Arc’teryx Stinger Pant

Features

Pockets

For me, along with fit and the performance of the waterproof/breathable fabric, pockets are one of the most important features of ski pants. When I first got the Stinger, I was a little worried by the location and size of their large thigh pockets, as they extend down toward the knee and over the top of the thigh a fair amount. The Powslayers have similar pockets on top of the thighs, and I almost never use them because anything I put in them ends up annoyingly bouncing around my knees. For this reason I’ve often just used the more traditional hip pockets on ski pants over the years.

However, I ended up liking the pocket layout on the Stinger. In fact, the pants are really in a class of their own in this respect. The pockets are placed higher up than the thigh pockets on the Powslayer, so they comfortably carry a phone, GPS, or a snack without those things jostling around. And at the same time, the thigh pockets are also easier to access while wearing a pack or sitting on the lift than more standard hip pockets.

Cuff Guards

The Stinger’s reinforced cuff guards are made of Keprotec and have held up well. I tend not to hit my edges against my boots too much, but even after tele skiing (when I tend to hit my edges against my boots a little more often) I did not notice any damage to the Stinger’s cuffs.

Thigh Vents

Thigh vents on a lot of other pants (most I’ve used from Patagonia) are placed more or less along the outside of the thigh, but the Stinger’s vents are shifted slightly behind the leg. This unique placement, like that of the Stinger’s pockets, allows them to work very well. Of course they keep me cool, but I also get less snow into the vents while touring, and they seem less prone to letting moisture in while skiing fast in very wet snow. Bravo, Arc’teryx, for another smart design feature.

The ‘Pants vs. Bibs’ Debate

Every few years I swing back and forth between preferring pants for their lack of shoulder straps and material around the torso (which is nice for touring on warm days), and the looser, comfortable feel and protection from wind and snow that bib provides. Even though the Stinger’s great fit makes them about as capable in wet, harsh conditions as any pair of pants I’ve used, they won’t match the level of weatherproofing that a pair of bibs can provide.

A few times while skiing with a pack all day, I did notice the Stingers sliding down on my waist a little, like any pair of pants can, which never happens with bibs. Similarly, while I did use the Slide n Loc snap closure with the powder skirt on the Rush jacket, it would occasionally work itself loose and I would end up with snow down my back while skiing deep pow in the Stinger.

For what it’s worth, Arc’teryx does make the Stinger Bib, which has all of the features of the pants, but ought to provide added comfort and protection from the elements. I can only guess here, but if you are set on wearing a pair of bibs, given what I know about the Stinger pants, I think the bib version could be a great option.

Bottom Line

When it comes to waterproofing, breathability, and durability the Stinger’s performance is outstanding. Their fit is excellent, and the design of their pockets and vents is dialed. I’ve worn many pairs of ski pants over the years, but, simply put, the Stinger is the best designed, best fitting ski pant I’ve ever used.