waterproof ski pants

[gmcunni]

after sitting on a chair full of snow last weekend i've decided to invest in some ski pants that are more water resistant than the ones i own.

I know there is a rating system for the level of water resistance but can someone tell me what a good rating is? I *think* 10k is considered good? higher is better. I'm not looking for the ultimate in water protection (like skiing in the rain), just something better than what have now in my Columbia $50 pants.

 

[Grassi21]

after sitting on a chair full of snow last weekend i've decided to invest in some ski pants that are more water resistant than the ones i own.

I know there is a rating system for the level of water resistance but can someone tell me what a good rating is? I *think* 10k is considered good? higher is better. I'm not looking for the ultimate in water protection (like skiing in the rain), just something better than what have now in my Columbia $50 pants.

I have a pair made by Sessions that are 10K. I have been wearing them for a couple of seasons now. Haven't noticed any water getting through. I haven't been out in many monsoons but a have been on a couple of mixed precip days.

 

[powhunter]

after sitting on a chair full of snow last weekend i've decided to invest in some ski pants that are more water resistant than the ones i own.

I know there is a rating system for the level of water resistance but can someone tell me what a good rating is? I *think* 10k is considered good? higher is better. I'm not looking for the ultimate in water protection (like skiing in the rain), just something better than what have now in my Columbia $50 pants.

Ha Ha We both scored the same POS pants at TJMax ...You can try to re-waterproof..REI has some products that work pretty good...

steveo

 

[gmcunni]

Ha Ha We both scored the same POS pants at TJMax ...You can try to re-waterproof..REI has some products that work pretty good...

steveo

LOL, i started sitting on my hands to give my ass a break and then my gloves got wet. ordered some stuff from REI and will give it a try but i wouldn't mind a new pair of pants if i can find something better but affordable.

 

[drjeff]

My "rain" pants are a pair of Marmot hardshell bibs. The key thng to my dryness is as part of the fabric laminate is a layer of Goretex XCR. I picked them up at a year end sale, and even at 50% off they were still just over $150. Any pant that has goretex XCR will keep you dry (as long as you don't spill a drink down the INSIDE of your pants

Note, with just a baselayer of underarmour cold gear tights, I've skied with these pants very comfortably in temps in the upper teens

 

[skidbump]

Wife has Arc'teryx Women's Theta SV Bibs and They are 3 years old and are bullet proof shells. I ski in Trew gear bibs and so far after about 60 days they are bullet proof.

 

[dl]

check out a product called Hot Buns. You can find them at Snowshack or Reliable Racing. They'll keep you bum dry on a wet chairlift. Big favorite of ski patrollers.

 

[gmcunni]

check out a product called Hot Buns. You can find them at Snowshack or Reliable Racing. They'll keep you bum dry on a wet chairlift. Big favorite of ski patrollers.

yup, saw reference to that in another thread. for $30 on snowshack i might pick one up but still interested in better pants as an option. my buddy was sitting on the same chairs as me, he had TNF pants on and, though cold, he didn't get wet like i did.

 

[deadheadskier]

I spent $80 on my Columbiat Titanium 10K pants :lol:

looks like you came up $30 short

 

[gmcunni]

I spent $80 on my Columbiat Titanium 10K pants :lol:

looks like you came up $30 short

yeah, yeah... story of my life. i got the omni-tech or something like that. cheap and in the color i wanted (cuz u have to look good to ski good)

 

[SKIQUATTRO]

bottom line....ya get what ya pay for...

 

[gmcunni]

bottom line....ya get what ya pay for...

true.. $50 for 2 seasons and worked fine 95% of the time i'd say i did ok.. perhaps the Hotbunz for $30 to cover the 5% might not be bad supplemental investment.


but as fate would have it... my lovely wife overheard my griping the other day and just handed me a gift fresh of the UPS truck, a pair TNF Freedom pants

 

[gmcunni]

i think the TNF will be going back, nice pants but i like to carry a camera and the cargo pocket only has velcro and i don't trust that.

back to my original question regardign the waterproof rating, is 10K consider a good number to look for? DHS mentioned it.. i see Helly Hansen rating their @ 14K and my impression is they are some of the best with regard to warterproofness.

 

[jimmywilson69]

If you order nikwax from just about any outdoor store, you can solve your problem. It is a two step wash in process. The first is a cleaner, the second is the water proofing. I have used this on several pieces of outerware and been happy.

I also bought the Titanium pants and they are definitiley worth the extra $$. I think mine were regularly $130 and got them for $70ish on Sierra Trading Post.

 

[gmcunni]

If you order nikwax from just about any outdoor store, you can solve your problem. It is a two step wash in process. The first is a cleaner, the second is the water proofing. I have used this on several pieces of outerware and been happy.

I also bought the Titanium pants and they are definitiley worth the extra $$. I think mine were regularly $130 and got them for $70ish on Sierra Trading Post.

thanks for both pieces of info. will check STP later this evening.

 

[deadheadskier]

I haven't treated my titaniums with anything. I'm on my third season with them. They're starting to wear quite a bit, but I haven't really had any issues with wetness. Granted, I haven't skied a ton of pow or in the rain to really put them to the test.

 

[SKIQUATTRO]

i have the TNF Freedom, great pant, nothing has ever fallen out of the cargo pocket...

 

[Madroch]

I have a pair of cheapo columbia pants (4 yo)--- don't know the rating, but they tend to get wet pretty quick. I have a pair of marker pants (3 yo)-- they are either 5k or 10k-- can't recall- they are resistant but they will and do eventually get wet-- but they are usually fine unless it is raining or snowing moderately or above, or every chair is snow covered each ride up.. Have a new pair of Karbon 20k pants (70% off closeout + free shipping at sierra)-- haven't gotton wet yet- but I assume they are resistant to a greater degree but not waterproof. They were worn for 4-6 hours plus the last two storms (12/26 and 1/12) with no problems, but have never been worn in the pouring rain-- the true test. I have no idea what standards there are for the ratings, etc. Don't have goretex-- and I sense that is the only answer for real waterproof...

The markers are the warmest (probably because they have the most grams of insulation).. but they are getting beat on--- duct tape seems to do fine.....

Edit-- the markers may just be showing thier age-- I seem to recall them faring better a few years ago when they were newer-- perhaps I am not 'caring" for them correctly...

 

[drjeff]

The bottomline, and I've learned this many times with many various garments over the years, is that ultimately there IS a difference between water RESISTANT and water PROOF clothing

 

[BackLoafRiver]

i have the TNF Freedom, great pant, nothing has ever fallen out of the cargo pocket...

Same here. Cargo pockets worked great for me. Had them for several seasons now. Finally got some replacements as they are pretty "tired".