The Best Men's Ski Pants Of 2018-19

Χρήστος Λάππας · June 9, 2018

The Best Men's Ski Pants of the Year

THE NORTH FACE

Brigandine Bib

$549.00
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Hillbangin', sleddin', shovelin', beer-drinkin', fishin', redneckin', The North Face Brigandine kit is thick, heavy, bomber, loaded with pockets, and meant for the skier that lives in their ski kit. The Brigandine is made from three layers of The North Face's FuseForm--a thick, durable material--and Gore-Tex for a high rate of waterproofing and breathability. They also run bulky and loose, so consider sizing down if that isn't your thing.

"This is the ultimate expedition kit, built for a skier who is moving a lot and values function over comfort," said Sierra Davis.

Which was exactly what some Thread the Needle skiers were looking for. "Whether skiing, touring, snowmobiling, heading to town or building a snowman, I would wear it every day!" said JF Bruegger. "This jacket/bib combo is intelligently designed to integrate with their backpack so all pockets are accessible while wearing the pack. I loved the feel and fit of both the jackets and pants."

For others, the many pockets and pro-centric features, like a mic pouch in the collar, were too much. "The jacket was super stiff and uncomfortable," said Barronian, "with too many useless zippers."

Still, for most, the bibs had great touches. The bibs have a kangaroo pocket that was a huge hit at Thread the Needle--ideal for stashing beers or lounging during apres. They are a high bib, the fabric going well-above the chest. The fit was especially appreciated among several of the women at Thread the Needle. "The bibs had an awesome fit and cut," said Barronian. "I love the front pocket and high rise chest."
STRAFE

Capitol Pant

$449.00
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With three-layer Polartec Neoshell membrane, a 100 percent polyester back, and a 61/39 percent nylon/polyester face with a DWR finish, the Strafe Capitol pant is a softshell that acts like a hardshell. It's a do-everything pant that's at home on a tour or at the resort.

"The Neoshell material was awesome," said POSSE member and Montana ski tech Brit Barnes. "I hiked the ridge and was really sweaty and the vents were great--they moved really well."

The pants also have mesh-lined interior thigh vents, smart pockets, and a classic look to them.

"They have more of a refined look for an older person," added Barnes. "Great stuff for hiking and ripping."

But beware the slim fit--for some at Thread the Needle, a little too slim. "It's a slim fitting resort skiing pant--if you like butt-huggers," said Matt Hansen.
STIO

Environ Bib

$445.00
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For some skiers at Thread the Needle, the Stio Environ bib--made for men and women--was their favorite piece of the week.

“Resort shredders. These pants aren’t the most breathable, but they sure are comfortable. Unzip the vent to cool off, and ride these all season at your local hill,” said Sam Taggart.

"The fit is dialed," said Crystal Sagan. "I can move freely without being restricted with enough room through the thigh for true skier legs to get into a full tuck or hike uphill without getting tight and restricting movement."

Old Cloudveil fans will recognize some similarities in this Jackson Hole-based brand with some shared roots. Both the jacket and pant are made with a three-layers, featuring a Toray Dermizax fabric, 20k/10k waterproof/breathability, a DWR finish, and a tricot backer that makes them soft to the touch.

On the pant, zips on both sides go from the knee to the top of the leg for lots of venting and easy pee breaks, while the pockets are roomy enough for stashes of bacon. The jacket has cuff zippers that allow it to go over or under a glove easily, a removable hood, and a clean design.

“It’s a great start for a new brand,” said Brit Barnes. “Building a good pant for the customer that want a more local brand. Not the highest of fit quality, but yet great.”
686

GLCR Satellite Bib

$300.00
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With a high waterproof-breathability rating (20k by 15k), the 686 Satellite Bib hangs like a good friend on your favorite day at the hill.

Like other players on the 686 team, it's the attention to detail that make the Satellite stand out. Pockets on the hips and one on the chest keep all your little things sorted, while a stretchy infiDry fabric allows full range of movement, from the bootback to the bumps to the dance floor. The legs have full inner venting, protected by mesh so snow doesn't ice up your unmentionables.

Originally designed with snowboarders in mind, the Satellite crosses over easily, with great style to boot.
PATAGONIA

PowSlayer Bibs

$599.00
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Every Thread the Needle, the Patagonia Powslayer is a stand-out favorite. This year, it feels even better as Patagonia introduces a 100 percent recycled face as part of their three-layer Gore-Tex Pro fabric. That fabric is light--this is technically a freeride touring kit--but feels tough to the touch. With proper layering, there's no reason they should not be a skier's everyday outerwear.

"The lightest, most comfortable three-layer I've tested," said Ben Kallman. "I'd use them on 99 percent of ski days during the season, for 10 seasons in a row."

In addition to the fabric, the Powslayer also stands out for its cut. The jacket fits a little long and slim, and the pants a little loose. For many, the sizing just feels comfortable--right in the middle from Old Euro Guy and Breckenridge Park Rat. Bibs seem especially difficult to configure where exactly they'll sit--often bulking up down low for a solid diaper feel, or coming in too high as crotch grabbers--but these sit just right and have a stretchy elastic waist that nullifies any need for a belt.

"One can just move so much better in Patagonia," said John Clary Davies. "You feel more athletic because there is less fabric, less bulk, but they are no less bomber or badass."

A tired cliché is to mock Patagonia for their exorbitant prices. Yes, these garments are expensive. But look around the hill. While other jackets and pants wear down, these do not. Patagonia's generous warranties and expertly crafted pieces are meant to allow you to wear these for a decade or beyond. With muted colors and clean, simple designs, they are timeless. Perhaps, indeed, the only ski item that will make their way into your will.
HELLY HANSEN

Sogn Bib

$350.00
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The Helly Hansen Sogn bib has all the makings of a classy, stylish pant that will keep you warm and dry during the harshest days of the winter. Constructed of three-layer Helly Tech Professional fabric, this shell pant is noted for its great cut down the leg and abrasive resistant boot cuffs. The bib, which is not removable, has an adjustable belt and suspenders to dial in the fit around the house that Budweiser built. Stretchy material on the back aids in ventilation.

Two cargo pockets on the thighs add compatibility to any adventure, and a single hip pocket is designed specifically for an avalanche beacon. Reaction among POSSE members was mixed regarding the neon bright color accents, and some mentioned the lack of breathability. "I sweated the hell out of these things," said Brit Barnes.
ARC’TERYX

Stinger Pant

$499.00
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It's widely understood among core skiers that Arc'teryx makes some of the finest quality products in the business. You'll pay a pretty penny, but when you're in the middle of a maelstrom, it's worth every cent. Such is the Stinger Pant, a lightweight but tough garment made from three-layer Gore-Tex Pro, the most durable waterproof-breathable fabric Gore makes.

"I would wear these pants every day: touring, on the mountain, snowmobiling, and for fondue events," says Aspen native and POSSE member JF Bruegger. "Clean, simple, and washable."

The pants include double side zips for ventilation and large volume zippered thigh pockets. The one drawback is that the pants don't have an ideal pocket for your phone or other bulky items, as the deep thigh pockets reach down to just above the knee. The clean and minimalist hip design, which includes a removable belt, is excellent for wearing a backpack or harness. So leave your phone at home, or put it in a jacket pocket.
DAKINE

Stoker 3L Bib

$420.00
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You are gonna love the Stoker, especially if you like pockets. A three-layer Gore-Tex bib from Dakine, this piece has a crazy number of pockets. Think about all the pockets you can come up with for a bib, and multiply that by five. OK, maybe not that many, but it's probably more than you are used to. POSSE members noted it had enough pockets to hold all your crap and not need a jacket on warm days.

Additionally, this bib is rather incredible in both style and functionality. It sits where it's supposed to, whether skiing or hiking. "Burly, high quality material," notes John Davies. "Good style, very comfortable, with nice details like a beacon pocket."

On the bootpack up the Evergreen headwall at Solitude, POSSE members noted how the bib, even in warm spring temperatures, kept a comfortable climate control thanks to adequate venting. If there's a negative, it's that the bib sits really high on the chest, almost like fishing waders. This could be a benefit in the deep-snow locales like Dakine's home turf of the Pacific Northwest, but otherwise, testers called out the additional fabric as somewhat excessive, especially if pared under a heavy jacket.

But as POSSE member Matt Hansen stated, "The perfect bib for storm-riding with your friends, and it's a decent sidecountry piece."
SPYDER

Turret Shell Pant

$300.00
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Spyder's Turret shell pant has a thick three-layer fabric with stretch polyester, their proprietary Hydroweb membrane for waterproof/breathability, and a DWR finish to repel moisture. They are ideal for colder mornings on the skin track.

“These are burly, skin-ready pants,” said Ben Kallman. “Probably best for cold touring days or resort days. Plenty of room for insulation layers underneath.”

"The heavy-duty material can withstand a lot of abuse," said Lindsay Strange, on the women’s version. "They're a bit heavy to be my go-to touring kit, but would probably be good for colder climate touring."

Fleece lined pockets and inner thigh vents round out the finer details of the Spyder Turret shell pant.