What's more, the Covert isn't quite as warm with 40-gram insulation compared to the Patagonia's 60. While you dont have to worry about any discomfort from a waistband, the straps that run over your shoulders can take some getting used to, and youll need to dial in the fit to keep a bib from moving around excessively or pulling the pant legs up too high (we appreciate bibs that come short, regular, and tall inseams for this reason). saltypeaks Pants that have crossover appeal between snowboarding and skiing typically boast simplified layouts, but they'll often include at least a few zippered pockets for stashing personal items and snacks. 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). But if you run cold or ride in consistently frigid temperatures, a good case can be made for an insulated model. 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. 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. In recent years, theres been a noticeable shift in sustainable practices within the snowboarding apparel market. Snowboard pants can be divided into two general categories: shell and insulated. Pockets Weve found that outer-thigh vents do a better job dumping heat, while those on the inner thigh add unwanted bulk and can occasionally impact comfort (on the bright side, they are less conspicuous). 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. 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. Added up, the Snowshot is a simple yet reliable pant for most days at the resort. 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. All that said, it's important to recognize what you give up with such a budget design. By applying tape to the interior lining and seams, companies can provide an effective and mostly watertight seal. 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. We expect Jones will be working out a few kinks in their first few years of production, but were happy to see the iconic brand entering the apparel scene and anticipate big things to come.See the Jones Shralpinist 3L Gore-Tex Pro. 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. winterstick roundtail saltypeaks 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. Built specifically for women, the Roxy Backyard Pant forgoes the more typical baggy snowboard style for a classy, tailored fit with an adjustable waistband and unobtrusive front and back hand 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. Tack on a high-quality fit and finish and generous side vents that run from knee to chest, and the TREWth Bib is the full package for both resort and backcountry riders. Jacket-to-Pant Attachment Systems Snowboard pants are the traditional choice and what most folks are familiar and comfortable with. Ventilation 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 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. 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). 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. 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 There are also a few main design differences worth noting: the Mt. Every year, millions of skiers flock to the slopes to bask in the epic mountain terrain, abundant snowfall, and claimed 300+ days of sunshine (we havent counted, but that seems As your main line of defense against snow and wind, a quality snowboard jacket is a key piece of your kit. Whats more, the Smarty in particular has a fairly cheap feel, with a plastickyalbeit durableshell and relatively busy feature set. Baker boasts a full-length front zip that extends from the chest through to the fly, a swing seat for bathroom breaks, and inner thigh vents (compared to the more traditional outer leg zippers on the Trew Gear). 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. 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. Category: ShellInsulation: NoneWaterproofing: 2L 32 RepelWhat we like: An affordable and protective bib with great snowboard-specific looks.What we dont: Less waterproof and breathable than 2L Gore-Tex designs. Many women will appreciate the more feminine cut, which also adds a layer of 60-gram synthetic insulation for deep-winter warmth. In addition to the impressive level of protection, the pants also ventilate well, and you can release hot air in four places: two zippered vents along the inner thigh and two large vents along the outside of your legs. 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. 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. 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. In the end, theres no shortage of options for snowboarders who need a breathable pantbut expect price to go up alongside performance. 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. Baker still manages to clock in a few ounces lighter, and we love the attention to detail. To help prevent this, some manufacturers place a button or loop on the jackets powder skirt to connect it to a corresponding attachment on the pants, forming a solid seal from the wet and cold. 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. Theyre also the most breathable option, particularly those of the premium 3-layer variety. Category: Shell (insulated in seat)Insulation: 40g VerticalX EcoWaterproofing: 2L Gore-TexWhat we like: Very thoughtful construction and feature set.What we dont: Also very pricey. Led by brands like Patagonia and Picture Organic, were seeing greater use of recycled materials, particularly in the shell and lining fabrics. In the end, wed recommend the Powder Bowl for true winter conditions and those who get out a lot, but the Covert Insulated (and women's Society) is perfectly serviceable for most recreational snowboarders. 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. 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. For a step down in price, check out Trew's Jefferson (mens) and Astoria (womens) bibs, which were designed in collaboration with Evo and feature more affordable 2-layer constructions.See the Men's Trew Gear TREWth Bib See the Women's Trew Gear Chariot Bib. 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. 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. 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. And the price is right too: at $230, the Basement is the most affordable bib here by a wide margin. Where these Patagonia pants come up short is in particularly mild mountain conditions or if you tend to run warm. Baker below will cost over $100 more. However, as with most things in life, you get what you pay for: the Backyards 2-layer DryFlight membrane and critical seam taping certainly are on the budget end of the spectrum (Roxy rates it at 10/5K for waterproofing/breathability). 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. Oh, and did we mention the latest version's shell fabric is made from repurposed sugarcane waste? 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. But laying a skin track or a boot pack is no small task, and heat can build up in a hurry. And its worth noting that the womens Snowbelle pant comes in both stretch-infused and insulated variations.See the Men's Patagonia Snowshot See the Women's Patagonia Stretch Snowbelle. 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. Patagonia is a leader here as well, with an excellent repair program thats managed both online and in their brick-and-mortar stores. 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. 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. 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. 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 first thing we look for is the quality of the waterproof construction, and in terms of protection and longevity, its hard to beat Gore-Tex. mizzfit 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. 
Theyre not as effective as standard insulated designs at trapping and maintaining warmth, and the additional zipper is cumbersome and unsightly when not connected. But for active riders or those that like to hike into the sidecountry, breathability jumps up the priority list. 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.
Theyre not as effective as standard insulated designs at trapping and maintaining warmth, and the additional zipper is cumbersome and unsightly when not connected. But for active riders or those that like to hike into the sidecountry, breathability jumps up the priority list. 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.