Penguin Stories / Touring time
Our new 3-layer Dermizax shell bib pants combine extreme weather protection with high breathability — developed by powder people for powder people. The waterproof, windproof outer fabric is based on the Dermizax® membrane from Toray (Japan) and, according to Penguin, offers ‘ultimate waterproof protection and breathability.
Even during the design phase, we make sure to combine abrasion resistance with comfort: the material protects against wind, water, and snowstorms while remaining waterproof and breathable even in extreme conditions. The pants have a wide cut to give you full freedom of movement when ski touring or freeriding. In summary, our shell bib pants offer an optimal combination of protection and mobility, making them ideal for any mountain adventure.
Shell Layer
Our shell jackets and pants withstand any weather and provide ultimate waterproof protection and breathability thanks to the Dermizax® membrane.
Our touring pants are designed as a 3-layer hardshell. The outermost layer is made of tear-resistant polyester, beneath it lies a 100% polyurethane Dermizax membrane that transports moisture outward thanks to its ‘water-loving’ properties. The result is extreme performance values: water column >20,000 mm and breathability >16,000 g/m²/24h. This means the pants withstand heavy rain and strong winds. At the same time, the hydrophilic membrane prevents moisture from remaining inside — sweat is actively transported outward. Compared to standard softshell pants, our 3-layer construction is more robust and fully waterproof (with sealed seams).
In detail, the pants offer numerous well-thought-out features for mountain athletes: They have a looser cut for maximum freedom of movement (e.g., during steep ascents or telemark skiing). All seams are 100% taped, making them truly waterproof. The front and leg pockets are waterproof as well (waterproof YKK® zippers), with grippy zipper pulls designed for use with gloves. Especially practical: a detachable bib and large front pockets (with an avalanche transceiver loop) provide storage and safety in critical situations. Additionally, belt loops and an adjustable hook-and-loop waistband allow you to customize the fit. The leg cuffs include integrated snow gaiters and reinforced Cordura edge-guard panels that resist abrasion from ski edges or crampons. Two extra zippers on the calves allow wider openings to fit larger ski boots, while ventilation zippers with mesh lining on the thighs ensure airflow during ascents.
- High freedom of movement: wide cut, elastic construction, detachable bib.
- Volle Wasserdichtheit: 3‑Lagen Dermizax-Membran, 100 % verschweisste Nähte
- Reliable weather protection: waterproof pockets and YKK zippers, Cordura reinforcement at the hems.
- Functional details: avalanche-transceiver loop in the front pocket, adjustable waistband, snow gaiter with eyelets, leg-opening buttons for width adjustment.
- Breathability: hydrophilic Dermizax membrane and generous ventilation zippers ensure optimal moisture management.
- Thanks to the hardshell construction, it’s not only ideal for extensive ski tours but also perfect for freeriders and resort descents.
Hardshell touring pants are ‘waterproof, windproof, and still breathable,’ and their looser cut makes them perfect for freeriding. Our bib pants are therefore a true freerider all-rounder: the high waistband and bib keep even deep powder out, while the wide leg openings accommodate bulky touring boots or freeride skis. During warm ascents, the breathability keeps you comfortable, and in cold powder descents, the water column ensures protection.
Overall, the 3-layer Dermizax shell bib pants are an uncompromising piece of functional clothing for all snow adventures: they combine the demands of ski touring (light, flexible movement, ventilation, and sure-footedness) with the requirements of freeriding (robust weather protection, high comfort in deep powder). In doing so, they cover both worlds. A true ‘by powder people for powder people’ solution, developed and tested in the Swiss Alps. Whether you’re trekking over snowy peaks or descending through powder, our shell bib pants keep you reliably dry, warm, and mobile.
Penguin Powderwear is simply AWESOME!!
The gear is super high-quality, really well made, and perfect for freeriding. You can tell it’s developed by people who actually spend time in the mountains. The service is excellent too — friendly, personal, and authentic. It feels great to support a smaller Swiss brand that’s genuinely passionate about what they do.
