OutdoorGearLab Publishes Buying Advice for Best Women’s Ski Pants

CHEYENNE, Wyo. - June 18, 2014 - PRLog -- OutdoorGearLab recently released its buying advice guide for the best women’s ski pants as part of its full review. This winter, the company’s dedicated team of testers spent three months comparing seven of the industry’s top products. Using this hands-on research, OutdoorGearLab gear editor Alexis McLean composed a lengthy buying advice guide that breaks down everything that consumers should consider before purchasing a pair of women’s ski pants. For this specific review, McLean tested insulated models like the Marmot Women’s Freerider, the Patagonia Insulated Snowbelle, and the Tailored Spyder Traveler. The review also included uninsulated pieces like The North Face Freedom LRBC pant, which features two-layer construction, and the Arc’teryx Sentinel Full Bibs, which feature three-layer construction.

McLean begins the article by explaining the difference between these different types of women’s ski pants and the best uses for each one. The insulated models tested ranged from 40 to 60 grams of insulation. These products are designed to keep the wearer warm and toasty during cold days mid-winter, and are ideal for individuals who get cold easily. However, just because a pant is insulated does not mean it can’t be used in warmer conditions. The article goes on to explain that if a pant has an effective ventilation system, it can be versatile enough to be worn into the spring. This feature allows air to flow into the pant and gives the user an opportunity to let out a little steam. Of all the models tested, four had mesh-lined inner thigh vents, two had mesh-less outer thigh vents, and one had no vents.

Uninsulated pants are either constructed in two layers or three. In two-layer construction, there is an outer waterproof fabric and then an inner lining that hangs free for comfort and some warmth. In three-layer construction, the three layers of the fabric (the outer shell, waterproof membrane, and inner lining) are actually laminated together to form a single wall. Although these types of pants are stiffer and not as warm, they still move well with the body and are very easy to layer under. In this review, the only three-layer pant tested (the Arc’teryx Sentinel Full Bib) earned OutdoorGearLab’s Top Pick for Technical Women’s Ski Pant. Uninsulated pants are better for warmer days and for individuals who tend to be on the warmer side. They are also better in backcountry scenarios or for other more aerobic activities.  Generally speaking, they are more versatile because you can always put more layers underneath. This was part of the reason that the Arc’teryx Bibs earned the Top Pick Award.

Additionally, these bibs took home the Top Pick thanks to their ultra-waterproof and breathable GORE-TEX membrane. This buying advice guide goes into detail on what to look for in terms of weather proofing. It explains the difference between DWR finishes (and how to care for them) and more technical (and more expensive) materials like GORE-TEX. Consumer should also check for sealed seams and attributes like water tight zippers and powder skirts. Over the testing period only two pairs of pants demonstrated below average water resistance: the Roxy Dynamite and the Columbia Bugaboo. In the company’s tests, both let in water through the seams during a thorough two-minute drenching in the shower.

Throughout this discussion, McLean reminds readers that it is critical to consider your personal needs. Individuals should think about where and what time of year they like to ski. Those who chase big storms throughout the winter will need a stronger pant than fair weather skiers who hit the slopes once a year over spring break. Finally, she ends by explaining the importance of comfort, fit, and style, as well as the features that readers can choose from. McLean points out that since it can be hard to identify others on the slopes, your ski clothing is how people know who you are. Women’s ski pants come in more tailored fits with flaired legs and more relaxed cuts; colors range from classic monochrome to bright and funky. No matter what style you choose, OutdoorGearLab recommends opting for a model that fits you well and will offer you plenty of mobility and room to layer.

About OutdoorGearLab:
OutdoorGearLab LLC is a company headquartered in Cheyenne, Wyoming. Dedicated to creating world’s best outdoor gear reviews, the company performs side-by-side testing of outdoor gear and publishes the results in comparative reviews. Each product is scored across a range of weighted categories, competing products are graded, and top performing products receive awards. The company’s web site http://www.outdoorgearlab.com, is a free resource for people who love the outdoors and participate in activities such as hiking, climbing, backpacking, and camping.