Winter tech pants: Understanding the various options
Whether they are insulated, close to the skin, with a narrow or relaxed fit or equipped with zippers, technical winter pants offered on the market are as diverse as their uses. Keeping track of all the terms and technicalities can be complex! We’ve put together a guide and table to allow you to compare our different models and pick the one that will be perfect for you!
Anna Pryce wears the Dynamic Jacket with the Delda Pants in Canmore, Alberta. Photo: @gibbymtbphoto
Fit
The fit is one of the most important technical elements to think about when choosing a pair of technical pants. Here is our fit classification:
| NTS (Next to skin) |
SLIM | REGULAR | RELAXED |
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Tights for endurance sports in mild conditions and to wear under slim, regular of relaxed fit pants. This fit is patterned to follow the body shape closely. Designed to enhance moisture management, thermal efficiency and to feel comfortable under underlayers. |
For hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, strenuous activities. Worn over underwear, tights or leggings, gaiters required for deep snow. This fit stays close to the body without being too tight. Its low profile eliminates bulk and moves with the body without restrictions. Fits a base layer underneath. |
For non-intensive sports, covers boots, sometimes with integrated gaiters. Comfortable fit allowing freedom of movement. Providing shape while having room for extra layering. |
To wear over base and mid layers, in cold weather or for outdoor activities. This fit is cut loosely. Offering comfort and freedom of movement and allowing for extra layering. |
The many combinations of options allow you to choose the pants that best suit your needs! See our pants comparative guide for a quick and simple reference:
SWIX Pants Technical Guide
WARMTH LEVEL = LIGHTEST 
WARMEST
| FIT | PANTS | WARMTH LEVEL | FRONT | BACK | ZIPPER | REFLECTIVE ACCENTS | WAIST | ACTIVITIES |
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NTS
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Delda Tights |
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Softshell | Stretch panel | 10" ankle | Yes | Elastic & Drawcord |
   
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| Triac Pro Tights |
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Wool Blend Stretch | Wool Blend Stretch | Yes | Elastic & Drawcord |
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| Tista Tights | |
Stretch coconut | Stretch coconut | Elastic & Drawcord |
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SLIM
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| Triac NeoShell |
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Windproof | Brushed Stretch | Above knee | Yes | Elastic & Drawcord |
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| Infinity Softshell |
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Windproof & Fleece liner | Fleece Ankle | Fleece Ankle | Yes | Zip Fly & Elastic |
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| Infinity Pants |
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Windproof | Brushed Stretch | Knee | Yes | Elastic & Drawcord |
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| Delda Pants |
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Softshell Stretch | Stretch Panel | Yes | Elastic, drawcords and zip fly |
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| Delda Softshell Tights |
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Lightweight softshell 30D | Stretch Panel | 10" Ankle | Draw-cord |
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| Solo Pants |
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Softshell | Stretched panel | Full side | Yes | Zip fly |
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| Alpamayo Pants |
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Terry Softshell | Terry Softshell | Back of ankle | Yes | Draw-cord |
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REGULAR
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Infinity Hybrid |
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Wind Resistant | Stretch | Full Side 2-way | Yes | Elastic & Drawcord |
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| Voldo Pants |
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Softshell | Softshell | 10" ankle | Yes | Zip fly |
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| Mayen Quilted |
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Softshell | Stretch panel | Full side | Yes | Zip fly |
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RELAXED
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Corvara Pants |
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Fleece softshell | Fleece softshell | 10" ankle | Yes | Zip fly |
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| Vista Pants |
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Micro-fibre | Stretch panel | Yes | Elastic & Drawcord |
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| Tokke Pants |
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Softshell | Stretch panel | 7.5" ankle | Yes | draw-cord |
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