Stio Women’s Environ Pants – Gear Review

For a lot longer than I really want to admit, I have been on the hunt for the perfect pair of snow pants. I also don’t want to fess up to exactly how many pairs of snow pants I’ve bought on the hunt that have found themselves in the “I’ll keep this to lend to someone”, or the giveaway pile. Let’s just say it’s a lot. Given my body shape (short with a string bean torso and mountain loving thunder thighs) and lifestyle (tough on gear, frequently clumsy, and usually being pulled by a neurotic and over enthusiastic husky) – not much survives.

So, when a few things came together and I found myself with the chance to test out the Stio Environ Pant, I went into it with my fingers crossed. Could these finally be “the pants”? Would they survive me sliding (unintentionally) down the icy slopes of New England with a snowboard on my feet? How would they fare when my snow deprived husky decided to drag me head over heels into a wall of snow with micro-spikes on? And uhm… would my thighs fit?

Yes. Heck yes to all of the above.

 

Let’s talk about some of the nitty gritty details before I dive into why I’m in love with these pants.

Features

• TORAYDELFY™ 10,000mm 3L Stretch Waterproof/Breathable 50D 1743 g/m2 DWR Polyester
• Abrasion proof schoeller® dynatec kickpatch and scuff guard
• Fully Seam Sealed
• Adjustable waistband
• Zippered front fly
• Hidden MaxVent™ thigh vents at inseam
• YKK® water-resistant zippers at back pockets, thigh pocket and hand pockets
• Internal boot gaiters
• Custom silicone zipper pulls and metal snaps
• Inseam length: 31.5”
• Weight: 20 oz
• Regular Fit
• MSRP: $350 USD

 

What are we talking about? Pants. To be super specific, the Environ Pant in Black Iris… which basically goes with absolutely everything.

Who makes ‘em? Stio, an awesome little company based in Jackson Hole, Wyoming (where I’ve never been and I’m sure if I go I won’t be able to leave). Their philosophy is you should be able to enjoy great gear both when the going is super tough or a stroll in the snowy park.

How much? The Stio Environ Pant retails for $350. I’ve tried several pairs of competitor’s badly designed snow pants that retailed for about $800, so clearly I should have gone with Stio a long time ago.

What do we think?

So what exactly made the Environ Pant perfect?

 

Fit. Many of the pairs of snow pants I’ve retired just didn’t fit right. Given my more athletic shape, I often found I was cursed with a super tight fit around the thighs, the notorious bubble butt (even in shell pants like these), and battered hip bones from low waist fits. These pants are made for women who want to be able to do more than stand around at après-ski. I hiked, snowshoed, snowboarded, cross country skied, and kept up with my husky in these… and looked good while eating sugar waffles après-ski. Win.

 

 

Material. The snow pants that haven’t been retired due to fit usually met their demise with some type of material failure. I’m the cool kid who has in fact managed to stomp on herself with crampons and micro-spikes, and most snow pants can’t take that. Stio was brilliant and included a real abrasion proof kickpatch and scuff guard right where I’m usually stabbing myself with traction devices. And uh… I tested it. It worked. Yay! As for the rest of the pant, they chose to use this cool TORAYDELFY material that is surprisingly forgiving to movement, unexpected downpours and slush puddles… and that drink I spilled on myself.

Features. The Environ Pant is loaded with little features that make a big difference. My favorites were definitely:

• the MaxVent thigh vents (seriously well placed and highly effective),
• a wonderfully adjustable waistband to accommodate changes in layers and fit,
• all the fantastic lined pockets with waterproof zippers,
• And that kickpatch/scuff guard of course.

 

So was there anything I didn’t love?

The only things I didn’t love were such incredibly minor details that they’re easy to overlook or work with. For example, the internal boot gaiter is shorter and tighter than I’m accustomed to and was a bit tough to get around my snowboard boot. I also wish there was somewhere convenient to clip a season pass to, but that’s a non-issue.

 

 

Bottom Line

I’m full out in love with these pants. Not only do they look great, they function at the level I need them to and they handle my abuse like they were made for it. And yes, I’ll admit the price tag can seem a bit daunting at first. But I know I’ll be wearing the Environ Pant for many more winters and good gear is always worth the investment. Basically, you need some Stio pants in your life.

About the author:

Jillian Bejtlich is a lifelong New Englander plagued by severe wanderlust and a serious love of the outdoors . She’ll try any relatively sane thing at least once and is obsessed with getting more people (and dogs) outside. Find her on Twitter (@JillianLaura), Instagram (@jillpoke), and explore more of her New England adventures at Tails from the Trails.

 

 

Full Disclosure: This item was received free for the purpose of review. All opinions are our own and reflect what we would recommend to family and friends.