Columbia Wildcard Softshell Ski Pant Review
First Impressions
All I wanted for Christmas last year was a softshell ski pant. Turns out these are pretty rare items as not many companies make them and fewer shops stock them. However, on Christmas Day I found a pair of Columbia Wildcards under the tree and happily skied in them most of last season.
Features
Why softshell pants you ask? Well, I was simply tired of wearing hardshell pants and wanted a change. I was looking for the additional breathability and freedom of movement offered by stretch softshell fabric. The Columbia Wildcard pants delivered those features and many more.
As with most of their products, Columbia chose to go with an unbranded stretch fabric – not Gore-Tex or Schoeller – which allows them to keep the price of these pants at a reasonable level. The MSRP is $150, about 50% less than some other competing products that use pricier fabrics. The Wildcards are lined with a lightweight insulation and Columbia claims this will allow you to wear them without a base layer. While I’m sure that’s possible, I have a hard time recommending that practice.
Other features include four pockets – two waterproof zippered slash hand warmer/pant pockets, one mid-size pocket on the thigh, and a rear pocket. These latter two pockets are particularly impressive. The thigh pocket offers surprisingly large storage. And the rear pocket provides double sealing hook and loop to ensure you won’t lose your wallet on the lift. Nice touches.
Rounding out the features list is a set of inner thigh vents to control your internal temp.
Fit
No complaints here. There are two hook and loop waist tabs to adjust the fit, and belt loops should you need them. The inseam is a standard 32 inches which should work for just about anyone.
Final Verdict
Hard to fault the Columbia Wildcards. These are very nice softshell pants for the money, especially suited for those staying mostly inbounds. I’d remove some of the insulation if it were up to me. Other than that, I’m very satisfied with the quality, fit and features. If you’re in the market for a pair of softshell ski pants definitely check these out.
April 11, 2011
Thanks for the in-depth review, it was very helpful in my decision of whether or not to buy these on clearance from STP. I’m certainly going for it now!
April 12, 2011
David, thanks for the comment. Glad to hear the review was helpful. I think you’ll be happy with the Wildcards. I sure have. Wore ’em every day I was on the mountain this season and have absolutely no complaints. Hard to beat Sierra Trading Posts prices too. Let me know how you like them.
September 20, 2011
The HUGE drawback is that these pants only come in one “standard” 32 inseam. I wonder if the day will ever come when you can buy a pair of decent softshells under $300 that don’t coem in one standard length.
How difficult can it be? Short = 30. Reg = 32. Long = 34.
Poof. Done.
September 20, 2011
Nathan:
Thanks for the comment. And I don’t disagree on the inseam, it would be nice to see some options. Frankly though, most ski pant manufacturers don’t really offer much in the way of inseam sizes. I know Obermeyer does but that’s the only one that comes to mind. As far as the Columbia’s are concerned, I haven’t found the 32-inch inseam to be much of an issue for me and I typically wear a 30-31 inch pant.
Hope that helps.
Matt