom L Pants | $295 | Relaxed | Nylon with 2-layer GORE-TEX | 28,000 | 20,000 | No |
M – The North Face Freedom Insulated Pants | $169 | Slim | Nylon blend with 2-layer DryVent | N/A | N/A | Yes |
M – Burton Cargo Snow Pants | $185 | Regular | Polyester twill weave with 2-layer DryRide | 10,000 | 10,000 | No |
M – Mountain Hardwear Cloud Bank GORE-TEX Insulated Pant | $375 | Regular | 2-layer GORE-TEX 75D dobby weave and 100% recycled polyester | 28,000 | 25,000 | Yes |
M – Flylow Baker Bib | $430 | Athletic | 3-layer hardshell polyester with DWR finish | 20,000 | 20,000 | No |
M – Airblaster Beast Suit | $450 | Relaxed | 2-layer Eco-Vortex | 30,000 | 20,000 | No |
W – Volcom Aston GORE-TEX Pants | $320 | Stretch slim | GORE-TEX 2-layer stretch | 28,000 | 20,000 | No |
W – Burton Gloria Stretch 2L | $195 | Slim | 2-layer stretch polyester fabric | 10,000 | 10,000 | No |
W – 686 Smarty 3-In-1 Cargo Pant | $230 | Regular | 2-layer infiDry | 20,000 | 15,000 | Yes |
W – Airblaster Sassy Beast Suit | $430 | Baggy | 2-layer Eco-Vortex | 30,000 | 20,000 | Yes |
M & W – Dakine Sender Stretch 3L Pant | $450 | Relaxed | 4-way stretch recycled polyester with PFC-free DWR and 3L plain weave ultralight backer | 20,000 | 20,000 | No |
Jones Snowboards Women’s Shralpinist Stretch 3L Pants | $400 | Relaxed | 3-layer 100% recycled 40-denier polyester fabric, 100% 20-denier recycled polyester backer, and PFC-free DWR | 30,000 | 30,000 | No |
W – Roxy Rising High Pants | $210 | Very fitted | 56% polyester, 32% recycled polyester, 12% elastane | 15,000 | 10,000 | No |

How We Tested the Best Snowboard Pants
Our Expert Testers

Our Testing Grounds

Our Testing Process

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose Snowboard Pants

How Snowboard Pants Differ From Ski Pants

Snowboard Bibs vs. Snowboard Pants

Resort Riding vs. Backcountry Splitboarding

Materials & Durability

Insulation & Warmth
- The North Face Freedom Insulated Pants – 60g synthetic
- Mountain Hardwear Cloud Bank Insulated Pant – 40-60g synthetic
- 686 Smarty 3-in-1 Cargo Pant – fleece liner
- Airblaster Sassy Beast Suit – 40g synthetic

Waterproofing & Breathability
- 0 – 10,000 mm: Ideal for dry – mostly dry climates like the Midwest
- 10,000 m – 20,000 mm: ideal for wet climates like the mountain west
- 20,000 mm – 30,000 mm: ideal for very wet climates like the Pacific Northwest


Sustainable Design

Leg Vents

Pockets


Built-In Gaiters

Reinforced Cuffs

Jacket-to-Pant Interface

RECCO



Fit & Function

Price & Value
Budget

Mid-Tier
Premium

Frequently Asked Questions
All of the snowboard pants and bibs we’ve included on this list are high-quality products. But Volcom, Trew Gear, Airblaster, Burton, and Jones Snowboards are a handful of well-established brands that are known for their top-notch outerwear. Many other brands make outstanding products, too.

Snowboarders might find ski pants that are not marketed toward snowboarders that work super well for their riding style and the climate and conditions where they ride.
That said, snowboard pants are designed to fit over snowboard boots with cuffs that expand or have a wide enough circumference to slide over the wider neck of a snowboard boot, which is larger than a ski boot. The same goes for the boot gaiters, which are designed to work with snowboard boots.
Snowboard pants tend to have a baggier fit compared to streamlined ski pants.
On this list, the majority of our top picks are snowboard-specific pants that are optimal for snowboarding. Some pants work for both skiing and snowboarding.

If you tend to run cold or regularly ride in frigid conditions, you may want a pair of insulated snow pants. However, it’s important to note that insulated pants can become uncomfortable when the weather turns warm.
Most riders prefer uninsulated pants for their superior versatility. In cold conditions, layers can always be added for extra warmth.
Insulated pants are not recommended if you plan to boot pack often at the resort or snowboard in the backcountry.

The pants versus bibs decision ultimately comes down to personal preference. Neither is strictly better, though both have a few key advantages and disadvantages.
Bibs are great for keeping snow out while surfing through chest-deep powder and the most popular designs these days have nailed the drop seat, so going to the bathroom is easy for guys and gals in the backcountry or at the lodge. While bibs can offer protection including against the lower back from wind, many bibs are made with breathable materials, so they aren’t too stuffy or hot while they offer a barrier.
Pants are simple, though they can’t keep the elements out as well as a bib can. If you prefer to wear a midlayer beneath a shell jacket or want the quick ease of removing your midlayer midday when it warms up, it can be more comfortable and more convenient to wear snowboard pants versus bibs.
The simple answer is yes. For maximum comfort while snowboarding, you should wear waterproof outerwear, which will prevent your pants from soaking through when you sit down, if you take a tumble, on powder days, and when it snows while you’re on a lift ride or standing in line.

Backcountry snowboarding involves a lot of uphill walking and riding through deep, untracked snow. For these reasons, backcountry snowboarding requires reliably waterproof pants that are also durable, breathable, and relatively stretchy.
A few of our favorite backcountry snowboard pants and bibs include the Jones Snowboards Shralpinist Stretch Recycled Pants ($400) and the Jones’ Men’s Shralpinist Stretch Recycled Bibs ($480).
The simple answer is yes. We highly recommend wearing a baselayer under your snowboard pants. You can check out our Best Mens Baselayer Guide or our Best Womens Baselayer Guide to find the right one for you. You can just wear normal underwear (not recommended) under the pants but remember you’ll have some bare skin exposed once you unzip your leg vents.


The Best Snowboard Jackets of 2025
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