Snowboard pants are needed, and there’s no way around it. They are just as important as a good jacket at keeping the snow and cold away from your body. Pants play a significant role in staying warm and dry when you ride.
I’m a certified snowboarding instructor who has been teaching all types of riders during the last decade. I don’t wear men’s pants myself (duh), but I always ask my students what their favorite gear options are.
My pick for the best men’s snowboard pants is the Burton AK Gore-Tex Cyclic. They are a top-of-the-line option that will deliver reliable performance in any sort of condition.
I’ll show you a handful of other options in this post to help you make a good decision on which pants best meet your needs as a rider.
Pull em up, and let’s get started.
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Who Should Get This
The pants in this guide will work well for any male snowboarder. It doesn’t matter your ability level or style, all of these pants will have you covered. They can even work for women, just make sure you get the proper size.
They all feature quality construction to add strength and durability and many features that can come in useful when you ride.
If you’re a guy who boards through different conditions or at other times of the year, these are good pants to have because they will keep you warm when it’s cold and give you adequate ventilation when the temps heat up.
Top Men’s Snowboard Pants
Here are my picks for the best men’s snowboard pants.
1. Burton AK Gore-Tex Cyclic
- Best for: Overall
- Key features: Very durable, outstanding waterproofing, Living lining, fully taped seams, good ventilation
- Waterproofing: Gore-Tex 2L
- Fit: Regular/Articulated
- Cost: $$$$
The Burton AK Gore-Tex Cyclic is my top recommended pick. These are a high-performance option that will give any rider solid function and comfort, no matter how or where they like to ride.
The construction quality of the Cyclic is outstanding, and Burton has knocked it out of the park with this model. A 2-layer Gore-Tex membrane gives you serious protection against snow and is reliably waterproof.
Nylon 70D face fabric is your first line of defense against the cold and works with the Gore-Tex layer to create an almost impenetrable layer. This blocks out wind while still being breathable when you heat up.
A Living lining is another fantastic innovation by the folks at Burton. This material helps you regulate your body temperature by expanding when conditions are warmer to release heat. It then closes back up when it gets cold to keep your body heat in.
The Cyclic has an articulated fit that is built with performance in mind. They aren’t restrictive in any way and will give you the freedom to move with ease when you are out conquering conditions in the snow.
Additional features include lots of zippered pockets to help you store extra gear and fully taped seams to add another measure of protection against the elements.
These pants are expensive, and that might keep them off the legs of some riders. That’s the only negative mark I have on them.
==> You can also get it on Hansen Surfboards or Backcountry or Equipe Sports.
2. Flylow Snowman
- Best for: Cold Weather
- Key features: Insulated, fully sealed seams, waterproof, breathable, very comfortable
- Waterproofing: OmniBloq DWR 10K mm
- Fit: Regular
- Cost: $$$
The Flylow Superman is a very warm pair of snowboard pants. I would recommend these for anyone who often rides in cold weather or simply wants a little extra insulation because they get cold quickly.
These pants are stuffed with 40 grams of Spaceloft synthetic insulation. This is a quality material with great heat retaining properties. It will keep you warm and help trap in body heat without being too stuffy.
These days most snowboard pants are only shells, so it’s somewhat rare to find an insulated option. The Superman stands out in this way and because they are built with a strong construction that makes them exceptionally durable while adding value.
An Intuitive 2-layer fabric creates a barrier against the winter world outside. This material is rip and tear-resistant so that you can ride hard without worry. It’s also treated with OmniBloq Durable Water Repellent treatment for exceptional waterproofing.
The pants also have solid ventilation that will keep you comfortable if conditions outside warm up. Vents can be found on the inner and outer thigh areas, and these are fully adjustable for customized comfort.
The pockets are a little small on the front and aren’t easy to get into with gloves on your hands.
==> You can also get it on Backcounty or Evo or Steep and Cheap.
3. Burton Cover
- Best for: Beginners
- Key features: Reputable brand, affordable, strong construction, comfortable, fully taped seams, many pockets
- Waterproofing: 2 layer DryRide 10 mm
- Fit: Regular
- Cost: $$
Beginners should spend more time worrying about how to improve their skills than what gear to buy. The Burton Covert is a no-brainer of a choice for new riders because it will deliver across the board for value, performance, and comfort.
They come with a robust construction that makes them very strong and durable. The face fabric is rip and tear-resistant, so you won’t need to worry about ruining them when you wipe out or take a face plant on your first day.
Waterproofing is made possible by a two-layer DryRide material. This is a Burton innovation that they build into many of their garments, and it works well to block out snow while also providing solid breathability.
You’ll also be able to take advantage of the comfort provided by the Living line, which creates customized insulation. This material expands when it’s warmer to allow heat to escape and constricts when it’s cold to trap in body heat.
The Covert also comes with a regular fit that sits in the sweet spot of comfort. It won’t restrict your movements but isn’t too baggy to get in your way and limit what you can do on the hill.
The cargo pocket is located on the side of the thigh in a way that’s somewhat uncomfortable if it’s full of bulky items.
==> You can also get it on Evo.
4. 686 Standar
- Best for: Budget Pick
- Key features: Affordable, comfortable, critically taped seams, good ventilation
- Waterproofing: InfiniDry 5K mm
- Fit: Modern
- Cost: $
The 686 Standard is a recommended budget pick because it gives you solid performance in a range of different conditions without hurting your bank account.
These are built with a face fabric made of all nylon that is durable and strong. The pants are pretty resistant to tearing or ripping.
The inner membrane is made of InfiniDry material that offers up a 5K mm waterproof rating. This combines with the outer face fabric for pretty decent water and wind blocking abilities. Critically taped seams offer another measure of cold weather protection.
The Standard also comes with mesh-lined thigh vents that allow you to let in extra airflow if and when you need it. They are easy to access and can be adjusted on the fly when you are out riding.
A modern fit means the pants are comfortable and true to size. They are flexible in the knees and won’t restrict your movement at all.
A 5K waterproofing rating isn’t the best, but it’s pretty solid for a budget pick.
==> You can also get it on 686 or Backcountry or Christy Sports.
5. North Face Freedom
- Best for: Value
- Key features: Affordable, durable, warm, adjustable waist tabs, zippered hand pockets, Chimney venting system
- Waterproofing: DryVent 2L
- Fit: Standard
- Cost: $$
The North Face Freedom provides the best of both worlds in terms of price and performance. These pants come in at an affordable price but still deliver better than average warmth and waterproofing.
They have a full nylon face fabric that works to block out moisture while also creating lasting durability. This material is flexible as well – you can move and twist with ease.
A 2-layer DryVent membrane creates a solid waterproofing layer. It also provides a bit of insulation that will keep your body heat trapped in and let you stay warm.
The Freedom has a standard fit that is a little tight. They won’t restrict your movements, but they are far from baggy. The pants come with adjustable waist tabs and a side entry zip so you can customize your comfort.
Additional features include zippered hand pockets that will keep your items in place and a Chimney venting system that lets in airflow when the temperature heats up.
The Freedom isn’t much of a stylish choice, but it is effective.
==> You can also get it on The North Face or Evo or Backcountry.
6. Volcom L
- Best for: Comfort
- Key features: Comfortable, solid waterproofing, V-science lining, zippered vent, cargo pockets
- Waterproofing: Gore-Tex
- Fit: Comfort/Articulated
- Cost: $$$
It’s hard to find a more comfortable pair of snowboard pants than the Volcom L. These have a relaxed fit built for comfort and performance.
The articulate design gives the L a free-flowing feel that comes in handy for larger riders or anyone who doesn’t want to feel their pants when they ride. You can maneuver with ease, and they won’t hold you back.
The pants also have an adjustable inner waistband that lets you keep them cinched up and adjusted without using a belt. This is another excellent comfort feature because wearing a belt can be tiring after a full day of riding.
A Gore-Tex membrane offers excellent waterproofing capabilities and added durability. The face fabric is built with stretch nylon, which, once again, is another comfort-focus feature.
Additional features include large cargo pockets to store all of your favorite snacks or gear and zippered vents for extra airflow when needed.
They do have a bit of a baggy fit, which might not be your style if you like a more form-fitting option.
==> You can also get it on Volcom or Evo or Backcountry.
How to Choose Best Men’s Snowboard Pants
Here’s a list of factors you should consider while shopping for men’s snowboard pants.
Fit
There are many snowboarding brands out there, and they all make pants in slightly different ways. Some sit loose or baggy, while others are cut in a slim style. Both come with their benefits, but you should pick the ones that are best suited for your preferences.
If you’re someone who braves the backcountry, baggy is often better. If you like staying in the park, you can get away with looser clothing.
Breathability
Snowboarding is an intense sport. You exert a lot of energy as you ride, which then causes you to sweat. To prevent getting bogged down and ensure that you don’t overheat at the wrong time, your pants must have proper ventilation.
Thicker fabrics don’t breathe as well as lighter ones, but some models manage to provide excellent insulation and incredible breathability. Look for pants that do both.
Durability
As with your other clothing items, you want your snowboard pants to be durable. However, that does not just mean premium construction (although that’s important) but certain durable features as well.
That includes taped seams and double-layers in both the seat and knees. That helps provide extra waterproofing. Tough fabric that can stand up to a beating is incredibly important too.
Additional Tips
In this guide, we cover a few key elements to look for when picking out new snowboarding pants. However, there are several other factors you might want to consider. If you’re curious about a more in-depth buying guide, check out this video.
As mentioned, your snowboarding pants will take a beating on the slopes. Even premium or well-constructed items will break down. To prevent that, you should follow the tips listed in this article.
My Verdict
My top choice for the best men’s snowboard pants is the Burton AK Gore-Tex Cyclic. These are a rugged and durable pair of pants that will keep you warm, dry, and comfortable no matter what style of riding you like to do. They are expensive but totally worth it.
It doesn’t matter if you’re a new snowboarder or a seasoned veteran, all of the snowboard pants mentioned above will give you great results each and every time you venture out into the snow. They are all packed with performance features and come highly recommended.
About Lorraine