Zippers on the outer thigh of the pant that start at the cuff and end at 7/8 or 3/4 of the way up the outer thigh to allow them to be added over top of softshell layers without the need to remove your boots. BOOTLACE HOOKS A snow bib will also double up as a pair of hiking trousers (Image credit: Jessie Leong) Fit and style The best ski bibs and pants are usually either insulated, have a “shell”, or both. The former are padded with synthetic insulation (see down vs synthetic insulation for the reason why) and are ideal for cold conditions and for resort skiers who need reliable warmth in between ski sessions. They’re usually designed to be popped over a pair of base layer leggings, and should suit most skiers heading to the mountains on holiday.

On day trips in more mild conditions, a water resistant pant will be all you need, but on longer days in colder and constantly wet conditions, a water resistant pant may stay damp. In these situations, having a softshell pant that breathes better than a hardshell will work, but you will also want a thin pair of hardshell pants to throw over top to prevent getting damp and cold. The best ski pants, salopettes and bibs should, of course, be fully snowproof, so shop for a pair with a waterproof outer shell. Look for technology such as GoreTex or for a pant’s waterproofing rating – the higher the hydrostatic head (HH) rating the more waterproof they will be. Ideally you want to go for at least 10,000mm, so you can sit or fall in snow without getting damp. Taped seams make pants even more water and snowproof. For more on this subject see: waterproof versus water-resistant. WarmthWhen RECCO® handheld detectors were first introduced in 1983, they weighed around 16kg. With product innovation and advanced technologies, the detector now weighs 1kg and is considerably lightweight to hand.

The reflector device features adjustable antennas that resonate at a high frequency. The reflector device emits a focused beam of radio signals at which the RECCO® reflector echoes. Some of this is just a style or a sport statement – very skinny, slim-fitting salopettes/pants are usually worn by speedy skiers, while some snowboarders will opt for something a bit looser. The happy medium is a pair of well-fitting salopettes/pants with plenty of room to wear a base layer underneath and that feels comfy and secure when done up at the waist – high-waisted trousers/bibs help avoid any snow seeping in if you do fall.This snow bib is as sweet as candy – quite literally. Picture Organic’s winter 2021–22 snow sports collection is made using an innovative and eco-friendly material – sugar cane waste, which avoids the need to use fossil fuels to make activewear. Enter Helly Hansen’s Odin Mountain Pants. Lightweight, stretchy and very comfortable to move in, they’re also a good choice if you’re looking for added freedom of movement and less weight when you’re skiing. A durable outer material treated with water repellent will repel snowfall (but you may need to swap to something more waterproof for off-piste skiing through deep powder), and they’re more breathable than your average pants, so are well-suited to warm spring skiing, ski touring or popping to the terrain park. Are waterproofs comfortable enough to be worn all day? Patagonia’s Dual Aspect Bib trousers are specifically designed to be worn from the beginning to the end of whatever adventure you are on, and they certainly keep all but the worst elements out. The decent level of protection is provided thanks to the pants’ fully PFC-free waterproof and breathable hard shell, designed for alpine climbing in the harshest conditions. Buying technical over trousers means balancing important factors such as weight versus durability, but while the Dual Aspect pants are lightweight, you don’t have to compromise on the robustness, thanks to the use of tough, recycled nylon materials (sourced from end-of-line recycled fishing nets and recycled polyester surplus).

You can trust Advnture Our expert reviewers spend days testing and comparing gear so you know how it will perform out in the real world. Find out more about how we test and compare products. The same rules for hiking pants apply to mountaineering pants – cotton is rotten. Just like shirts, it is important to consider the materials and fabric types when selecting mountaineering pants. Choosing a fabric that is durable, but provides some stretch is just as important as choosing a breathable, but warm fabric. We also love the fit of these pants, which sit high at the waist (adjustable with Velcro) and are on the slim side without looking too figure-hugging, but still offer good flexibility of movement at the hips and knees, and features what OOSC proudly call a “comfy bum”, lined with fleece (great for sitting on long gondolas or for stopping for an alfresco snow picnic). There are two shell types that you will see out there – hardshell and softshell. Many mountaineering pants today are making softshells that offer the same wind and water resistance as the hardshell, eliminating the need for two pairs of pants. While hardshells do a great job of keeping you dry in rain and snow, if you get your heartrate up and begin to sweat, they tend to keep that moisture in, which can lead to other issues. Read more about how to decide between hardshell vs. softshell mountaineering pants.Breathability is what sets apart hardshell and softshell pants. Because the material of hardshell is not penetrable, it will keep moisture in and can cause you to feel clammy and cold when your heart rate lowers, which can be extremely dangerous in the mountains. Softshells allow some air flow while still providing water and wind resistance, so even if you work up a sweat, the moisture can evaporate and you will not catch that chill when you slow your pace. Arc’teryx describe the Shashka as “water-resistant”, but on test we found its Gore-Tex membrane effectively repelled water, making this design pretty snowproof. This pant is also highly windproof, so despite not boasting insulation you won’t easily feel the cold on a mountain side. Our only quibble is that the braces don’t fully allow you to adjust the chest bib for a snugger fit, and – as this is a unisex design – petite or tall women may need to try a few sizes to work out which suits them best. He even not allowed to go at breaktimes and lunch with the other students. He has to go eat in the canteen on his own. All because he's got the wrong trousers.