From the outside, Columbia's Bugaboo Omni-Heat Trousers look like normal, conservatively styled ski pants for cruising the frontside groomers in insulted comfort.
What everyone else doesn't know is that inside your pants is a cold-beating hidden weapon. This takes the form of Columbia's patented Omni-Heat lining that is covered in tiny reflective silver dots, so that your body heat is reflected back towards your skin. The beauty of the dotted pattern is that despite this thermal performance, the lining still allows sweat vapour to wick and pass through so that you can stay dry and comfortable as well as warm on the inside when skiing hard and heating up.
The improved thermal efficiency also means that a less bulky insulation of 60g Microtemp XF polyester fill is needed, protected on the outside by Columbia's light, durable, guaranteed waterproof and breathable Omni-Tech shell fabric.
Comfort is good, with a panelled and darted construction helping articulation, plus waist adjusters and belt loops to hold them in place. A pair of fleece hand pockets complete these otherwise modestly designed pants - although there are 13 colourways to choose from, with some wild enough for any taste.
With fairly minimal features, the Bugaboo's main selling point is its impressive warmth, so these are definitely ski pants for those who like to stay warm on even the coldest of days.
