Ski & Snowboard · Head-to-head
Outdoor Research Snowcrew Pant vs Strafe Capitol Pant
Which should you buy? Our verdict on both, pulled from our full The Best Ski Pants: 4 Compared (and One to Skip) comparison.
The Snowcrew covers resort riding with a fully taped waterproof shell, insulation and snow gaiters at a mid-range price. The Capitol is a high-spec 3-layer shell for skiers who control warmth with base layers.
Outdoor Research Snowcrew Pant
Buy itAn insulated, fully taped resort pant with the snow features that matter and a lifetime guarantee.
- Waterproof, breathable Ventia 2L shell with fully taped seams.
- High-loft synthetic insulation, mesh-backed inner thigh vents and built-in stretchy snow gaiters.
- 420D nylon scuff guards, a beacon pocket with clip, belt loops and OR's Infinite Guarantee; 669 g.
- OR doesn't publish a numeric waterproof rating or the insulation weight for the pant.
- A 2-layer shell is generally less breathable than a 3-layer shell on hard efforts.
- Fixed insulation can run warm on mild spring days.
Strafe Capitol Pant
Buy itA 3-layer, 20K/20K stretch shell pant with full seam sealing and a complete feature set.
- Recon Elite 3L 4-way stretch shell rated 20K/20K with a PFAS-free membrane, fully seam sealed.
- Exposed hamstring vents, external CORDURA scuff guards and adjustable, removable suspenders.
- RECCO reflector; inseam 32.5 in. in size medium.
- No insulation, so you need base layers on cold days.
- Costs more than twice as much as the Snowcrew.
- Not every color and size was in stock at the time of writing.
Side by side
| Outdoor Research Snowcrew Pant | Strafe Capitol Pant | |
|---|---|---|
| Our verdict | Buy | Buy |
| Best for | Resort skiers and riders who want one warm, waterproof pant for most winter days. | Skiers who ride in all conditions and prefer to manage warmth with layers. |
| Price tier | $$ · mid-range | $$$ · premium |
The bottom line
Our overall pick is the Outdoor Research Snowcrew Pant - An insulated, fully taped resort pant with the snow features that matter and a lifetime guarantee. Choose the Strafe Capitol Pant instead if skiers who ride in all conditions and prefer to manage warmth with layers.
Want the full picture, including the other options we compared and the popular one we'd skip? Read the complete The Best Ski Pants: 4 Compared (and One to Skip).