Category: ShellInsulation: NoneWaterproofing: 3L AscentShellWhat we like: A stretchy and breathable backcountry-specific pant.What we dont: Not durable or protective enough for resort use. The built-in insulation means the pant will grow swampy in a hurry, and you can only release so much heat with thigh vents. Category: InsulatedInsulation: 60g Heatseeker EcoWaterproofing: 2L DryVentWhat we like: Proven and tough resort design at a great price.What we dont: Style is not snowboard-specific and not everyone needs the added insulation. 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. It's worth noting that the Chemical hits a similar price point as our top-ranked Burton Cyclic above. As a result, we wouldnt push the pant too hard in sustained wet conditionsa good excuse to duck into the lodge. 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. 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. With a commitment to sustainability at the helm, their products are a highlight reel of organic and recycled materials, PFC-free water repellent treatments, and ethical production practices. 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. 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. While its nice to reduce bulk, many resort riders are perfectly content with a moderately heavy design. Whats more, the Smarty in particular has a fairly cheap feel, with a plastickyalbeit durableshell and relatively busy feature set. This year, theyve expanded their lineup to include outerwear for both resort and backcountry snowboarders, and the Shralpinist here is their no-holds-barred backcountry pant. And many brands are recognized as certified B Corps and/or utilize the bluesign system for sourcing materials responsibly. What should be immediately clear from both of these tests is that they dont perfectly simulate winter conditions, and we dont recommend relying on them heavily in selecting a pant. 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. Baker below will cost over $100 more. But all the essentials are still there, including mesh-lined outer thigh vents, gaiters and scuff guards, and a jacket attachment at the waist. 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. Some brands are still guilty of the shrink it and pink it strategy when it comes to designing womens clothing, but Roxy is not one of them. 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. 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. Priced right at only $180, the Covert boasts a warm layer of 40-gram Thermolite insulation wrapped up in Burton's 2-layer Dryride membrane with fully taped seams. For more background information, see our comparison table and buying advice below the picks. The easiest answer is cost: most resort-goers dont want to spend $549 on a pair of pants, nor do they need to (2-layer construction is perfectly serviceable for in-bounds riding). To help, each of the models above features at least two vents (one on each leg), which can be helpful for dumping heat on warmer days. 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). Along with style and features, a snowboard pants waterproofing and breathability are what differentiates one design from the next. Well admit that we have been disappointed with the waistbands Velcro adjustmentits stiff and can be abrasive against bare skinand the Powder Bowls price tag might be hard to stomach for some. 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). Youll see a lot of references to 2-layer and 3-layer constructions above, and the distinction is an important one. Further, you get inner thigh vents, an adjustable waistband, and Volcoms Zip Tech jacket attachment for keeping snow at bay. Its worth noting that in nearly all cases, youll need to purchase a jacket from the same brand for the system to work and integrate properly.Cuff Reinforcements and Risers
Spending up for the 3-layer Hover ($495) will get you even better temperature regulationgreat for splitboarders but overkill for most resort-goerswhile dropping down to Burton's 2-layer Ballast ($220) yields similar technology in a less premium design. Waterproof ratings can be the first clue towards discerning the level of protection a pant will provide, but its important to dig a bit deeper into the specs. Baker also excels with more breathable fabrics patterned throughout. Built for both skiers and snowboarders, this is a super tough design with a 3-layer construction, 1,000-denier reinforcements in high-wear areas like the cuffs, and waterproof zippers. Synthetics are the cheaper option and efficiently wick moisture, but merino wool is our favorite. That said, we think the Volcom hits a nice sweet spot for price-conscious riders looking for a step up from an entry-level design. Category: ShellInsulation: None (light flannel backer)Waterproofing: 3L Gore-TexWhat we like: Bomber 3-layer build that excels both at the resort and in the backcountry.What we dont: Expensive; clean, technical look wont be for everyone. Purpose-built for uphill enthusiasts, the Skyward boasts ORs stretch-infused, 3-layer AscentShell fabric, which protects nearly as well as the 2-layer Gore-Tex designs above but moves and ventilates like a softshell. Importantly, manufacturers will then add a hanging mesh or taffeta liner in order to protect the membrane from your skin. Another key component of a snowboard pant's wet-weather protection is its durable water repellentcoating (DWR for short). 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. Outdoor Research might not be on many riders' radar, but Mt. And if youve had the pleasure of experiencing a tumble on the slopes, you know that snow is adept at finding its way into the crevices of your jacket or pants. 686s Smarty has long been a popular option amongst 3-in-1 enthusiasts, with a durable and protective shell (this model is made with proprietary infiDRY, although 686 also offers a GTX version) and a cozy fleece midlayer that zips in and out. No matter the resort, youre bound to see more snowboarders wearing Burton than any other brand. You wont find features like a softshell upper or insulated seat (as we see in the OR Mt. We use affiliate links andmay receive a small commission on purchases. 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. In recent years, theres been a noticeable shift in sustainable practices within the snowboarding apparel market. A quality Gore-Tex membrane finishes off the build, resulting in a tough and long-lasting snowboard pant. The best models are made with either synthetic or merino woolcotton doesnt insulate when wet, so its a bad idea even on a resort day.
Tack on a casual aesthetic and unobtrusive fit, and theres no denying that 686s most basic pant offers pretty good bang for your buck. For reference, the $449 OR is $10 pricier than the TREWth Bib above, which features a more breathable and streamlined 3-layer construction. Additionally, a mesh liner and zippered inner thigh vents make breathability about as good as it gets for a 2-layer build. 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. The value is hard to beat: for well under $200, you get a thick 2-layer construction that is super durable and blocks out wind and snow effectively. The Object here is representative of their pant collection as a whole, combining excellent build quality, a protective in-house membrane, and unique and thoughtful styling. Spending an additional $55 for the Volcom Freakin Snow Chino above will earn you 15K waterproofing, which will be worth it for most. 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. As long as youre not overdoing it with insulation and sticking to groomers or shorter runs in the trees, most pants are breathable enough to keep you comfortable. Top shells from our list include Burtons AK Cyclic, the Trew Gear TREWth Bib, and Volcoms L Gore-Tex. Category: ShellInsulation: NoneWaterproofing: 3L Gore-Tex ProWhat we like: Ultimate protection for backcountry riders.What we dont: Expensive and not time-tested. For most lift-assisted snowboarding, breathability is not a top consideration. What's more, the Covert isn't quite as warm with 40-gram insulation compared to the Patagonia's 60. To remedy the issue, manufacturers reinforce the cuffsoften through use of thicker fabrics or even siliconeand sometimes even provide a way for you to raise the cuffs to keep them from dragging through the parking lot or lodge. To start, its almost always a good idea to throw on at least a thin pair of long underwear. Warmth varies between models, and the picks above range from 25-gram to 60-gram fill weights. 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). 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. Stepping down to budget-oriented models in the $100 to $200 price range gets you a noticeable drop in quality. Pockets are a significant style component of many snowboarding designs, which often include a range of rear, cargo, thigh, and handwarmer storage. Its very warm for its weight, cozy and soft, and naturally resists odor better than a polyester alternative. Their lack of insulation means you can tune your layers underneath based on conditions: go with a light baselayer for spring days or throw on a thick fleece pant to stay warm in cold temperatures. You wont find a lot of Gore-Tex in the sub-$300 price range, making the Volcom L one of the better values out there (it offers similar protection to the Cyclic above for a whopping $105 less). Lets face it: wipeouts happen, regardless of your skill level. If that's what you're after, check out the Burton Covert Insulated below. 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). 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. 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. But the finer details aren't as well-sorted: the single button closure has a tendency to come undone, the white mesh lining on the thigh vents is reminiscent of cheap gym shorts, andunlike the Cyclicyou dont get the option for a short or tall inseam. Category: ShellInsulation: NoneWaterproofing: 2L Gore-TexWhat we like: Hard-to-beat combination of technical performance, features, and style.What we dont: Expensive and some might not like the baggy fit. Resort riders generally dont need the class-leading breathability and minimal weight of Gore-Tex Pro, and the expedition-level performance will be lost on those who frequent the lodge every few hours. If youre in the market for a robust resort-specific bib, the Reserve (and womens Avalon) should be toward the top of your list. On the women's side, Volcoms Knox Insulated sports a similar build with 2-layer Gore-Tex but adds 60-gram Low Loft insulation and retails for $250.See the Men's Volcom L Gore-Tex See the Women's Volcom Knox Gore-Tex. Baker Storm Bibs is cost. Built from the ground up by the legendary freerider Jeremy Jones, Jones Snowboards makes some of the best boards in the business. And like many bibs here, it isnt offered in short or tall sizes (the non-GTX version is). Within this category, the Volcom Freakin Snow Chino is our favorite option for men, with subtle but classy looks, a stretchy twill face fabric for great comfort and mobility, and a 2-layer V-Science membrane that should stand up to most moderate precipitation and wind with ease (for reference, it has a 15K/15K waterproofing/breathability rating). 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. If you like to earn your turns or charge hard in and out of the ropes, a 3-layer design like the Trew Gear above will do a much better job regulating temperature, and the Mt. Not everyone wants or needs insulated snowboard pants, but if you frequent the resort in particularly cold climates like the Northeast or Mountain West, theyre a nice option to have. Moving up, we see higher-end materials that are lighter but still durable, such as the AK Cyclics 70-denier build. Most park rats prefer extra space to maximize range of motion and limit pinch points (and style undeniably plays a role), while riders that seek out sidecountry lines typically like a streamlined, sleeker shape (often referred to as a standard or regular fit). 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. Snowboard pants are the traditional choice and what most folks are familiar and comfortable with.
leki If you charge hard and want a burly yet breathable pant that won't hold you back, the Flylow is a great choice.See the Men's Flylow Gear Chemical See the Women's Flylow Gear Nina. If youre deciding between the Covert and Patagonia Insulated Powder Bowl above, there are a few things to keep in mind. Being able to attach your jacket to your pant is certainly not a required feature for either resort or backcountry use, but it's a nice addition for many. Assembling a pant requires connecting multiple pieces of fabric, which leaves potential vulnerabilities for moisture to seep through. Baker Storm, which uses ultra-breathable softshell material on the bib where weather protection matters less. Compared to the Cyclic above, the TREWths 3-layer construction eliminates the need for a hanging liner, minimizing bulk and resulting in much better breathability.
skis level The 60-gram Heatseeker Eco insulation is a nice touch for those wanting a little extra warmth, and the venting system is surprisingly good for a budget pant. But for active riders or those that like to hike into the sidecountry, breathability jumps up the priority list. From the silicone reinforcements and I-Fit system at the hem for rolling the cuffs back to the waterproof zippers and fully taped seams, the rest of the Object is well-built with a keen attention to detail. The most common locations for the zippered panels are along the inside or outside of your thighs. Category: ShellInsulation: NoneWaterproofing: 2L Gore-TexWhat we like: A sub-$300 Gore-Tex pant.What we dont: A couple of fit and finish issues. All that said, it's important to recognize what you give up with such a budget design. Shell pants are the most versatile option for most riders, featuring a simple 2- or 3-layer hardshell exterior (more on this below). 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). 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. 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. Most notably, waterproofing and breathability (both rated at 5K) are a considerable step down from most of the pricier models above. While resort snowboarders get to bypass the hard work of uphill travel by getting onto a chairlift, splitboarders relish in it. And were big fans of the top-of-thigh vents, which catch a breeze much better than the more standard inner-thigh variety. This translates to exceptional protection and improved breathability compared to the 2-layer designs that dominate the market. Further, some pants feature a system that pulls the cuff up so it doesnt drag when walking through the parking lot or the lodge.
The Snowshot offers fairly middling breathability with a standard mesh liner, so chances are high that youll quickly work up a sweat on a sidecountry trudge, riding in the trees, or when hitting the park. The DWR used in higher-end designs is most often higher-quality and longer-lasting, while you might find yourself needing to refresh the finish of a pant like the budget 686 Standard more often (regularly applying a product like Nikwax TX.Direct will do the trick). They also run a little warmer thanks to the extra layering that covers part of your upper body, which can be both a pro and a con. The GTX Reserve here packs in a ton of quality for the price: you get a 2-layer construction along with full seam taping and burly 150-denier face fabric (the Cyclic above is 70D) for just $325comparable offerings like the Outdoor Research Mt. Baker certainly is. Jacket-to-Pant Attachment Systems For women, the Summit (also $365) builds off of the design of the Cyclic, adding a stretchy face fabric and tricot backer for extra mobility and warmth. Construction 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. Further, the Reserve does not include a drop seat (notably, the womens Avalon does), which can make bathroom breaks a bit of an ordeal. Category: ShellInsulation: NoneWaterproofing: 2L V-ScienceWhat we like: Uncompromised style and nice assortment of features.What we dont: Critical seam taping isnt great for very wet conditions. We provide more details on waterproofing and breathability in the sections below.
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. 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 waterproofing, many manufacturers use whats commonly referred to as a static-column test: a piece of the pants shell fabric is set below a 1-inch-diameter tube, which is then filled with water until the fabric begins to leak. 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. 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. See the Men's Burton Covert InsulatedSee the Women's Burton Society. Combining a 3-layer construction with stretchy fabrics for mobility, Outdoor Researchs Skyward II is one of the most well-rounded ski pants weve tested to date. 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. And with a burly face fabric, the Covert Insulated is built to withstand many seasons of demanding resort use. We were initially skeptical of the Skywards relatively thin (50D) and stretchy fabric, but in practice, it proved to be a stalwart defense against the elements. Serious riders will also appreciate the articulated fit, which makes for a stylish yet functional freeride design that won't weigh you down.
mizzfit Category: InsulatedInsulation: 25g Thermal STDWaterproofing: 2L DryPlayWhat we like: Sustainable materials and well-sorted features.What we dont: Not everyone will love the unique Euro styling. Ventilation 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. The height of the water at that point of failure is its rating. Further, 2-layer designs often weigh more than 3-layer designs due to the added heft of the hanging liner. All told, its a well-built design and a great option for spring days or those who tend to run particularly warm. Thirtytwo has a ways to go to build up a track record in technical performance and longevity compared with bigger apparel brands like Patagonia and Outdoor Research. Another either or decision when choosing snowboard pants is if you should opt for regular pants or a bib. Read more about us. And unlike many rigid hardshells, the TREWth has a reasonably soft and supple feel thats easy to move in. But we keep coming back to value: the Freedom pants are a proven choice with a surprisingly long lifespan and undercut most of the competition by a sizable margin. Below we break down the top all-mountain snowboards of the 2022 season, from highly versatile models to those that Colorado is one of the most iconic ski destinations in the Unites States.
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