Storm Shift is Patagonia’s premium Gore-Tex resort pant, offering exceptional durability and waterproofing with a 2-layer Gore-Tex shell, large pockets, and a refined fit. It’s uninsulated, so warmth relies on layering, and it stands out for protection and build quality, though it’s a higher-priced option.
The Patagonia Storm Shift Ski Pant is a premium resort shell pant built with Gore-Tex 2-layer protection and a burly 150D shell. It offers top-tier waterproofing, durability, and comfort for all-season resort days, though it's bulky and less breathable for high-output touring.
The Sentinel Full Bib is a high-performance backcountry ski pant built with a Gore-Tex three-layer shell that delivers top-tier waterproofing and breathability. The bib design, versatile venting, and rugged durability make it ideal for long backcountry days, though it’s expensive and not as warm as insulated options or ideal for lift-served resort use.
The Arc’teryx Sabre Ski Bib is a premium hardshell bib built for dry, durable performance in both resort and backcountry skiing. It delivers standout waterproofing and high-quality construction, but it’s not the warmest and the fit can be finicky for some body types. Expect superb weather protection and long-term durability with a minimalist feature set.
The Mammut Haldigrat HS Bib is a high-end hardshell ski pant with excellent weather resistance, breathable fabric, and a snug, mobility-focused fit. It's comfortable for long skin tracks and backcountry touring, with practical pockets and features, though it's not especially warm and may be less durable than some rivals.
The Arc'teryx Rho LT Bottoms are a fleece-lined, durable base layer that works well as a standalone layer or under shell pants in cool to cold weather. They deliver warmth, excellent durability, and strong wicking with comfortable, stretchy fit, and true-to-size comfort, though high water absorption when wet and long leg length can be drawbacks; ventilation is important to prevent clamminess in heavy sweat.
Patagonia's Powder Town Insulated Pant is a solid mid-range option for cold resort days, delivering warmth with 60 g of synthetic insulation and a thin, flexible shell that still moves well. It offers practical details like outer-thigh vents, roomy thigh pockets with water-resistant zippers, and a refined waist fit, but the 75-denier shell is relatively thin and not as waterproof as Gore-Tex in sustained wet conditions.
The Arc'teryx Sentinel Pants for women deliver high-level weather protection with 3L Gore-Tex, waterproof zippers, and fully taped seams, pairing with a soft fleece lining for comfortable warmth. They excel in ventilation and mobility, making them suitable for resort and backcountry skiing, though the warmth is average and the price is steep.
Norrona's Lofoten Gore-Tex Pro Pants deliver top-tier weather protection with a seam-sealed Gore-Tex Pro shell and a unique modular bib option that can zip together with the matching Lofoten jacket to form a near-one-piece suit. They are highly weather protective and well-vented, but they are expensive, uninsulated, and the bib can be snug on heftier frames.
These pants deliver bombproof weather protection with a stiff three-layer Gore-Tex shell and strong wind and water resistance, making them ideal for extreme alpine conditions. They include a removable bib for added support and substantial venting via full-leg zips, but the thick fabric limits breathability and the overall cost is high.
These pants deliver top-tier weather protection and a superb, close-to-the-skin fit, with a comfortable fleece-brushed liner. They ventilate well for uphill travel and pair nicely with layering for backcountry or resort skiing, though they come at a premium price and have a lean feature set.
The Arc'teryx Sabre Pant is a high-end Gore-Tex shell ski pant, uninsulated with a light flannel backer, designed for resort and backcountry use. It offers fortress-like waterproofing, good breathability, and a durable, minimalist build, though fit can be polarizing and the price is high.
The Sabria Pant from Arc’teryx is a durable, versatile hiking pant with four-way stretch and a discreet waistband adjuster that sits well under a harness. It’s breathable and comfortable in warm weather, pairs with a base layer in cooler conditions, and features a DWR finish for light moisture; however, pockets are small, the fit is snug, and it has been discontinued by the brand.
Durable synthetic base layer tested for skiing, hiking, climbing, and snow play, offering a strong warmth-to-wicking balance and fast drying. The high-rise, comfortable fit with flatlock seams layers well under other layers and moves well with activity. A noted drawback is that the fabric tends to hold odor after use.
The Patagonia Insulated Powder Town Pant for Women is a well-constructed insulated ski pant with thoughtful weather protection and a rich feature set. It has baffled insulation for secure warmth, but a wider hip/leg cut and limited breathability mean it’s best for those who fit the cut and don’t mind reduced venting.
The Arc'teryx Rho Bottom is a lightweight, versatile long underwear bottom designed for multi-sport use. It features a high-rise waistband, a stash pocket, and a comfortable, stretchy fit that works well worn alone in cool conditions or layered under ski gear; it’s not the warmest option for the coldest months and is priced at a premium.
The Torrentshell 3L Pant - Women's is a burly, 3-layer rain pant that improves durability and versatility with side zippers that double as vents. It delivers solid wet-weather protection and year-round use, though it’s heavier than lighter rain pants and isn’t the best option for snow travel or cramming gear into the cuffs.