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Columbia Bugaboo Omni-Heat Pants - Women's Review

This is a basic pant that is a solid option for a first timer who isn't sure if they want to invest in the sport
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Price:  $110 List | $44.00 at Backcountry
Compare prices at 3 resellers
Pros:  Price, warmth
Cons:  No vents, limited features
Manufacturer:   Columbia
By Sarah Sherman ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  Dec 17, 2019
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54
OVERALL
SCORE

RANKED
#10 of 10
  • Weather Resistance - 25% 6
  • Fit and Comfort - 25% 6
  • Ventilation - 15% 1
  • Warmth - 15% 8
  • Features - 10% 4
  • Style - 10% 6

Our Verdict

The Columbia Bugaboo Omni-Heat Pants - Women's comes at a price that is hard to argue with, paired with decent functionality for the causal or beginner skier. If you only spend a day or two on the slopes a year and are not ready to invest in a more technical pant, this is a solid option for you.

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Our Analysis and Test Results

The Columbia Bugaboo Pants spiked our curiosity thanks to its mostly positive customer feedback and low price tag. We had to check it out ourselves and see what it was all about.

Performance Comparison


Seeing how the Bugaboo stands up to direct contact on the snow. These are some of the warmest pants we tested.
Seeing how the Bugaboo stands up to direct contact on the snow. These are some of the warmest pants we tested.

Weather Resistance


We put the Bugaboo Pant through our shower test—a two-minute test where we stand in the shower in each pant, focusing on seams, pockets, and the material of the pant.

After the shower test. These pants beaded up water better than we expected.
After the shower test. These pants beaded up water better than we expected.

The Bugaboo held up surprisingly well. We noticed no leaking into the pockets or into the inside of the pant. The pants are critically seam sealed, and come with Colombia's Omni-Tech waterproofing. We did notice, however, that the pants did feel heavier after our test, meaning that some water was absorbed by the pant material. We were happy, though, that the moisture didn't reach our legs!

Fit and Comfort


We found the Bugaboo Pant to run slightly large in the waist compared to other pants of similar sizing. Thankfully it has large wait adjustment tabs, which helped us secure a snug fit.

The pant fit large in the waist compared to others in its size range but the adjustable tabs saved the day.
The pant fit large in the waist compared to others in its size range, but the adjustable tabs saved the day.


Other than its waist, the pant fits comfortably all around. Its Omni-Heat thermal reflective material provides added comfort, as it is smooth to the touch.

Ventilation


These pants are the only ones we tested with no ventilation. If you like to have vents and the option to regulate temperature, these are not for you. Without any vents at all, we recommend sticking to resort laps only with these pants.

Warmth


These pants are primed and ready to keep you toasty on the hill. They have 60 grams of Heatseeker insulation and have room for those who get cold easily to layer underneath. We did not get cold while wearing these pants.

Features


A very basic pant, the Bugaboo keeps it simple with limited features. It comes with two zippered thigh pockets, which have room for a phone or wallet, adjustable waist tabs, and a lower leg pocket. This pocket is roomy enough to fit a phone, but not very convenient for use as it is far down the leg. We also felt like it would be risky to store a phone in this area. We aren't sure why Columbia put a pocket in this spot.

Testing the size of the lower leg pocket. Our iPhone 11 fit but we wouldn't ski with it there.
Testing the size of the lower leg pocket. Our iPhone 11 fit, but we wouldn't ski with it there.

If you're fine with keeping it simple and don't feel like you need more than something to keep you warm and dry on the mountain, you may consider these.

Style


Similar to features, the style on these pants is fairly basic. A straight leg cut with not much extra, these are designed to simply get the job done. That being said, we did like the color options they came in (especially the white that we tested, though it gets dirty easily).

We loved the white color of these pants but also know from experience that they get dirty very easily which isn't our favorite look.
We loved the white color of these pants, but also know from experience that they get dirty very easily, which isn't our favorite look.

We also like that these pants come in short and regular. We hope to see the addition of a long option, eventually, as these options allow people of different heights to pick a pant that matches their style.

Value


This pant comes at a great value for someone who is not ready to invest in a more expensive pant. You get what you pay for: basic style and construction that performs well enough without technical features.

Conclusion


We recommend buying these pants if you need something to get you through a couple days on the hill. If you spend more time skiing or think you may face frequently changing conditions, we recommend looking for a more variable pant. But to start, these are a fine and simple option that can get you out there without breaking the bank.

— Sarah Sherman