Arc’teryx Macai Pant
Details
The Arc’teryx Macai Pant is a snow pant with GORE-TEX 2 layer construction for resort skiing and snowboarding. The pants are insulated with a synthetic material, and it’s a furnace. The Macai is a slimmer-fitting pant, and it is not stretchy, but surprisingly, this combination does not negatively impact movement. I sized up to a Medium not for layering but because I typically size up my snowboarding gear to be on the baggier side. Pants go from a Small to a Medium and jackets go from a Medium to a Large. Regarding layering and sizing, you will not need more than a base layer to wear these pants in most of the US.
Vents and Pockets
The Macai pants have massive vents down each side, the thick mesh behind waterproof zippers lets me dump heat quickly and keep the snow out. You will likely use these vents often if you wear them on warmer days or if you run hot. The pants also have two front pockets with watertight zippers and a rear zipped pocket with a buttoned flap that I never use.
Worth Mentioning
The Arc’teryx Macai pants have cuffs that fit over snowboard boots and reinforced instep patches to protect the pants against cuts and abrasions. I cannot tell you how many cuffs I have shredded snowboarding, including this pair, just not in the reinforced area. The pants have an integrated nylon belt on the front with a plastic buckle, but I sized up, so I also use the conveyor belt to keep the pants on my waist. Unfortunately, these pants are not suitable for hiking or snowmobiling.
Alternatives- Alpha SL over Proton pants.
How I use
Snowboarding
I wear the Arc’teryx Macai Pant when the temperature is 20 degrees or below. I can comfortably wear it with only a Rho LT bottom; these insulated pants are warm, and I run cold. As an aside, I can confirm that the Macai Ski Pants will fit over the snowboard boots and shine on cold mornings when sitting on the chairlift.
I picked these pants up at Arcteryx.
