Insulated vs shell pants

[TweUVM82]

I have worn GoreTex shell pants for years for downhill. Base layer weight varies by temp but never cold. Finally found a pair of short inseam snow pants but they are lightly insulated. I worry about them being too warm. My base layer has generally been midweight capilene under GoreTex. I can use lighter base layer under insulated pants.
Any feedback would be appreciated.
34 Waist 29 inseam

 

[Edd]

I almost always go for the shell, then insulate underneath as weather requires.

 

[skiur]

Shell pants, when it's cold I wear sweat pants under them, when it's not cold I wear shorts under them.

 

[cdskier]

My pants are insulated. Have used insulated ski pants for years. As long as they have vents, I've never found them to be too warm.

 

[ColdRain&Snow]

I bought both over the summer, in the past I’ve used shells with layers for the most part.

Layers make for easy adjustments.

 

[Hawk]

The only time I wish my pants were insulated is when it is below zero or when it is really cold on days when the woods are out of play and I am forced to ski fast groomers. I hate the feeling when I have 3 or 4 layers to keep up with the cold. I feel like the stay-puff Marshmellow dude.
But on any normal day at or above zero I am fine with my my shell pants and layers.

 

[1dog]

No one on this forum using the turtle seat?

Legs thighs never get cold, capilene w gortex shell work but there are times the heavier fleece underwear I use for winter camping can come in handy- wet snow /ice packed or wet seats on lift - that’s one place insulated works.

Anyone use the heated jackets much?

 

[Smellytele]

I have both insulated and shell.

 

[deadheadskier]

I have both. Ten degrees or under I wear the insulated. Over ten, the shells

 

[KustyTheKlown]

i also have both. i reach for the insulated almost every day except april and beyond

i would always rather be too warm than too cold, and i hardly ever feel too warm in the legs.

 

[skiur]

i also have both. i reach for the insulated almost every day except april and beyond

i would always rather be too warm than too cold, and i hardly ever feel too warm in the legs.

I'm the opposite, I would rather be too cold. I can go inside and warm up, but I hate sweating.

 

[drjeff]

i also have both. i reach for the insulated almost every day except april and beyond

i would always rather be too warm than too cold, and i hardly ever feel too warm in the legs.

Completely agree!

And I learned the hard way in the past, about thinking I had enough insulation on my legs (I didn't) and frankly don't want to go back to that uncomfortable feeling again, when I have a better option (insulated gear) available.

Also I find that for those that mention that they sweat through things and don't like that feeling, often the issue isn't ones ability to generate heat and sweat, but one not having proper, GOOD wicking layers (both base layer and outerwear that breathes well). With the right fabrics, even if you may get sweating a bit on your run down, if you are lift served on the hill that day, pretty quickly you are likely to be feeling comfortable dryness wise on the ride back up. Obviously for the skinning crew is a much different situation with how to effectively layer and not end up in totally "swampy" gear on the way down

 

[crank]

I have both. Ten degrees or under I wear the insulated. Over ten, the shells

Yes. I have both and single digits is when I break out the insulated pants.

 

[mister moose]

Has to be shell and has to be lighter color once past 3rd week of April. Black will bake you in May.

In the very cold, a shell can work but then it's more layers in compression to stay warm. Feels too Michelin Man. Insulated pants have extra warmth that slides and moves instead of feeling "thick".

Biggest thing though is waterproofness on a rainy day or heavy snowing melt on your thighs on the chairlift day. And it you're unlucky enough to be out in 10 below blowing 30+ you want something windproof. You have no idea how much that matters until you've felt it.

If none of those apply, then either works fine.