The North Face Freedom Insulated Ski Pants Review
Great features, options, and value make the Freedom Pants our favorite budget ski pants for resort skiing
The author skiing Arapahoe Basin in Colorado in the North Face Freedom Insulated Pants. Photo courtesy Stasia Stockwell.
Published November 8, 2023
We’ve tested dozens of ski pants throughout several seasons, and we’re hard-pressed to find a better bang-for-buck pair of resort ski pants than men's and women's The North Face Freedom Insulated Pants.
The TNF Freedom snow pants—which come in an insulated and non-insulated version, a bib option, and short, tall, and plus sizing—offer great function and performance for most resort skiers and snowboarders at a very friendly price.
Two Treeline Review testers wore the Freedom Insulated Pant over two seasons of skiing, from warm and sunny days with temperatures in the high 30s to chilly and snowy days in the single digits. Even in normal wet weather, the pants kept us warm and dry in all but the wettest and nastiest conditions.
With enough insulation and weather protection for cold and snowy days, and vents for warm spring skiing, the Freedom pants come very close to a do-it-all pair of pants for any resort skier.
You can read about all the ski pants we reviewed, including the Freedom Insulated pants, in our Best Women's Ski Pants and Best Men’s Ski Pants stories.
We create reader-supported, objective gear reviews independently selected by our editors. This story may contain affiliate links, which help fund our website. When you click on the links to purchase gear, we may get a commission — without costing you an extra cent. Thank you for supporting our work and mission of outdoor coverage for every body! Learn more.
COMPARE PRICES OF THE NORTH FACE FREEDOM INSULATED PANTS
MEN'S
WOMEN'S
The North Face Insulated Freedom Ski Pants Quick Facts
Price: $220 (insulated), $200 (non-insulated), $250 (non-insulated bibs), $275 (insulated bibs)
Waterproof: Yes, windproof and waterproof DryVent 2-layer shell fabric with a PFC-free DWR (durable water-repellent)
Insulation: 60 grams of TNF’s Heatseeker insulation, a synthetic polyester premium insulation made with 90% recycled materials
Sizes: men's XS-XXL in short, regular, and tall; women's XS-3XL and plus sizing from 1X-3X all in short, regular, and long; toddler sizing
Pockets: two secure-zip hand pockets, one Velcro cargo pocket
Color options: 9 colors for women; 4 for men
The author skied in The North Face Freedom insulated pants for two seasons in all sorts of conditions to test these snow pants. Additionally, we tested the plus size version of these pants to ensure quality remained consistent across sizing. Photo courtesy Stasia Stockwell.
Best for
The North Face Freedom pants are designed for resort skiing; these windproof and waterproof pants are an excellent choice for all but the nastiest weather.
We tested the insulated version of these pants and found them ideal for riding chairlifts: It’s warm without being too bulky and great for toasty legs that won’t overheat when you start working hard.
If you prefer the option of layering and like pants that are cooler for warm spring ski days, consider the men's non-insulated version of the Freedom or women's non-insulated bibs.
The North Face Freedom ski pants are an excellent choice for skiers or snowboarders looking for quality pants for the resort without exceeding your budget.
If you prefer a non-insulated version, you can pair them with a base layer on colder days.
The North Face Freedom Insulated pants are windproof and waterproof pants that are ideal for riding chairlifts because they offer warmth without bulk, but not so much that you’ll overheat when you start working hard. Photo courtesy Stasia Stockwell.
What we like
First and foremost, The North Face Freedom pant offers excellent value. While they are not the least expensive ski pants on the market, they offer great value with quality performance features that will last most skiers multiple seasons of use.
The Freedom pants are versatile resort pants, ideal for most days on the mountain. We tested them in the full range of conditions: groomer laps on warm, sunny days all the way to mid-winter storm skiing. After a couple of seasons of testing, we’ve been impressed with how well these pants perform in various conditions, especially for the price.
We also love the options in the Freedom pants, particularly that they’re available in plus sizing. The Freedom pants are offered in standard sizing, from XS-XXXL, and in plus sizing from 1X-3X, and short and tall sizing.
The pants come insulated or non-insulated, and the Freedom bibs (more on bibs below) are offered in insulated and non-insulated versions as well—all available in both standard and plus sizing. The North Face makes the Freedom line of pants in both women's, men's, and kids' options.
We tested the North Face Freedom pants in varying conditions and found them to be plenty warm with waterproofing and wind resistance for all but the nastiest weather. Photo courtesy Stasia Stockwell.
Technical features
Waterproofing and material
For weatherproofing, the North Face Freedom pants utilize TNF’s DryVent 2-layer shell fabric—both wind and waterproof—along with a PFC-free DWR (durable water-repellent) coating for additional moisture shedding.
We tested the pants in various conditions over two seasons of skiing, from warm and sunny days with temperatures in the high 30s to chilly and snowy days in single digits. The insulation in the pants provided plenty of warmth and the DryVent fabric kept us dry in all but the wettest and nastiest conditions.
These pants don't breathe as well as higher-end shell fabrics, mainly because they are insulated. Most resort skiers won't miss it, though. These pants fare reasonably well against severe weather, though they aren’t entirely as windproof or waterproof as higher-end models, though in those conditions, many skiers may opt to stay inside.
The Freedom snow pant offers impressive breathable performance at a fraction of the price of these more expensive models. For most resort skiers, these pants are an excellent choice.
Windproofing
The Freedom pants stood up well to the wind during testing. We primarily skied them at Breckenridge resort, known for its nasty wind. Even on days with gusts well over 40mph, we did not feel a chill through our pants—thanks to both shell material and insulation.
We tested the North Face Freedom pants in varying conditions and found them to be plenty warm with waterproofing and wind resistance for all but the nastiest weather. Photo courtesy Stasia Stockwell.
Insulation and warmth
We tested the Freedom Insulated pants. This insulated model is filled with 60 grams of TNF’s Heatseeker insulation, a synthetic polyester premium insulation made with 90% recycled materials. These pants aren’t the lightest, but we don’t consider that as a priority with pants intended for resort use. But they have enough warmth for most days on the hill, with just enough room for an extra base layer and ski socks underneath on particularly bad days. The North Face also offers a shell version without insulation.
Ventilation
There are two inner thigh zippers to vent heat. These inner thigh vents The North Face Freedom Insulated pants are not the most breathable ski pants out there, but that is not to be expected with insulated, resort-oriented pants. Nonetheless, we appreciated the vents on warm and sunny days when temps on the slopes reached the high 30s. When lapping thigh-busting bump runs, we got the airflow needed to keep from overheating and sweating.
Durability
The North Face Freedom pants come with a reinforced kickpatch and hem on the inner ankle, an area more likely to see wear from normal use on ski pants. This provides protection against wear, increasing its long-term durability. Photo courtesy Stasia Stockwell.
While they are not the least expensive ski pants on the market, they offer great value with quality performance features that will last most skiers multiple seasons of use. The design includes several features to aid in the longevity. For example, they feature a reinforced kickpatch and hem on the inner ankle of the ski pants to provide some level of protection against wear.
A key to maintaining the longevity of your gear is good maintenance, most of which doesn't require much time or equipment.
See How to Clean and Repair Gore-Tex and Other Shells for step-by-step guide on how to revive waterproofing. Our Cleaning, Repairs, and Maintenance section has other repair guides.
Value
Over the past several ski seasons, we’ve tested dozens of pairs of women’s and men’s ski pants. When it comes to value, few compare to The North Face Freedom pants.
Still, the Freedom Insulated pants are an excellent choice for folks who ski at the resort and can appreciate the increased warmth, whether you’re a beginner or an expert. Overall, the performance and durability are great — if not unmatched — for a pair of snow pants at this price. With more expensive ski pants, what you're getting is a little more versatility. For example, pants more breathable shell materials and no insulation are better for backcountry skiing and can be layered under for cold resort days. But we think for skiers mostly resort skiing, we think you'd be happier using the money saved on another lift ticket or two.
If price is a concern for you, the North Face Freedom pants can also be found used at The North Face Renewed and at REI's Good and Used. However, take care when purchasing snow pants (or anything with waterproofing). This guide to gifting used gear discusses how waterproof and weather-resistant items may lose moisture protection when purchasing used.
Sustainability and ethical manufacturing
The North Face is known for maintaining ethical and sustainable manufacturing practices with their gear. These pants, in particular, are made with insulation composed of 90% recycled polyester, and the PFC-free DWR coating on the shell eliminates many harsh chemicals used in other DWR treatments.
Close-up on the generous cargo pocket on TNF Freedom pants. Photo courtesy Stasia Stockwell.
Specs and details
Pockets
The North Face Freedom insulated snow pants have two secure zip hand pockets—enough space for car keys, snacks, thin liner gloves, or a smaller phone, but not particularly spacious. One Velcro cargo pocket on the thigh is spacious enough and more comfortable for carrying larger phones (maybe your goggles in a pinch). While we like zippered pockets for peace of mind, we never experienced any issues with the Velcro pocket opening unexpectedly.
Internal Gaiter
The stretch vent gaiter with gripper elastic is an internal ankle gaiter system to keep deep snow from getting into boots, and an additional layer of abrasion-resistant material on the reinforced cuffs to minimize snags and tears from sharp ski edges. While they’re not the burliest we’ve tested, they function well overall; we have not encountered any major durability issues.
Fit & Comfort
These pants have Velcro adjustment straps and belt loops that allow you to get a comfortable and secure fit at the waist. The adjustable waist tabs worked well for testers of both sizes (see below for more on sizing). For both pants we tried, testers found the pants to run close to true-to-size, if not a touch small.
If you’re on the fence, we’d recommend sizing up for comfort, but if you like a snugger fit in your ski pants, your regular size should be fine. These pants are also offered in plus sizing, though we have only tested versions from the standard sizing line.
One tester, who typically wears a small in ski pants but prefers a slightly looser “freeride” fit, tested a small in these pants. They work, but she would prefer a medium for more comfortable freedom of movement.
Our plus-size tester tried the Freedom Insulated Bibs in an XXL. She is typically either that size or a plus size 1X or 2X. The bibs fit her, though, like the pants our other tester used, they’re slightly snug. Overall, if you’re considering these pants or bibs and want comfort and room for layering, size up one.
plus size ski pants and Sizes Available
Close-up on the Velcro waist adjustment on TNF Freedom pants. This allows you to dial in the fit with base layers as needed. Photo courtesy Stasia Stockwell.
You'd be hard-pressed to find another outdoor brand making such efforts to size for most skiers than The North Face. If you've historically had a difficult time finding your size, you may also consider L.L.Bean, Columbia, and REI Co-op Brand are also making strides in this effort.
Plus and extended sizing
The Freedom Insulated pants (as well as the non-insulated and bib versions) are offered in a wide range of sizing. For standard sizing, the pants range from XS-XXXL, and they’re offered in 1X-3X for plus sizing.
Unfortunately, not every retailer sells the women's plus sizing, but sizes 1X-3X are available on The North Face website and retailers like evo and REI (listed on the same page as standard sizing).
Our guide to the Best Plus Size Winter Clothing discusses base layers, mid layers, and other skiing layers that we found and like available in plus sizing.
Short and Tall Sizing
For men's sizing, the Freedom Insulated Pants are offered in long for 2022. Additionally, sizes available with shorter and longer inseams.
The Freedom Pants are offered in men's short sizes and tall sizes (for non-insulated). Additionally, they are offered in women's short sizes and tall sizes.
Kids' Sizing
For those who are skiing as a family and looking to get the kids started early, the Freedom Insulated Pants are offered in boy's and girl's sizing. They also offer toddler sizing.
We tested The North Face Freedom insulated bibs for skiing in varied conditions and found them to be warm for riding the chairlift, but not enough to overheat when we started working. Photo courtesy Stasia Stockwell.
Bibs and other versions
As mentioned, the Freedom pants come in multiple iterations. We tested the Freedom Insulated pants in both regular and plus sizing, but other options include the:
Freedom pants (non-insulated) — men’s only
Freedom Insulated bibs — women’s only
Freedom bibs (non-insulated) — men’s and women’s
The North Face Freedom Insulated Bibs
The women’s Freedom Insulated Bibs are made with the same shell material as the Freedom Insulated Pants.
The North Face uses the same DWR treatment, and the bibs have the same synthetic insulation. While bibs are available in men's sizing, as of time of publishing, we could not find men's insulated versions. See below for more on the non-insulated Freedom bib.
Our plus-size tester tried the Freedom Insulated Bibs in an XXL. She is typically either that size or a plus size 1X or 2X. The bibs fit her, though, like the pants our other tester used, they’re slightly snug. Overall, if you’re considering these pants or bibs and want comfort and room for layering, size up one.
We were thrilled to see the North Face Freedom Insulated bib is available in a similarly wide variety of sizes as the Freedom Insulated pants. The North Face offers:
Women's short sizes and women’s tall sizes
Women's plus sizes
As with the ski pants, we highly recommend the bibs from this line for the budget-conscious skier looking for quality ski apparel who prefers to ski in bibs.
COMPARE PRICES OF THE NORTH FACE FREEDOM INSULATED BIBS (WOMEN'S ONLY)
The North Face Freedom Bibs (non-insulated)
The North Face Freedom Bibs are also available without synthetic insulation for those who ski in spring and prefer layering with base layers for warmth.
They’re more widely available than the insulated bib—in men’s and women’s sizing as well as women's plus sizing and women's tall sizes.
The Freedom bibs are similar to the Insulated Bibs in shell fabric, features, and design, but without the additional synthetic insulation. As a result, they're about $20 less than the insulated version.
We were pleased to see men's versions of the bib are available in men's short sizes and men's tall sizes.
COMPARE PRICES OF THE THE NORTH FACE FREEDOM BIBS (NON-INSULATED)
WOMEN'S
MEN'S
What could be better
While the pockets on the Freedom pants are pretty good, we would love for the hand pockets to be larger (for ski gloves) and for the thigh pocket to have a zipper for extra security and peace of mind.
Considering the price of these pants, there are few other things we could complain about. While more expensive ski pants on the market might take the cake for severe weatherproofing or supreme durability, those pants cost nearly four times the price of these. The North Face Freedom Insulated offer high-quality performance for an affordable price, and will have the durability to last many seasons of skiing at the resort.
The author getting some well-earned turns in Hakuba, Japan. Photo by Tom Callaghan.
Why you should trust us
A true mountain dweller, Stasia feels far more at home on a high alpine ridge than on a busy city street. She writes primarily in the outdoors, adventure travel, and environmental realm. She’s worked as a backpacking guide in Southeast Alaska, has held WFR, AIARE 1, and Avalanche Rescue certifications, and is working to become an avalanche education instructor.
Her bylines can be found in BACKPACKER Magazine, 5280 Magazine, and REI Co-op Journal, among others. She is also the managing editor of the new print zine, Trails Magazine. Stasia is a lifelong skier, backpacker, mountain biker, and trail runner with a passion for lowering barriers to entry for outdoor sports. When she’s not writing or cooking, you’ll find her in the mountains, probably above treeline, and probably testing gear.
Stasia has spent every winter season skiing since she could walk. She grew up skiing in the mountains of northern Utah and now calls Breckenridge, Colorado home, where she gets out on skis almost every day as long as there is snow to be found somewhere. She has taken her skis (and helmet!) from Alaska to Japan but primarily spends her time making turns in the intermountain west.
She’s been working in the outdoor industry, from guiding and testing outdoor gear and apparel to writing and editing for nearly a decade. You can see all of Stasia's Treeline Review stories on her author page and her other work on her website.