Going on a ski trip is a great experience for you and your family or friends, You get to enjoy the outdoors and spend time with the people who matter.
But before getting those Bogner men’s ski pants for sale, check out this quick rundown of the features your pants should have to ensure that your next ski trip is all fun and safe.
Fabric and materials
Choosing the right fabric and materials for your ski pants is important, as it could mean the only barrier between your legs and the freezing (and sometimes abrasive) elements when you ski. So, for the piste-regular like you, consider the following:
Insulated vs. soft-shell
Insulated pants are for resort skiers because of the warmth they offer, especially on the lift rides. But not all ski pants offer the same warmth. The insulation level dictates how much warmness you can get—slightly warm, warm, warmer, and warmest.
The first one is ideal if you still want to stay warm, but would like a dash of maneuverability on the side. However, you need to wear layers on windy days. Warm is for the normal coldness level with a bit of wind chill. Warmer is for those days when you need the help of technology to retain heat because it is consistently cold. Warmest is for days when the temperature is frigid.
Soft-shelled ski pants, on the other hand, are for backcountry skiers who need breathability and a wider range of motion. Shell pants are not insulated, but the good thing is it has room for layers, so you can choose whether you want a moisture-wicking or warmth-retaining base.
Waterproof and breathability level
The holy grail in ski pants helps your skin breathe—allowing heat and moisture to escape—while keeping the wetness out. For that, you need to check the waterproofing and breathability rate. According to Telegraph UK, the average level for the former is 10,000mm while for breathability, it is somewhere between 5,000g and 20,000g.
Fit
The ratings above are useless if your pants allow snow to get in your legs. So, check for gaiters that perfectly seal around your ski boots. Wait adjusters are also necessary to guarantee that no snow enters your body through your waist. It’s also crucial in keeping your pants from falling down while doing your extreme movements.
If staying in style is also a priority for you, your pants should have the right fitting—slim, regular, or loose. The benefit of choosing the slim fit is that you won’t look baggy, but the loose one offers a room for movement and flexibility. The regular ones are the middle ground.
Zipped pockets
Pockets may seem trivial for some, but they are actually vital parts of your ski pants. As you go, you need to take with you some items, such as your phone and Swiss knife. Both are necessary for emergencies. In addition, note that zipped is the key here. Pockets without zippers are practically useless.
Safety features
Lastly, you should check if your pants have the basic safety features, such as thigh venting and reflectors. Thigh venting makes sure the air around your legs to circulate properly and, therefore, regulates the temperature.
Shopping for ski pants is easy if you know the qualities a good pair should have. The list above is not comprehensive, but it covers the basic necessities you should seek.