When you invest in an Arc'teryx product you're know that you're going in at the top of the game. The Canadian company truly are the market leaders when it comes to quality, performance and innovation and the women's Sentinel ski pants are a continuation along an already impressive theme.
Built to provide protection in the harshest of mountain environments, the 3 Layer GORE-TEX Sentinels are waterproof, windproof and built to last. If you're used to a more traditional padded resort style ski pant then the low profile, lightweight Sentinels may not look super warm but trust us, the technology to keep you toasty is all there. Combined with a good baselayer, the Sentinels lightly insulated warm liner will keep you more than cosy if you tend to chill off riding the lifts.
The Sentinels are great for in bounds freeride missions but they really come into their own when you venture into the backcountry. The N70p soft-shell GORE-TEX fabric is impressively breathable, allowing your body temperature to stay regulated when your heart rate begins to rise. If things get super warm out there on a late spring touring day then additional venting is catered for via the side zips. Other backcountry specific features that impressed us include the articulated cut of the pants that facilitates natural movement in both ascent and descent mode and the large thigh pockets with key clip where you can store you avalanche transceiver if you like to carry it away from your body.
The cut and fit of the Sentinels is pure freeride without being too baggy. We really liked how the waist is cut a little higher at the back so you feel simultaneously protected without being restricted at the front. An additional nod goes to Arctery'x for making the Sentinels available in a variety of leg lengths. The Small/Regular leg Baja blue pants we tested fit true to a UK Size 10 but if you're any taller than 5'6", we'd recommend going up to the longer leg length.
