Ski pants comparison 2020
The 3 best ski pants (women and men) at a glance.
A skier is only as good as his ski pants. The best models protect against freezing temperatures, wind and wet equally.
Choose from our test or comparison table a particularly breathable ski pants with an MVTR value of at least 10,000 g / m² / 24h so that you don’t sweat during strenuous skiing. The waterproofness of the pants is also important: pants with a A water column of at least 5,000 mm keeps you dry even when falling into the wet snow.
| Illustration | Compare winner
 |
Price-performance winner
 |
 |
|---|---|---|---|
| model | Bergson LIVE | CMP ski pants women | ICEPEAK Josie |
| valuation on Amazon |
16 reviews | 44 reviews | 17 reviews |
| sizes | 34-44 | 34-50 | 34-46 |
| material | polyester | Polyester, spandex | polyester |
| comfort | |||
| functionality | |||
| waterproof water column The water column is a unit of measurement that Tightness of fabric indicates. To determine the water column, the material sample is clamped under a measuring cylinder, which is then poured with water from above. It is observed how high the column rises before the first drop of water penetrates through the coating. The higher the value, the denser the ski pants. |
12,000 mm | 10,000 mm | 10,000 mm |
| breathable MVTR The MVTR (Moisture Vapor Transmission Rate) indicates the amount of water vapor that can pass through a square meter of membrane surface in 24 hours (g / m² / 24 h). The higher the MVTR, the better the breathability. From a value of 10,000 g / m² / 24 h pants are considered very breathable. |
12,000 g / m² / 24h | 10,000 g / m² / 24h | 5,000 g / m² / 24h |
| windproof | |||
| Furnishing & characteristics | |||
| Number of pockets | 2 pockets | 2 pockets | 3 pockets |
| Sealed seams | |||
| Elastic / adjustable waistband | |||
| Incl. Snow guard as snow guard is an additional layer at the end of the leg that prevents snow or moisture from entering – for example in the event of a fall. | |||
| Incl. braces | |||
| Washable Most ski pants can be with up to 30 ° C wash in the washing machine.
Attention: Avoid fabric softener and bleach – these can damage the membrane of the functional clothing. |
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| benefits |
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| Questions and answers about the product | Questions and answers about Bergson LIVE | Questions and answers about CMP ski pants women | Questions and answers about ICEPEAK Josie |
| to offer | To offer " | To offer " | To offer " |
| Available at* |
- Researched products
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Ski pants Buyer’s Guide:
How to choose the right product from the above ski pants test or comparison
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- Ski pants are multifunctional pants: They protect against cold, wind and moisture and also have high breathability.
- The water resistance of ski pants is given as a "water column" (in mm). Make sure that the value of your pants is not less than 5,000 mm.
- Ski pants have to fit properly: they shouldn’t be too tight or too wide and should give you enough freedom of movement. When buying, you should first pay attention to how comfortable the pants are – fashion aspects are neglected.
The Germans love winter sports – at least that’s what the numbers in the 2016 International Report on Snow & Mountain tourism were published. According to the report, there were around 14.6 million German skiers and snowboarders in the 2015/2016 ski season. The most popular winter sports destinations include – in addition to the local slopes – Austria, Switzerland and Italy.
Are you planning your next winter vacation, but are still looking for the right equipment? Then you are exactly right here! In the purchase advice for our ski pants comparison 2019/2020, we explain which types of snow pants are available and what you should pay particular attention to when choosing the right ski clothing.
1. Against snow, wind and cold: ski pants are multifunctional pants!
Particularly elastic: a softshell ski pants for women.
Experienced winter athletes know that in the mountains the weather can change from one moment to the next – regardless of how carefully you have studied the weather report. Where the sun was just shining, a snow storm can arise minutes later and take your view.
Those who are not on the road with the right equipment are at greatest risk. In addition to well-fitting ski boots and properly prepared skis, this also includes the right clothing. This must protect you from all weather conditions: whether it is sunny and warm or icy cold on the top of the mountain.
Even cheap ski pants are water-repellent and breathable today.
Nowadays ski clothing is so called "functional clothing", which is made from materials with "functional added value": depending on the application, these are e.g. wind and waterproof, breathable, dirt-repellent, thermoregulating, particularly hard-wearing and / or UV-resistant.
So when you buy ski pants, it’s not just about how they fit and look good – they also have to fulfill a number of functions so that your outdoor adventure on the slopes doesn’t end in a sick bed. You can learn more about this in the following chapters of our buying guide.
2. What types of snow pants are there??
There are basically three types of snow pants: ski pants, snowboard pants and ski suits. In the following table we explain similarities and differences:
| category | description |
|---|---|
| Ski Pants |
- there are ski pants for women, men and children – they usually only differ in their cut
- they are made from materials that are both windproof, waterproof and breathable
- sealed seams also ensure that neither wind nor moisture can penetrate
- At the end of the legs, ski pants usually have a so-called "snow guard", which ensures that no snow can penetrate (more on this later)
- some models are equipped with braces, which should ensure a particularly good hold
- At first glance they look like ski pants – but there are some differences
- consist, just like ski pants, of particularly tear-resistant upper materials and are wind-, waterproof and breathable
- are more abrasion-resistant than ski pants because the snowboarder comes into contact with his board more often (usually two-layer outer layer)
- thicker padding – especially in the knee and buttocks area
- Snowboard pants (women’s and men’s models) are generally cut further, since snowboarders have to do more footwork than skiers – this also means that additional protectors can be worn under the pants
- a distinction is made between two-piece (combination of jacket and pants) and one-piece ski suits (overall)
- Ski overalls have lost popularity at the latest since the late 1980s – today they are mostly worn by children
- earlier models were mostly padded very thick (up to 5 mm) – today ski suits (just like ski pants and snowboard pants) consist of modern (often "intelligent") fabrics that are both weatherproof and breathable
- no risk of jacket and pants slipping and the belly / back becoming cold – but more difficult to take off (for example, if you want to go to a quiet place)
Here are the advantages and disadvantages of ski pants:
- protects against water and wind
- is breathable
- keeps you warm
- is very robust and hard-wearing
- quite high acquisition costs
3. Purchase criteria for ski pants: You have to pay attention to this!
3.1. The right size
Slightly slimmer: Protest women’s ski pants.
No matter whether men’s ski pants, women’s ski pants, boys ‘ski pants or girls’ ski pants: It is important that they are comfortable.
Before you go on the slopes, you should of course have tried on the pants. This is the only way to ensure that the pants are neither too tight nor too wide. In case of doubt, however, the following applies: Better a number too big than too small.
Since your ski pants must not restrict you under any circumstances – a smooth movement must be possible – most models have an adjustable, stretchy waistband. When buying, make sure that the trousers also sit comfortably on top and leave room for movement.
Attention: Snow pants for women are often cut a bit slimmer and more figure-hugging. But more important than a good figure is that you can feel comfortable in your pants and perform your movements without being hindered by a tight waistband. Fashionable aspects should therefore initially be neglected in the selection.
3.2. waterproof?
Speaking of the water column …
The term “water column” can be traced back to the way the material is tested: the sample is clamped under a measuring cylinder, which is then poured with water from above. It is observed how high the water column rises before the first drops of water penetrate through the fabric.
Winter sports take place in the snow – and snow is wet and cold! Beginners in particular mostly come into contact with the slopes more often than they would like. That is why it is first of all important that your ski pants are waterproof.
The tightness of a substance is given as "water column" (in mm).
In Germany, the rule of thumb is: from 1,500 mm, a fabric is waterproof. In Switzerland you are a bit stricter – here a material is only considered waterproof from 4,000 mm. Our ski pants comparison shows: If you want to buy ski pants, you should make sure that the water column of the material is not less than 5,000 mm. Otherwise it can quickly happen that your buttocks get wet and you start to freeze. Even cheap ski pants often meet this minimum standard. Particularly solid models have values between 10,000 and 20,000 mm. In principle: The higher the value, the denser the pants.
Another important point is the seams: These should be sealed so that neither wind nor water can penetrate.
3.3. breathable?
Breathable snow pants for children: ski pants from the manufacturer CMP.
In addition to waterproofness, the breathability of the material also plays an important role – this is determined by the so-called MVTR value. The MVTR value (Moisture Vapor Transmission Rate) indicates the amount of water vapor that can pass through a square meter of membrane area in 24 hours (the unit is therefore: g / m² / 24 h).
The same applies here: The higher the value, the more breathable the fabric is. From a value of 5,000 g / m² / 24 h you can speak of good breathability, from 10,000 g / m² / 24 h a membrane is considered to be very breathable.
by the way: Climate comfort can also be improved by ventilation slots on the trouser leg. Some models have such openings, which can then be opened or closed windproof as required.
3.4. Equipment and special features
Braces provide support: ski pants from Killtec.
When buying your ski pants, also make sure that they have a so-called "snow skirt": These additional gaiters at the leg ends are pulled tight over the ski boots and ensure that no snow gets into your pants – for example in the event of a fall.
Some models, especially children’s ski pants, have braces that are designed to provide additional support. The straps can often be removed at will. Some skiers swear by braces, others find them annoying and restrictive – for example, when the toilet needs to be visited on the way.
One final point to keep in mind is the pockets of your pants: Here you can store your ski pass, telephone, handkerchiefs or banknotes. Your pants should have one or two closable pockets – but also keep in mind that you not only wear the pants, but also a ski jacket that can also be used to store things.
4. Ski pants at the Stiftung Warentest
In addition to the right ski clothing, the helmet also plays an important role.
Unfortunately, the Stiftung Warentest has not yet carried out a ski pants test – and therefore not yet a ski pants comparison winner. For this purpose, the testing institute took a closer look at other important items of equipment that must not be missing in winter sports.
The results of the current ski and snowboard helmet test are summarized in the test 12/2016 edition: Eight of the ten helmets tested scored "good" or "satisfactory"; the Casco "SP-6 Airwolf" and the Uvex "p1us" were the comparison winners. However, the right fit is often more important than the test judgment – in case of doubt, a well fitting, "satisfactory" helmet is better than a "good" helmet that slips or presses. You can also find more information about ski helmets in our ski helmet comparison.
In 2013, the testers of the Stiftung Warentest dealt with ski goggles – You can read more about this in the test 01/2013 issue. First of all: none of the 13 models tested scored worse than "satisfactory". In addition, the Stiftung Warentest advises to buy a helmet and glasses together, because the two should go together so that it doesn’t pinch or pinch later on.
5. Questions and answers about ski clothing
5.1. How to wash ski pants?
First of all, always take a look at the label and find out what specifications the manufacturer makes for maintenance. Most ski pants can be cleaned in the washing machine at 30 ° C. There are special detergents for functional textiles that are considered to be particularly gentle – otherwise you can also use liquid mild detergent.
Caution: You should definitely not use any bleach or fabric softener because they damage the membrane and have a negative effect on the breathability of the textile.
5.2. Can you patch a pair of ski pants??
Small tears can be closed with self-adhesive repair patches.
Basically, cracks, cuts, burn holes etc. do not automatically mean that you have to throw away your children’s, men’s or women’s ski pants. Depending on how big the damage is, there is a possibility to repair the pants.
One thing is important: never use a needle or thread. When sewing, small puncture holes are created, which can have a negative impact on the functionality of the material – then it would be e.g. no longer completely waterproof or windproof. Damaged material is usually glued. In outdoor shops or well-stocked haberdashery departments, you can get self-adhesive, waterproof repair patches that you can cut to size. When cutting, make sure that the corners are rounded, then the patches last longer. Incidentally, these should extend about one centimeter over the cracked area.
Tip: Many manufacturers of ski clothing for women, men and children also offer their own repair service – such as the Bavarian family company Schöffel. In the event of major damage, it is sometimes worthwhile to have the snow pants professionally repaired.
5.3. What do you wear under your ski pants??
Ski underwear keeps you dry and warm.
On particularly cool days, we definitely recommend wearing ski underwear in addition to conventional underwear.
So-called functional underwear ensures that the secreted sweat evaporates directly on the skin surface. While e.g. Cotton that absorbs moisture and thus only promotes increased sweating, ski underwear ensures that you stay dry. This is also practical when you want to take a short break: wet sweaty cotton laundry cools down quickly and freezes you, functional underwear keeps you warm even when you are not moving!
Another important piece of clothing is the right ski socks: These are special knee socks that provide optimal heat insulation and protect against pressure points.
You can also find out more about functional clothing and outdoor sports in the following video by the science television magazine World of miracles:
5.4. Which brands and manufacturers you should know?
In the search for the best ski pants, you will stumble across one or the other manufacturer name. We have summarized the most popular brands and manufacturers for you here:
- Burton
- O’Neill
- eeddoo
- Salomon
- killtec
- Spyder
- Icepeak
- protest
- Roxy
- Quicksilver
- Schöffler
- Helly Hansen
- Columbia
- mammoth
- Maier Sports
- Brunotti
- ziener
- Chiemsee
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