What Are the Best Ski Pants to Get?
Ski Pants
You’re getting ready to go out skiing and you’re running through your checklist. Ok.. skis, poles, boots, hat, gloves, a ski jacket… ski pants! Are the pants from last year still good? Did they keep you warm? Did they fit right? Do they look cool? Let’s explore ski pants a bit, how important they are, what features they have and what brands to get.
I kind of have a ski pants horror story. Ok, maybe not true horror but buy buying the wrong pair, I found out what to look for when looking for a new pair. I’ll get to that in a minute.
When you’re skiing, you’re moving around a lot. The movements you make going down the slopes aren’t too dramatic since just the smallest movements can have a big impact when you add snow, speed, gravity and slippery skis into the equation – that is, unless you take a tumble… then you’re moving a lot! But besides coming down the snow, you’re sitting in the lift chair, bending over to fix your boots, helping your kids with their equipment, all kinds of movements. So you clearly want ski clothing and ski wear that moves with you.
What Type of Skier are You?
Are you a never-ever, once a year skier, out every weekend or a back country skier? How you ski and how often you ski will play a part in what kind of pants you will want to get. Are you looking for warmth primarily or are you looking for speed? The thickness of the material will be important to look at. Do you play in the powder a lot? Then waterproofing is probably one of the main things you’re looking for.
Buying Ski Pants at a Store or Pro Shop
Shopping for good ski pants, be it men’s ski pants, womens ski pants or pants for the kids, you will want to remember all the moving around that you do. If you happen to be in a changing room at a store, trying on pants, you’re probably just standing next to a mirror and you’re maybe more concerned about how they look and if they’re long enough. I think you really have to make an effort to remember to move around in them as you’re trying them on. You want to make sure that the pants aren’t too tight and restrict your movements. This is important.
Buying Them Online
If you are buying your ski pants online, then remember a few things. First, see if the website has reviews left by other people that have purchased that pair of pants. See what others have said. Good websites won’t post just all the good reviews but they will post a few bad ones if there are some. Look at a few websites so that you can find ski pants on sale and so that you can read more reviews. Check out the Return Policy of the website and if there is no restocking charge, then you may want to order two different pairs, try them on at home and keep the ones that you like.
My story is that I bought some mens ski pants that were too tight. I don’t mean tight, tight but I found that when I squatted down, they got too tight and after doing that enough, the seams ripped. The seams were only stitched and the thread was very thin. So look at the stitching and also make sure you can do all kids of movements without feeling any tightness. I like that the baggy look is still kind of in because the new pair that I got are plenty baggy where they need to be and so much more comfortable. I suggest looking for some that are described as being “cut generously through the seat” or the like. That new pair also made me more of a believer in The North Face as a brand that knows what they are doing when it comes to ski clothing. I love that pair of ski pants! Love them!
Features of Ski Pants
You want your ski pants to keep you warm and dry without restricting movements. And let’s face it, they have to look pretty cool, too. Let’s look at features:
- articulated knees
- ventilation with mesh
- adjustable boot gaiters
- taped seams / seam sealed
- waterproof, water resistant
- breathable
- backside stretch panels
- waterproof inner lining (sweat)
- bibs
- belt loops
- suspenders / removable suspenders
- reflective material
- pockets
- waist adjustment tabs / waist band adjustment
- hand warmer, fleece pockets
I like a good amount of pockets, the hand warmer pockets, side vents (with flaps around them) with the mesh inside, belt loops, zippers by my boots and a material that is warm on the inside and one that repels water and snow on the outside. They also have to fit well and I have to feel comfortable in them.
Ski Pants for Kids
For a lot of kids, more than skiing, they really just love being out in the snow! Snow is great – remember that feeling? Kids are going to be crawling around in it, running, rolling, sliding – you name it. Since kids just keep on growing, think about ski pants as snow pants. They can use them for more than just skiing but they have to be durable enough for when they might take a fall. Make sure they’re well constructed (the ski pants, I’m talking about… ok, your kids, too) and will keep your young ones warm and comfortable.
Base Layer
Some days, I’ll have a base layer on my legs while wearing ski pants but on warmer, spring days, I just wear shorts underneath and that’s enough. So it’s nice to get pants that are thick enough so that you have that option. When I walk inside, I open up the thigh vents and I’m comfortable and cool.
Cost
You, of course, want to keep cost in mind since for most of us, it’s a factor. So do your research. Before going to a store and just picking out any pair and paying $500, think again. Load yourself up with knowledge before you go shopping. Check prices and brands online. The Web is a great place to shop because you can do so much research. You’re doing it right now, even. Set a price limit (not too low – get good ones) and then find the best pants you can for that price. It’s a treasure hunt!
Conclusion
Are having the right ski pants important? Yeah, I really think so. They affect your movement, your comfort / temperature, they also add some extra padding for when you’re pushing it to the limit and you wipe out. If you’re not wiping out, you’re not pushing it hard enough, right? So get the best ski pants that will take the falls and not rip on you, ending your day and sending you to the store again. Buy one good pair instead of cheap ones that you have to replace every few months. Invest in good ski pants and you’ll be happy.
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03/25/2011 at 6:31 am
I have been putting up with extra weight around my thighs for 10 years and now I want to make a positive change. The information that you have supplied here is really helpfull. Does anybody know of any good resources where I can get even more information on weight loss and healthy diets.
11/04/2011 at 11:11 am
I want to choose ski pants for my little kids. Can you post more about the kids ski pants? thank you.