The Best Snowboard Pants of 2026

After multiple decades at the forefront of board sports apparel design, Volcom continues to churn out high-quality and stylish gear. With bombproof weatherproofing and supreme comfort, the Volcom GORE-TEX L Pants ($350) are among the best all-around snowboard pants on the market.

Though Volcom produces a wide range of snow pants, the GORE-TEX L offers the highest-level waterproofing in the entire range. Two-layer GORE-TEX construction is combined with the brand’s V-Science breathable lining.

The result is reliable waterproofing that also eliminates heat-draining sweat. Snow pants traditionally struggle to find the balance between waterproofing and breathability, but the L pants are pretty close to perfect.

Other key features of the L Pants include articulated knees, fully taped seams, an adjustable waistband, a water-repellent zipper, and a pant-to-jacket interface. Though they aren’t the cheapest pants on this list, the L pants are a great value considering their plentiful features and generally stellar build quality.

The Volcom Aston GORE-TEX Pant ($320) is an extremely comfortable, protective pant made by one of the lead apparel designers in the snowboard world — Volcom. The legs are contoured but not tight, so they don’t sag even after a massive bell-to-bell pow day. The knee is articulated with flexible fabric, so you can sit to strap in, crouch while exploring the trees, and get low while jibbing without thinking twice about your pants.

When whiteout conditions blur the lift chair in front of you, the material of these pants is stout, keeps you as dry as Moab, and doesn’t feel stuffy. The leg zippers are key to dumping heat on warmer days and rigorous rides.

If you go with a Volcom jacket too, the brand’s Zip Tech — a patented technology that connects the powder skirt to the pants — is stout with a burly, waterproof zipper that keeps your backside warm and dry. The setup of the Aston is also surprisingly easy to operate.

We also love the smooth hand pockets, which are lined with brushed tricot. In total, there are seven pockets from front to back. The lower part of the pant cuff is reinforced with panels to help prevent those shreds that inevitably develop (we still recommend rolling up your pants when you leave the snow to help elongate your apparel’s life). From pow days to parking lot hangouts, the Aston GORE-TEX Pant delivers.

The Burton Women’s Reserve Stretch Slim Pants ($210) are the perfect match to the jacket’s storm-ready swagger, pairing standout style with technical muscle. In the one-of-a-kind Floral Blur pattern, the pants bring a bold, painterly edge to the hill — Picasso meets powder day. Like its upper-body counterpart, these slim-fit resort riders deliver clean lines, low-bulk, and a surprising dose of stretch that makes long days on the mountain feel effortless.

Burton places these snow pants in its “Good” foundational tier, and they punch above their price tag. We rode with these in tough conditions at Crested Butte Mountain Resort. Through super snowy, wet, and windy weather, the pants held strong. Their 2-layer shell boasts 20K/20K waterproof-breathable protection with a PFC-free CO DWR finish, which sheds moisture. While the jacket is insulated, the pants are not. They were comfortable while we built heat climbing a steep bootpack and while carving through mogul fields. At 9 inches long, the interior leg vents help to release steam and avoid swamp-out.

Despite the relatively close fit — meaning, the design sits close to the hip and thigh — the pants hung nicely and moved with us thanks to a subtle flex in the fabric, a body-mapped stretch liner, and smart shaping darts placed through the hips and legs. We never felt restricted, even while hustling up or down steep terrain. We appreciated the fleece-lined hand pockets, which are roomy, well-angled, and zippered. A third spacious pocket is on the rightside glute. Belt loops let you adjust the waist fit, as does the internal integrated velcro belt. Three loops are placed around the waist to attach the powder skirt from the kit’s matching jacket. A hang loop inside the fleece-lined waistband let us easily dangle these pants to dry at the end of a blizzard-ridden sesh.

To help us quickly adjust our snowboard boots, an 8-inch long zipper at the hems opens a gusseted cuff. The hems have an .5-inch of reinforcement, so they aren’t rocking mega instep patches that you see on technical backcountry touring pants like the Jones Women’s Shralpinist Stretch Recycled 3L Pants. And they don’t have a 3-layer construction with integrated GORE-TEX waterproofing. But we found that the weather-blocking prowess, cut, and style served us perfectly well while exploring in-bounds terrain. These artistic pants balance comfort and performance beautifully for all-day resort laps.

A statement piece on the slopes, the 686 Aura Insulated Cargo Pants ($180) deliver style and function, making them a go-to choice for riders who want comfort, warmth, and utility without stretching their budget. Lightly insulated in key areas, these pants kept us cozy on the lift while offering ventilation for high-output sessions. With solid weather protection and plenty of cargo room, they’re built for long days on the mountain, whether it’s a bluebird cruise or an occasional unexpected squall.

Storage is a standout feature, with six pockets strategically placed for convenience. Two traditional zippered hand pockets, two Velcro-and-snap cargo pouches on the thighs, and two rear pockets with Velcro provide plenty of room for snacks, a binding tool, sunscreen, chapstick, and a collapsible water bottle. The front hand pocket includes a key clip. Fit adjustments are easy with the internal waist tabs, while a pant-jacket connection system helps keep snow out on deep days. The lift ticket eyelet on the front belt loop and expandable lower-leg hems add thoughtful touches. A few other thoughtful details stand out including the slim 500-denier reinforced hem, garage for the boot lace hook, and grippy gaiters to keep snow from sneaking in.

Made with infiDRY 10K fabric, these snowboard pants offer breathable, windproof, and waterproof protection, aided by a PFAS-free DWR coating to shed moisture. While they likely won’t hold up to week-long PNW storms, they provide adequate waterproofing for drier snow climates (like fluffy Colorado storms) and fair-weather shredders. The infiLOFT insulation, mapped with 40g at the seat and knees, ensures warmth without bulk. An interior fleece liner around the thighs, hamstrings, and glutes adds coziness. On warmer days, inner leg vents help prevent overheating from the boot pack to park laps.

These pants are close but not everything is perfect — the waistband closure relies on two shallow snaps and scratchy Velcro, which could be more comfortable against our fingers, and we’d love to see full fleece lining in the hand pockets. But these small gripes don’t overshadow the overall value. As a B Corp-certified brand, 686 meets high standards for sustainability and ethical production, making the insulated Aura an excellent pick for resort riders who want warmth, function, and style at a solid price. Looking for something more waterproof and lightweight for backcountry tours? Consider the Patagonia Women’s PowSlayer Pants instead.

Totally revised after an 8-year stint, the Patagonia Women’s PowSlayer Pants ($649) deliver top-tier storm protection without bulk. This fourth generation snow pant features the new GORE-TEX Pro ePE, an eco-friendly and chemical-free material and manufacturing process that also makes these pants 30% lighter than previous versions. Coupled with excellent thigh pockets, the PowSlayer is a top pick for endurance riders who prefer a lean-and-light pant for booting or skinning up terrain. 

Our favorite detail on the revised PowSlayer is the bellowed cargo pockets on the thighs. The designers realized they were building articulation into the knee area — but were overlooking the hips, upper glute, and upper thigh area. That’s now fixed! We personally have a hard time finding women’s snow pants where our hands can easily slide into the leg pockets while we’re standing in line, let alone lunging on the skintrack. These expansive pockets let our legs and digits move. Inside each bellowed pocket is a stretchy interior pocket that keeps devices from bouncing around, plus two lean elastic loops for clipping them to.  

A queen of breathability and waterproofing, this 3-layer pant is built with 80-denier recycled nylon shell, which we found performed as well in warm, sunny conditions as it does in blizzards. A PFC-free DWR finish kept moisture at bay. The entire hem is reinforced to prevent nicks and wear, reaching 8 inches high on the back and interior leg. However, given how light the pants feel, if the temps drop below 15 degrees Fahrenheit, consider wearing a heavier base layer. 

Thoughtful design elements — a low-bulk zippered fly, internal elastic waist adjustments, streamlined belt loops, and watertight zippers — enhance fit and function. When things heat up, zippered exterior leg vents help you dump excess warmth. The zipper pulls hide behind the bellowed fabric of the pockets, so they’re hard to see and we wish the pull was a bit more stout-feeling beneath our gloves. But the vents easily open and close. 

With bellowed cargo pockets for generous storage and a Fair Trade Certified build, the PowSlayer Pants for women are ready for deep days in the mountains. Light, tough, and storm-proof, these snow pants live up to their name. Don’t forget: To keep these pants waterproof and breathable, you’ll need to wash the material (with detergent that’s free of scent and softener), hang dry, then put it in the dryer for 20 minutes on medium heat. As for stains? Try to not get oil on the light-colored pants: Marks are a beast to get out.

Read Review: Just-Right Bagginess: Weatherproof L1 Premium Goods Axial Snowboard Pants Review

If you’re looking for a hip freeride-esque snowboard pant that goes from the park to the groomers or the glades and can weather a winter storm, look no further than the L1 Axial Pant ($369). With a clean, roomy style, straight cut, and elastic hems, it’s hard not to enjoy how this gender-neutral pant looks, let alone how it performs. Hitting a moderate price point, this pant is built with robust 20K/20K waterproof-breathable, wind-shielding fabric and has a collection of pockets to carry the goods.

We love the waistband of these pants. The interior is lined with a super soft fleece nearly two inches deep. While the band is elastic, there is also an integrated belt with a plastic buckle that easily adjusts. We also appreciate the amount of give in the fabric in addition to the freeride style. Also, hats off to the effort of integrating 87% recycled polyester into the construction.

Standing out, the 18-inch long side zippers are wide and dark but also functional. They offer plenty of room to air out, and there’s no mesh to get caught. Each hand pocket is spacious and can completely swallow your digits when you need a warm up. The interior liner is soft, though we wish a cozier fleece lined the cave. A third stash pocket is available on the backside.

Down low, not only are the hems uniquely elasticated but they have an integrated gusset. Simply move up the 8-inch zipper and you’ve got flare. Inside, the integrated gaiter has a latch hook and is coated with a sticky rubber for grip and long-lasting hold. Overall, the interior liner of the Axial pants feels super smooth and soft, and the fabric feels dense and protective without giving up any points for style.

We liken these to our most comfortable high-waisted jeans with three snaps that don’t feel cumbersome or press against the lower abdomen. With industry-shaking sustainability, function, and style, the 2-layer women’s Picture Exa Pants ($230) is made of 100% Circular polyester: upcycled fabric from factory scraps and used jackets. Coined Circular polyester, Picture innovated the textile last winter and will continue to expand it across snow apparel. This design also features both Oeko-Tex Standard 100 and Global Recycled Standard certifications.

Keeping us toasty, these pants are also well insulated for super cold, wind-stricken days and kept our backside cozy even on blizzard-coated chairlift rides. You can move easily in this design, which is a tad tailored yet spacious. The exterior fabric is fairly soft and quiet though feels dense and durable. The two zippered hand pockets are spacious and softly lined. Inside each, an internal elastic cord can be pulled to cinch up the pant hems — a brilliant idea. 

To help block water, the seams are fully taped. The textile utilizes Teflon Ecoelite, a PFC-free bio-based, non-fluorinated stain and water-repellent treatment. An elastic fabric extends above the waistband and belt loops like faux boxers (but if that’s not your style, it isn’t often visible).

Ultimately, the Exa Pants performs across gusty, frigid, blizzardy conditions while feeling well-tailored, comfortable, and stylish sans pinch points or grievances. The pants can get a bit warm if you’re pumping out laps in the powder and making hot turns through the trees, so be sure to slim down your base layer according to the conditions.

Read Review: Jones Snowboards Shralpinist Stretch 3L Pants Review: A Well-Vented, Durable Option for Backcountry Travel

Jones Snowboards fairly recently launched then expanded its outerwear line to include women’s-specific apparel, and the athletic Jones Women’s Shralpinist Stretch Recycled Pants ($400) are a serious bolt in the cog. Built for storm days, skin tracks, and everything in between, these 3-layer streamliners deliver all-weather protection without sacrificing comfort, movement, or sustainability. Whether you’re riding lifts from bell to bell or heading deep into the backcountry, these comfortable pants keep pace — and then some.

We put the Shralpinist Stretch Recycled Pants through the wringer in a mix of wind, flurries, and spring slop, and they stayed impressively dry and comfortable. The 30K/30K waterproof-breathable fabric has a surprisingly soft hand feel yet is super durable. The textile was recently upgraded to a stronger 100% recycled 70D polyester with 4-way mechanical stretch. Seriously reinforced inner cuffs (nearly 8 inches tall and 11 inches wide) ward off edge wear, and fully taped seams block out moisture. The fabric feels buttery and flexible, more like smooth yoga pants than hardshells — ideal for high-output days. You also get RECCO reflectors, PFC-free DWR, and Bluesign-certified materials — proof of the brand’s commitment to sustainability.

Jones added dual thigh pockets with internal mesh sleeves, key loops, and a bellowed shape. While the pockets are 7 inches wide by 7 inches long, they fit very snugly around a large phone. The internal mesh sleeves also consistently snagged on our phone when we tried to slide it into the pocket. The tight-fitting design led to some discomfort with the zipper teeth grazing the backs of our hands. A third zippered pocket is on the rightside glute. While we like the articulated, lean fit of these pants, the pocket entrance could be a tad more expandable for ease of use, like on the bellowed thigh pockets of the Patagonia PowSlayer Pants. The 13-inch exterior side vents with two-way zips allow quick cooling. A stretchy, adjustable waistband with belt loops and double snaps fits snug without digging in. Plus, powder gaiters seal off the lower legs.

The articulated fit and pliable fabric of the Shralpinist allowed unrestricted movement whether we were hiking, touring, or taking a high-speed heel-side carve. These are easily some of the best women’s snowboard pants we’ve worn this season and certainly among the most sustainable. With premium construction, thoughtful design, and environmental responsibility baked in, the Women’s Shralpinist Stretch Recycled Pants are a top-tier choice for mountain explorers who demand performance without compromise.

New to the slopes is the stylish, comfortable, and eco-friendly Sender kit, a jacket and pant duo from Dakine for ladies and gents. With smooth, lean, and durable fabric, the Dakine men’s Sender Stretch 3L Pant ($450), which includes a women’s Dakine Sender Stretch 3L Pant, is made with the brand’s new four-way stretch recycled polyester. Called the Re-psyched material, the blend can be recycled after the pants have been beaten up by trees, packs, and edges.

We appreciated the ergonomic fit and gusseted interior legs for plenty of freedom of movement. With a wide circumference, the pant legs slide over snowboard boots with ease even with a BOA system. The lower interior of each cuff is also reinforced with a giant slab of tenacious fabric to keep your board’s edge from unwanted slash marks.

From deep pow days to stormy afternoons, frigid temps, and sunshine, the pants did well to protect us from moderate precipitation. With no insulation, we quickly learned to layer up with ample wool if the windchill was in the forecast, especially on lift days.

For uphilling adventures, the leg vents on the Sender Stretch 3L Pant feature two double-direction zippers, and they’re burly, and the same goes for the women’s version.

One of our biggest pet peeves is getting snow blasted against our lower backside base layers. The Roxy Rising High Pants ($210) all but fixes that problem. This high-waisted, well-fitted pair is a popular one, in great part because of the extra coverage. Sleek and stretchy, these trousers are also treated with a PFC-free DWR and weave in 32% recycled polyester, so they’re better for the earth, too.

These snow pants provide a fair amount of waterproofing and breathability for riding the resort in milder climates that experience moderately snow-ridden days. That brushed polar fleece liner is a cozy addition.

On each leg is a small zippered hand pocket. Despite being a hugging pair, there are belt loops, too, in addition to the three snaps that close up the waist. Two additional zippered pockets are on the hind side.

And to help the bottom hem from splitting, there’s additional reinforcement on the Rising High Pants alongside the zipper bottom leg gussets. Overall, these snowboard pants are a next-to-skin style reminiscent of bell bottom jeans with flare but also offer a fair about of comfort and weather protection that meets the price.

The Dakine A-1 Pant ($255) is by far the most uniquely styled pant in our guide. Dakine wanted to make a 90’s style throwback pant that inspired nostalgia from the early days of snowboard culture and we think the brand nailed it perfectly. 

The A1 comes with all the modern features one could want while staying in a retro style including a built-in waistband adjustment, zippered hand pockets, snapping butt pockets, and ankle scuff guards.  A pant-to-jacket interface helps keep snow out and warmth in. Zippered pit vents let out that heat when you’re hiking the park or shoveling snow for a street rail.  

The fabric boasts a 10,000 waterproofing / 10,000 breathability rating and comes with Dakine’s durable fabric package and 1-year warranty. This pant should hold up to years of abuse and hard landings. We did catch our pair on a snowmobile trailer which left a 3-inch tear in the fabric. 

With the A-1 Pant being unisex, everyone is guaranteed to look good in this nostalgic style. If you’re looking for a retro snowboarding pant that can hold up in today’s conditions, this is the only one for you.

Read Review: Sustainable Bibs That Will Fit Almost Anyone: TREW Gear TREWth PRIMO Bib Review

The TREW Gear TREWth PRIMO Bib ($519) from TREW Gear is a great choice for the pursuit of powder. The new bibs utilize TREW’s brand new PRIMO fabric, a 100% recycled nylon 3-layer fabric that is waterproof and breathable and took several years to design. With TREW’s highest level of waterproofing and breathability — a 20,000mm-rated membrane —  these stylish bibs feel bomber from the resort to après and the backcountry.

The thick, 3L, fully seam-taped outer fabric offers a roomy fit while remaining highly durable no matter what the mountains deliver. The PRIMO bib does not come with any insulation but offers great heat retention on cold days. There are also large, top and bottom-opening side zips, along with breathable fabric for when things heat up.

We have put the TREWth bibs through the gauntlet with many deep resort, backcountry, and snowmobile days and have always come back warm and dry. We like the built-in avalanche transceiver pocket with a 20mm D-ring plus SuperFabric cuffs and kick patches for keeping snow out. Unfortunately, the off-center chest pockets are hard to fit a phone and are not the most ergonomic along with the non-removable shoulder straps. 

TREW is one of the few brands to offer short and tall sizing within the brand’s regular sizes. Bibs are available in Short (30”), Regular (32.5”), and Tall (35”) inseam lengths. Now, the collection features 2XL — 5XL plus sizing so that all types of riders can get the best fit. This revolutionary offering of more inclusive sizing comes in at the same price point and utilizes the same high-performance eco-friendly fabrics.

The lineup just debuted, and we haven’t had a chance to test out those extended silhouettes but we’re pumped to see it. TREW worked with plus and extended-size designers and pattern-makers to create a brand-new custom pattern for the collection. All this and more makes the TREWth PRIMO Bib one of the best snowboard pant-bibs on the market.

The TREW Gear Chariot Bib Primo ($499) offers a relaxed freeride fit with room for layers — yet is flattering and feminine. This season, the bib is made entirely of the proprietary sustainable Primo fabric: We approve. Throughout testing, we found that the fabric blocked very heavy and wet snowfall with no damp spots and dried very fast. We’re also hard-pressed to find another brand with as many size options as this one. Recently, TREW launched 1X-4X with short and tall options in addition to the XS to XXL run. For both size blocks, the short has a 30-inch inseam and the tall offers a 35-inch inseam. 

TREW, which was founded in the Pacific Northwest, launched drop-seat snow bibs in 2009. Over the years, there was a massive overhaul of the OG Chariot Bib by lead female designer Brittany Crook, so the fit was already dialed. Now 15 years old, the brand is launching a sustainable fabric: the Primo Collection is a 100% recycled nylon 3-layer waterproof-breathable fabric that’s durable and offers dynamic stretch. The textile took several years of development and remains strong enough to withstand even the coastal elements.

The bibs zip down the front to peel off, which provides easy access despite being a tall bib that covers the chest area. Compared to the iconic Chariot Bib Classic, this fit runs slightly roomier. That said, our primary tester has a longer torso and would consider sizing up for the next round for a tiny more room in the undercarriage. These bibs aren’t tight but they’re not baggy — we found there’s not a ton of extra space, which we only noticed on freezing days during bathroom visits (not while shredding). We needed a little patience to peel our layers up and down (and retuck them) with the drop seat open. The tailored waist area translates to a drop seat that needs an extra second to open and shut due to the closer fit. It’s not a big deal but doesn’t make us want to wear these bibs on backcountry missions where we prefer an athletic and slightly spacious fit.  

Nothing is better than bib straps that stay in place. We love the underside of the wide, stretchy straps, which offer a strip of sticky silicone, allowing the suspenders to sit still. The extra seconds they require to pull on and snag loose hairs are worth the delivery. We dug the variety of pockets: Two upper chest pockets, which were perfect for a house key and wallet. There are three pockets on the upper thighs (two that are zippered and one with a Velcro flap), which are great for other collectibles. The pockets also have internal integrated 15 mm D-rings for latching clips.

Interior leg vents on the bibs get the job done and don’t have an interior mesh fabric for the zip pulls to get caught on. The hems and large interior kick patches (7.5 by 7¾ inches) are made with SuperFabric, a lightweight fabric that’s touted as abrasion and stain-resistant. Every intersection of fabric on the Chariot Bib Primo is fully reinforced with 3L tape to keep out moisture — plus the zips are water resistant. Read our review of the matching TREW Stella Jacket Primo in the Best Snowboard Jackets buyer’s guide.