Review of Patagonia's Storm Shift Ski Pants
The Patagonia Storm Shift Pants are a popular choice among skiers for their durability, insulation, and versatility in resort conditions. These pants offer a balance of warmth, waterproof protection, breathability, and practical features, making them ideal for all-mountain skiing.
Pros
Insulation and Warmth
The Storm Shift Pants feature strategic insulation that keeps you warm in cold weather without bulk. Patagonia's approach to insulation is similar to that of their Storm Shift Jacket, which uses 60-100 grams of synthetic recycled insulation for good temperature control.
Weatherproof
Made with Gore-Tex or similar hardshell materials, the Storm Shift Pants offer excellent waterproofing and wind blocking, making them suitable for resort skiing where conditions can include wet snow and cold winds.
Breathability
As with many Patagonia technical garments, breathability is balanced with weather resistance, helping reduce overheating during active skiing.
Fit and Functionality
The Storm Shift Pants are designed to fit well with ski boots and bindings, with features like articulated knees and reinforced areas for durability in resort use. This enhances comfort and movement on groomed runs.
Environmental Aspect
Patagonia uses recycled synthetic insulation and PFAS-free waterproofing, adding environmental benefits for eco-conscious skiers.
Cons
Potential Fit Issues
For Patagonia's Storm Shift Jacket, testers noted it tends to run large. Similar sizing concerns might apply to the pants, requiring careful fitting or sizing up/down.
Weight and Layering
While insulated, these pants may not be the warmest option for extremely cold backcountry skiing without layering. Heavier insulated pants might offer more warmth but less flexibility.
Less Suitable for Heavy Wet Snow or Spring Conditions
Though water-resistant, insulated hardshell pants can sometimes be less breathable compared to softshells, making them less ideal for very wet or mild spring skiing.
Overall, the Patagonia Storm Shift Pants strike a strong balance for all-mountain resort skiing by combining warmth, waterproof protection, breathability, and practical features. The main trade-offs being sizing fit and potential over-insulation in mild conditions.
Other Options
REI First Chair GTX Bib Pants
The REI First Chair GTX Bib Pants offer similar protection to the Storm Shift for $130 less, using Gore's more sustainable expanded polyethylene (ePE) membrane. These pants also feature 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.
Powder Town Pants
An alternative from Patagonia, the Powder Town Pants use Patagonia's in-house H2No membrane and are substantially thinner at 75D, although they lack the truly bombproof feel of Gore-Tex.
[1] OutdoorGearLab Review of Patagonia Storm Shift Jacket [2] Backcountry Review of Patagonia Storm Shift Pants
The Patagonia Storm Shift Pants are not only suitable for travel in snowy resorts, but they also excel in sports like skiing, thanks to their insulation, weatherproof features, and breathability. For eco-conscious travelers who prioritize sustainability in their sports equipment, these pants also have an environmental advantage due to Patagonia's use of recycled synthetic insulation and PFAS-free waterproofing.
If you're considering other options for your skiing sports gear, the REI First Chair GTX Bib Pants offer comparable protection at a lower price, while the Powder Town Pants, an alternative from Patagonia, use the brand's in-house H2No membrane and offer a thinner, yet still protective, option for all-mountain skiing.
