For over 130 years Helly Hansen has designed apparel to withstand unforgiving Scandinavian winters, so it's no wonder that skiers and snowboarders alike have developed outsized expectations of anything Norway's preeminent outdoor gear manufacturer delivers for the slopes. One can, therefore, understand the brashness behind the naming of the Legend Pant, a supremely well-rounded and inspired ski pant that embodies Helly Hansen's fastidious approach to their creations.
From the inside out, the Legend Pant delivers what you need out of a ski pant coping with the rigors of repeated mountain runs. Insulated with 60-gram Warmcore by PrimaLoft®, the lightweight pant provides ample warmth in average winter conditions but when faced with colder days out I found a midlayer to be a necessity.
The Legend Pant's proprietary waterproof and breathable Helly Tech® Performance fabric successfully prevents deep powder and the occasional fall from dampening your fun as do the boot gaiters and fully sealed seams. Of course, after a few descents your body heat will start to ramp up and thankfully the inner thigh venting zips excel at keeping your legs from sweltering.
While the Legend is more form fitting than a typical ski pant, it doesn't constrict movement. The lightweight material coupled with articulated knees mean you can carve and cruise without feeling bogged down by the limitations of your pants. If you're looking for a pair of ski pants that allow you to feel hyper-mobile, the Legend fits the bill exceedingly well.
The waist can be tightened or loosened with a Velcro strap and there are loops for your belt if you'd prefer an extra layer of security. The Legend's two front and one rear zippered pockets provide a good bit of room for your belongings; curiously there's no back left pocket. It's a minor quibble , though, for a pair of ski pants expertly honed to maximize your shredding time on a mountain, be it one in Hurrungane or in the Sangre de Cristos.
Steven Horak is a writer, editor and photographer with a particular interest in travel and wildlife. He was the lead editor of Ultimate Adventures: A Rough Guide to Adventure Travel and as an author he’s contributed to Rough Guides to the Czech Republic, Costa Rica and Canada. He’s also authored children’s books on animals, created ESL and EFL materials and has written for New York-based publications such as TimeOut New York and NYMag.com.