Patrol Ski Pant Recommendation

#1

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11/17/08 at 10:00am

Mcgyver29
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Joined: March 2008
Post Count: 32

All,

Our Canadian Ski Patrol requires black/navy colored pants. Since my current shell pants aren't black or navy, I thought this is a good time to upgrade. I was thinking about moving to an insulated pant since Eastern Canada can be a little chilly. With so many makes/models out there are there any pants that patrollers would recommend or a specific pant that is used for your patrol ? Is a Gore-tex pant still worth the money and are they rugged enough for patrol use?

Thanks!

#2

Rating: 0

11/17/08 at 10:49am

Sinecure
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Joined: July 2004
Location: San Carlos & Tahoe, California
Post Count: 272

The Patagonia Primo pants that we can buy through NSP are pretty bomber. You should also be able to get Cloudveil RPK or Koven pants on pro form as a patroller. They're pretty bomber too. I'm not sure that any of those are insulated per se, but with an extra layer or two underneath, they're super warm and dry.

The Patagonia Powder Bowl pants have some insulation and look pretty bomber (I haven't tried them or seen them first hand). Those you can see on the patagucci site, along with a version of the Primo called Primo flash (has some soft shell in it, unlike the hard shell version through NSP).

#3

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11/17/08 at 10:58am

kano
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Joined: July 2002
Post Count: 41

I use the Spyder Coaches bib's. Tons of pockets and padded knees help keep you off the cold snow a bit.

#4

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11/17/08 at 11:03am

catskills
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Joined: September 2002
Location: Catskill Mountains
Post Count: 1,238

Your going to be going from cold outdoors working your a$$ off transporting a patient and then move inside to the first aid room to treat your patients and fill out the paper work. Don't get pants that is insulated. Layer up as temps require with stuff the breaths and wicks water away from skin. Patagonia base layers with different weight thicknesses work well.

#5

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11/17/08 at 4:58pm

Bob Lee
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Joined: November 2006
Post Count: 558

You don't need Gore-Tex if it's cold enough for insulated pants. And anyway, it has always seemed to me better to wear thick longhandle underwear than insulated pants. YMMV.

That said, last year's Patagonia Primo Pants are bomber. The Primo Flash look pretty sturdy, but if can find last years Primos in your size I'd say get 'em. Also check with the Patagonia Outlet store in Dillon MT (206-683-2580), though they might not ship to Canada.

#6

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11/17/08 at 5:25pm

Sinecure
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Joined: July 2004
Location: San Carlos & Tahoe, California
Post Count: 272

I'm pretty sure that the Primo's in the NSP catalog this year are the same ones as last year that Bob's talking about (rather than the stretchy Primo Flash that are on the Patagucci site for this year).

#7

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11/18/08 at 6:37am

axebiker
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Joined: February 2006
Location: People's Republic of Minnesota
Post Count: 1,712

I love my Cloudveil RPK's and Koven's. I have some Salomon pants that are insulated for the frigid days. I would agree with a previous poster in that if it's cold enough to need insulated pants, Gore-Tex is not necessary, as water probably will not be a problem.

#8

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11/18/08 at 7:54am

Mcgyver29
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Joined: March 2008
Post Count: 32

Thanks for all the replies. Our only skiwear deal is with Avalanche (http://www.avalancheskiwear.com/) who supply our jackets. The Primo/Powder pants are going on my short list. I currently have a pair of Patagonia shells, just the wrong color

.

Some patrollers have mentioned getting pants with lots of pockets, but I would think most of your stuff is in your backpack anyway. I think I just need a pant that is more durable for the work I will be doing on hill. Any other advice???

Thanks again

#9

Rating: 0

11/18/08 at 2:06pm

Sinecure
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Joined: July 2004
Location: San Carlos & Tahoe, California
Post Count: 272

As long as you can demonstrate that you are a ski patroller (registration number or something like that), I would think you should be able to get Patagonia to put you on their approved pro list.

#10

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11/18/08 at 7:04pm

perma-grin
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Joined: October 2007
Location: michigan
Post Count: 40

I love my spyder coaches bibs the knees are padded, and are pretty comfy when working on a patient. Also we carry our sleds back up hill across our legs on the chairs, (it sucks) so the pant holds up great with that kind of the wear and tear.

#11

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11/18/08 at 7:29pm

axebiker
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Joined: February 2006
Location: People's Republic of Minnesota
Post Count: 1,712

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mcgyver29

Any other advice???

Lots of pockets, durable, and affordable - look for something in Columbia's snowboard line.

#12

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11/18/08 at 7:40pm

Richie-Rich
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Joined: March 2006
Location: Strong Island, NY
Post Count: 5,061

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mcgyver29

All,

Our Canadian Ski Patrol requires black/navy colored pants. Since my current shell pants aren't black or navy, I thought this is a good time to upgrade. I was thinking about moving to an insulated pant since Eastern Canada can be a little chilly. With so many makes/models out there are there any pants that patrollers would recommend or a specific pant that is used for your patrol ? Is a Gore-tex pant still worth the money and are they rugged enough for patrol use?

Thanks!

I'm not nor have ever been a patroller, but have you seen the Spyder coach bib? Insulated, ruggedly built, has all sorts of pockets for your gear, and radio, knee padding for kneeling in the snow, and plenty of reinforcements. Check it out.

#13

Rating: 0

11/19/08 at 5:52am

Liam
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Joined: January 2005
Location: Massachusetts
Post Count: 596

The High-end spyder pants are pretty nice (like the Davos or the Bormio)-

But if you're a patroller-I'd use the NSP Members site-promotional offers web area and buy the Patagonia Primo FLASH (a step up from the regular Primos) at the pro-price. They're fantastic pants. Best I've ever used.

#14

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11/19/08 at 10:17am

eblackwelder
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Joined: January 2005
Location: MA
Post Count: 426

Quote:

Originally Posted by catskills

Your going to be going from cold outdoors working your a$$ off transporting a patient and then move inside to the first aid room to treat your patients and fill out the paper work. Don't get pants that is insulated. Layer up as temps require with stuff the breaths and wicks water away from skin. Patagonia base layers with different weight thicknesses work well.

Yup, it is amazing how much heat/sweat you can generate bringing a toboggan down under certain conditions. Especially if (for various reasons) you need to pull the toboggan for some distance to the patrol room. From top to bottom, wicking layers are key.

#15

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11/19/08 at 12:24pm

Mcgyver29
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Joined: March 2008
Post Count: 32

I contacted Patagonia and they are willing to allow a one-time pro order for us which is very generous. They quoted a pair of Primo pants style #29424. Does anyone know if this is the new flash pant or the older style heavier pant? Pros or cons?

Thanks again for all the help!

#16

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11/20/08 at 3:43pm

CB BB
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Joined: November 2008
Location: Crested Butte
Post Count: 49

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sinecure

The Patagonia Primo pants that we can buy through NSP are pretty bomber.

#17

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11/23/08 at 5:38am

mnskibum
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Joined: November 2006
Post Count: 63

Has anyone ever purchased anything from www.skiareasupplies.com? Under the "Winter Workwear" tab, they have some pretty rugged looking pants/bibs. Kind of ugly, but functional.

If you want a pair that will last you the rest of your life, try www.outaware.com in Montana. I've seen his stuff first hand and it's REALLY rugged. I think it would be the last pair you'd ever own. Plus, you can have them custom made for you and your needs.

And, I picked up a new word...."Bomber"....

It's always nice to keep your vocabulary up to date with the youth of today....

#18

Rating: 0

12/2/08 at 8:41pm

TrailPatrol
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Joined: September 2003
Location: Minnesota
Post Count: 31

Cabelas makes a great pair of windblocker fleece pants with cargo pockets, side zippers, zippered fly, reinforced knees, scuff guards on the ankles and elastic cuffs. I have two pair, they are that good!

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/te...cat602748&rid=

I also wear wool pants on extended backcountry patrol, but I am usually also using Bushwacker skis and pulling a pulk.

Ski safe,
Hans

#19

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1/8/09 at 5:55pm

Mcgyver29
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Joined: March 2008
Post Count: 32

Follow Up on Pants

Thanks for all the advice. I went with the new powder bowl pants from Patagonia. They are great pants, and the pro rep (Tammy) was unbeliveably helpful. After a few calls back and forth, I had them within a week. Great fit, and the material is 'bomber' Extra pockets on the thighs for nicknacks. Good venting as well. I would highly recommend these pants!

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