The North Face Women's Freedom Insulated Pants vs Obermeyer Malta Snow Pants

Buy the North Face Freedom Insulated for cold, wet days and resort skiing: its DryVent 2L shell is fully seam-sealed, it carries 60 g Heatseeker Eco insulation, and it has real thigh vents, reinforced kickpatches and three inseam lengths. The Obermeyer Malta is the lighter, more affordable-feeling option with 10K/10K fabric, 40 g Thermore fill and only critical seam sealing, so it suits mild days and skiers who run warm. Owners rate the Malta well, but the Freedom's extra weatherproofing and venting make it the stronger all-conditions pant.

• Choose the North Face Freedom Insulated if you ski in wet snow or cold, want full seam sealing, thigh vents and a choice of short, regular or long inseams.
• Choose the Obermeyer Malta if you ski mostly in dry cold, run warm, and want a lighter pant with a fleece-lined adjustable waist.