Features
Possibly the most important feature on these pants (in my opinion) is the Velcro-enforced, two-snap waist closure. Unlike the competition, which often has two or three weaker-strength snaps, the Vail pant has two strong snaps that are further adhered together by Velcro. Might sound like overkill, but it really is awkward when your waistband comes undone with pronounced movement.
Speaking of movement, although the cut of the Vail pant is slim, the fabric boasts a whole lot of stretch, which, paired with articulated knees, makes movement a breeze.
The Vail pant has three pockets, one on the side of each mid-thigh area and an additional one at the waist, which give you plenty of options for stashing smaller things like your pass, snack, keys, or chapstick. The thigh pockets are big enough that you don’t really feel the contents as you move about. The waist pocket is located in a zone that gets compressed as I bend over, though, so I never use it, as I feel the contents too much.
Warmth / Breathability
The soft mesh lining adds just the right amount of warmth so that I wasn’t cold on the one sub-zero day I was out in, yet was lightweight enough that my legs haven’t been too warm when the temps have been in the low forties. I think the latter can be attributed to the breathability of the fabric.
Another key feature is the vents. The Vail pant has two mesh-lined zipped vents running diagonally from the side of the thigh upwards toward the bum. Because these pants vent and transpire moisture really well, they are great for skinning.
Along that vein, I should say that I have historically kept two styles of pant in my quiver to accommodate the different demands of resort skiing and backcountry skinning/touring. But the Vail pants are versatile enough to work in both situations.
Waterproofing
So far, the East Coast weather has given me quite a spectrum of conditions to try out the Vail pants, but thankfully we haven’t had any rain. I did, however, definitely sit on iced-over lift cushions and never got a wet bum. So far, from the use I’ve put them through, they’ve remained waterproof.
Bottom Line
I love this pant. The Mammut Vail pant solved my fit conundrum and left me envisioning this as “my pant” for the foreseeable future.
In addition to the fit, the Vail pant ultimately appeals to me because it boasts well-executed features with no unnecessary frills, and comes in a fun variety of colors. In other words, it satisfies all of my very particular demands.
Similarly, I think this pant would satisfy the needs of any female skier. It is stylish enough to please someone who just wants to look good on fair-weather days, reliable enough for the weekend warrior, and both technical and versatile enough for someone who will be getting after it day in and day out in whatever conditions and activities arise.
With the price tag on the Vail pant at $280, it’s comparable in price to the Patagonia Powderbowl (Gore-tex™, $300) and in the ballpark with the Spyder Circuit ($225), but the Vail would be my pick. At twenty dollars less, I find the Vail to offer better construction in everything from the stitching, lining, snaps, reinforced cuffs, gaitors and zippers.
While some might say that you would lose out without the Gore-tex™ fabric, I think the Vail actually breathes better, and has comparable waterproof performance. And because of the top-shelf construction, I think the Vail pant will age well, lasting for multiple seasons of use.