This review of the Helly Hansen W Powder Pant was carried out by our teenage reviewer, Holly Barber (aged 15), on the slopes of Soldeu, Andorra.
As the ski season begins drawing to a close, with it the mountain conditions become more unpredictable and subject to change. With this in mind, I needed an all-rounded pair of ski trousers which would keep me comfortable come rain or shine, making the Helly Hansen W Powder Pant the perfect candidate.
I tested these at the end of the 2017/18 season, where there were two colours to choose from – cinnamon or graphite. I went for the former as I thought it would pair with my port Whitestar jacket particularly nicely.
The online pictures were true to the colour and looked exactly how I envisioned them to with an extra pop of colour. Furthermore, the pants have excellent sizing, with an adjustable waist band to ensure the best fit possible.
Whilst kicking up snow when bombing it down the mountain, I didn’t feel wet at all with the trouser hems staying practically bone dry because they were so quick-drying. As well as being waterproof, the trousers also provide protection from the wind – even in the sweeping, biting gusts of the Andorran mountains, my legs, at least, stayed warm whilst my face felt as if it were freezing off!
On the outside of the legs were twin hand pockets at the top. These were very deep and could fit a lot in them such as a mid-afternoon snack, gloves or even my ski pass (which made for some very awkward methods of getting through the gates).
Despite a few odd falls on top of my skis, the hems never caught or frayed. I am generally quite clumsy, so I often snagged them when walking but they never showed any signs of wear. Going into next season, it will be as if I’m wearing a pair of brand new trousers again!
As with all Helly Hansen gear, the pants featured their special RECCO® Advanced Rescue system. In the event of an avalanche, rescue teams can pinpoint where you are using their technology. However, this is not a substitute for an avalanche kit, which you should always have if you intend to go off-piste.
When skiing, freedom of movement is essential, especially when going down steep slopes or when going through slush. Therefore, the articulated knees in the Powder Pant are brilliant because they improve flexibility and make them more comfortable to wear.
To conclude, the Helly Hansen Powder Pant is yet another example of the technicality of the brand’s clothing line, and I look forward to wearing them for years to come.
Helly Hansen W Powder Pant Features
- Helly Tech® Professional
- 2 ply fabric construction
- 2 way dynamic stretch fabric
- Fully seam sealed
- Brushed lining for extra warmth
- Waterproof, windproof and breathable
- Durable Water Repellency treatment (DWR)
- RECCO® Advanced Rescue system
- Inner thigh venting zippers
- Articulated knees for optimized movement
- Fusion modular system jacket to pant
- Boot gaitors with silicone gripper
- Reinforced bottom hem
- Dual hand pockets and cargo pocket
- Waistband adjustment
- Belt loops
- YKK® Aquaguard™ water resistant zippers
- Inseam 80cm
Review Summary
Gender: Womens
Good for: Skiing and Snowboarding
Price: £220.00
Rating: 9 out of 10
Check out the Helly Hansen W Powder Pant at hellyhansen.com