Where to buy Jack Wolfskin Alpspitze 3L Pants:
Amazon
Jack Wolfskin (JW) makes high-quality outdoor wear and equipment for ski touring, bikepacking, camping, and hiking. Originating out of Germany, Jack Wolfskin has roughly 500 retail shops in Europe and Asia.
The Jack Wolfskin Alpspitze ski pants bring technical mountaineering elements to both men and women. The JW Alpspitze 3L ski pants are designed to conquer the highest peaks in the backcountry.
When choosing ski pants in the flooded market, matters can become unclear. Ski companies advertise their technology to be the best and then assign a price based on brand reputation. Dive in to see if the Jack Wolfskin Alpspitze ski pants are worth the investment.
Things we like:
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The high-waisted design with an adjustable waistband fits well on a woman’s body
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Waterproof material that withstands elements
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The full-length side zippers allow maximum airflow while hiking uphill
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The lightweight fabric is breathable
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Powder cuff to keep the snow out of your ski boots
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Minimalist design
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Reasonable price with solid performance
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Equipped with RECCO rescue detector
Things we don't like:
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A limited number of pockets (only two thigh pockets)
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Outside side zippers are not efficient for resort skiing
Where to buy Jack Wolfskin Alpspitze 3L Pants:
Amazon
- Sizes: Women’s 34, 36, 38, 40, 42, 44, 46; Men’s
- Fit: Relaxed
- Weight: W 570 g
- Material: PERTEX SHIELD AIR fabric
- Colors: Women’s Blue Coral and Granite Green; Men’s Lime and Orange
- Waterproof: Yes
Diving into the Technical Mountaineering Features
The Jack Wolf Alpspitze ski pants are designed for optimal ski touring performance. Features of the JW ski pants make skinning uphill and shredding downhill streamlined. But wearing the technical Alpspitze ski pants in the resort works, too.
These technical ski mountaineering pants are equipped with full-length side zippers. The side zips provide excellent ventilation while exerting effort uphill hiking. However, downhill skiing with the side zips open lets snow in. There is a button to hold the pants together when you unzip at the bottom or the top.
A benefit of the full-length side zips is that you can put your pants on last. So, while getting ready in the warm ski resort lodge, you can put your ski boots on first and then your pants. This is beneficial so you don’t start sweating, which will make you cold when you’re outside.
The JW Alpspitze ski pants do not have insulation. Ski touring pants typically do not have insulation due to wanting to regulate the body’s temperature while exerting uphill activity.
Due to the leg zippers and no insulation, the Alpspitze ski pants make warmer days at ski resorts a breeze. However, this lack of insulation can lead to coldness on the ski lift; if you layer correctly, this can be avoided. Traditionally, resort pants have inner thigh zips to block snow; the exterior leg zips on the JW Alpspitze ski pants can let snow in during slashes and falls.
Pants with light insulation and inner-thigh vents are perfect for resort days. Check out the Burton Men’s Covert Pants for a fabulous resort ski and snowboard pant.
Due to the emphasis on backcountry accessibility, the pockets are set lower for easy access while carrying a ski touring pack. However, there are no front or back pockets, only two on the thighs. The lack of pockets is not great for resort skiing if you don’t ride with a backpack or jacket with a lot of pockets.
Although the JW Alpspitze ski pants are engineered for ski touring, they can do well at the resort. If you wear a jacket with many pockets, the lack of pants pockets won’t be a problem.
The powder cuffs are an essential part of the Alpspitze ski pants that benefit touring and resort riding. Powder cuffs are scrunchy liners found under the pants to go around the ski or snowboard boot to keep snow out.
Another feature benefiting resort skiing and backcountrying, especially for the durability aspect, is the reinforced cuffs. The bottom of the pants is equipped with thicker, tougher fabric. This design protects your pants when your skis or ski boots rub against the pants.
Best Wearing Conditions
The Jack Wolfskin Alpspitze ski pants do well in a multitude of conditions. The technical mountaineering 3-layer construction and sophisticated fabric allow for this versatility. The 3-layer construction of the Alpspitze ski pants delivers breathability, waterproofing, and durability.
Jack Wolfskin uses PERTEX SHIELD AIR fabric in the Alpspitze ski pants. PERTEX brings waterproofness, breathability, air permeability, and durability, all while maintaining a light weight.
The Alpspitze ski pants thrive on storm days. The PERTEX fabric does excellent at repelling rain and snow. If the forecast shows precipitation, choosing the Jack Wolfskin Alpspitze ski pants will be a reliable option.
On warm days, the breathability of the PERTEX SHIELD AIR fabric comes in clutch. While straining your efforts, the moisture your legs accumulate will evaporate through the permeable Alpspitze ski pants.
The durability of the JW Alpsptize ski pants is high. Choose to wear them every chance you get in the season. If you treat them right, having them for a few seasons isn’t far-fetched. A tree branch snag or deep lunge is no match for these pants.
What the JW Alpspitze 3L Ski Pants Feel Like
While skiing and hiking in these pants, the patterning was unrestrictive. A unique stitching on the thigh provides ample room to move the legs in any direction at any angle.
At full extension, the pants do not snag at the boots. During flexion, the ski pants do not restrict the hips or thighs; you can fully squat without limitations.
However, the Alpspitze material’s flexibility isn’t a top feature (i.e., it is not stretchy). Make sure to buy these pants in the correct size or a size up. I am 5’3, 140lbs, with an athletic build, wearing a size 42, which is a slight size up for me. I found the ski pants to fit great.
The fit of these pants is very similar to the Arc’teryx Relaxed Sentinel ski pants. Both are high-waisted and comfortable on a woman’s body. If the JW pants are too loose around the waist, the waistband has an adjustable velcro strap. Belt loops are also present.
Jack Wolfskin’s Value
The Alpspitze 3L ski pants’ MSRP is half a thousand. The ski industry has exploded, and so have price points. The JW Alpspitze ski pants price is comparable to brands like Burton and Arc’teryx.
The price of the Jack Wolfskin ski pants accounts for their superior waterproofing, unrestricted mobility, and extreme durability. When spending money, at least with the Alpspitze, you’ll know you are receiving a quality product.
If you want a more affordable resort option, check out the Outdoor Research Snowcrew Pants.
The Ski Touring Pants We Recommend
After extensive testing of the Jack Wolfskin Alpspitze 3L ski pants, we verify they shred. Whether hiking uphill in the backcountry or ripping down the resort, the JW Alpspitze pants are comfortable and protective. Whether it’s storming or sunny out, the Alpspitze pants adapt to the conditions.
Enjoying the deep pow all day in the Alpspitze ski pants is epic, thanks to the comfortable fit, freedom of movement, waterproofness, and durability. Winter storms are no match for the 3L construction and PERTEX waterproof fabric.
Things we like:
-
The high-waisted design with an adjustable waistband fits well on a woman’s body
-
Waterproof material that withstands elements
-
The full-length side zippers allow maximum airflow while hiking uphill
-
The lightweight fabric is breathable
-
Powder cuff to keep the snow out of your ski boots
-
Minimalist design
-
Reasonable price with solid performance
-
Equipped with RECCO rescue detector
Things we don't like:
-
A limited number of pockets (only two thigh pockets)
-
Outside side zippers are not efficient for resort skiing
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