Do a little research and you’re going to find that Orsden is making a name for themselves by bringing quality ski jackets and pants packed with features at a fraction of the price of high-end brands with similar features. Take a look at the typical $200 pant and you’ll be hard-pressed to find a pant of this quality with this feature set.
Orsden Slope Ski Pants Features:
- Shell fabric: 85% Nylon, 15% Spandex, DWR Finish, 4-Way Stretch
- Lining contents: 89% Polyester, 11% Spandex
- Insulation is 100% Polyester (60 g)
- Seams are fully sealed
- Alpine fit
- Two pockets at at hip, one on left leg below knee
- Zippered leg vents
- Waistband with adjustable Velcro tabs
- Stretchable snow gaiter
- Price: $200
Feature Rich Pants, Fraction of the Price
My first impression was “wow, these pants are thick”, then I remembered that it’s been a solid five to six years since I’ve skied in a pair of insulated pants. The thickness comes solely from the 60g of insulated. I had the chance to test the Slope in widely varying conditions. On the cold end I wore them on a day with single digit temps and 50 mph winds. The insulation was outstanding. As a base I wore midweight Capilene bottoms. My legs stayed warm, even sitting on the chair getting blasted with wind. The typical chilly seat didn’t really happen.
On the complete opposite end of the temperature spectrum I had the Slope pants out on your stereotypical spring skiing day. It was 100% bluebird with temps at almost 50 degrees. The inner leg vents were crucial on that day. As a base I wore shorts. Judge all you want, knowing it was going to be warm and I’d be wearing insulated pants it was the right move. Even with shorts the leg vents kept me from outright overheating. If you aren’t moving quickly they don’t do much but once I was skiing I could feel the breeze coming right in and cooling down my legs. On a high-speed lift they vented but on a regular lift there wasn’t any noticeable venting.
The leg vents zip from just below the knew up to just over the knee on me (I’m 6 feet even). Vents are located on the inside of the legs and are lined with mesh, which I appreciated. One negative note on the vent placement: Every time I performed a high-speed stop snow would fly directly into the vent and coat my legs.
Tell Us About the Fit
I’m 6 feet tall and 185 lbs. I tested the size large and they run true to size. There is wiggle room in the sizing with the waist adjustments. It’s so simple but such a great feature. The system Orsden included is two straps with a solid buckle and velcro. This combo makes it easy to adjust and keeps the fit in place. I found this extremely helpful on that single digit day. I had on multiple top layers that all tucked into the pants. With a quick adjustment and the fit was just right again. Spring day without all those layers? Quick adjust back. Once again, it’s so simple but it was very helpful.
The pants do fit a little more snug that I like, particularly across the front. I know I have big legs but not that big. I could feel that there would be some restriction from the fit across the front. The 4-way stretch fabric turned this from a showstopper into manageable for me. The Slope Pants do include two zippered front pockets. I put my wallet and pocket knife in one and definitely felt restriction more, even with the stretch fabric.
The biggest drawback to me is the rise in the back of the pants. I don’t like snow or cold creeping up my back. The rise on the Slope pants isn’t as high as I would like. The movements of sitting and getting off the chairlift was enough to shift the pants so the back of my layers came untucked. Before I knew it, I had 50 mph winds creeping their way up my back. The Slope pants do include a powder skirt loop to connect your jacket. With it connected it did help alleviate the pants riding lower than I like.
The Small Things
There are a few small things that I want to call out on the Slope Pants. First, the gaiters are ultra-stretchy and don’t include a buckle. I thought for sure I’d either have issues getting them over the tops of my boots or they’d have issues staying in place. I was wrong on both counts. A sticky strip along the middle of the elastic is super tacky and grabs onto your boots like life depends on it.
The one that really has me scratching my head is the pocket on the lower left leg. I’ve been puzzling over it and still can’t think of a use for it. But hey, if you like to keep valuables close to your ankle, you’re in business.
Last item is a safety clasp. The pants are held up with a double button and zipper. Between the bottom button and the zipper is hook and loop clasp. I’m guessing it’s in case the snaps come open it will help prevent your drawers from dropping. Feels unnecessary to me and is annoying when you forget it’s fastened.
The Good
- Warmth
- Leg vents work well with speed
- 4-way stretch fabric moves with you
The Bad
- Tight across the tops of my legs
- Waist doesn’t rise enough
- If you leave the leg vents open, you’ll get snow in them with fast stops
The Bottom Line: Orsden Slope Pants
You’ll be hard pressed to find a pair a pants with the same features and quality at the same price as the Slope Pants.
Buy Now: from Orsden.com
