I had no intentions of reviewing my pants, but then it rained all damn day. I rode increasingly soaked chairlifts in barely-liquid rain. My jacket fought the good fight for almost an hour before succumbing and soaking that water like a tall-t. My pants, however, held down the fort. When I got back to the car and peeled them off, my shorts and long underwear were dry as a bone.
If you’re reading this, you’re likely a skier. If you’re a skier who is interested in Holden pants, it’s likely because no ski company makes anything but balloon sizes. So are you really concerned about waterproofing? Doubt it. They’re better than your sister’s jeans, so that part of the review is over. On to the important stuff:
Tight-o-Meter (based on 5’9” 165lb male):
Holden Large: Slightly tapered knee, but plenty of sag all around. Likely choice for somebody over 25 who can’t get down with the shrink wrap, but still prefers human sized clothing.
Medium: You’re starting to show them knobby knees, but with some breathing room for a layer or two underneath. It’s likely that this is the last size where pockets remain operational.
Small: Chicken legs on display! Still plenty of sag to make it over your boots, but those scrawny ass vegan legs get full billing. Hope your flannel shirt has lots of pockets, because that pack of fashion-smokes ain’t making it in your pants.
Most of you can stop reading now, but here’s some other info: All the pockets are full-zip, which can save you from lost keys if you remember to close ‘em up. The zipper-pulls are little leather tassles that add some rock-n-roll to the equation, and add a little functionality if you’re in park gloves.
Fashion smoking kitty.
My two major qualms with these pants also involve zippers. First of all, the front pocket zippers feel like tiny razors if you’re reaching in there with a cold bare hand. Second, the zippers at the bottom of the pants don’t really grab enough to stay closed. This doesn’t really matter if you’re going for maximum boot coverage, but otherwise they won’t stay down.
I bought them for under $100 over the summer, so keep your eyes open and they’re pretty cheap too!
I have the same pant with more of a grey fabric material. only problem is the material gets cut up pretty easily, especially down by the boot. not designed for skiers, as my edges have torn the fuck out of the cuffs. if you get these pants i would suggest stitching something to the inside cuffs, like a piece of leather, so that your cuffs stay clean. but very cheap, especially considering Holden’s use of eco-friendly materials (yeah sustainability!). waist is also a little wide for how narrow the pants can be, Holden definitely makes their pant fit keyed to the chicken-leg community. I have the Pactch jacket as well though that is sick!