What features are particularly important for ski touring pants?
Since weather conditions in the mountains can change very quickly, it is all the more important to be on the move with the right ski touring pants. In addition, the clothing can usually be used across sports.
Unfortunately, a single pair of pants is not enough to accompany us in all sports throughout the year. It is therefore all the more important to understand the functions of pants well in order to be best equipped.
Storm, precipitation and cold are the big challengers for any garment. The demands in rugged conditions are relatively clear: insulate heat, transport moisture to the outside and keep wind, rain and snow out. But breathability and freedom of movement are also features to look out for. The onion principle can also be applied to pants. Here one tries to wear insulating layers close to the body and to preserve their insulating effect by wind and water repellent outer layers.
Ski touring: the ascent
During the ascent, the body develops a lot of sweat and so that the pants do not "stick" to the legs, it needs materials that should be elastic, breathable and warm. Without lining and through special materials of a ski touring pants, the air can circulate better and sweat is transported to the outside. This ensures an optimal body climate. In addition, ski touring pants should be elastic so as not to restrict your movements.
Softshell or Hardshell pants?
When it comes to ski touring pants, there is a choice between hardshell and softshell pants. Both are cut wide enough at the bottom to fit over your ski boot and usually have sewn-in gaiters and abrasion-resistant materials on the inside, where the stress is greatest. These pants also meet the needs of snowshoers, alpine climbers and ice climbers.
Softshell pants
Softshell pants are the most widely used touring pants. They are not quite as windproof and waterproof as the hardshell pants, but convince with optimal breathability and elasticity. So on days with good weather, the softshell pants have the edge.
Hardshell pants
Hardshell pants are made of waterproof and breathable materials. This layer provides the greatest resistance to snow and wind due to the integrated membrane. Here you apply the onion principle and the additionally applied ski underwear insulates the warmth of the body. Although the hardshell pants breathe quite well, attention should be paid to appropriate ventilation zippers to ensure sufficient circulation on long climbs.
On days with rugged conditions and in deep snow, the hardshell pants with suitable ski underwear, offers the best weather protection. However, for those who primarily strap on their skis in good weather, the somewhat cheaper version of a softshell pant offers added value in terms of breathability and freedom of movement.
CONCLUSION: Softshell or hardshell?
Since touring is usually sweaty, your ski touring pants should be very breathable. Softshell is clearly ahead of absolutely waterproof hardshell materials like Gore-Tex or Dermizax.
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