The 10 Best Ski Pants of 2022-2023
By: Kevin Katsafanas: Men's Techwear Buyer | October 27, 2022
They say a bad day of skiing is better than a good day in the office. And while that statement may be 100% true, the one thing the office has going for it is that it's (hopefully) pretty warm and dry there. But never fear, ski gear is here. The best ski pants are ready to ride with you on the best days of the season, and the worst ones. Heck, some of these pants are so comfy you might just want to wear them into the office as well. Our favorite ski pants of the season are waterproof, breathable, durable, and good-looking, built to keep you dry and happy through the rigors of outdoor winter sports. When choosing ski pants we picked out something for every rider’s preferences, with a plethora of options of insulation, functionality, fit, and features.
New This Year:
One key for a lot of brands this year is an emphasis on versatility. While many skiers love to have quivers of skis, layers, and almost every piece of equipment so they can be prepared for any situation, the reality of ski pants is that there are a few good features that will serve you well across the board. That’s why most of our favorite ski pants this year have durable construction, little or no insulation, and excellent waterproofing, as well as some design elements borrowed from bib-style pants, all of which are aimed at helping you get the most out of every day of the season.
Flylow Patrol
With rugged durability at the forefront, the Flylow Patrol Pants were designed with the hardiest skiers in mind — the patrollers, the ski bums, and the "I'm just hard on my gear" guys. Made from a burly 2-layer fabric with a dobby weave for abrasion resistance and waterproofness, the Patrol Pants offer a 15K / 10K waterproof breathability rating along with a fleece-lined seat for chairlift comfort, 10-inch inseam vents for dumping heat, and YKK® zips everywhere for longevity.
When it comes to making bombproof ski gear, Flylow is one of the best in the business. That’s why the Patrol Pants are one of our go-to recs for resort riders looking for gear that will last for the long haul.
| Construction/Waterproofing | Insulation | Original Price |
| 2-layer Waterproof / Breathable | Fleece Lined Seat | $189.95 |
Helly Hansen Legendary
Hard-wearing and burly coverage for your bottom half without sacrificing comfort is the Helly Hansen Legendary Pants' stock in trade. You get tough 2-way stretch fabric, PrimaLoft® insulation, and just the right number of features in a solid pair of pants that won't break the bank.
As the warmest option on the list, the Helly Hansen Legendary Pants are perfect for riders who run a bit cold. 60 grams of Primaloft insulation is the perfect weight to keep you warm through long lift lines and long powder lines alike when the temps are low and the stoke is high.
| Construction/Waterproofing | Insulation | Original Price |
| 2-layer HellyTech Performance | 60g Primaloft | $200.00 |
The North Face Freedom
Get back to basics with The North Face Freedom Pants, a staple of the riding community for years, and bomber pant that saves some moolah for other basics like lift tickets and beer. Done up in TNF's DryVent™ fabric with a burly 160 x 140 denier nylon face fabric, the Freedom Pants will take a beating and still be there for first chair tomorrow.
Sometimes simple is the right solution. If you’re looking for a solid pair of ski pants that does the job without breaking the bank, the Freedom Pants are an easy choice.
| Construction/Waterproofing | Insulation | Original Price |
| 2-layer DryVent | Shell | $148.95 |
Oyuki Miharashi Yamapro 2L
Sure, you're obliged to do a pants dance each time you ride in the Oyuki Miharashi YamaPro 2L Pants but trust us, it will come naturally. Made from premium Japanese technical materials, this pair of pow pants come equipped with YamaPro™ Always Dry membrane technology so when you are lucky enough to be thigh-deep in the snow trenches, you won't come out soaked — just stoked and yelling "holy smokes!"
If skiing to you means thigh-deep powder or bust, you might just have something in common with our friends at Oyuki. All of their gear is designed to shine in the deepest conditions you can find, and the super waterproof, pow-protecting Miharashi pants are no exception.
| Construction/Waterproofing | Insulation | Original Price |
| 2-layer YamaPro | Shell | $349.95 |
Patagonia Powder Town
You don't need a powder day to appreciate the new Patagonia Powder Town Pants - you'll love their waterproof breathable H2No® weather protection in sleet, hail, graupel or "snain" all the more. Built of 100% postconsumer recycled Polyester with a soft, brushed tricot mesh lining, and finished with HeiQ® Eco Dry PFC-free DWR to make the water bead away, the Powder Town Pants prove you can overachieve without spending a ton of money.
| Construction/Waterproofing | Insulation | Original Price |
| 2-layer H2No | Shell | $249 |
Helly Hansen Garibaldi 2.0
The Helly Hansen Garibaldi 2.0 Pants are a mountain staple. These 2-layer pants have a comfortable articulated fit, a classic style, and breathable-waterproof chops to keep you happy and dry while you fly down the slopes, even if the powder is waist high.
Equipped with Helly’s highest-end waterproof breathable membrane, the Garibaldi 2.0 is one of the most technically proficient pairs of 2-layer ski pants on the market. If you’re looking for high performance and a more traditional fit, look no further.
| Construction/Waterproofing | Insulation | Original Price |
| 2-layer HellyTech Professional | Shell | $300.00 |
Oakley Crescent 2.0 2L
Remember those sick Oakley pants you had back in the day? They had a nice and swaggy fit, were made from a durable yet comfortable fabric, and always had that signature Oakley je ne sais quoi. The Oakley Crescent 2.0 Shell 2L Pants are all that and more, in a more muted design that Oakley pulls off perfectly - accent zippers and kickpatches ensure these still pop in the lift line, while the 10K waterproof and breathable laminate keeps you sittin' happy when the storm rolls in.
It’s no secret that technical performance isn’t the only important factor in picking out ski gear. It’s got to look good too. The Crescent 2.0 is all about that balance, providing an awesome, reliable option to skiers who prefer a modern, relaxed fit.
| Construction/Waterproofing | Insulation | Original Price |
| 2-layer FN Dry | Shell | $170.00 |
Picture Organic Object
The Picture Organic Object Pants are lightly insulated snow day accoutrements that have all the waterproofing you need to stay warm and dry when you're riding. Pair with the Object Jacket for an ensemble worthy of an icy fashion show; the Object Pant features a 20K/15K membrane with a Teflon EcoElite™ PFC-free DWR for high-level waterproofing and breathability. Thermal STD synthetic insulation adds warmth when it's cold, and the whole shebang is made with eco-friendly materials. Slide into the après with ease, thanks to the Object Pants' straight fit that moves with you, and the practical I-Fit system, which allows you to roll up your cuffs after a high-energy day on the slopes.
We love to recommend the Picture’s awesome Object pants for two main reasons. First of all, they’re made with an attention to eco-friendly design that we believe should always be the standard in outdoor gear construction. And secondly, the 25 grams of insulation is a perfect lightweight warming layer that adds some warmth on colder days without overheating you on warmer ones.
| Construction/Waterproofing | Insulation | Original Price |
| 2-layer DryPlay | 25g Thermal Synthetic | $209.95 |
686 GORE-TEX Core
Time to engage that core and let your legs do the rest in the 686 GORE-TEX Core Shell Pants. These 2-layer pants with the virtually impermeable GORE-TEX membrane and durable water-repellent finish ensure you're always dry and never too hot. Without insulation, you can layer underneath or dress on the lighter side if that's how you roll. Plus, they're equipped with an internal waist adjustment for a comfy fit after your brew and hotdog lunch break. It's easy to keep your cool when you're suited up in the 686 GORE-TEX Core Shell Pants.
No list of our favorite ski pants could be complete without giving you at least one GORE-TEX option. And the 686 Core Pants are one of our favorites. They fit well, they’re built to last, and of course, they have name-brand waterproofing that you know you can count on.
| Construction/Waterproofing | Insulation | Original Price |
| 2-layer GORTEX | Shell | $279.95 |
Patagonia Storm Shift
The Patagonia Storm Shift Pants are up for volatile weather, thanks to the GORE-TEX membrane and warm, wicking liner. The PFC-free protection and Fair Trade Certified™ sewing elevate these pants from run-of-the-mill technical bottoms to winter-ready, pow-chasing eco-warriors.
| Construction/Waterproofing | Insulation | Original Price |
| 2-layer GORE-TEX | Shell | $349 |
Learn More With Our Other Outerwear & Layering Guides:
- Waterproof Ratings & Breathability Guide
- Skiing & Snowboarding - What to Wear Skiing & Snowboarding
- Outerwear - How to Choose a Ski & Snowboard Jacket
- Outerwear - How to Choose Ski & Snowboard Pants
- Outerwear - Fit Guide & Jacket Length
- How to Wash Waterproof Jackets & Clothing
- Outerwear - How to Choose by Region
- Outerwear - Construction, Fabric & Features
- Insulated Garments - How to Choose
- Insulated Garments - How to Wash Down & Synthetic Jackets
- Base Layers & Long Underwear - How to Choose
- GORE-TEX® Fabric - How it Works & Product Testing
- GORE-TEX® Fabric - How to Wash & Keep Waterproof
- Backcountry - How to Dress
Learn About Our Favorite Gear
- The Best Men's Ski Jackets
- The Best Women's Ski Jackets
- The Best Men's Snowboard Jackets
- The Best Women's Snowboard Jackets
- The Best Kids' Ski & Snowboard Jackets
- The Best Men's Ski Pants
- The Best Women's Ski Pants
- The Best Men's Snowboard Pants
- The Best Women's Snowboard Pants
- The Best Men's Ski Bibs
- The Best Men's Snowboard Bibs
- The Best Women's Ski Bibs
- The Best Kids' Ski & Snowboard Pants
- The Best Men's Down & Puffy Jackets
- The Best Men's Ski & Snowboard Mid Layers
- The Best Men's Ski & Snowboard Base Layers
- The Best Women's Snowboard Bibs
- The Best Men's Fleece Jackets
- The Best Women's Down & Puffy Jackets
- The Best Women's Fleece Jackets
- The Best Men's Rain Jackets
- The Best Women's Rain Jackets
- The Best Men's Hardshell Jackets
- The Best Women's Hardshell Jackets
- The Best Women's Ski & Snowboard Mid Layers
- The Best Women's Ski & Snowboard Base Layers
- The Best Down Vests
- The Best Fleece Vests
The Selection Process:
Our techwear buyers have an endless amount of knowledge on all things outerwear stemming from years of experience in the outdoor industry in tandem with their countless hours spent outside in all conditions around the world. From hot to cold, snow, rain, wind, and even sunshine, they know what clothing will keep you comfortable. evo's buyers assess all products coming to market, lean into this knowledge, and put together this selection of the best products. They have a unique perspective as they truly see everything offered across the category.
