Glide in Style: The Ultimate Guide to Snowboarding Pants

If you’ve ever strapped on a snowboard – one of the most popular winter sports today – you’ll know that equipment is just as important as your technique. Of all the gear you’ll need, you’ll find that snowboarding pants hold the key to your success, beyond just fitness and practise. In this guide, we’ll look at the types of pants available, their rising popularity, how to choose them, and how to use them.

Table of Contents:
– What are snowboarding pants?
– The rising popularity of snowboarding pants
– Assessing the quality of snowboarding pants
– How to select the perfect snowboarding pants
– Tips for using snowboarding pants

Snowboarding pants are a type of outerwear designed specifically for the requirements of snowboarding, to provide both protection and movement in a way that standard winter pants cannot. Waterproofing, breathability and insulation, as well as reinforced areas of the legs and seat to withstand falls and the vibration of the snow and ice are incorporated into the design and technology of snowboarding pants. Due to the increase in quality and style of snowboarding pants, snowboarders can now better combine function with fashion.

The rise of snowboarding pants has very much been in line with the momentum that snowboarding has gathered over the past few decades. With the boom of snowboarding over the years, more people have taken to the slopes and that has naturally resulted in a larger demand for quality snowboarding equipment, including the pants. With snowboarding being associated with subculture, personal style and high-performance gear has become a big part of the snowboarding culture. The clothing associated with snowboarding has a unique personality that’s not like that of skiers. The way that snowboarding has been perceived by mass media and promoted via professional snowboarding events has also played a role in putting more emphasis on snowboarding pants.

When rating the quality of snowboarding pants, there are a number of factors that go into play. Waterproofing and breathability are important, as you want to ensure that the snowboarder remains dry with adequate air circulation. This is quantified by the waterproof rating and breathability rating. The waterproof rating is measured in millimetres and the breathability rating is measured in grams. Insulation is another important factor, and can range anywhere from the thin shell pant for warmer temperatures, to the insulated pant for colder temperatures. The durability of the snowboarding pants, articulated knees to improve ease of movement, and options such as snow gaiters and venting are all variables in the ranking of the quality of the pants.

Picking up some new snowboarding pants? Here’s how to go about it. Take a step back and look at yourself to see your individual needs and conditions you’ll be facing on the slope. Assess the weather of the area you’re heading to, be it for snowboarding. Determine if you’ll be riding when it’s icy and cold or for warmer conditions like spring or summer. Insulated pants are best to keep you warm if it’s going to be very cold. A shell would be a better pick if the weather is warmer and more spring-like. You need to get snowboarding pants that fit you properly. They shouldn’t be too loose that they get in the way, but neither should they be too tight that they prohibit your movement. There should be space to layer underneath your pants. You’ll be wearing these on a snowboard – so there could be some sitting involved! Look at the waistband and whether it’s adjustable. You want an appropriate amount of pockets to fit your essentials like wallet, phone, keys, etc. Make sure your boots and jacket match your snowboarding pants as well.

To get your snowboarding pants to perform at their best, as well as last as long as possible, it’s important to use and care for them correctly. Anytime you wash your snowboarding pants – which should be infrequently, but when dirty, definitely do so – follow the manufacturer’s washing instructions (which might include a gentle cold wash with no fabric softener that breaks down waterproofing treatments). Before you go out, look at the forecast, add or subtract layers as needed, and remember that vents (in your snowboarding pants) will help you control your temperature when you’re blowing through fresh powder at high speeds or it’s a warmer day. And when you get back (though it’s tempting to just head straight to the hot tub or bar), dry your pants out completely before storing them; otherwise, you’ll run the risk of mould and mildew.

Snowboarding pants play a crucial role in your snowboarding gear, as they can provide you with protection and comfort, as well as a great look on the slopes. By knowing the features, how to spot quality from a cheap imitation, and how to take care of your snowboarding pants, you will be better placed to have the best possible snowboarding experience, not having to worry about finding dry socks or comfort, and you will be fully equipped to handle the winter weather so you can make the most of the snowboarding season.