10 Best Ski Pants In 2023

How To Choose The Best Ski Pants – Buying Guide

Finding the best ski pants isn’t that difficult, but you need to pay attention to a few details when buying. The pants you get need to be made from high-quality waterproof materials that you can rely on to keep you dry. They also need to fit well so you feel comfortable in them while going down the slope. Finally, smart features like gaiters, vents, and waterproof pockets can make using the pants more convenient and comfortable.

Waterproofing

One of the most important things when talking about ski pants is their ability to keep water out. Of course, not all ski pants are going to perform the same in this regard. This depends on the way the pants are made, and the materials used in making them. On the other hand, just saying that a pair of ski pants (or any other piece of equipment) is waterproof is not enough.

This is why we have waterproof (hydrostatic head) ratings to give us exact numbers that we can compare. This rating presents the number of millimeters of water (in a cylinder, over a square inch) that a type of fabric can resist before it starts to leak. Unfortunately, not all manufacturers test their ski pants, so you often won’t be able to know this information before buying. On the other hand, many of the best pants on the market have waterproof ratings that go well over 10,000mm and are very proud of this fact.

When selecting new ski pants, you need to keep in mind that there is a difference between water-resistant and waterproof. Being only water-resistant doesn’t cut it in ski pants, because this type of material won’t be able to protect you from a day of rolling in the snow. This is why many ski pants have an additional coating that improves the pants ability to keep you dry. This coating is usually either Teflon or DWR (Durable Water Repellent). Basically, this surface layer makes water and snow roll off the fabric, instead of sticking to it and soaking it.

You should not underestimate the importance of staying dry on the ski tracks, so carefully choose a pair of ski pants that are going to work well in the conditions you’ll be skiing in. Wet ski pants are not only uncomfortable to wear, but also drain your body heat quickly which can also lead to health risks.

Seams

The importance of sealed seams is sometimes overlooked when talking about the protective properties of ski pants and other ski gear. Seams are the joints between the pieces of fabric, and every piece of clothing has them – including your ski pants. What’s so important about them is that they are potential leaking points. It doesn’t matter if the pants are made of the most waterproof material – if the seams aren’t sealed, some small amount of water is going to find its way in.

This is why manufacturers seal the seams on ski trousers, usually by using a special type of tape. It goes on the inner side and creates a barrier that completely blocks droplets of water from coming in. As you’ve probably noticed, some ski pants have critically sealed seams, while others have seams that are fully sealed.

Critically seam-sealed means that the seams in the “critical” areas (where you’re most likely to get wet) have been sealed. For ski pants, this usually means the back area, since you’ll find yourself sitting in the snow at one point or the other. Fully seam-sealed means that all the seams on the pants are taped. This eliminates any weak points and leaves you fully protected. Unfortunately, this often also raises the price point a bit.

Breathability

Allowing your legs to breathe is necessary if you want to feel comfortable while skiing. Much like ski jackets, ski pants for skiing need to allow moisture and water vapor to get out and escape from your body. There is a high chance that you’ll get sweaty while skiing, and this is a way of staying dry.

Of course, this is not always easy to do. Except for a few very sophisticated materials (which we’ll mention later), most materials are either highly breathable or highly waterproof. Softshell ski pants generally have better breathability, so you should aim for those if this is your main concern.

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Similar to waterproofing, there are breathability ratings available for different materials. These are expressed in grams of vapor that are able to get through a square meter of fabric in one day, and a higher number is better. The Covert pants we featured have a breathability rating of over 10,000g which is excellent and guarantees you stay dry. Many lower-quality pants don’t have anywhere near that kind of breathability, meaning that you will get wet from your own sweat, and possibly even cold after some time.

Materials

We mentioned the significance of materials used several times so far, so it’s time to explain to them better as well as what each type of material can give you. The shell of your ski pants is usually made of either polyester or nylon, and both of them have some advantages and disadvantages.

Most of the models we featured have a polyester shell, which is an excellent choice for ski pants. While polyester is able to stop a certain amount of water on its own, its main strength is certainly the breathability and comfort it gives you. These pants feel great to wear, and you will feel nice in them the whole day. Polyester is more commonly used for softshell pants. As for waterproofing, these ski pants often come with a DWR coating (we mentioned it earlier) to help improve its ability to keep you dry.

Nylon is also a synthetic material but with some very different characteristics. It’s much tougher, especially the Ripstop and Durastop fabrics used in some of the models we talked about. It’s very resistant to wear and tear, so you can count on excellent durability. Most importantly, nylon fabrics usually have top-level waterproof ratings so they can efficiently block water. However, they are not very breathable, which can sometimes be a problem.

To get the most out of both, some manufacturers combine them in their pant models. This way you get great breathability and comfort, but you also have reinforcements in areas that see the most wear while skiing. Of course, there are some more sophisticated materials that excel in both categories (waterproofing and breathability).

These materials (Gore-Tex, eVent, and others) are specially made to have an impregnable shell that blocks out any water from coming in, but also have small pores that open to let the vapor out easily. As you can probably guess, a pair of gore-tex pants is going to cost significantly more, and we would say it’s not really necessary for a recreational skier.

As for the liner inside the ski pants, it’s usually made of synthetics. The only thing you need to worry about here is that it feels soft and that it doesn’t irritate your legs. This is why most ski pants are lined with polar fleece. In addition to feeling comfortable, fleece should also be capable of wicking away sweat and have anti-static properties.

Insulation

Ski pants can come with or without insulation, and both have certain advantages. Which one you should buy depends on your personal preference. Insulated ski pants will keep you warm but can sometimes feel too warm if the outside temperature isn’t freezing. On the other hand, uninsulated ski pants give you added flexibility and weigh less, but you must think about layering if you don’t want to freeze.

To give an example, hardshell ski pants usually come without any insulation. Their shell is very effective in blocking out wind and rain, but the pants don’t have any ability to keep the warmth inside. On the other hand, many softshell models have insulating layers that help keep the warm air inside. This insulation is usually made of synthetic materials, and its efficiency is shown in grams (how much a 1×1 meter piece of fabric weighs in grams). A higher number means that the insulation is better and that the pants are warmer.

Some pant models have a removable insulating layer, adding a whole new level of versatility. This layer is attached to the shell using zippers or snaps buttons, so you can use them together when it’s really cold outside. However, you can also use just the shell when it’s warm, or just the insulation to keep you comfy and warm when in your hotel room for example.

Pants vs Bibs

If you’re unsure what bibs are, they are a type of pants that resemble overalls – they have a high waistline and a panel that often covers your chest, with suspenders holding them in place. Whether you’ll buy bibs or regular ski pants comes down to what you like and whether you need additional protection.

The higher waistline on the bibs gives you some added protection against snow. Combined with a jacket that comes with a powder skirt, you can be sure that no amount of snow is ever going to reach your body. In addition to this, some people find bibs more comfortable since they don’t have a tight waistline to constrict you.

However, many skiers don’t think that bibs look good. This is why they avoid them and get a pair of regular ski pants. An added benefit of regular ski pants is that they are much more convenient when nature calls and you need to use the bathroom (bibs are complicated to take off). Perhaps the best option is models that come with removable bibs and suspenders, so you can transform them easily based on what you need at that moment.

Features

A good set of features can really make a difference when talking about convenience and functionality. One of the most common features on any pair of ski pants are certainly pockets. However, the design, number, and positioning of the pockets can be different. It’s best if they are closed with a waterproof zipper (perhaps even a flap over them), and that you get enough of them for all you want to bring with you.

Many models we featured come with articulated knees, which are a great addition that improves movement, and you won’t have the feeling that the pants are too stiff. In addition to this, you should make sure that your ski pants come with leg gaiters which help block out the snow and cold air from getting in. It’s also a big plus if there are cuff zippers too, to allow you to easily put the boots on. Some models also have cuff reinforcements, which is a big deal when it comes to durability.

One of the features we particularly like is the zippered vents. These are openings on the inner or outer thigh which allow you to unzip them and quickly cool yourself – a great option to have for high-energy activities like off-piste skiing. This is particularly useful on insulated ski pants which can easily get too hot.

If you buy ski pants and jackets from the same manufacturer, you may also have jacket compatibility. This allows you to connect the two (with a zipper or snap buttons) and create a barrier that prevents snow from getting in. Finally, we want to mention the Recco system. Some pant models are equipped with a Recco reflector which is a passive unit that can help the rescue services locate you if an accident happens and you’re trying to survive an avalanche.

Fit

The fit of your ski pants shouldn’t be too tight, so you can easily move your body both while on and off the skis. Ski pants come as slim, regular, and loose-fitting pants. We are not big fans of slim snow pants, because they can restrict your movement and you don’t have enough room to wear extra layers underneath if you feel cold.

Perhaps it’s the best idea to get ski pants with a regular fit. These allow you to layer underneath them and move freely but still aren’t too “baggy” to get in the way. Loose pants are more popular for snowboarding than skiing since they allow the type of movement snowboarders need. On the other hand, they aren’t as good at retaining warmth.

Whichever type you choose, make sure they are adjustable. The ski pants come with an elastic waist with Velcro straps, belt loops (good if you like wearing a belt), and cuff zippers and gaiters on the leg so the pants fit tightly on the boot. Make sure to check that the pant legs are long enough to go over your boots (or snowshoes) because pant legs that slide up can be really annoying.

Style and Color

While function is most important, no one wants to wear a piece of clothing they don’t like. This is why we tried to pick out ski pants that are not only functional but stylish too. Many of the models in our ski pants reviews are sleek looking and come in a great number of colors, so you can pick your favorite and match it with the other gear you own. There are even some very vibrant colors available that will definitely make you stand out on the slopes.

This has one more added benefit to it – you’ll be more visible on the track, so your safety is improved too. While style and color are not the primary concerns when buying your pants (for skiing at least), it’s good to give it a thought when you’ve found the right pair.

Quality and Durability

Because ski gear isn’t exactly cheap, we expect it to last at least several years. Some of the best ski pants for skiing can last for over a decade if taken care of properly. We discussed the materials a bit earlier, and you really need to pay attention to product specs when buying. Some are known to be more durable, and this can be a good indicator of what you can expect from the pants.

In addition, the brand name also plays a small role. Even though we believe that you don’t always have to buy a pair from a well-known manufacturer, it can be a good idea if you want to play it safe. Perhaps the best thing you could do is to read the experiences of other users that own the exact same model, and see whether they had any trouble with it.

In terms of durability, it’s a big plus if your ski pants have reinforcements in some areas (cuffs, ankles), so they don’t tear easily. Finally, it goes without saying that properly caring for your ski pants is going to significantly prolong their lifespan.

FAQs

Globo Surf Overview

As you had the chance to see, a good pair of ski pants has a very important place on your equipment list. Your whole body needs to stay dry and warm during a day out on the snow, including your legs. Choosing the best ski pants for your skiing style will not only give you this but also make you feel very comfortable on the track.

The most important thing is finding a well-made pair that fits you properly and has all the features you need. Luckily, you now have all the information you need, so this shouldn’t be a hard task anymore. There are many tried and tested models on our list, and we’re sure you can find something you’ll be happy with.

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