Finding the perfect pair of ski or snowboarding trousers can be like hunting for the Holy Grail. But after years of testing, honing and tweaking, we reckon Patagonia might have nailed it with these Untracked snow trousers (or snow pants if you’re American).

Made with three-layer GoreTex, the Untracked trousers are totally waterproof and windproof, perfect for skiing and snowboarding in the backcountry. GoreTex membrane has an astonishing 9 billion pores per square inch. Each pore is 20,000 times smaller than a water droplet. This means the tiny holes are too small for wind and water to pass through, but they allow moisture vapour (such as sweat) to escape, so you won’t get that uncomfortable, clammy feeling inside the trousers.

“Inferno is the ultimate fog-fighting technology. It’s a tiny heater pack which heats up the whole lens evenly at the push of a button, clearing the lens of any fog quickly.”

On top of the GoreTex, Patagonia coat these trousers with a durable water-repellent finish which decreases drying time as well as repelling snow and rain. The zippers are also watertight and slim-lined to reduce weight and bulk.

Unlike regular shell pants, the Untracked snow trousers are lined with a soft-brushed fabric which not only increases warmth but also manages internal moisture. They’re less bulky than insulated trousers though, so they won’t bunch up and slow you down when you’re charging.