Characteristics of Snowboard Pants
The 3 most important things to know about snowboard pants
Snowboard pants are one of the most important items of gear that any rider needs, right after the board, the boots and the bindings. Snowboard pants may not seem like that big a deal -- but just try going without them, or without good ones, and you'll soon see how important it is to get the best ones for YOU!
First of all, snowboard pants need to fit you comfortably, so take your time trying on lots of different snowboard pants from various manufacturers. If you are comfortable, you'll feel good -- which will help you stay stoked for riding! If you're NOT comfortable in your snowboard pants, it won't matter how warm or dry they keep you!
Which brings us to the next thing about snowboard pants -- their main function is to be a layer of insulation between your body and the snow.
Snowboard pants do this in any one or more of these ways:
1. Air flow vents in various places, often mesh-lined to make the snowboard pants 'breathable'.
2. Taped or sealed seams so that no snow or moisture can get in.
3. Extra lining which is often made of a lightweight fleece material (just imagine wearing your pyjamas under your snowboard pants, and you'll have the idea!)
Any or all of these characteristics will keep you dry -- and therefore warm.
The final most important thing about snowboard pants is that they need to be practical -- that usually means they should include things like extra lining in the butt and knees (so you don't blow them out as often, because they're not cheap!); lots of pockets to carry everything from extra goggles to Kleenex to your iPod; an adjustable waist for even more comfort at various times; and waterproof zippers.
Have lots of fun shopping for snowboard pants -- and if you find some with these qualities inexpensively, buy two pairs!