Types of Kids ski pants

When shopping for ski pants you are going to find several different types that are available. The most common type is an insulated pant, with the other types being shell Kids ski pants, stretch Kids ski pants, and bib Kids ski pants. The most common question that people have is, which one should I buy? The simple answer to this question is that there is no right answer. The reason for this is that each person has a different body temperature regulation. Some people will get hot very quickly and thus having an insulated pant would cause them great discomfort once the heat builds up. Others, however, are routinely cold and having an insulated pant only makes sense because a shell pant would leave them even colder. Additionally, some people prefer the added protection from the snow with a bib pant, and many women prefer the less bulky feel of a stretch pant. With this being said, the first step to selecting the Kids ski pants that are best for you're kids is by determining if they are warmer or colder person by nature and what protection you prefer from the snow. Once these are determined, you can then move forward in the process of selecting your Kids ski pants.

Insulated Kids ski pants

The construction characteristics of an insulated pant include an outer layer that is waterproof and windproof, along with an insulated layer that is built directly into the pant. The insulating inner layer is likely to be made of fleece, down, or a synthetic fabric such as Primaloft. You may also find some insulated pants that have a separate insulator piece that can be removed to help regulate the internal temperature. The insulation that is found in insulated Kids ski pants is most commonly measured in grams. The greater the number weight in grams, the warmer the Kids ski pants will be. Insulation types can range as low as 30 grams and go as high as 800 grams, which is most commonly found with Down material. For people who are colder by nature, an insulated pant is the most suitable option.

Shell Kids ski pants

Shell Kids ski pants are windproof and waterproof but contain no internal insulation and are highly breathable. Now, you might wonder why anyone would choose a pair of Kids ski pants that contain no internal insulation. The reasons for this are several, one of which has already been identified; being a warmer person by nature. Another reason that one may choose this type of pant is because they prefer to have added mobility that is not available with an insulated pant. As shell pants are usually worn over a base layer and a mid layer, shell Kids ski pants do not have the added bulkiness that an insulated pant has. This means that you can contain the warmth of your body via your base layer and mid layer, but have added range of motion. Shell Kids ski pants can be worn on their own on warmer days or layered with base and mid layers for colder days. However, for extremely cold temperatures and extended periods of time outdoors, a shell pant is probably not the best option, but the final decision is ultimately up to you. For more information on base and mid layers, please review our article on the importance of layering.

Stretch Pants

Stretch pants are typically a Womans style of ski pant. The design is a cling to body pant that is made of an insulated, waterproof, and breathable material. Its construction allows for a four way stretch so it can conform to the body type of its user. The idea is that the less room that exists between the body and the pant, the less space their is to heat. Additionally the design creates less weight and bulk to deal with.

Bib Kids ski pants

Bib Kids ski pants are insulated ski pants that offer an added piece of fabric that extends up from the waist to cover the back and chest areas. If you can imagine a pair of overalls, you have the design of a pair of bib Kids ski pants. The two greatest benefits to this type of pant is that one, it provides extra warmth to your core areas. The second benefit is that it provides additional coverage above the waist to protect from snow going up your jacket or down your Kids ski pants.

Waterproof Rating

Probably the most important characteristic of any pair of ski pants is the waterproof rating. This rating tells you how quickly your Kids ski pants will become saturated and begin allowing water to penetrate to the layers below. Waterproof ratings are measured and indicated in millimeters(mm). The level is determined by placing a tube filled on the fabric and filling it with water. The level at which the water begins to penetrate through the fabric is the waterproof rating. The higher the number, the more waterproof the pant is and the longer it will withstand snow and rain. For a pair of Kids ski pants to be deemed legally waterproof, it must achieve a minimum 1,500mm rating. Kids ski pants can be rated as high as 20,000mm, but the average rating is typically between 5,000 and 10,000mm. Keep in mind that as the rating goes higher, so too will the price. There are many different types of waterproof fabrics that are used on the market today. Among the more well-known materials that are used are Gore-Tex, Hyvent, and Event. What makes materials such as these so effective is that they contain pores which are larger than a molecule of sweat, but smaller than a molecule of water. This means that not only is the material waterproof, but also very breathable.

Breathability Rating

Just like the waterproof rating measures how effective a ski pant is at keeping water outside, the breathablity rating of a pant measures how effective a pant is at transferring moisture from inside to the outside. The same fabric pores that help prevent water from penetrating inside a pair of pants, allow sweat molecules to escape and ultimately keep your warmer. Breathability rating is measured and indicated in grams (g). The measurement is determined by finding the Moisture Vapor Transmission Rate (MVTR). The MVTR determines how many grams of sweat per 1 square meter can escape a pair of pants in a 24 hour period. The higher the number, the more moisture escapes and the more breathable it is. Entry-level breathable fabrics will have MVTR ratings in the range of 2,000-3000g. Fabrics at the high end of the breathability scale will have an MVTR around 25,000g.

Fabric Durability

Contrary to what many people believe, Kids ski pants are different than your everyday snow pants that you would wear in the backyard. Yes, you can wear your ski pants as your everyday, backyard snow pants, but if you have not purchased a pair of pants specifically for skiing, you are best not to wear the everyday snow pants that you bought at the department store to the slopes. The reasons for this are several, but one of the most important ones is that your Kids ski pants are going to be far more durable. Ski pants are made of tightly woven nylon or polyester. Materials which are designed for high performance use in the elements of winter. Extended exposure to high winds and the wet elements of the winter is what makes the construction of a ski pants different from your everyday snow pants. This is also why you will find that Kids ski pants will cost more than snow pants you would buy from the department store.