Patagonia Wind Shield Pants – Great for Nordic Skiing

Patagonia Wind Shield Pants – Kate Agathon of Engearment.com

Designed with high-aerobic, cold weather activities in mind, these soft shell pants are ideal for warmer (20 degrees and up) ski days.

Patagonia Wind Shield Pants – Kate Agathon of Engearment.com

Initially, I was skeptical how pants so thin in appearance could offer any type of protection against the wind or cold. Thankfully, I was wrong.

The first time I wore them, I paired them with a thin base layer underneath and they were more than sufficient for a warmish bluebird day.

Patagonia Wind Shield Pants – Kate Agathon of Engearment.com

The moisture-wicking properties of the Patagonia Wind Shield pants kept me from getting uncomfortably sweaty and the DWR finish protected me from the elements. When I overcorrected descending a big hill, I was pleased that my butt and legs were still dry after I got up and brushed off all the snow from myself.

Side note: I suppose the reason I was surprised that I was dry was from past experience. I’ve worn pants that are similar in weight that didn’t keep out the wind or keep me dry (nordic skiing with a wet butt and legs is definitely not fun), despite the brand’s claims.

The stretchy waistband with drawstring was a nice feature to accommodate a base layer underneath, but could be tightened if needed. That type of flexibility and comfort is exactly what middle-aged me needs in any pants that I wear for outdoor activities that require a lot of movement.

Even wearing a size M (I alternate between a size S and an M), I was surprised at how flattering they looked. They looked more form fitting than I could have ever imagined, and they stayed above the tops of my boots the entire time.

Patagonia Wind Shield Pants – Kate Agathon of Engearment.com

There’s more that meets the eye to the Patagonia Wind Shield pants.

Hanging on the rack, they appear simple and unassuming. However, they are so cleverly designed that you would miss the key features unless you were actually wearing them.

Patagonia Wind Shield Pants – Kate Agathon of Engearment.com

Notable features include breathable panels on the waistband, sides, and lower back legs; two strategically placed stretchy side pockets that keep chapstick and other necessities close without the risk of falling out; zippered openings at cuffs; and reflective detail.

While I am not a cold-weather jogger, I think the Patagonia Wind Shield pants would be ideal for that activity too.

And, because it’s Patagonia, you can be assured that they were ethically made. Pants that perform well, are unbelievably light, and made with integrity? Yes, please.

Kate Agathon

Kate Agathon – Dr. of Stoke

Dr. Of Stoke

Freelance writer, bicyclist, outdoor recreation enthusiast, social justice advocate, and mom to her furbaby, Sansa.

A Colorado native, Kate considers the outdoors her mother ship. She brings her passion for bicycling, the environment, and issues of diversity to her writing. Her primary outdoor recreation activities are mountain biking, fat biking, snowshoeing, camping, peak bagging Colorado’s 14ers, road cycling, and nordic skiing. After suffering two major knee injuries within four years, Kate hopes to return to alpine skiing next season.

Kate earned a bachelor’s degree in History from Colorado State University and later an MSEd and Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from Purdue University. In addition to her education, Kate’s background serving on the Mayor’s Bicycle Advisory Committee and experience working for non-profits and bicycle sales well position her to bring depth and understanding to the complex changes currently taking place in the outdoor recreation industry.