Eider Sybelles | £250 
Eider’s Sybelles ooze class, quality, style and functionality, appealing more to the refined skier than gnarly cliff-hucking freeriders.
Their stretchy softshell fabric makes for an exceptionally comfortable and flattering ski pant which may be cutting edge in terms of fashion but not at the expense of functionality.
The stretch Windefender Harmony fabric can take a battering thanks to the 20,000m waterproof rating, and it’s breathable too, for comfortable spring days. But if you’re planning on taking on wild winter days, be sure to wear a decent baselayer underneath.
VERDICT - 8/10
Packed with clever fit-optimising features, classy, refined looks and competent on-piste performance.
Burton Gore-Tex 3L Freebird Bib | £460 
The high bib Freebirds are designed for big snorkel-deep days but sport enough venting options for less full-on snow days too.
Storage options are good, with waterproof zips on the deep leg pockets, while inner thigh vents and capacious chest pockets are covered by storm flaps and lighter zips.
The lack of a heavier protective ankle material suggests that this is more of a snowboard pant for in-bound blower days and not really suitable for touring or split-boarding, as does the lack of true leg articulation.
VERDICT - 8/10
Well constructed, funky and more than capable of dealing with the demands of the deepest of deep powder days.
Patagonia Descensionist | £320 
Everything about the 3 layer Descensionist pants has been constructed with ski touring in mind.
Made using a supersoft stretchy 50D plain-weave fabric with a DWR finish, these pants repel moisture while simultaneously allowing your body to breathe. When the heat really cranks up additional venting is provided via back of the thigh zips. It’s unusual to have ventilation zips on the back of the thighs rather than on the side and while we can’t see any particular benefits, we can’t see any downsides either as they are easy to reach and manage on the move.
VERDICT - 9/10
Touring specific pants that will move with you in the ever-changing backcountry environment.
Mammut Stoney HS | £250
The Mammut Stoney HS Pants are a solid all round performer equally at home on a sunny Wengen piste as on a hardcore bad weather multi-day ski tour.
Unlike some shells, the microfleece Schoeller Keprotec lining of the Stoney’s can be worn without a base layer on fast and/or warmer days or layered up for full winter warmth and protection.
Features-wise, the Stoney’s hand-warmer pockets are in the right place (dropped slightly down from the belt line for easy access), the two bellow constructed ‘map pockets’ have enough space for gloves and a hat and there is mesh in the leg vents to stop you flashing your underwear.
VERDICT - 9/10
All in all, a real solid performer with excellent all-round potential and appeal and two leg lengths.
Arc’teryx Sentinel | £380
Built to provide protection in the harshest of mountain environments, the 3 Layer Gore-tex Sentinels are waterproof, windproof and made with care and materials to last.
The low profile, lightweight Sentinels may not look super warm but trust us, the technology to keep you toasty is all there.
These pants really come into their own in the backcountry. The N70p soft-shell Gore-tex fabric is impressively breathable, and there are side zips too. The cut is articulated, there are large thigh pockets and a key clip where you can store your avalanche transceiver.
VERDICT - 10/10
The cut and fit of these supreme pants is pure freeride but not too baggy; plus there are even leg length options.
Helly Hansen Sogn cargo | £160
Borrowing technology from the rest of the Ullr range, the Sogn pants perform well in the slackcountry. The 2L fabric is highly waterproof, breathes well and can stand up to plenty of abuse while hiking.
The slither of Primaloft inside the pant takes the edge off the cold without being clammy and movement is unrestricted thanks to the well-judged fit and articulated knees.
Inner thigh vents help dump out excess heat on long, hot hikes without showing off your wares and an albeit modest, reinforced bottom hem protects against hiking wear.
VERDICT - 8/10
Great value performance and features, including Primaloft Black insulation, RECCO beacon and YKK Vislon zippers.
