Spyder Traveler Review

The Tailored Spyder Traveler women's ski pant has function, classy style, great fit, and insulation. The Traveler will keep you warm and dry, but is also light enough for warm spring days at the resort. This product comes in “Tailored” and an “Athletic” fits; we tested the "Tailored version.

Performance Comparison

Comfort & Fit

The fit of the Traveler women's ski pant runs small, but with the correct sizing adjustment, has a nice fit. We tested a size 8 and it was a flattering fit on our size 4 tester with the waist adjustments cinched down. It also fit our size 6 tester, but she had the waist adjusters on the looser side. We think a true size 8 woman would need a 10 in this model. Aside from its odd sizing, this pant is comfortable and has a lot of mobility despite its tailored fit. It also comes in long, regular, and short versions for an extra customized fit. A stretch Nylon/Elastane outer fabric makes this garment extra comfortable. Our testers appreciated that this garment offers relaxed comfort while still holding a womanly shape. This women's ski pant has a fleece-lined waist, but is missing the coziness of the fleece-lined hand pockets.

Weather Resistance

With Spyder's Xt.L laminate, Splylon+ DWR Coating and critically taped seams, this product was more waterproof than the Columbia Women's Bugaboo and about the same as the Patagonia Snowbelle. However, it doesn't hold up to moisture as well as the Marmot Freerider. Critically taped seams means that only some seams are taped and you don't know which ones until you are on a wet chairlift. After our tests, we are happy to report that we didn't notice any major leakage; however, if you need a completely waterproof garment that will last for long wet days at work or play, a garment with fully-taped seams would be a smart purchase.

Warmth

Using a Nylon taffeta lining and 40 grams of PrimaLoft Sport insulation, the Spyder Traveler pant is surprisingly warm for its lightweight feel. Although it initially seems like a springtime layer, this pant kept testers warm on cold resort days. With less insulation than the Patagonia Insulated Snowbelle, this pant was still as warm or warmer than both.

Meanwhile, the Marmot Freerider women's ski pant has the same amount of insulation as the Traveler but was significantly warmer. The Freerider pant also has more effective ventilation and weatherproofing, making it more applicable to full time or regular use. On the other hand, the Spyder Traveler worked well for light use at the resort with the occasional break to warm up in the lodge. It's a perfect weight for spring skiing and has a good ventilation system, while still having enough insulation to keep you warm mid-winter. Finally, the relaxed thighs leave room for a heavier thermal layer in these conditions.

Features

Features include rear ankle boot zips, relaxed leg, a lower leg pocket, and a slight boot cut, which offers ease when covering ski and snowboard boots. The Traveler has interior waist band adjustments, belt loops, and gaiter cuff hooks. The hand pockets are not lined with fleece, and we should note that the butt doesn't actually have pockets, even though it has illusion pocket flaps.

Ventilation

The vents on this pant are located along the inner thighs and are situated about five inches below the inseam. They are lined with mesh and when zipped shut are almost unnoticeable thanks to the narrow gauge of the zipper. We should note, however, that these thin zippers were more difficult to use than the beefy zips on the Marmot Freerider and other competitors, especially with gloves on.

Style

Where low-rise cut on The North Face Freedom LRBC, let in a breeze around the midsection, the waist band on the Spyder Traveler pant comes up higher on the back and helped keep in core warmth on colder days. This feature was a well thought out design and definitely doesn't come across as the high butt stonewashed jeans of the 80s. The front of the pant has a lower waist and fits right at the belly button. Overall, the tighter, tailored upper of this pant gives it a less ski-specific look, which most of our testers loved, and a few thought was odd. If you are looking for a pant with a more all-around relaxed style, be sure to consider our Editors' Choice award winner, the Marmot Freerider.

Best Application

Mild weather resort skiing is the best activity for this garment. While we stayed warm on some colder windy days, they are not recommended for super wet snow days, ultra freezing temperatures, and intense weather conditions. They were more protective than the Columbia Bugaboo, but if you are a full-time, all-weather winter enthusiast, a more hefty pant would better serve. Being light, stylish and stretchy, they were absolutely perfect for warmer spring days.

Value

The third most expensive women's ski pant in our review (between the Patagonia Snowbelle and the Marmot Freerider), the Spyder Traveler is a little expensive for the level of technical features and function it offers. It's well constructed and designed, but it's not as burly and durable as other pieces in its price category. If you are going to spend upwards of $300, we recommend springing for the Marmot Freerider. With that being said, if you like to only ski on mild weather days and are looking for a cute pant with simple color options, this is a great purchase. Spyder has a limited lifetime warranty which warranties outerwear (ski pants) and manufacture defects are covered. They offer reasonable repair rates and have strict policies on replacing regular wear and tear issues.

Conclusion

With a good amount of insulation combined with a solid ventilation system, this stylish pant is great for mild weather days at the resort. While they held up to the occasional freezing windy day and kept us warm, we would not recommend them to be your go-to pant for all weather conditions. If you're considering the Traveler, but aren't sold, check out the Patagonia Insulated Snowbelle which is more technically savvy and less expensive.