Buying Ski Pants
Add to Del.icio.usThis Month's Gear Guru Question:
by Backcountry Bob
Q: Bob, for a 37in waist size and 30in inseam, should I purchase L or
XL ski pants? I’m interested in the
Marmot Flash Pant.
Thanks, George. A: Thanks for your question; I can definitely see your dilemma. Fortunately if you are using these pants with ski or snowboard boots, there is a bit of leeway on the length due to the way the pants stretch around boots. Because ski and snowboard boots take up more room, and lift you further off the ground than your street shoes usually will, you’ll experience at least a little less cuff drag. When purchasing ski pants in general, you may want to put your boots on and re-measure your inseam. The inseam is measured from crotch to floor. If you like your pants new-school baggy, adding an inch when purchasing your pants will do the trick. If you like your pants old-school short, subtract an inch. There will still be plenty of coverage over your boots, but you won’t find yourself stepping on your cuffs. I recommend looking for a pant that will first accommodate the waist. The Marmot pants have a 37-39in waist and a 33in inseam in the XL, while The North Face has a 36-38in waist and a 31.75in inseam in the L. Since The North Face has a waist size that will work, and a shorter inseam that matches your measurements, this pant will prevent cuff drag. The North Face pant similar to the Flash that I would direct you toward is The North Face’s Mountain Pant in the L size. Good luck and stay safe. This month's Gear Guru question was submitted by George from New Jersey. He will receive a Nalgene bottle for his question. Enjoy, George!
Thanks, George. A: Thanks for your question; I can definitely see your dilemma. Fortunately if you are using these pants with ski or snowboard boots, there is a bit of leeway on the length due to the way the pants stretch around boots. Because ski and snowboard boots take up more room, and lift you further off the ground than your street shoes usually will, you’ll experience at least a little less cuff drag. When purchasing ski pants in general, you may want to put your boots on and re-measure your inseam. The inseam is measured from crotch to floor. If you like your pants new-school baggy, adding an inch when purchasing your pants will do the trick. If you like your pants old-school short, subtract an inch. There will still be plenty of coverage over your boots, but you won’t find yourself stepping on your cuffs. I recommend looking for a pant that will first accommodate the waist. The Marmot pants have a 37-39in waist and a 33in inseam in the XL, while The North Face has a 36-38in waist and a 31.75in inseam in the L. Since The North Face has a waist size that will work, and a shorter inseam that matches your measurements, this pant will prevent cuff drag. The North Face pant similar to the Flash that I would direct you toward is The North Face’s Mountain Pant in the L size. Good luck and stay safe. This month's Gear Guru question was submitted by George from New Jersey. He will receive a Nalgene bottle for his question. Enjoy, George!