 Poster: A snowHead
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I haven't bought ski gear for a long time, but my trousers zips have finally given up and I need new kit. There seems to be a lot more options than there used to be but I'm a bit unsure what to choose. I see a lot of women now wearing really slim fit stretchy trousers on the slopes which appeals to me as they look good and also comfy - quite the difference from the massive, uncomfortable padded trousers I had before. I've been looking around the shops and when I look at these they seem to be a soft of soft shell with a fleece lining and maybe a thin layer of insulation. But they're soooo thin. Will this be warm enough? I've found some I like which claim to be waterproof and windproof (listed as made from waterproof and wind proof fleece bonded fabric) and they have snow gaitors, and would wear them with insulated long johns underneath, but I'm worried I'll end up stuck up a mountain with very cold legs!
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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There are so many variables, that a lot of it comes down to personal preference.
Things to consider:
- Do you really feel the cold?
- Do you get sweaty while skiing?
- Given Shell Pants work fine with insulating layers - provided the outer layer is waterproof / windproof, you can always layer up according to the weather
- What time of year do you usually ski?
- Do you require venting zips?
- It's usually worth having robust "Edge Guards", on the inside of the pants at the bottom, to help prevent sharp ski edges cutting the pants in a fall
- Make sure they have snow gaitors and are wide enough to comfortably fit over the top of ski boots...and have room for layers underneath.
- Unless you ski in the rain, you don't "need" expensive products like Goretex. I believe Soft Shells are more comfortable and breathable - but not as waterproof.
Personally, I go for quality brands (Not necessarily expensive brands) - usually bought online at TK Maxx (which can be returned to any store for a refund, if unsuitable), or SportPursuit.
Apologies if the above is obvious.
Last edited by Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person on Sun 17-11-24 18:14; edited 1 time in total
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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@Old Fartbag, Thanks, that's helpful. I'm definitely not a hot person, but I get warm skiing. We ski in Feb but won't be high on a glacier - last year I was too hot but it was really warm and sunny. I'm not a sweaty person and I've never used my vents, but sometimes have to take off my jumper/open my coat. My coat is long enough to cover my bum on the lift so I hopefully won't get wet on my bum. The trousers I'm looking at do have edgeguards and gaitors. Hopefully it'll all be ok!
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Assuming the outer layer is water/windproof/breathable - the wicking property of the base layer is crucial. I'm sure you know that Cotton should be avoided in any skiwear.
If you keep extremities warm, then it's easier to remain warm.
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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i have skied for the last few years in a pair of Spyder shell trousers that i got from TK Maxx. have skied in them in February, March and April. Not been a problem with a decent pair of thermals underneath, tho I don't think I feel the cold as much as some (will happily go for a run in winter with a t-shirt on etc)
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This is a very timely post @Flipjango, as I am in the same boat as you, let us know how you get on?
Thanks for your advice @Old Fartbag. You make a very interesting point regarding soft shell vs waterproof shell and something I will reflect on in my research.
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| Flipjango wrote: |
| I see a lot of women now wearing really slim fit stretchy trousers on the slopes which appeals to me as they look good and also comfy - quite the difference from the massive, uncomfortable padded trousers I had before. |
Funny you should say that the slim fitting trousers look good. I’ve seen quite a lot of those on the slope the last few seasons. I thought they look like marshmallow on 2 skinny sticks!
Unless, of course, you’re pairing them with slim fitting clothing for the upper body.
I could have gone for the slim fitting trousers as I don’t feel cold on my legs much. But I don’t find my padded trousers particularly uncomfortable at all. Couple with not finding the slim fitting trousers “look good”, I can’t find any motivation to change.
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