Telemark Talk / Telemark Tips Forum

I’m having a hell of a time finding shell, noninsulated pants that have full side zips.

Goretex or equivalent generic is fine.

I have a pair of Marmots I love but they stopped making them.
I’ve found some that are insulated (Arctica, Descente) but I want shells.

I often skin in my long johns and then put my pants on before descent and the full zip means I don’t have to take off my boots.

Any ideas?

EDIT Looking for hard wearing pants for mountain/rock applications and edge guards at the ankle, etc. Full on ski pant

"Outdoor Research Furio Pant" [sic]
https://www.backcountry.com/outdoor-res ... -pant-mens

Details
Hybrid-mapped ski pant delivers ample protection and better comfort
GORE-TEX Paclite is ruggedly waterproof and remarkably light
GORE-TEX C-Knit seat and knees for better breathability
Gusseted construction ensures freedom of movement
Full-length side zippers for easy on-and-off and ventilation
Stretch mesh gaiters keep snow out of your boots
Adjustable waist with attachments for suspenders (sold separately)
Pockets 1 zippered thigh
Waist adjustable tabs
Side Zips yes, double separating
Gaiters yes, stretch
Claimed Weight 1 lb 5.4 oz
Recommended Use skiing, snowboarding
Manufacturer Warranty lifetime

Read reviews regarding sizing.
Buy two sizes, keep best fit, return other.
Different bodies, diff' fit.

The Arcteryx Beta pants have a full size zip, I believe. Look for the "Beta" pants, not the "Beta AR" which I have and love, but don't have full side zips.

I have a pair of Mountain Hardwear, Exposure2 full-zip pants. Really nice and light and durable- Gore-tex Pac-lite. I bought them two years ago. I bought them direct from MH, they were on-sale for only $75. My wife got a pair too. I checked their site and only see these pants in a 3/4 zip now. Happy hunting.

Woodserson wrote: ↑

Thu Mar 23, 2023 7:40 am

I’m having a hell of a time finding shell, noninsulated pants that have full side zips.

Goretex or equivalent generic is fine.

I have a pair of Marmots I love but they stopped making them.
I’ve found some that are insulated (Arctica, Descente) but I want shells.

I often skin in my long johns and then put my pants on before descent and the full zip means I don’t have to take off my boots.

Any ideas?

99 bucks chez REI. If you are an REI member and use code- MEMBER23 then they are only 80 bucks

Also- https://www.rei.com/product/127338/rei- ... pants-mens

TallGrass wrote: ↑

Thu Mar 23, 2023 8:52 am

"Outdoor Research Furio Pant" [sic]
https://www.backcountry.com/outdoor-res ... -pant-mens

Details
Hybrid-mapped ski pant delivers ample protection and better comfort
GORE-TEX Paclite is ruggedly waterproof and remarkably light
GORE-TEX C-Knit seat and knees for better breathability
Gusseted construction ensures freedom of movement
Full-length side zippers for easy on-and-off and ventilation
Stretch mesh gaiters keep snow out of your boots
Adjustable waist with attachments for suspenders (sold separately)
Pockets 1 zippered thigh
Waist adjustable tabs
Side Zips yes, double separating
Gaiters yes, stretch
Claimed Weight 1 lb 5.4 oz
Recommended Use skiing, snowboarding
Manufacturer Warranty lifetime

Read reviews regarding sizing.
Buy two sizes, keep best fit, return other.
Different bodies, diff' fit.

I'm in Europe right now without a VPN and can't access the Backcountry site, I keep getting a redirect. Thanks for checking. Looks like OR discontinued the Furio, and they don't have anything else with full zips

randoskier wrote: ↑

Thu Mar 23, 2023 10:49 am

Woodserson wrote: ↑

Thu Mar 23, 2023 7:40 am

I’m having a hell of a time finding shell, noninsulated pants that have full side zips.

Goretex or equivalent generic is fine.

I have a pair of Marmots I love but they stopped making them.
I’ve found some that are insulated (Arctica, Descente) but I want shells.

I often skin in my long johns and then put my pants on before descent and the full zip means I don’t have to take off my boots.

Any ideas?

99 bucks chez REI. If you are an REI member and use code- MEMBER23 then they are only 80 bucks

Also- https://www.rei.com/product/127338/rei- ... pants-mens

Thank you but too light. I have full zip rain pants, I'm looking for the heavier exterior nylon hardshells for this application.

Peter P wrote: ↑

Thu Mar 23, 2023 9:29 am

The Arcteryx Beta pants have a full size zip, I believe. Look for the "Beta" pants, not the "Beta AR" which I have and love, but don't have full side zips.

Thanks looking now. I usually don't look at Arc'teryx due to the sticker shock (don't even get me started on Stio) but these look not bad price wise

Might be too light fabric weight? Really want the heavier duty stuff for these

Whoops, should have read comments more carefully first. My suggestions seem to be too light for the application!


I have used Black Diamond Stormline Stretch Full-Zip pants for years now. Got about 1500 miles of skiing on the current pair.

It is a 2.5L fabric, but I have been surprised these have beat many 3L fabrics in durability and waterproofness. Design is okay too.

Do no go with Rab Downpour at least, their membrane comes off easily

Montbell at least used to make full-zipped pants.

Marmot PreCip ECO and Minimalist seemed stronger than their predecessors - have not personally tested outside the store

Arcteryx Beta LT is the most durable and reliable of all my recommendations, more pricey and heavier, but bombproof.

Stellar Equipment might have something you like

Thing is, mentioned above are the most lightweight options, as I come to Telemark from BCX touring perspective. But I have had my fair share of crashes on the BD pants. There may be some I missed, so I will update the list if I remember something else.

Hey Woods,
Finding good touring (and field) pants with full-side zips seems to be scarce these days-

I can highly recommend Fjallraven Keb Eco-Shell Trousers.
I am extremely impressed with the durability and performance of FJ's eco-shell fabric.

There is a "Bertagen" Eco-Shell model as well that perhaps might be even better for ski touring...