A review of the Patagonia Storm Shift Ski Pants
Two popular choices for backcountry skiing enthusiasts are the Patagonia Storm Shift Pants and the Arc'teryx Sabre Pants. While both offer high-quality waterproof protection, they have distinct differences in construction, fit, and features.
The Patagonia Storm Shift Pants boast a regular fit and are designed for a wide range of skiing activities, including resort, backcountry, and alpine skiing. They feature a 2-layer Gore-Tex construction with a durable water repellent (DWR) finish for strong weather protection. The pants also have internal gaiters to seal out snow at the ankles, watertight zippers, and a webbing loop at the rear to attach to Patagonia's ski jackets.
The pants are roomy but not overly baggy, with articulated knees allowing for unrestricted movement. They have generously sized outer thigh vents for excess heat dumping, and the tricot mesh lining keeps the wearer comfortable all season long, despite the lack of insulation. The pants also have zippered, mesh-lined vents that run about 13 inches down the outer thighs for additional heat dumping.
The Patagonia Storm Shift Pants are made of a thick 150 denier (D) shell fabric, providing a noticeably hardwearing and confidence-inspiring feel. The pants are also eco-friendly, as they use an environmentally preferred membrane.
On the other hand, the Arc'teryx Sabre Pants are a heavier-duty, slightly looser pant, ideal for severe weather conditions. They have a 3-layer construction with Intuitive membrane for all-out protection and breathability. The pants handle challenging weather conditions, including blustery weather, freezing rain, and strong winds, with ease.
The Arc'teryx Sabre Pant's scuff guards have protected the pants from scratches or snags from ski edges, ski poles, or other sharp equipment despite frequent use. The right cuff of the Storm Shift Pants is equipped with a hidden RECCO reflector, which will transmit your location to search and rescue personnel in the event of an emergency.
The Arc'teryx Sabre Pant, a premium option, weighs approximately 1 pound 7.8 ounces for the men's version, offering a weight savings of 3.4 ounces compared to the Storm Shift Pants, and uses a thinner 80D shell fabric. The pants have a four-pocket layout, including two zippered handwarmer pockets and two zippered thigh pockets. The hand pockets are fleece-lined, while the thigh pockets are not. All pockets have watertight zippers.
The women's Storm Shift Pants are lighter at 1 pound 8.3 ounces and sold in different colorways but otherwise largely identical to the men's model.
An alternative option to the Storm Shift Pants is the REI First Chair GTX Bib Pants, which offer similar protection for $130 less. They have features like mechanical stretch for added mobility, a mid-height bib with adjustable straps and belt loops for dialing in fit, two-way thigh vents that double as a drop seat for bathroom breaks, a knit panel at the back for added comfort, and a tricot lining at the upper legs and inside the pockets for a bump in coziness and warmth.
In summary, the Arc'teryx Sabre Pant is a heavier-duty, slightly looser pant made for severe weather and durability, ideal if you expect tough conditions, while the Patagonia Storm Shift Pants offer similarly high-quality waterproof protection with reinforced durability but in a more regular fit and with a potentially more environmentally friendly membrane. Both are suitable for backcountry skiing, but the Sabre leans more on heavy-duty protection, while the Patagonia Storm Shift balances performance and sustainability.
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