Built with durable, stretchy, breathable softshell fabric, the Dawn Patrol Pants are high-output, long-lasting, and far-ranging—the quintessential pant for the winter backcountry traveler.
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With removable, adjustable suspenders, a Velcro-adjustable waist, two zippered thigh vents, and two zippered thigh pockets (right side has a electronics tether), the Dawn Patrol Pants have a dialed but simple set of features for a range of winter use cases. Added articulation in the knees and hips provides ample range of motion. Finally, side zips with integrated snow gaiters allow easy boot access and protection, while reinforced instep patches protect against sharp ski edges and crampon points.
At Black Diamond, we're committed to going deep, whether that's into the mountains, the design process, or the community we love. Our fall/winter collection of equipment and apparel is built for the experience of casting off, and diving into the deep end of adventure.
Overall rating: 4.5 / 5 from 10 reviews.
Review topics: ["fit","fabric","color","length","feel","waist","conditions","pockets","pants","suspenders","diamond","cut","women","preference","belt","boots"].
"I have been really tired of sporting ski touring pants that are not flattering on me AND don't have good pocket space. These have finally done it. The transceiver pocket is well engineered and designed, the thigh pockets are large and well placed, and the waist is effectively adjustable. I sized up to ensure I would have baggier pants and not only did I probably not need to size up (the cut is a typical straight leg cut opposed to the tailored cut I've been avoiding) but the waist is easily adjusted. I even took off the bib straps to help with backcountry bathroom breaks and its no big deal. I'm psyched about these pants and know they're going to serve me well for seasons to come."
"These are the best ski pants I’ve ever owned! They fit me PERFECTLY! I’m curvy and have always found it really difficult to find pants that I can move comfortably in but hug my waist well. I get so many compliments! AND they breathe really well. Perfect in warm or colder conditions. Comfortable on the skin track and bootpack."
"These pants are great! I’m 5’3 and 155lbs, sized L. I’m using them for primarily skiing and the fit great w boots. Length is perfect, they’re lightweight. They’re working out great!"
"I bought XS and S in these pants because I'm usually in between sizes. Sadly the XS was way to tight in the waist and perfect everywhere else: the S fit perfect in the waist and was huge everywhere else. I don't have a big waist, plenty of pants out there fit great. The pants themselves are well thought out, I especially liked the dedicated beacon pocket and the low profile removable suspenders. Hoping one day to find pants just like these with a different fit."
"Black Diamond gave me this free product to try. I received this product for free in exchange for my honest review. I've only gotten to try them on and walk around the house so far, waiting for the snow for a full review! Pros: The stretch fabric is comfortable and allows for great mobility. The fit is flattering and super adjustable around the waist without feeling too tight or bulky, and the ventilation zips are a huge bonus for temperature control. The length is really great, I'm 5'2" and they seem like they'll be perfect with boots on, might be a bit short for taller folks. Cons: No matter how much I adjusted the straps they seemed to keep falling off my shoulders. Might be different when I'm out and about with a jacket on."
"Unfortunately we don’t have any snow for skiing yet but this review is my initial thought of this free product Black Diamond gave me to test and to give honest feedback. Thank you Expertvoice and Black Diamond for the opportunity. I will however update my review throughout the ski season with more information on the Women’s Dawn Patrol Pant. I have a lot of experience with testing and review of different products. I always give my most truthful opinion so others can make an informed choice. I have a video added so I could show what I loved about the pant. I’m super excited to get out in the Sierra and tour in this pant. I have had a lot of experience with Black Diamond products so I know the quality I’m getting. Stay tuned for updates."
"I received this product for free in exchange for my honest review. Off the bat the fit is nice, loose with adjustable Velcro waist band and removable suspenders. The fabric is lovely, stretchy and with excellent articulation at the knees. As an Avalanche Educator and Ski Guide, I am planning to put these through the wringer and see how well they last! One of the best features is built in Recco as well as a dedicated tether and pocket on the thigh for a transceiver, which is stout and secure. I love the waterproof internal gaitor which I can’t wait to put to use on a ski day! These may be the perfect lightweight soft shell pant."
"Look no further - these are the pants you want! So impressed that BD nailed such a good balance between breathability & storm-proofing, all the while fitting like a dream. The range of motion I have in these pants is excellent, and I love the dedicated beacon pocket."
"Unpacking it, I immediately found the color very attractive and fabric pleasing to the touch. My initial thought was it will be stretchy and comfortable enough for the uphill. The large, ample three pockets excited me. I appreciated the dedicated beacon pocket and how deep the two lower pockets are. I also liked the smaller pocket on the top, right side for snacks and lips balm that can get buried in the deep pockets. I also noticed the inner gaiter and the reinforced inner, bottom parts of the legs. I felt neutral about the suspenders. In another backcountry pant I own, I ended up taking them off. Before buying my recent pair of bibs, I used to wear my beacon on a strap. With suspenders, I found all the straps cumbersome particularly to use the restroom out in the wild. At first, I was pleased to see the stretchy, embedded belt that you can adjust using the Velcro. However, once I wore them, I found the Velcro belt did not make the waist any tighter as one would expect and as others pairs of my backcountry pants do. So, the Velcro belt feels like more of an aesthetic addition rather than a functional one. I would recommend Black Diamond revisit the design of this feature. Wearing them, I also found the waist a lot tighter and more rigid than I expected. The waistband has no give and is narrower than other backcountry pants I have. I have found Black Diamond sizing to be inconsistent (sunshade hoodies, approach shoes, etc. ) with other brands and within its own product lines. Some products run large and others run small. I tend to consistently fit a size small in many other backcountry pants and was surprised at the waist fit. Since the temperature in Colorado has not dropped enough and snow is not yet here to wear them in a true mountain setting, I wore them during my travels in Monterey, CA (not snowy or cold conditions) to get a sense of all-day comfort. Toward the end of the day, I found the waistband unforgiving and less comfortable to sit in for long periods of time. Since I found the waist to be on the more narrow end and is not stretchy, I ended up unbuckling the pants during a 3-hour drive. With the current sizing and personal fit preferences, I would feel better in a medium. I did, however, like the fit around the legs. I recommend Black Diamond revisit the sizing, waistband, and Velcro Belt, and make adjustments or at least add some disclaimers on their website about the sizing. I tend to fall hard in love with products once I find great fit, durability, and pleasing appearance. Plus, I also tend to use my gear across multiple activities (alpine skiing, backcountry skiing, ice climbing, mountaineering, etc. ). I love gear that will be a dependable workhorse but also fit well. I stick with tried and true brands that I know, especially those that fit my shorter frame and allow for comfortable flexibility for the uphill. (I am 5'2" for reference. ) Given the thickness and breathability of these pants, I can see them taking me from winter to spring skiing. I like this product overall and would recommend to others. However, I still prefer the fit and comfort of another soft-shell, backcountry pair of pants that I have more but those are a heavier weight. So I may reserve those for colder skiing and ice climbing days. Time will tell as I continue testing the product. I received this product for free in exchange for my honest review."
"Upon receiving the new Black Diamond Women's Dawn Patrol Pant, I was first pleasantly satisfied by the beautiful blue hue color that was offered. Let's be honest ladies - we love a good color when touring in the backcountry ! I took a look throughout the material, and was psyched to see that not only is it considered a soft-shell pant, but the material is stretchy and appears to be quite durable. The side zips are exactly the right length, and the ability to tighten or open up the cuff with a zipper is absolutely ideal for the ski mountaineering traveler to the powder seeking hound. Lastly, the beacon pocket has the ability to attach the beacon to your pants, with a durable pocket protector so that your screen stays safe. What I like most about these pants is that they are light suspenders, with a beacon pocket. Most of the ski pants offered these days either have one or the other. As a guide who likes to carry her beacon in her pocket, the constant question that we get is "but what if your pants get ripped off in an accident ?" Well - here is our answer : suspenders that don't ride too high as a female. I can't wait to take these pants into the wilds of the mountains and see how they perform in the snow ! :)"
| Size | Waist | Hip |
|---|---|---|
| XXS | 23.5 - 25 in 59.5 - 63.5 cm | 32.5 - 34 in 87.5 - 91.5 cm |
| XS | 25.5 - 27 in 65 - 68.5 cm | 34.5 - 36 in 87.5 - 91.5 cm |
| S | 27.5 - 29 in 69.5 - 74 cm | 36.5 - 38 in 92.5 - 96.5 cm |
| M | 29.5 - 31.5 in 75 - 80 cm | 38.5 - 40.5 in 97.5 - 103 cm |
| L | 32 - 35 in 81 - 89 cm | 41 - 43.5 in 104 - 110.5 cm |
| XL | 35.5 - 39 in 90 - 99 cm | 44 - 47.5 in 111.5 - 120.5 cm |
| XXL | 39 - 42 in 99 - 107 cm | 48 - 51 in 122 - 129.5 cm |
Designed to fit slim to the body for an athletic, low-profile fit without restricting mobility and accommodating base layers or light midlayers.
A classic universal fit with comfortable ease. May feature slight body shaping, but predominantly straighter fit that will accommodate midlayers more comfortably.
Generous through the body for a casual loose-to-oversized fit without shaping. Designed for comfort, it accommodates heavier mid-layers.
Measure around the narrowest part of the waist.
Measure around the widest point of the hips.
Measure from the crotch to the anklebone on the inside of the leg.
