About this Review: This review is my honest opinion of the pants which I purchased with my own money in January of 2020.

My take

The North Face Sally Pants are warm enough for really any condition skiers might encounter in the mountains, and also go with any jacket. These are a basic pant that can do it all.

About the pants

• Brand: The North Face
• Model: Women’s Sally Pants
• Size Fit: Runs true to size, except a little on the shorter side for long legs.

About me

• Height: 5’9”
• Weight: 145 lbs
• Pant size: L
• Experience: 20 years of skiing

Test conditions

• When I bought these: January 2020
• Days used: 40 days
• Where I’ve used them: Targhee, Copper Mountain, Telluride, Jackson Hole, Eldora
• Weather conditions used in: Blizzards, wet rainy days, sunny spring days

How they perform

What I was looking for

I was looking for a pair of black pants I could wear with any of my jackets. I was hoping to find something cheap without compromising on quality. Previous insulated pants I’ve owned were still not warm enough, but these did the job!

Why I chose this gear

I bought these pants because the price compared to other brands was much cheaper. The pants are very comfortable and warm, while still breathable.

What I love about it

• Comfort: These pants are soft on the inside and the DryVent fabric (which is North Face’s waterproof, windproof, and breathable technology) is still breathable and allows you to move around. I’ve worn these many days the last 2 ski seasons and they have always been comfortable no matter the conditions.
• Warmth: The Sally Pants are super warm because of the Heatseeker Eco insulation. This insulation is made of 100% recycled polyester fiber that is highly compressible making it resilient and water-repellent with an excellent warmth to weight ratio.
• Waterproofing: I have worn these on really wet days and they have always remained waterproof due to the DryVent fabric North Face uses. The outer layer of the fabric is treated with a durable water-repellent finish that helps repel water from the surface. I have used these on very wet days when it was sleeting or even raining and I stayed dry.
• Breathability: Thanks to North Face’s DryVent technology, these pants are very breathable because the deeper layers of fabric allow water vapor to pass through from the inside to the outside.
• Weight: They are very lightweight and don’t restrict movement. I am able to perform any ski maneuver I need to. I also have done some hiking up to other slopes and I have had no trouble with these pants.

Issues I’ve encountered

• Fit: These pants are fairly boxy and don’t have much curve to them to fit a woman’s body. The fit was a little strange on these and they are fairly short on me being 5’9”. I am usually a medium, but I had to order a large, which ended up being a better length, but fit large around the waist.
• Special Features: They don’t have any zippers or pockets in the back, only pockets on the sides so there isn’t a lot of space for storage. I like to be able to carry a lunch with me or at least some bars, and the small pockets don’t allow for me to carry much. I can store my keys, ski pass, wallet, and one bar without it feeling too bulky.
• Durability: The fabric isn’t very thick, even with the insulation. They aren’t very rip- or tear-proof and I worry if I snag a tree they would rip easily.
• Quality: The look is very boxy and the material, while breathable, may tear with regular or intense use.

Favorite moment with this gear

My favorite moment with these pants was at the beginning of the 20/21 ski season at Copper Mountain. All of my friends and I went up to Copper for my Birthday. We skied mostly hot laps racing each other. At the end of the day we went to Peace Park and were hitting jumps and being silly. So much fun!

Value for the money vs. other options

The North Face Sally Pants are some of the cheapest on the market. Comparing them to other brands like Roxy and Burton, the North Face Sally pants do have the waterproofing and breathability figured out. On the other hand, similarly priced pants from Roxy or Burton may be more durable and long lasting, as well as fit less boxy and more curvy for women.

Final verdict

These pants are perfect for any condition and any jacket you are feeling that day. They are not perfect for taller people or people who need something very durable.