Patagonia Snowshot Pants Review

Performance Comparison

Weather Resistance

The Patagonia Snowshot pants use a proprietary waterproof/breathable membrane to keep wet weather out. In our testing, it does a good job, but the zippered pockets and vents aren't waterproof, allowing some liquid water to penetrate to the inside of the pants. These pants won't stand up to the stormiest winter weather, but they do just fine for most ski days. If you ski where it regularly rains or where the snow is wet and heavy, these pants won't be enough to protect you all winter long. If you choose to go out on fair weather days, though, there will be no issue.

Fit and Comfort

The Snowshot features a soft, two-layer external shell fabric, and a hanging mesh liner on the inside, which combine to make a very comfortable pair of pants. The fit is baggy and loose, which we don't love, but it also doesn't impair our range of motion. They feel untailored and somewhat elementary, but for the price, that's what we'd expect.

One nice touch is the velcro elastic waist adjustment straps on either side of the waistband. These help the user customize the waist circumference to their body, and avoid having to wear a belt (although belt loops are also included).

Ventilation

In general, hanging mesh linings prevent the free flow of air inside a pair of pants, which helps them remain warm but also prevents ventilation to a degree. The Snowshot also features vents on the inside of each thigh, but these vents have mesh covering the openings. This mesh prevents snow from entering the vent holes, but it also slows airflow, preventing efficient ventilation. If you enjoy aerobic skiing in mogul fields, freeride terrain, hiking to find fresh snow, and spring skiing, these pants won't breathe well enough for you.

Warmth

In lieu of insulation, the Patagonia Snowshot has a hanging mesh lining that traps air between the mesh and the shell, which is then warmed by our body heat. In our experience, hanging mesh liners provide plenty of warmth for most days on the ski hill. There are warmer pants on the market, but these hit the sweet spot between warmth and versatility.

Features

The Snowshot is light on features. It has two waist pockets with diagonal zipper openings and storm flaps that make the pockets awkward to access. It also comes with a RECCO reflector and an attachment point for a strap on Patagonia jackets that allows the pants and jacket to act like a snowsuit. If you want pockets galore, look elsewhere.

Style

There is nothing special about the look of the Snowshot pants. They have a slight articulation in the knee, which means the fabric is tailored with a bend where the body naturally curves, but there is so much loose, baggy material that it's hard to tell. For slim and athletic users, these pants aren't form-fitting, which gives them an unsophisticated style. The color options aren't that inspiring either.

Value

These pants provide good performance for most skiers. They tick all of the boxes, providing decent weather resistance, comfort, and warmth, but they lack the refined features, style, and ventilation of higher-priced models. For the occasional user, they are a great option, but there are better pants on the market for a lower price.

Conclusion

The Patagonia Snowshot pants provide good performance for occasional users, but they lack the refinement that advanced skiers and riders look for. They'll get the job done, but considering the performance of other models at even more attractive prices, it's hard for us to recommend these pants strongly.