The Best Ski Pants for Men to Buy In 2024: Ski Pants Reviews
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At a Glance: The Best Ski Pants for Men
Ski pants deserve more attention. Not only do they protect our legs from cold and wetness, but they also need to be flexible enough to allow full movement and durable enough to withstand falls and scrapes. In short, the best ski pants are worth shopping around for (and maybe devoting a good bit of your ski gear budget to). Below, we’ve done some of the legwork (no pun intended) of testing and rounding up the best ski pants, including options for both men and women.
In This Article
- The Best Ski Pants for Men
- The Best (Of the Rest) Ski Pants for Men
- Ski Pants Buying Guide: What to Look For
- How We Tested & Chose the Best Ski Pants
The Best Ski Pants for Men
Below are some of the best men’s ski pants to consider this winter. All picks have been tested and approved by experts, are sold at reputable online retailers, and feature at least a 3.5/5-star rating from customers. We also included options at all price points.
1. Arc’teryx Sabre Bib Pants
These Arc’teryx Sabre bib pants are very expensive, yes, but you’ll notice that many expert reviewers agree on their superiority over other all ski pants. And we have to agree.
In our testing, the Sabres felt exceptionally lightweight and streamlined but still roomy enough for just about any movement. Weather resistance was bar none thanks to a three-layer Gore-Tex nylon build and a minimal design overall (this also scores some style points, in our book). That fabric is also some of the most durable on the market, which means the pants will likely last longer than other pants (this can end up justifying the price). If you ski often and can afford them, the Sabres are the ones to get.
Promising Customer Feedback: “The Arc’teryx Sabre Bib is the ultimate outer layer for cold weather adventures. This garment is equally at home lapping resort ski runs as it is on longer adventures into the mountains. The many years of perfecting the ski mountaineering bib show in the thoughtful features and classic design of the Sabre bib” — ColoradoSkier
2. The North Face Freedom Pants
REI
In terms of value alone, these Freedom pants from The North Face are probably the best ski pants on the market. Ideal for the casual skier who goes a few times a year, the Freedom pants feel comfortable and light (they actually weigh less than the Sabres above), while blocking out both wind and water in all but the nastiest conditions. This weather resistance can be credited to TNF’s durable DryVent fabric, which features two layers of protection, sealed seams, and a durable water repellent (DWR) finish. We also love the pocket layout on these pants, as well as the mesh venting system for heat management.
Promising Customer Feedback: “I’ve bought two of these for myself and two for my son. Vented, inner lining, but not insulated. Ample pockets and adjustments. I wear them ‘sized up’ for freedom of movement and airspace to help with warming or cooling, as needed. My go-to pants for backcountry and in-bounds, too.” — Clay
3. Arctix Insulated Snow Pants
Amazon
If it’s your first time hitting the mountain — or you’re just looking to keep skiing costs to an absolute minimum — consider these insulated snow pants from Artix, which are available on Amazon starting at just $23 right now (depending on your size). In disbelief that ski pants could be this cheap, we wore the Arctix trousers for a whole weekend and were pleasantly surprised to find out that they not only held up but performed perfectly well. They can get a little warm (no vents), they’re not as comfortable as pricier options, and they probably won’t last longer than a season, but they’re more than capable of helping any beginner get their legs (no pun intended) before they decide if they want to continue with the sport.
Promising Customer Feedback: “These are a good quality snow pant. They’re very warm and the sizing was perfect.” — Katie
4. Helly Hansen Legendary Insulated Pants
For anyone who runs cold or frequents especially chilly mountains, we suggest these Helly Hansen Legendary insulated pants. The PrimaLoft insulation is warm enough for freezing blizzard weather, but the pants feel streamlined enough to move in. Weather protection is excellent as well, largely thanks to the pants’ Helly Tech membrane. Plus, you also get some zippered thigh vents in case the weather changes and that premium insulation becomes too much.
Promising Customer Feedback: “I’ve been in the same pair for 6+ years. About 80 days of skiing (both area and BC) per year. But also lots of days working on ski lifts, snow blowing, and even fat biking in colder weather.” — BrunoLee
5. Outdoor Research Skytour AscentShell Bib
Backcountry
Another great ski bib is this Skytour AscentShell from Outdoor Research. Designed for backcountry use, the AscentShell bib aims to let in as much air as possible, while still effectively repelling snow and water. We think the bib nails this with fantastic breathability and mobility. You do sacrifice a bit of weather resistance for this incredible stretch and breathability, but you’ll only notice that in extremely wet conditions. The AscentShell bib also delivers some intuitive features like two chest pockets (one with a beacon clip) and a swing hatch for easier bathroom breaks.
Promising Customer Feedback: “Great mix of flexibility and waterproofing. Good fit throughout the whole bib. Side vents were perfect at venting heat when needed. Deep thigh pockets hold lots of extra gear easy. Thicker than just shell pants.” — NA
The Best (Of the Rest) Ski Pants for Men
Not digging our top picks above? Here are some other great options we recommend.
6. REI Co-op Powderbound Insulated Snow Pants
REI
Another solid budget-friendly option is these Powderbound snow pants from REI. The insulated pants are warm enough for very chilly days on the lift, but they won’t feel bulky. Wind and water-proofing comes courtesy of a two-layer design with a DWR treatment.
7. Flylow Baker Bib
REI
We’ve heard from several experts who highly recommend this Baker bib from Flylow. Its seam-taped triple-layer fabric is exceptionally good at keeping out water in all weather, and you get a plethora of pockets to stash any extra gear. Overall, it’s a solid pick for anyone setting out on an intense backcountry adventure, but might be a bit much for more casual users.
8. Stio Environ Pant
Stio
These Environ pants from Stio are a great pick if you can spend a bit more (although they’re currently discounted). Materials — which include PeakProof polyester and Cordura nylon — feel comfortable, offering tons of mobility and breathability for intense backcountry hikes. But this mobility also means the pants are comfortable on the downhill, making them a good choice for just about any skier.
9. Patagonia Powder Town Pants
REI
If you’re only doing resort runs, consider these Patagonia Powder Town pants. They feature a polyester mesh lining for warmth on the lift, as well as tons of clever features geared toward downhill skiing. Plus, they’re more affordable than you’d expect from the premium brand. We didn’t rank these higher, though, because they can get a little too warm and comfort isn’t as good as some other options.
10. Black Diamond Dawn Patrol Softshell Pant
For anyone who often feels too warm or restricted, these Black Diamond Dawn Patrol pants might be a great fit. Their fabric incorporates a bit of elastane for a shocking amount of stretch, and we’re also big fans of the built-in suspenders. These give a bib-like security without the added warmth. However, all this stretch and breathability comes at the cost of some weatherproofing, although they’ll still be perfectly fine for most conditions.
Ski Pants Buying Guide: What to Look For
Not all the best ski pants are made equal. Here are some things to consider while you shop:
Insulation: Ski pants are typically either uninsulated (shells) or insulated. Uninsulated shells are more versatile, as you won’t get too hot or sweaty but can always layer underneath if the temperature drops. This makes shells the go-to style for backcountry skiers, as well as some resort skiers. Insulated pants, on the other hand, offer more warmth, which is great for extra cold days at the resort. Everyone has a different cold tolerance, but as a general rule of thumb, we usually opt for shells when the mountain is warmer than 20 degrees Fahrenheit.
Pants vs. Bibs: Another decision to make while shopping for the best ski pants is whether you want pants or a bib. Bibs offer more protection (especially from snow when you fall), more warmth, and more storage. However, they can be too warm or odd-feeling, and they also make it harder to use the bathroom. Pants, on the other hand, feel more familiar and offer more breathability, but they won’t be able to match the protection of a bib.
Price: Like most snow gear, ski pants can get expensive very fast. Luckily, there are great ski pants at most price points, but you do get what you pay in many cases. Nicer pants will keep out more water and snow, offer more convenience features, and they’ll likely last more seasons. If you ski multiple times a winter, we think it’s worth considering pants in the $200–$700 range. If you’re just checking out skiing, dip your toe in the snow with a good budget pair from Amazon.
How We Tested & Chose the Best Ski Pants
While testing and researching the best ski pants, our team weighed weather resistance and comfort as the most important variables. Warmth was also front of mind, although less so as you can always layer. Lastly, we considered features like pockets and adjustability. After testing the pants ourselves, we poured over reviews from experts and customers to see how our experiences aligned with theirs. All finalists needed to have at least 3.5/5-star customer ratings. The last step in our selection process was to make sure that all of our picks were available in multiple sizes from major retailers.
If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission.
At a Glance: The Best Ski Pants for Men
Ski pants deserve more attention. Not only do they protect our legs from cold and wetness, but they also need to be flexible enough to allow full movement and durable enough to withstand falls and scrapes. In short, the best ski pants are worth shopping around for (and maybe devoting a good bit of your ski gear budget to). Below, we’ve done some of the legwork (no pun intended) of testing and rounding up the best ski pants, including options for both men and women.
In This Article
- The Best Ski Pants for Men
- The Best (Of the Rest) Ski Pants for Men
- Ski Pants Buying Guide: What to Look For
- How We Tested & Chose the Best Ski Pants
The Best Ski Pants for Men
Below are some of the best men’s ski pants to consider this winter. All picks have been tested and approved by experts, are sold at reputable online retailers, and feature at least a 3.5/5-star rating from customers. We also included options at all price points.
1. Arc’teryx Sabre Bib Pants
rei
These Arc’teryx Sabre bib pants are very expensive, yes, but you’ll notice that many expert reviewers agree on their superiority over other all ski pants. And we have to agree.
In our testing, the Sabres felt exceptionally lightweight and streamlined but still roomy enough for just about any movement. Weather resistance was bar none thanks to a three-layer Gore-Tex nylon build and a minimal design overall (this also scores some style points, in our book). That fabric is also some of the most durable on the market, which means the pants will likely last longer than other pants (this can end up justifying the price). If you ski often and can afford them, the Sabres are the ones to get.
Promising Customer Feedback: “The Arc’teryx Sabre Bib is the ultimate outer layer for cold weather adventures. This garment is equally at home lapping resort ski runs as it is on longer adventures into the mountains. The many years of perfecting the ski mountaineering bib show in the thoughtful features and classic design of the Sabre bib” — ColoradoSkier
2. The North Face Freedom Pants
REI
In terms of value alone, these Freedom pants from The North Face are probably the best ski pants on the market. Ideal for the casual skier who goes a few times a year, the Freedom pants feel comfortable and light (they actually weigh less than the Sabres above), while blocking out both wind and water in all but the nastiest conditions. This weather resistance can be credited to TNF’s durable DryVent fabric, which features two layers of protection, sealed seams, and a durable water repellent (DWR) finish. We also love the pocket layout on these pants, as well as the mesh venting system for heat management.
Promising Customer Feedback: “I’ve bought two of these for myself and two for my son. Vented, inner lining, but not insulated. Ample pockets and adjustments. I wear them ‘sized up’ for freedom of movement and airspace to help with warming or cooling, as needed. My go-to pants for backcountry and in-bounds, too.” — Clay
3. Arctix Insulated Snow Pants
Amazon
If it’s your first time hitting the mountain — or you’re just looking to keep skiing costs to an absolute minimum — consider these insulated snow pants from Artix, which are available on Amazon starting at just $23 right now (depending on your size). In disbelief that ski pants could be this cheap, we wore the Arctix trousers for a whole weekend and were pleasantly surprised to find out that they not only held up but performed perfectly well. They can get a little warm (no vents), they’re not as comfortable as pricier options, and they probably won’t last longer than a season, but they’re more than capable of helping any beginner get their legs (no pun intended) before they decide if they want to continue with the sport.
Promising Customer Feedback: “These are a good quality snow pant. They’re very warm and the sizing was perfect.” — Katie
4. Helly Hansen Legendary Insulated Pants
For anyone who runs cold or frequents especially chilly mountains, we suggest these Helly Hansen Legendary insulated pants. The PrimaLoft insulation is warm enough for freezing blizzard weather, but the pants feel streamlined enough to move in. Weather protection is excellent as well, largely thanks to the pants’ Helly Tech membrane. Plus, you also get some zippered thigh vents in case the weather changes and that premium insulation becomes too much.
Promising Customer Feedback: “I’ve been in the same pair for 6+ years. About 80 days of skiing (both area and BC) per year. But also lots of days working on ski lifts, snow blowing, and even fat biking in colder weather.” — BrunoLee
5. Outdoor Research Skytour AscentShell Bib
Backcountry
Another great ski bib is this Skytour AscentShell from Outdoor Research. Designed for backcountry use, the AscentShell bib aims to let in as much air as possible, while still effectively repelling snow and water. We think the bib nails this with fantastic breathability and mobility. You do sacrifice a bit of weather resistance for this incredible stretch and breathability, but you’ll only notice that in extremely wet conditions. The AscentShell bib also delivers some intuitive features like two chest pockets (one with a beacon clip) and a swing hatch for easier bathroom breaks.
Promising Customer Feedback: “Great mix of flexibility and waterproofing. Good fit throughout the whole bib. Side vents were perfect at venting heat when needed. Deep thigh pockets hold lots of extra gear easy. Thicker than just shell pants.” — NA
The Best (Of the Rest) Ski Pants for Men
Not digging our top picks above? Here are some other great options we recommend.
6. REI Co-op Powderbound Insulated Snow Pants
REI
Another solid budget-friendly option is these Powderbound snow pants from REI. The insulated pants are warm enough for very chilly days on the lift, but they won’t feel bulky. Wind and water-proofing comes courtesy of a two-layer design with a DWR treatment.
7. Flylow Baker Bib
REI
We’ve heard from several experts who highly recommend this Baker bib from Flylow. Its seam-taped triple-layer fabric is exceptionally good at keeping out water in all weather, and you get a plethora of pockets to stash any extra gear. Overall, it’s a solid pick for anyone setting out on an intense backcountry adventure, but might be a bit much for more casual users.
8. Stio Environ Pant
Stio
These Environ pants from Stio are a great pick if you can spend a bit more (although they’re currently discounted). Materials — which include PeakProof polyester and Cordura nylon — feel comfortable, offering tons of mobility and breathability for intense backcountry hikes. But this mobility also means the pants are comfortable on the downhill, making them a good choice for just about any skier.
9. Patagonia Powder Town Pants
REI
If you’re only doing resort runs, consider these Patagonia Powder Town pants. They feature a polyester mesh lining for warmth on the lift, as well as tons of clever features geared toward downhill skiing. Plus, they’re more affordable than you’d expect from the premium brand. We didn’t rank these higher, though, because they can get a little too warm and comfort isn’t as good as some other options.
10. Black Diamond Dawn Patrol Softshell Pant
For anyone who often feels too warm or restricted, these Black Diamond Dawn Patrol pants might be a great fit. Their fabric incorporates a bit of elastane for a shocking amount of stretch, and we’re also big fans of the built-in suspenders. These give a bib-like security without the added warmth. However, all this stretch and breathability comes at the cost of some weatherproofing, although they’ll still be perfectly fine for most conditions.
Ski Pants Buying Guide: What to Look For
Not all the best ski pants are made equal. Here are some things to consider while you shop:
Insulation: Ski pants are typically either uninsulated (shells) or insulated. Uninsulated shells are more versatile, as you won’t get too hot or sweaty but can always layer underneath if the temperature drops. This makes shells the go-to style for backcountry skiers, as well as some resort skiers. Insulated pants, on the other hand, offer more warmth, which is great for extra cold days at the resort. Everyone has a different cold tolerance, but as a general rule of thumb, we usually opt for shells when the mountain is warmer than 20 degrees Fahrenheit.
Pants vs. Bibs: Another decision to make while shopping for the best ski pants is whether you want pants or a bib. Bibs offer more protection (especially from snow when you fall), more warmth, and more storage. However, they can be too warm or odd-feeling, and they also make it harder to use the bathroom. Pants, on the other hand, feel more familiar and offer more breathability, but they won’t be able to match the protection of a bib.
Price: Like most snow gear, ski pants can get expensive very fast. Luckily, there are great ski pants at most price points, but you do get what you pay in many cases. Nicer pants will keep out more water and snow, offer more convenience features, and they’ll likely last more seasons. If you ski multiple times a winter, we think it’s worth considering pants in the $200–$700 range. If you’re just checking out skiing, dip your toe in the snow with a good budget pair from Amazon.
How We Tested & Chose the Best Ski Pants
While testing and researching the best ski pants, our team weighed weather resistance and comfort as the most important variables. Warmth was also front of mind, although less so as you can always layer. Lastly, we considered features like pockets and adjustability. After testing the pants ourselves, we poured over reviews from experts and customers to see how our experiences aligned with theirs. All finalists needed to have at least 3.5/5-star customer ratings. The last step in our selection process was to make sure that all of our picks were available in multiple sizes from major retailers.
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