No matter the resort, youre bound to see more snowboarders wearing Burton than any other brand. Its no secret that snowboarders like to wear their pants low, which can often result in torn cuffs from sharp edges over time. But the 686 has its place for no-fuss boarders that want the convenience of a 3-in-1 purchase and don't mind the tradeoffs.See the Men's 686 Smarty 3-in-1 Cargo See the Women's 686 Smarty 3-in-1 Cargo. There are also a few main design differences worth noting: the Mt. Most notably, waterproofing and breathability (both rated at 5K) are a considerable step down from most of the pricier models above. Weve listed a number of sub-$200 options above, but those looking for truly bargain-basement design can save even more with the 686 Standard here. Category: ShellInsulation: NoneWaterproofing: 3L PNWWhat we like: Fantastic quality, weather protection, and breathability.What we dont: Can run warm in the torso. Designed for both men and women, the Basement is offered in seven sizes from XXS to XXL and tacks on an adjustable inner waistband and cuff cinches for effectively dialing in fit. The design features Trews proprietary 3-layer PNW construction that's reminiscent of premium Gore-Tex in both look and feel, full seam taping with reinforcements, smooth-operating water-resistant zippers, and bomber coverage that keeps even the wettest of snow at bay. However, not all snowboard apparel brands provide a fabric denier spec (a measurement of density and thickness), so it can be hard to compare models without seeing them in person. Interchangeable lenses dominate the high end of the market with systems that are getting quicker and easier by the by the year. Synthetics are the cheaper option and efficiently wick moisture, but merino wool is our favorite. This is often done via a cinch near the ankle or extending up the backside of the leg (Burton has nicknamed them bungee cuff elevators, and Picture Organic calls it their I-Fit System).
But for lady rippers who run cold or ride in consistently wintery climates, the Backyard is a fully serviceable insulated pant at an excellent price point.See the Roxy Backyard Pant. For those who prefer bibs, check out Outdoor Researchs newSkytour Bib, which pairs the same AscentShell membrane with a slightly burlier, 40 x 65-denier face fabric Read in-depth reviewSee the Men's Outdoor Research Skyward II See the Women's Outdoor Research Skyward II. This means that it isnt particularly well-suited for sustained and heavy snowfall, especially in warm and wet conditions. Finally, Flylow Gear's Chemical has vents on both sides of the leg, which provides excellent cross ventilation. Pockets But if your main concern is cost, the 686 is the cheapest option here and will realistically still get the job done (just not as comfortably).See the Men's 686 Standard See the Women's 686 Standard. Finally, 3-in-1 designs like the 686 Smarty toe the line between shell and insulated pants, giving you the option for both configurations in addition to a standalone midlayer. That said, designs fall into fairly predictable categories: entry-level and mid-range pants are often quite tear-resistant and tough, using thick materials to provide a boost in weatherproofing (the Burton Reserve Bibs and Ballast pants both feature 150D shells). The Reserve Bib is one of their most popular offerings, so much so that its made in both Gore-Tex and non-Gore-Tex varieties (the latter uses proprietary waterproofing). Best known for their lineup of high-performance snowboard boots, Thirtytwo also offers a competitive collection of outerwear and apparel. Finding your sweet spot will depend on the conditions you get out in, your riding style (aggressive or casual), and if youre prone to running hot or cold. When the coldest winter months arrive, its time for a serious jacket. Importantly, manufacturers will then add a hanging mesh or taffeta liner in order to protect the membrane from your skin. With great coverage and a mix of weather-ready No matter your ability level, picking up a helmet for skiing or snowboardingis ano-brainer. And while theyre offered in both short and regular inseams so you can dial in fit, the Snowshot pants dont have that snowboard-specific look that some riders are after. Snowboard pants can be divided into two general categories: shell and insulated. When choosing a pant, its important to also think through the thickness of your layers underneath to avoid any binding and comfort-related problems. We do wish that Trew had simplified the chest storage (there are three pockets, but none are large enough for a beacon or phone), and like most waterproof bibs, the TREWth can run warm at the stomach. However, if youre a serious rider, get out a lot, or dip into the backcountry from time to time, consider bumping up to a 3-layer pant. 3-in-1 pants have a lot of appeal for those new to snowboarding: in one fell swoop, you can get an insulated snowboard pant, a shell, and a cozy fleece liner for wearing around the lodge. A properly functioning DWR is easy to spot: snow and water will mostly stay on the surface of your pant and be easy to shake or brush off with your gloves. With a budget membrane, the Covert's waterproofing and breathability don't stand a chance against the Powder Bowl's more premium Gore-Tex and won't hold up in sustained wet weather. If youre just dipping your toes into snowboarding, theres no need to spend big on a premium pant. Another either or decision when choosing snowboard pants is if you should opt for regular pants or a bib. Its true that the Freedom is a noticeable step down in quality from a design like the Burton Cyclic above, but it covers all the bases for many snowboarders at a very reasonable price. Pants in the mid and high end of the market often boast full seam taping, while budget-oriented models like the Volcom Freakin Snow Chino and Roxy Backyard only protect the critical seams (areas most prone to moisture, such as the rear). We provide more details on waterproofing and breathability in the sections below. From the very beginning, style has been a defining component of snowboarding culture and has largely influenced the sport's gear and apparel as a result. For reference, the $449 OR is $10 pricier than the TREWth Bib above, which features a more breathable and streamlined 3-layer construction. Whats more, the Smarty in particular has a fairly cheap feel, with a plastickyalbeit durableshell and relatively busy feature set. If you consistently head into the backcountry in soggy conditions, a rigid 3-layer hardshell pant (like the Jones below) will provide more sustainable protection, but at the cost of mobility and comfort. And then there are designs like the OR Mt. With a 3-layer build and crossflow venting, the Chemical gets the clear edge in heat-dumping capabilities, although you give up the trusted protection of Gore-Tex (Flylows Surface membrane nevertheless is a quality performer). Assembling a pant requires connecting multiple pieces of fabric, which leaves potential vulnerabilities for moisture to seep through. These boarders might want to check out Jones Mountain Surf Bib ($380) instead, which uses thoughtfully patterned materials without the high price point of Gore-Tex. That said, although the Freedom Insulated will do the trick for casual riders, performance-minded boarders likely will be left wanting more. All that said, it's important to recognize what you give up with such a budget design. Theyre completely capable for all forms of riding and are much easier to slip on and off. Volcom excels in the budget category (as seen with the Freakin Snow Chino above), but the L Gore-Tex pant here is a very competitive mid-range offering. One final way to purchase sustainably is to select quality products and repair old gear rather than buy cheap items that dont last. Shell pants are the most versatile option for most riders, featuring a simple 2- or 3-layer hardshell exterior (more on this below).
Baker Ski Area has long been an epicenter for the alternative sport thanks to its punk-rock vibes, accessible sidecountry terrain, and epic annual snowfall. Category: ShellInsulation: NoneWaterproofing: 3L SurfaceWhat we like: Great durability and breathability for hard chargers.What we dont: Surface membrane isnt quite as premium as Gore-Tex. But the Volcom gets the job done on dry and cold days, and the relaxed fit eliminates extra material while still allowing ample room for layering underneath. The bib was recently updated with improved waterproofing and breathability (Thirtytwo gives it a 15K/15K rating), and the full seam taping and triple stitching in high-wear areas only add to its all-around appeal.
Along with a jacket attachment, taffeta liner, and thoughtful hem details, the $140 Roxy stands out as an excellent value for penny pinchers, new riders, and those who only get out a few times a year. Shell pants are a great option for most days on the slopes, but especially in mild conditions (such as those found in the PNW) or those who tend to run warm. Not everyone will love the high waist of the Object, but it does a great job keeping snow out and folds down when not in use.
Most of these pants keep prices low (around $100 to $160) with trimmed-down feature sets and proprietary waterproof membranes (i.e., not Gore-Tex), but theyre fully serviceable for most inbounds riders. For more background information, see our comparison table and buying advice below the picks. In this case, the Cyclic uses proven Gore-Tex (widely regarded as the best in the business) and full seam taping (some pants are only taped at critical seams) for protection. Category: InsulatedInsulation: 40g ThermoliteWaterproofing: 2L Dryride DurashellWhat we like: A stylish insulated pant at a great price.What we dont: Not as protective or durable as the Patagonia Powder Bowl. For most resort uses, weight is only a small consideration. Category: ShellInsulation: NoneWaterproofing: 2L Gore-TexWhat we like: Highly durable, good looks, and quality protection.What we dont: No drop seat and doesn't come in short and tall sizes. The vast majority of insulated pants use synthetic fill due to its affordability and ability to keep you warm even when wet (unlike goose or duck down, which clumps up). 
In particular, don't waste too much focus on the breathability rating: there isnt an established procedure to compare products, and the test is done in a controlled lab environment (in other words, not out in snow). If youre in the market for a robust resort-specific bib, the Reserve (and womens Avalon) should be toward the top of your list. A design like Picture Organic's Object even places vents on the front of the thigh for maximum effect. And while its not as premium as Gore-Tex, the in-house H2Nos water and wind protection have impressed us throughout years of testing numerous Patagonia products. While we love the security and comfort of slipping on an insulated pant in cold weather, theres no denying that it comes at the tradeoff of breathability and versatility. For most lift-assisted snowboarding, breathability is not a top consideration. And while many resort riders will likely prefer the Burton's more subdued styling, the Chemical's baggy fit scores high marks among freeride enthusiasts.
In researching snowboard pants, youll consistently find two numbers being marketed heavily: a waterproof rating (usually listed in millimeters) and a breathability rating (provided in grams). For budget-seekers and those just getting started, The North Face Freedom is a great deal and one of the most popular pants on the slopes. In a 3-layer build, this liner is streamlined and affixed to the inside of the waterproof/breathable membranehence the third layer. You wont find features like a softshell upper or insulated seat (as we see in the OR Mt. In fact, youll see a lot of crossover in products when searching on a manufacturer or retailer site, and brands like Patagonia and Outdoor Research specifically state their pants are intended for both activities. But despite the clear advantages of a 3-layer pant, 2-layer designs are fully serviceable for most recreational riders and comprise the majority of our list above. Its a versatile purchase that gives you a lot of options, whether youre riding in deep winter conditions in Vermont or on a bluebird spring day in the PNW. Their go-to pant for both resort and backcountry riders is the Sabre AR (and women's Sentinel AR), which features bomber yet light 3-layer Gore-Tex waterproofing. Category: ShellInsulation: NoneWaterproofing: 2L infiDRYWhat we like: Bargain-basement price and snowboard-specific feature set.What we dont: Not waterproof. Category: InsulatedInsulation: FleeceWaterproofing: 2L infiDRYWhat we like: 3-in-1 value with a durable, long-lasting shell.What we dont: In most cases, wed advise against a 3-in-1 design. A fairly minimalist feature set and simple fit keep costs low, but the Burton is still fully functional for inbounds use with microfleece handwarmer pockets, stylish cargo and thigh pockets, and inner thigh vents. In short, the added performance of a more premium pant will be overkill in most resort applications and simply isnt worth the jump in price. Now, the brand is a one-stop shop for everything from hardgoods to outerwear and lifestyle clothing, and their premium [ak] line sets a high bar for technical performance. But if youll be hitting the backcountry or even spending a fair amount of time off-trail, a lighter shell pant will provide a nice boost in mobility and all-around comfort. Further, the interiors of snowboard pants (especially uninsulated designs) are often not very plush, with exposed mesh, zippers, and minimalist liners that become less comfortable as the day wears on. Baselayers are offered in a range of thicknesses, including lightweight designs for warm days or backcountry use, as well as mid- and heavyweight options for cold days at the resort. But in most cases, these are largely cosmetic differences with little impact on overall performance, and youll ultimately want to choose the style that appeals to you most.Back to Our Snowboard Pant Picks Back to Our Snowboard Pant Comparison Table. The most obvious downside to the Mt. And in particularly frigid conditions, you can always double up your baselayers or add a fleece pant to increase warmth. To aid in breathability, the vast majority of snowboard pants use a zippered ventilation system (essentially pit zips for your legs). Baker below will cost over $100 more. Outdoor Research Skyward II Ski Pant Review, See the Men's Patagonia Insulated Powder Bowl, See the Men's Outdoor Research Skyward II, See the Women's Outdoor Research Skyward II, Outdoor Research Mt.
In the case of Volcoms Zip Tech (as seen on the Freakin Snow Chino and L Gore-Tex pants), you get a full wraparound zip. Its also common to see boot gaiters (short zippers at the hem to create a flare around the boot) rather than scuff guards, due to the nature of a snowboarders feet being separated on the board. Flylow Gear flies a little under the radar compared to bigger names like Burton and The North Face, but the Chemical (and womens Nina) pants are a solid offering from the Colorado-based brand. Theyre also the most breathable option, particularly those of the premium 3-layer variety. Further, a growing number of manufacturers, including Burton and Flylow Gear, are using DWR coatings that are PFC-free (short for perfluorocarbons, which is a non-biodegradable chemical). Combining a premium 2-layer Gore-Tex construction with a breathable liner and inner thigh vents, the L will keep you dry on wet lift rides but isn't prone to overheating on spring-like days. Where these Patagonia pants come up short is in particularly mild mountain conditions or if you tend to run warm. Its worth noting that TNF makes a non-insulated pant and bib version of the Freedom, both of which also get rave reviews for their combination of style, performance, and price Read in-depth reviewSee the Men's TNF Freedom Insulated See the Women's TNF Freedom Insulated.
Therefore, it comes as little surprise that OR's namesake bibs are purpose-built for aggressive riding and weather with a 2-layer Gore-Tex construction and burly materials throughout. The layers you wear under your snowboard pants dont get as much attention as those warming your core, but they nevertheless remain an important consideration. It's worth noting that the Chemical hits a similar price point as our top-ranked Burton Cyclic above. What's more, the Covert isn't quite as warm with 40-gram insulation compared to the Patagonia's 60. So with that glowing review, why do we rank the Sabre AR here? Finally, if youre looking for a premium 3-layer design, you can save almost $200 with the Flylow Gear Chemical above (or for the same investment, opt for the snowboard-specific Jones Shralpinist below). A lot of snowboard pants can be fairly bland, so kudos to Picture for experimenting and putting some serious effort into their designs. Built from the ground up by the legendary freerider Jeremy Jones, Jones Snowboards makes some of the best boards in the business. But Patagonia nevertheless excels at the quality part of the equation, with designs that hold up exceptionally well over time and look good to boot. Category: ShellInsulation: NoneWaterproofing: 2L H2No Performance StandardWhat we like: A mid-range pant with top-notch fit and finish.What we dont: Average breathability and not styled specifically for snowboarders. 
