Have I Found the Perfect Snow Pants? Updated November 2023
UPDATE November 2023
These snow pants have been worn for one winter season so time for an update. Overall, they have held up really well. The only real wear is on the bottom hem and this is probably because I am short. They fit really baggy and I probably ordered at least one size too big. If you are between two sizes, I would recommend going with the smaller size.
Another thing to remember is that these snow pants are not water proof, at this price point you won't find any are. If you kneel down in wetter snow it will soak through.
I would love to hear your feedback on these snow pants, quite a few people purchased them after my post last year.
Read below for my full review, and my snow pant photo shoot! Use this Amazon link if you are interested in purchasing a pair for the winter.
It is challenging to find snow pants that fit my body. I am outside with children for between 4-8 hours at a time in all weather, I NEED SNOWPANTS. Here were my criteria:
Affordable. I would probably spend up to $200 but would like to spend less.
Comfortable. I am constantly bending down to help children and I move large spools and tires around our play space, these pants need to allow me to move freely in all directions. Ideally, I wanted a bib pant, they are comfortable and warmer.
Fit. I am 5’2’’ and 175 lbs. One of the children in my program called me ‘thick’ last year! I will take this descriptor as I am proudly built like my Newfoundland grandmother! The size available for my waist is usually too long and hemming or rolling snowpants up isn't really an option. I can't be tripping over my pants all winter!
I don’t think I am asking too much but the search has been long.
Last year I was very excited to find Columbia snowpants, not bib, with a short in-seam. I wore them all winter but blew the butt out by the end of the season. Too much bending over to help with mittens apparently!
I started my search this year in September. I love seeing more inclusive sizing for outdoor gear by Outdoor Research for example but the price was just too high and the inseam too long. I found a great blog from Tales of a Mountain Mama entitled “Snowpants for Curvy Women”. Was I getting close to my answer? Most of the picks were out of my price range but the budget option from Arctix, was worth a look.
Well, the range of sizes was impressive, short, regular and tall XS-4X, the price was $75 and they were bib pants! Had I found them!? I bought a 2X - short.
Maybe I am jumping the gun to recommend these snow pants so early in the winter season but I have had several educators ask about them and so I decided to share. We often talk about clothing barriers for children getting outdoors, but the adults need to be comfortable and warm as well and affordable gear is not always easy to find, especially snow pants!
I have worn these for a few weeks now and so far so good. Here are my observations for fit:
- All snowpants are baggy in the crotch. If you are between sizes for the inseam measurement, go with the shorter one.
- There is lots of room in the legs which is great for layers as they aren’t super thick but this makes them baggy. I think I could have ordered one size smaller and still had lots of room.
- There is a stretchy gusset at the waist so there is lots of room in the stomach area.
- Zippered side pockets are great so you don’t loose your keys or phone in the snow!
- The inside area near the foot and the seam on the bottom are reinforced which is a a good idea as those spots do get more wear.
- The quality of the fabric seems pretty good for the price. They are not water proof though.
- The bib strap buckles are plastic, I can see them cracking. The buckles don’t hold the straps up as well I would like but it’s not a deal breaker.
That’s my review so far. I will update this at the end of the winter but for the price, range of sizes, and comfort I think they are worth it. If you want to purchase a pair, here is the Amazon link.
Enjoy my backyard snowpant photoshoot below!
Questions? Comments? Let me know at christina@getoutsideandplay.ca.
