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. 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. The Extreme bib is on the heavy side at 1.1kg (around 2.4lb), and so is better used for mountain adventures, touring and working rather than for fast-paced skiing. ideal for long days outdoors, or for seasonnaires and workers in need of high-performing winter gear they can wear day-in, day-out. 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).

People tragically get lost or injured regularly by skiing, hiking, cycling or walking. To find them efficiently, RECCO ® has been designed to help victims be searchable during such accidents. With a search corridor of up to 100m wide, the reflector can be detected in 6 minutes which equals the size of 30 football pitches per minute. 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. WarmthArc’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. 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.

Extreme conditions call for Montane’s unisex Extreme bib, designed with Arctic weather in mind and worn by members of the British Antarctic Survey. Fancy standing out in the snow? OOSC’s whole collection is acid-bright, patterned and generally great fun, and their 1080 ski pant, available in a range of pastel colorways, is no exception. 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. 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. Material that is able to repel water, but not completely impenetrable to water. 7/8 AND 3/4 SIDE ZIPPERThe RECCO® reflectors require no power and no activation to function. The RECCO® detectors are used by rescue professionals worldwide. 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.

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). He was just getting so fed up with it, and then he saw in the school rules that there was nothing against him wearing a skirt to school, so that's what he's done today. I actually started a petition when it started, and over 400 parents signed it but the school have not taken any notice of that. He's had lots of support from others. I've also made a formal complaint which is still being considered by the board of governors. Haglöfs don’t beat around the bush – these highly technical shell pants are “made for the dedicated off-piste skier”, and beginners enrolled in their ski school sessions need not apply. Good waterproofing (with hydrostatic head of 15,000mm) and taped seams should keep heavy snowfall at bay. This is a “shell” pant with no insulation, so it’s ideal worn over thermal base layers on warmer days, and the added range of movement and breathability you get when you lose the insulation will suit more advanced snowboarders and snow-park lovers. 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.

A lifesaver in emergencies: avalanche equipment

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. 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. A snow bib will also double up as a pair of hiking trousers (Image credit: Jessie Leong) Fit and style