Very expensive, but very good: merino wool winter sportswear by Ortovox passes with flying colours
13.10.2022
Translation: Eva Francis
Ortovox winter sportswear is pricey. Very pricey. However, the products offer top quality – on and off the ski slopes. The Deep Shell Pants and Fleece Hoody are no exception.
Skiing vacations in Switzerland cost a lot of money. Ordering a barley soup for lunch at the beginning of the year in Davos’ Parsenn ski resort was a painful reminder of this. My rant about this caused quite some discussion among the Galaxus Community. One user pointed out that I was wearing a hoody by mountain sports equipment brand Ortovox.
Prices for day passes, food and drinks in Swiss ski resorts aren’t the only thing that’s exorbitant. Winter sports equipment is also a burden on the wallet. The products by Ortovox are especially expensive. But are they worth it? In my opinion, absolutely yes. At least when it comes to the Deep Shell Pants and Fleece Hoody I tested.
Ortovox Deep Shell Pants
These ski pants are made of high-quality materials and are packed with technical features. The membrane is windproof and waterproof. In areas of the body that are particularly sensitive to the cold, such as the backside or the crotch, the Deep Shell Pants are lined with merino wool, which retains body heat and guarantees a comfortable fit. These pants have always kept me warm and dry, even in ghastly weather.
The lightweight freeride pants have pre-shaped knee areas and a comfortable cut to guarantee freedom of movement in any terrain. Ventilation zips on the sides offer additional ventilation. To be honest, I’m not a freerider. I always stick to the marked slopes. But I appreciate the cut of these ski pants and their zips for ventilation. Even if it's only for après-ski. After all, wearing comfy and well ventilated clothes comes in handy at après-ski as well.
The ski pants are made in Asia under fair conditions according to Fair Wear. The merino wool that’s used comes from Tasmania where Ortovox has been processing it according to its own standards since 2017. Since its beginnings in 1980, the company has taken up the cause of protecting the alpine world. I don’t just believe in Ortovox’s products, but also that they really care about protecting nature.
The spacious, extended thigh pockets ensure everything can be neatly stowed away and yet accessed quickly. An avalanche transceiver carabiner is integrated into the right pocket, offering a permanent place for an avalanche transceiver. Since, as mentioned, I don’t leave the marked slopes, I don’t have an avalanche transceiver. But I use the carabiner to attach keys. The integrated gaiters and sharp-edge protectors provide additional protection when freeriding. According to Ortovox, these pants are PFC-free and climate-neutral. The brand claims to produce more than half of its products in Europe. However, the ski pants aren’t one of them.
Other features
- Wind and waterproof: min. 20,000 mm water columns and 100% windproof
- Breathability: up to 20,000 g / m² / 24 h
- Polyurethane membrane – durable and easy to clean
- 4-way stretch material
Ortovox Fleece Hoody
This Ortovox hoody is made of merino wool on the inside and recycled polyester on the outside. The material mix makes it particularly resistant and breathable. It’s made under fair conditions in Lithuania with merino wool from Tasmania, as with the ski pants. The CO2 emissions that can’t be avoided are compensated.
This hoody has become one of my favourite pieces of clothing. Especially now in autumn, I wear this jacket almost every day. When walking the dog, on the way to the gym or when I go to the bakery on Sunday, this fleece hoody has become my everyday companion, almost like my caps.
To obtain loden, which the side pockets are made of, the raw wool is first spun into yarn, then woven and then rolled. This makes the visible fabric structure even and makes it resemble felt.
Other features
- Protective hood
- Two front pockets
- Thumb loops
- Regular fit
My first impression: very expensive, but very good
When is a product too expensive? That’s a question I can only answer for myself. In my value system, 140 francs per person for one day of skiing without travel is too much. That’s how much a day in Davos cost me in February. On the other hand, I’m happy to spend 800 francs on a pair of great-quality ski pants and a good hoody. Why? Well, six days of skiing in the Parsenn ski resort cost me about the same as the trousers and hoody. But I’ll wear them for a few years.
Both products fully convinced me on and off the slopes. I’ve never worn such comfortable ski pants that keep me warm and dry. Everything about them is great. I’d say the same about the hoody. I don’t only wear it for skiing, but also on windy beach walks at the North Sea or rainy dog walks in the Leimen Valley. Sure, they come at a price. But it’s a price I’m willing to pay. Do you have a value system similar to mine? If so, I highly recommend the Deep Shell Pants and the Fleece Hoody by Ortovox. If not, you might want to check out low-cost winter sports products by Decathlon in the Galaxus range.
Patrick Bardelli
Senior Editor
Patrick.Bardelli@digitecgalaxus.chFrom radio journalist to product tester and storyteller, jogger to gravel bike novice and fitness enthusiast with barbells and dumbbells. I'm excited to see where the journey'll take me next.
Winter sports
Follow topics and stay updated on your areas of interest
20 comments
later