Full side zips are strongly recommended for any serious touring. Thigh vents provide adequate ventilation for resort riding, but touring involves sustained high-output activity where you need maximum heat dumping capability. Full side zips also allow you to put on or remove pants without taking off your boots or skis—a major advantage during transitions in deep snow. If you tour more than a few times per season, full side zips are worth the additional cost and weight.
Snow Pants · Backcountry/Touring Pants
Do I really need full side zips on touring pants, or are thigh vents enough?
Related gear types
If this answer nudged you toward a different style, these guides compare specs and trade-offs.
Shell Snow Pants
$100 – $600
Uninsulated waterproof pants designed for layering, offering maximum versatility and temperature regulation.
no insulationwaterproof-breathable membranelayering-compatible fit
Bib Snow Pants
$120 – $550
High-waisted pants with shoulder straps that extend coverage up the torso, preventing snow entry at the waist.
shoulder strapshigh waist/chest coverageno waist gap for snow entry
Stretch/Softshell Snow Pants
$100 – $450
Highly flexible snow pants using stretch or softshell fabrics for unrestricted movement during active riding.
4-way stretch fabricsoftshell or stretch-woven constructionarticulated patterning
More questions
- Should I get bibs or standard pants for backcountry touring?
- Why are touring pants so expensive compared to resort pants?
- Can I use touring pants for resort skiing too?
- What layering system should I use under touring pants?