Snowboard Pants

Depending on how hesh you are, you may be able to sport jeans the whole winter, and we don’t necessarily mean off-hill only. For those looking to purchase some pants intended for snowboarding, here’s what to look for.

Just like jackets, a pant’s waterproofing is a key element. Unlike a jacket, pants encounter much more time in contact with the snow. A pant with 15,000-20,000 mm waterproofing will soak up less water on the chairlift than a pant with 8,000 mm, therefore, the higher the count the better off you’ll be. Spending that extra dollar on a pant with quality waterproofing can benefit your entire season, leaving you dry and happy, even on the soggiest of days.

2010 Snowboarder Magazine Pant Guide

Breathability should also be considered; after all you will be riding in spring won’t you? The more waterproof a pant, the less breathable it will be, but a pant loaded with vents will circulate fresh air throughout whenever unzipped. Zippers are important too, as the larger and easier they are to pull, the less you’ll have to search for them when the wind comes a howlin’.

Though some think of pockets as decoration, it’s important that pockets be practical for storing your stuff. For those who choose to shred with keys and phones in-tow, a pocket where these items are kept safe is a must. Look for secret pockets around the bottoms of some pants, sometimes useful for hot chocolate money, a “secret” stash, or a single car key.

When you see that person in line with their pants rolled up above their boots, we must assume that they haven’t been properly taught how to use a boot gaiter. This separate inner liner goes over your boot and not only makes you look good, but is essential for keeping snow out of your boots and keeping your feet nice and dry.

There are plenty of pants on the market with these features and more. Find a pair, try a pair and most importantly, buy a pair.
Analog JacketsBillabong JacketsBonfire JacketsBurton PantsFoursquare PantsGrenade PantsHolden Pants
L1 PantsLiquid PantsNike PantsNikita Pantsoakley Pants