Best Snow Pants for Men for Warmth & Flexibility

You'd hate to be the guy shivering in jeans while others enjoy snowboarding and other activities, which is why you need the best snow pants for men. As your first line of defense against the cold weather and other elements, these pants keep you warm and dry while allowing the best range of motion for your winter activities.

What are Snow Pants?

Snow pants, ski pants, or snowboard pants are pants you can wear outdoors for protection against extreme winter weather when you want to have some fun. Technically, snow pants are supposed to keep you warm and allow you to be flexible through different activities such as snowboarding.

When buying your best snow pants, you can look for features like waterproofing, breathability, venting, boot gaiters, waist adjusters, pockets, articulated knee boxes, and reflectors, among others. Once you know your fit, the next thing to consider will be the features you want and the budget you are working with.

With that, we have picked the five best ski pants to make it easy for you to choose. Read on, also, to learn what factors to consider when buying, as well as reasons you should only head out into the snow with proper gear.

What is a good snow pants for men?

1. Arctix Men's Mountain Premium Snowboard Pants

Arctix Men's Mountain Premium Snowboard Cargo Pants, Black, Small/28" Inseam

• INSEAM HEIGHT REFERENCE: 28" (5'- 5'3"),...
• ALL-WEATHER PROTECTION: This Arctix product...
• DURABILITY: 100% Polyester BALLISTIC 600...
• FIT: a relax fit which includes adjustable...
• COMFORT: Adjustable Waist, Boot Zippers for...

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When looking for your best snow pants for men, warmth, a better range of motion, and durability are features you need most. These Arctix snow pants come with a multi-layer construction with an outer fabric that repels water. The advanced lightweight insulation features heat-trapping micro-chambers that keep you warm outdoors, and the articulated knees improve your range of motion.

These pants are lightweight, and the construction features ankle, scuff and hem guards with 600 Denier ballistic nylon to improve durability. You can adjust the waist, while the boot gaiters improve warmth, and the trousers come with zippered pockets. The snow pants come in two color options.

2. clothin Men's Fleece Lined Insulated Pants

clothin Men's Insulated Pants Fleece Lined Snow Pants Softshell Water and Wind-Resistant Grey Size...

• DWR (Durable Water Repellent) Treated...
• Fleece-Lined Interior - provides a touch of...
• Secure Hand, Cargo and Back Pockets - keep...
• Side Elastic Waist with Belt Loops - means a...
• Regular Fit and Straight Leg Style - adds...

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These ski pants come with a DWR finish with the interior lined with fleece material for insulation. In addition, the softshell fabric allows air for breathability. The pants feature articulated knees for a better range of motion, while ankle side zippers and snap tabs improve a good fit to keep wet snow out.

The pants come with zippers on the side and rear pockets, while an elastic waist with an integrated belt makes it easy to achieve the best fit. Reflective stripe at lower legs keeps you visible outdoors. These snow pants come in different colors and sizes.

3. Gash Hao Men's Ski Pants

Gash Hao Men's Ski Snow Pants Waterproof Hiking Snowboard Pants Breathable Fleece Lined Zipper...

• Warm in winter: BS-2020 Anti-static Fleece...
• Multifunctions: Soft durable surface layer,...
• Features: Add zippers on the Bottom of...
• The design-The classic version with two-color...
• zipper pockets show large capacity &...

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When planning a backcountry skiing trip, you need warm and durable ski pants to wear with your warm jackets and boots. These Gash Hao men's insulated ski pants have the brand's BS-2020 Anti-static Fleece Lining for warmth and comfort, while inner-thigh vents enhance breathability if it gets too hot.

The insulated pant comes with a softshell outer fabric that is waterproof and windproof. In addition, the fabric is scratch and stain-resistant, and it cleans easily, so you won't worry when hiking or snowboarding. You also will find zippers on the ankles and large-capacity pockets. The waist is elastic and adjustable, while the three-dimensional knees design allows a better range of motion.

4. Volcom Men's Roan Bib Overall Snowboard Pants

Volcom Men's Roan Bib Overall Snowboard Pant, ARMY, XS

• Zip Tech Pant to Jacket Interface
• Neoprene Jersey at Side Waists
• Adjustable Elastic Suspenders
• Mesh Lined Zippered Vents
• Stone Butt Patch

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When heading out into the snow, you need the best-fitting ski pants, and none could be better than overall pants or ski bibs. This pair from Volcom is designed for extreme winter elements and comes with a 15000mm waterproofing rating and a 15000gm² breathability rating. The outer V-Science 2-Layer shell keeps elements out, while inner-thigh vents will allow airflow when you feel hot.

You will get your best-relaxed fit with adjustable suspenders and an elastic weight design. Then, Zip Tech Pant to Jacket Interface makes it easier to wear your jacket. The boot gaiters are an excellent addition, while the pant lining is sealed with leather to guarantee durability, especially if you step on your pants when walking.

5. Flylow Chemical Snow Pants

Flylow Chemical Pant 2019 - Men's

• Tough shell fabric is backed with a...
• Adjustable waist and 3-panel articulated knee...
• Generous inner and outer thigh vents with...
• Powder cuffs keep snow out; 1000 denier...
• 3 pockets, 1 with beacon attachment system

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These multi-layer ski pants are suited for extreme environments marred with snow and other outdoor elements. They are made with a tough shell fabric that gives them their waterproof and windproof features. In terms of breathability, the insulated pant comes with inner and outer thigh vents with waterproof zippers and mesh liners.

The best men's ski pants are available in different sizes and colors. They also have large capacity pockets, adjustable waist, articulated knees, and powder cuffs to keep snow out. The cuffs and knees are also reinforced with 1000 Denier Cordura for better durability.

What are the Benefits of Wearing the Best Snow Pants for Men?

While winter sports and activities are interesting, heading out with the wrong gear predisposes you to dangerous problems, the biggest being freezing. If you want to enjoy the outdoors to the maximum, it is best to buy the best pants designed for the elements. Here are the benefits of ski pants.

a) They provide warmth

With winter being the coldest season, your snow pants need to prevent the cold elements from making you uncomfortable and prevent you from losing your body warmth. Therefore, snow pants are insulated with fleece or other lightweight alternatives to keep you warm as you explore the outdoors.

b) They keep you dry

For your insulated pant to keep you dry, it also needs waterproofing or water-repelling membranes so you can spend long hours outdoors without soaking. Look for waterproof pants that can keep you dry even when you explore the outdoors, including lots of snow or deep powder.

c) They are comfortable

Snowboarding pants are carefully designed so you can find the best fit for any environment. As such, you will find them with adjustable waists, articulated knee boxes, flexible layering underneath the wide outer shell with a breathable fabric and more. In addition, the side pockets and boot zippers on these ski gear make them stylish and protective of the harsh elements.

While you may feel the need to stay warm in winter, sometimes it can get hot with a fleece liner and waterproof fabrics. However, these winter gear come with zippered vents with mesh liners to allow some cold air, making them the right pants for temperature control.

d) They stay clean longer

Compared to jeans, joggers, or other summer pants you might be tempted to wear for outdoor research during winter, the best snowboard pants repel dirt better. This is because they are made with waterproof or water-repelling outer shells that do not soak dirt like other softer fabrics.

Factors to Consider When Buying the Best Snow Pants for Men

While the market has many snow pants, the best pair of pants are suited for the specific activities you want to carry out. Here are some factors to consider to get the perfect pair for you, whether hiking, skiing, and more activities.

a) Type of pants

There are three types of snow pants you can get. These are;

1. Insulated pants. These have the outer shell of the pants made with a waterproof material to prevent water and elements from gaining entry. Also, the pants have several layers of insulation that preserve your body heat for the most comfortable experience.
2. Softshell pants. A softshell pant comes with a woven outer fabric that allows better breathability than those with a waterproof outer fabric. However, even as they are the most lightweight and flexible pants, they are suited for dryer winter seasons with minimal chance of getting wet.
3. Hardshell snow pants. These are insulated pants with taped seams that make them fully waterproof. They can be bulkier than insulated or softshell pants, but they are the best options for wet weather.

b) Waterproofing

When you expect wet winters with a lot of snow, you need to understand how the waterproof pant you want to buy performs. The waterproofing is measured with a hydrostatic head test read in mm. For the best snow pants for men, this rating needs to be at least 10000mm, which means not a lot of moisture can penetrate the fabrics.

c) Breathability

Even though the outdoor weather is cold or wet, you can still get very hot in your snow pants. As such, you need a guarantee of breathability to control the temperature as you go about your activities. The breathability of fabrics is measured in gm², where the lowest rating needs to be 3000gm². In testing, the fabric is studied to see how much water vapor transfers through the fabric for 24 hours. The higher the moisture vapor transfer, the more breathable your snow pants are.

d) Design

When buying your gear, you can opt for a pant or bib design. Regular snow pants are best for most backcountry skiers or another skiing style, such as resort skiing. In addition, they are easy to put on and off, but they can cause some problems when the cold air finds its way up to your back or stomach.

On the other hand, the best ski bibs are great for exploring deep powder, but they also have a downside; they can get uncomfortable when you carry a backpack or when you don't find the best fit. Luckily, the ski bibs come with adjustable suspenders so you can find a good fit.

e) Extra features

The best snow pants make it easier for you to stay warm, keep snow out, and adjust the fit as the day wears. As such, these are great features to look for in a pair of pants.

1. Pockets. You will need large-capacity pockets to carry your accessories or hide your palms for some warmth when heading out. It is best for the pockets to have zippers that secure your items while keeping elements out.
2. RECCO rescue reflectors. Thinking of heading out into some possibly dangerous areas? These reflectors make it easy for you to be rescued if you go off-trail into an avalanche.
3. Anti-abrasive reinforcement at the hem area will guarantee better durability.
4. Waist adjusters make it easy for you to get the right fit.
5. Boot gaiters cover your snow boots to keep elements out. It is a great feature that guarantees your feet remain dry throughout your outdoor activities.
6. Venting. While all snow pants need ample ventilation, you can look for those with inseam venting on the thighs. When it gets hot, you can open the zips to let in some cool air. It is also essential that the vents have a mesh lining to keep snow and elements out.
7. Pants-jacket connection. If you pick the same brand for your snow jacket, you can look for pants with a pant-to-jacket connection. This feature connects your outdoor gear to keep your upper body and legs warm.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Best Snow Pants for Men

a) Can I wear them alone?

In most cases, the snow pants are warm enough to wear alone. But, if you suspect the weather will be colder, you can couple them with light leggings that will not limit your range of motion.

b) What is the best brand to get snow pants from?

Before choosing the best brand, you will need to find a pair of pants with the features you are looking for. The best brands make pants that run true-to-size and with the best features to keep elements out so you can stay warm.

c) Are they the same as ski pants?

While they are designed for winter elements, ski and snow pants differ in function and fit. Ski pants are designed to fit more tightly, which you will notice even after breaking them in. On the other hand, snow pants tend to be roomier to allow a better range of motion when snowboarding.

d) Can I wear ski pants to snowboard?

Beginner skiers can start with snow pants even though they are bulkier. However, the wider snow pants will offer less wind resistance, a challenge for most skiers.