Arc'teryx Sabre Pant Review

The Arc'teryx Sabre includes a rare feature in many uninsulated shell pants: a fleece lining. While thin, this backer material makes wearing the pants much more comfortable. Some of our testers can easily wear a thin base layer under these pants, which is handy on warmer spring skiing days or occasional dawn patrol runs to find untracked pow.

Weather Resistance

The Sabre's 3L Gore-Tex Pro fabric results in one of the best weather-resistant shells we've tested. The stitching is all seam-sealed, ensuring no gaps. The latest versions of these pants now use a PFAS-free expanded polyethylene (ePE) fabric, which Arc'teryx says is thinner and lighter but just as strong and durable as the fabrics in earlier generations. The face fabric can “wet out” a bit sooner than in some previous versions, but Arc'teryx recommends washing and drying to revitalize the DWR coating to keep water beading off. This difference results in a more environmentally friendly manufacturing process and it doesn't affect waterproofing performance, only breathability if the fabric wets out over time.

The shell fabric's waterproofing is so good that we could sit on wet chair lift seats in the rain and stay completely dry. The waterproof zippers are outstanding. Our testers have used Sabre pants for several years without encountering zipper failures. Gaiter PowderCuffs fit over boots and seal out snow, and the entire pant feels as windproof as a brick wall. We trust these pants to keep us dry and comfortable on any resort ski day where the chair lifts are still running. They even have built-in snaps where an Sabre Jacket can clip to the pants to create a weatherproof full-body suit.

Fit and Comfort

The Arc'teryx Sabre has had a long-time reputation for excellent fit and comfort. The articulated patterning in the hips, knees, and crotch provides outstanding mobility. The lightness of the uninsulated material makes it feel more like we're wearing a pair of hiking pants while skiing than typical bulky snow pants. However, Arc'teryx has a more fitted low-rise crotch design with a lower waist. Skiers who prefer a baggier fit or a taller waist for extra coverage may need to test out multiple sizes or consider Arc'teryx's Sabre Relaxed Pant version.

Compared to typical non-insulated shells, we're big fans of the fleeced-brushed backer lining. Instead of feeling rough, the lining makes these shells feel almost luxurious. Definitely a bit softer and one of the most comfortable shells we've worn.

Warmth

On their own, the Sabre pants are not warm because they don't provide a thick layer of insulation. Warmth comes from sealing out the wind and elements, but if it's cold, skiers will need to wear warm base layers underneath. Most of our testers and many advanced and aggressive skiers prefer uninsulated shells for skiing because they allow for layering based on the conditions and activities, making shell pants more versatile than insulated pants.

The biggest issue a resort skier might face while wearing these pants is sitting on cold chair lift seats. Often a light base layer will be enough to keep you warm while skiing, particularly if the lift lines are short and you're hitting it hard, but once you sit on a cold seat, the lack of insulation can result in a chilly butt on long lift rides. To avoid this, you'll have to wear a thicker base layer, such as a comfortable pair of fleece pants — or simply choose a good insulated ski pant instead.

Breathability

The breathability of the relatively thick 3-layer Gore-Tex Pro fabric is very good. It exceeds most ski pants, letting water vapor escape when your legs are working hard. In addition, Arc'teryx includes two long external leg vents placed at the upper rear thigh. These vents don't have a mesh backing, so they can open wide and maximize air flow. They work remarkably well, letting us dump heat fast.

While the Sabre is excellent compared to most resort-focused ski pants, they're not the first choice for our highly active backcountry skiing testers. On warm-up tracks and boot packs, these pants aren't as breathable as we want them to be. When taking these pants into the backcountry, the vents provided excellent airflow for hot uphill travel, but the thin fleece lining added some heat and made these pants feel a little more stuffy than we would have liked. We believe they are suitable for 90% of days at the ski hill and 80% of days in the backcountry. But on the warmest days at the resort or warmer-than-average days on the skin tracks, their ventilation may fall short.

Features

The Sabre is a minimalist shell that is light on features. For instance, this slim and trim shell has no typical hand pockets at the waist that most pants and ski pants have. Instead, you get two large thigh pockets, positioned slightly higher and toward the front. The right pocket has a mesh slot that fits a phone. The left pocket has a loop for securing car keys or a transceiver leash. These pockets are a little easier to access and use compared to typical cargo-style pockets, especially when you're sitting next to someone on a chair lift.

As expected for any good ski pant, the included powder cuffs keep snow out of your ski boots. We also appreciate the integrated belt, which provides excellent waist adjustment. There are belt loops, but this system is so effective and secure we didn't feel the need to use an external belt while skiing. Arc'teryx also includes a sewn-in RECCO reflector, which can be used by search and rescue teams to help locate avalanche victims.

The integrated belt slides smoothly inside the waist, providing secure adjustments.   Credit: Chris Maxcer

A scuff-resistant Keprotec instep protects against sharp ski edges.   Credit: Chris Maxcer

The 100D Cordura PowderCuffs keep snow out of your ski boots.   Credit: Chris Maxcer

The hip vents run nearly to the top of the waist, letting heat escape quickly.   Credit: Chris Maxcer

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Style

The Sabre pants have a refined, minimalist style. The lack of hand pockets with high-quality waterproof zippers results in a trim look, and the sheer quality of the materials and cut all come together to create a modern, clean vibe. The cut somehow exudes a sense of perfection, resulting in a pant that looks sleek even when a skier's legs are bent on downhill runs.

Of course, style is always somewhat subjective, but if you're looking for an understated, premium look, these are the pants for you. They aren't loud, and it seems like there's not much to them, but nearly everyone on the slopes seems to recognize that they exude a sophisticated look. Arc'teryx occasionally offers a vibrant color, but for the most part, the company errs toward timeless, albeit muted, color options.

Should You Buy the Arc'teryx Sabre?

The Arc'teryx Sabre are undeniably ultra high-quality ski pants. The biggest drawback is the premium purchase price. The performance and durability is outstanding, making them a good investment for hardcore and serious skiers. We've known many who've used them for multiple seasons and hundreds of days. Still, other pants on the market can almost reach the performance of the Sabre while costing less, so the decision to buy the Sabre leans more toward your personal budget. Arc'teryx fans, however, have no reason to stray.

What Other Ski Pants Should You Consider?

While pretty much everyone we know loves the Sabre Pant, you can find other options that perform nearly as well. The performance of the Norrona Lofoten Gore-Tex is very similar to the Sabre, though it's a bit more bulky and its DWR treatment wears off faster. If you want good hardshell pants but don't want to spend a lot of money, the Flylow Chemical performs well enough for most days at the ski resort, and it doesn't lack versatility for the backcountry. If you are looking for a hardshell better suited for backcountry skiing, the Patagonia Stormstride is a great choice for those spending most of their ski time away from the resort.