Dainese Exchange Drop D-Dry Ski Pant Review

Dainese say:

“The Exchange Drop ski pant uses proprietary D-Dry® fabric paired with D-Thermo insulation for skiers who demand high performance and reliable protection from their garments. The materials used make Exchange Drop pants allow added strength to guarantee performance and longevity, run after run.”

We’ve now officially tested these ski pants for at least fifteen days skiing in all conditions from warm sunshine to below minus 20 degrees centigrade, from wind to heavy snow. They are tough, comfortable, warm and waterproof – a real trooper of a ski pant that doesn’t let you down.

Worn over a base layer pant, they are really warm, even in the very coldest conditions that we experienced in the Alps during January 2017. When it warms up, wearing them without a baselayer is fine as the inner material is soft and comfortable. They are way too warm for ski touring though, and not designed for this level of activity.

Looks wise they are versatile and I’ve mixed and matched between jackets without any fashion disasters. They do have a slightly tighter cut around the top of the leg that then spreads out a little below, so it’s not a freeride look, more piste performer, race styler come instructor feel. They are most definitely aimed at a gentleman who knows his skiing, but doesn’t need to be flash about it.

Dainese are of course Italian and that cut comes across, but one thing they take as seriously as their looks is the performance detail in the fabric behind it. The waterproof outer, at 20.00 mm proofing ensures that even in the snowiest conditions you’re going to stay dry. Sure, stay out in heavy rain all day and they will finally give up, but any fabric would – this is about as waterproof as you get in a ski garment.

If you like an insulated pant, and I generally do, then they pack just enough warmth in them without giving you too much weight to carry around. The tough snow gaiter protects the lower part of the pant, which is the most vulnerable to scuffing and damage. Although the fabric is soft and smooth, it also feels strong – I think these would easily last a season of skiing every day and probably more.

The Dainese Exchange Drop D-Dry ski pants come with shoulder straps and if I had one thing to say that wasn’t as positive, it would be that I’d like the straps to be a little wider – they can be neatly removed though and you can also remove the little device that crosses them at the back, personally I prefer them to cross at the front, which makes them less likely to slip off the shoulder.

Good, solid, reliable ski pant that can be used with different jackets and will last for many years and will (probably) never go out of fashion.

Specifications

Materials: D-Dry® Membrane laminate shell, D-Thermo insulation
Features: Water column 20.000mm, Breathability 20.000 g/m2/24hrs Fully seam sealed, Removable suspenders, Snow gaiter with silicone grippers Ski edge protection at leg hem