Dare2b Standout Pants Review
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When you first grab the Dare2b Standout Pants they feel lightweight. After using them in the same conditions in which I tested the Dare2b Valiant Jacket, their weight became a non-issue. With six pockets to store your “stuff”, these pants are quite versatile as well. While I’m not crazy about the actual “fit”, I would still recommend these pants for almost any skier/rider.
Dare2b Standout Pants- Performance
During my first testing of the Dare2b Standout Pants, I opted to push them a bit further than normal. At an elevation of 9,500 feet, and with snow/rain coming down with the fairly steady wind, I sat down in the snow and had my lunch. Believe it or not these pants held up great. I wore a lightweight pair of poly-pro long underwear for added insulation, but this is exactly what I would wear were I on the slopes. My legs stayed comfortably warm and dry for the entire 10-15 minutes.
During a ski trip, chairlift rides and speedy trips down the slopes, the cold, wind, and rain were not an issue. These pants were toasty warm. I also tend to enjoy high-speed ski runs. The Dare2b Standout pants never “flapped” in the breeze like some ski pants are prone to do. They are light-weight, water-proof and warm. What more can you ask for?!
Showing the mesh gaiter at the bottom of the pant leg.
The pants have some additional nice features that help keep the elements out. A nice pant liner that extends at the bottom with an elastic “gaiter” help seal the bottom of the pant to your boot. This is made of mesh, so it keeps the area “sealed” but allows air flow to continue. I did have an issue on the with this area of the pant. On one morning I got the gaiter portion stuck in my ski boot (before they were buckled) and I got a tear as I tried to pull the gaiter section out of the boot. I think this area could be built a little more durable as the mesh fabric is rather thin. They also included a wider boot cuff at the bottom with a button fastener. In general, I prefer a full or partial zipper at the bottom of my pant legs, but this cuff fits fine over my ski boots without trouble.
The overall performance of the Dare2b Standout Pants is great. They are warm, dry, functional and provide enough storage for anything you need to carry with you. My one hiccup was the fit. I’m 5’10” 180 lbs. The pants I have are a “large”, but I experienced a tighter than ideal fit in the upper thigh area. These are defined as a “casual fit ski trouser”, but I found them to be a bit constricting while going up stairs, climbing up over rocks (on a hike) and picking up my foot to adjust a boot.
While snowboarding, the fit was not an issue so perhaps that is the market they are targeting. When I switched to skis, I had to pull the pants up before I could get into a proper snowplow. Maybe for future generations of the Standout Pant, Dare2B can make the “casual” part of these pants a little more “casual” with an inch or two of extra fabric.
Snug fit limits mobility in upper thigh area
Dare2b Standout Pants – Details
- Waterproof and breathable
- Warm touch lining to upper legs
- Adjustable waist with easy-to-use velcro made fit a dream
- Multiple pockets including front pockets (a seemingly rare feature today!)
- Integral snow gaiters
- Casual fit is not really casual
Fabric Information
- 100% Polyamide
Final Thoughts
Overall the Dare2b Standout Pants are comfortable, warm, dry and versatile for anyone hitting the slopes this season. The color and styling is great and the adjustable waist band, velcro straps make the fit rather flexible with regards to a persons waistline. Aside from the snugness of the upper leg/thigh area, these pants fit great and offer expansion at the cuffs for any footwear. For more info on the Standout Pants and other Dare2b products, visit www.sunandski.com. Available in Skydiver Blue, Fairway Green and Black in sizes S-XXXL.
