Best of the Best

There are a few things one needs to keep in mind when buying a new pair of ski pants. First of all, of course, there is the form factor. Your ski pants should fit you! Watch out that the pant legs are not too long or the cuffs will likely become shredded when you step in and out of the bindings. Too short and it will look funny and restrict your ability to move. Definitely make sure you get a pair that keeps its form. Just this season I bought a pair that seemed to fit perfectly, however, after I had the pants for 3 days, they were baggy, almost to double the initial size (and they went back to the store).

Then there is functionality… Pants should be durable, weatherproof and breathable. If they don’t breathe, you sweat. You sweat, you freeze, especially when the temperature suddenly drops a few notches, or you have to stand in line on a cold day. There are different coatings and laminates manufacturers use to make their materials weatherproof and breathable. Water resistant and water repellant pants may be a bit more breathable, but the materials can become saturated when exposed to moisture for a long time. All pants should keep moisture out yet be able to release humidity caused by sweating. Make sure that the pants are seam sealed for maximum protection. Ski pants should be warm but not too heavy. All pants reviewed are weatherproof and use first-class materials that keep the bulk down yet provide warmth and ensure protection against the elements.

Most of us (maybe excluding the hardcore back-country utilitarian) want their pants to look nice too. The models reviewed all have a nice, stylish look to them, at least in my humble opinion.