Bright blue corduroy bib pants anyone? These are certainly eye-catching and received quite a few complements out on the slopes. We have to say we love the quirkiness of these ski pants, from the unusual fabric choice to the tiny star accents and fluorescent orange HH logo. But don't worry, if you'd like something a little more low-key the Powderqueens also come in classic black.
We are really impressed by the fit of these pants. They offer a flattering cut but are still very comfortable to wear. The main zip runs down the left-hand side all the way from waist to knee, making getting in and out easy, and the inner lining is smooth to help the process along. There are also sections of fleece lining at the back of the pants, covering from the small of the back to the upper thigh, and around the knees for added warmth. However, apart from these sections, there isn't anything else in terms of insulation.
Despite the soft look and feel of the outer fabric, the material is constructed of Helly Tech 2-layer, 4-way stretch with 20k/20k waterproofing, and breathability. This fabric is fully windproof, but we'd recommend wearing a decent baselayer under on colder days. All bar one of the zips are YKK Aqua guard water resistant to keep you dry, and all the seems are sealed. Overall the performance is top notch.
The shoulder straps are comfortable and adjustable, but don't have any non-slip sections. We found they stayed where they should be, but this might be something to bear in mind if you have narrow shoulders.
Something we really like about the Powderqueens is the amount of pockets. They have two zipped front pockets, two pockets on the front of the right thigh (one zipped, one Velcro) and a Velcro flap pocket on the front. Very useful for those who like to take the essentials out on the mountain but don't want the hassle of taking a backpack.
These pants are designed to take you all over the mountain, if you're looking for something a bit different this season with trusted Helly Hansen quality, the Powderqueens make a great choice.
