NOTE! This site uses cookies and similar technologies. If you continue without changing your settings, we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies from this website.
I understand
More Info
Norrona bill their Lofoten Gore-Tex Pro Pants as big mountain freeride offering high-end tech and protection; would our review find the price tag justified?
norrona lofoten gore tex pro pants
Price
£449
Quality
10
Comfort
10
Value
8
Performance
9
Overall Score
10
+
Bomber construction, great venting and a feeling of pure quality
Fairly heavy and overly baggy around the calves

Stepping into Norrona's Lofoten Gore-Tex Pro Pants feels like pulling on a suit of armour. An expensive and technicolour one! The colouring may not be to everyone's taste, but that reassuring solidity of Gore Tex goes some way to explaining the price.

In fact the solidity is both a blessing and a curse; the super-durable face fabric of the pants makes for a fairly heavy pair of trousers, which may not appeal to those exploring the backcountry under their own steam. Having said that our reviewer spent plenty of time skinning in them, and despite the weight, the full-length side zips dump excess heat immediately.

Once your skis are pointing downhill the burly weight becomes an asset; tree branches are swept aside, wind is sent back to where it came from, and even ski edges are quite effectively deflected by the huge swathes of Aramid around the ankles.

The fit around the waist is true to size, and is adjustable, but the fit lower down is certainly on the baggy side. That maybe to many people's taste but we can't help thinking the weight could have been significantly reduced with less reinforced material at the cuffs. Equally the practicality could be increased - for example for those approaching a descent wearing crampons - by losing some of that fabric flapping around the calves.

On the other hand Norrona have different ranges catering to those requirements, and big mountain freeride demands a little steeze.

In all the sheer protective burl and durability of these pants warrants a high price - the pow-slayer good-looks are an added bonus.

Share on

All our reviews are independent and unbiased. We may earn a commission when you buy from links to Amazon and other affiliates on this page.