Searching for the best hockey pants can be quite exhausting, especially if you don’t know exactly what you’re looking for. Not all of us are pros at hockey, but even enthusiasts should educate themselves before buying.
This guide features my top five favorite pants for ice hockey, which are currently the best on the market. I included both expensive, mid-level, and affordable products so that everyone can find something within their budget.
Also, there are so many places to buy hockey gear, but not many provide real insight into the products they’re selling, together with pros and cons. That’s why my goal was to dive into more detailed reviews that will ultimately give you the most valuable information. You’ll see the main features explained, without having to be confused by terms.
Aside from the product reviews, you’ll also find a short guide on the key things you need to consider when buying a new set of pants. With so many different designs available, things can get confusing, but after reading this guide, I hope you’ll immediately know what you need to purchase.
| Product Name | Key Features | Product Ranking |
|---|---|---|
| CCM Jetspeed FT1 Pants (Best Overall)  |
| 4.9 |
Bauer Vapor 2X Pro Pants |
| 4.8 |
Warrior Covert QRE 20 Pro Pants |
| 4.7 |
Bauer Nexus N9000 Pants  (Best Value) |
| 4.6 |
Bauer Supreme 2S Pro Pants  |
| 4.6 |
Our Review Of The Best Ice Hockey Pants
In this section, I’ll review my five top picks, including their key features, biggest pros, and cons. Although pants for ice hockey look similar when you first see them, they all are made using different technologies and have different advantages.
CCM Jetspeed FT1 Pants
If you’re on the market for a top-notch pair of pants that will be very lightweight and comfortable, meet the CCM Jetspeed FT1 model. Aside from having the best skates, you should also think about purchasing quality pants.
Key Features
- DryFoam technology with a water-repellent lining that keeps players comfortable
- 400D textured polyester with added side panels for a lightweight fit and durability
- Extra back protection with a new molded ROCKETFRAME composite cap
- Internal belt system for adjustment with an added hidden zipper and a hockey lace
- Hip and kidney protection with molded PE caps
This is top of the line protection that not many other pairs offer. Your kidneys and hips will be safe thanks to the installed molded PE caps and vented zones, while your back will be protected with the new molded ROCKETFRAME composite cap.
Another thing that hockey players appreciate is staying dry during the game. These pants are sweat-repellent because of the advanced DryFoam technology combined with a 400D polyester fabric on the exterior.
Pros
- This is a lightweight pair of pants that will help you move more effortlessly without weighing you down.
- You won’t feel sweaty since the material is water-wicking, hence you’ll be more comfortable while wearing the pants.
Cons
- The CCM Jetspeed FT1 is an expensive pair of pants for ice hockey that not everyone can afford.
Overall, this is one of the best pairs of pants for hockey currently available on the market. These are not only adored by professionals, but also by many recreational players. If you can afford this design, go for it—you won’t be sorry.
It is, without a doubt, my favorite pair that I look forward to wearing for quite a while.
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Bauer Vapor 2X Pro Pants
The amazing Bauer Vapor 2X Pro pants are on the wish list of numerous players , both professional and recreational. The exterior is made of a Pro 840 D Nylon fabric that fastens with a Fast Strap closure, wrap-around belt.
Key Features
- Pro 840D Nylon shell for better durability
- Zipper opening that adds an extension of one inch
- Molded Hyperlite HD foam for increased kidney protection
- Hyperlite HD thigh guard
Here’s another product that represents the elite Pro line of pants that is available for everyone. Thanks to their lightweight nature of only 1250 g, these Bauer Vapor 2X Pro pants are one of the brand’s latest innovations.
The brand also includes an extension fit with zipper closure. You can extend these pants by one inch, meaning they’re great for young adults who are still growing.
The best thing is that you can get them in three different colors (black, navy, red) and a range of sizes. Thanks to the improved construction, these pants won’t limit your mobility or flexibility. You can also feel safer in these pants thanks to the protective guards for the spine, kidneys, thighs, and hips.
Pros
- These pants are made of very lightweight material (1250g) that doesn’t limit mobility while keeping you comfortable.
- You can choose between three different colors: black, navy and red.
- Special guards add protection for thighs, hips, spine, and kidneys.
Cons
- These are expensive pants and a part of an elite Pro line.
- The pants have a standard loose fit on the hips that can be a little strange for some people to get used to.
The Thermo Core liner of the pants can wick away moisture, making them more comfortable to wear. Given the high level of comfort and the fast-drying fabric, this easily became one of my top favorite designs.
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Warrior Covert QRE 20 Pro Pants
The Warrior Covert QRE 20 Pro pants are a pair you need to know about. With a Covert Tapered design, they are made to perfectly fit your body. These pants feature a minimalist design, made of ballistic denier nylon and proper protection in the areas where it’s needed.
Key Features
- Minimus outer shell for a lightweight fit
- Wartech FNC Liner with sweat-wicking technology
- Floating internal belt for ultimate waist and hip protection
This is another lightweight pair of pants that offers added protection for the hips, thighs, spine, and tailbone. It’s unique thanks to its floating internal belt that is supposed to keep your waist and hip area safe.
No one likes sweat in their pants, so Warrior made sure to produce the Covert QRE 20 Pro pants with a Wartech FNC liner, which is currently one of the highest-praised sweat-wicking materials on the market.
Since these hockey pants feature a length extension of one inch, they can be one of the best hockey pants for tall players. Also, if you’re getting these for a child who’s in agrowth phase, you’ll know they’ll be wearing these pants for a while.
Pros
- Mid-level on the budget scale, these are more affordable compared to the previous picks.
- They’re available in four colors: black, navy, royal, and red.
- The Covert Taper fit adapts to your body, making you feel more comfortable.
Cons
- These are not as high-quality as the CCM Jetspeed FT1 or the Bauer Vapor 2X Pro pants.
In spite of the extra protection, these pants won’t slow you down. You can be sure that your mobility will be as good as ever, just upgraded with extra support. This pair is definitely a bargain, especially if you compare the prices with the first two pairs on the list.
You’ll be getting a quality product, that wicks sweat, improves your mobility, is lightweight, and keeps you protected. What more could you ask for?
CHECK LATEST PRICE ON PUREHOCKEY.COM
Bauer Nexus N9000 Pants
The Bauer Nexus N9000 pants might not be the newest release, but they are still an amazing pair to purchase. With extra volume and room, great coverage, and protection, I would choose them any time.
Key Features
- 840D Pro anti-abrasion outer shell
- Molded EPP Body Protection technology for protection
- ThermoMax liner to wick away moisture
The Nexus N9000 pants are Bauer’s widest-fit design. If you are into ice hockey pants that feature a loose fit and are roomy, these are it. You’ll be properly protected with the Molded EPP Body Technology the brand uses in their designs.
Let’s not forget about the ThermoMax liner that is meant to keep you dry during the game.
Pros
- The shell is made of a Pro-level, abrasion-resistant 840 denier overlay that improves durability.
- These are the most affordable pants for hockey on the list.
- The removable thigh pad can be embellished with a logo.
Cons
- These hockey pants don’t feature the latest technology from the brand.
Just like the previous options that I listed, the Bauer Nexus N9000 pants feature a one-inch adjustment as a part of their extension fit system. If you have a limited budget but still want pants that a pro would use, opt for this pair. The price is unmatched, without sacrificing on quality.
CHECK LATEST PRICE ON PUREHOCKEY.COM
Bauer Supreme 2S Pro Pants
This is another pair of elite-level hockey pants that follow the latest trends of technology. Bauer always includes amazing additions to their designs, making this one with a customized fit and ultimate protection.
Key Features
- Pro level 8400 nylon shell
- Thermo Core liner to wick sweat
- Power Light technology for the lower part of thighs
These anatomically-fitting Bauer Supreme 2S Pro pants deliver a snug, very comfortable fit that forms to your body. The lower part of the thigh area is made with a special Power Light technology derived from the Odin project that used 3D scans for professional athletes. In other words, you can expect a great fit all over.
Pros
- These pants provide good comfort and fit around the stomach area because of the padded beltline, foams, and Velcro.
- Anatomically formed PE inserts will protect your hips.
- The lower parts of the pants are made of nylon to ensure durability and more protection.
Cons
- These are costly pants that not everyone can afford.
If you don’t mind spending a lot on a pair of pants, you should definitely consider this one. The technology used is next-level, and the pants are super-comfortable.
CHECK LATEST PRICE ON PUREHOCKEY.COM
Key Things To Consider When Buying Men’s Hockey Pants
It doesn’t matter if this is your first time buying pants for ice hockey or if you’ve already purchased a pair. These key things will give you better insight into the proper fit for these pants, including size ranges and materials, and help you pick the perfect pair for you.
Price
These pants can cost between $50 and $300. This is a long-term investment you’ll be making, though, because they can last for over 10 years. That’s why maybe you should consider purchasing some of the newest designs, especially if you’re looking to become an avid recreational or professional player.
The price mostly depends on the features the pants have. You’ll notice that the latest models are always the most expensive because they were made using the latest technology.
If you don’t want to break your budget, there are still so many mid-range options to choose from. These will also serve you for quite a while. The more affordable alternatives are great for men who are recreational hockey players and for young adults.
Fit
The fit is one of the most important things to consider when buying pants for hockey. If the fit is not right, you won’t feel right while playing.
To explain further, the pants should be tight but comfortable on your waist area. When it comes to length, they should reach your kneecap, either the top part or the middle.
There are three types of fit: wide, mid, and snug. Different brands offer different fits as a part of their lines.
When you choose a snug fit, it means that the pants fit your body like a glove. The benefit of this fit will be to improve mobility and flexibility. Wide fits are looser but deliver higher protection. The mid fits fall somewhere in between these two.
Material
You will immediately notice a difference in the quality of material between affordable and more expensive pants. That’s why you should always stick to familiar, world-renowned brands that always deliver top-notch designs.
These years, almost all of the designs are made of the same materials. Brands use hard plastics to create extra protection in the interior parts of the pants, while the shell is made of nylon. The rest of the design is made of stretch gussets.
All of these three materials form pants that should be lightweight, durable, protective, easy to maintain, and comfortable.
Maintenance
Pants for hockey should be easy to maintain. When searching for a new pair, you should find one that is made of moisture-wicking fabric so that it doesn’t absorb sweat while you’re on the ice.
Once you’re done with your game or practice, take off the pants and dry them right away. Leaving them wet can cause an unpleasant smell. Also, make sure that you check them for rips.
If you notice any damage, there is a way to fix it, but you have to do it right away before you make it worse.
FAQs:
What Size Hockey Pants Should I Get?
Hockey pant sizes can vary from brand to brand and from design to design. That’s why you should know your measurements, and always compare them to the sizing chart before buying. Also, not all people are built the same, so don’t expect all the pant styles to look or fit the same when you try them on.
For this, you’ll only need a soft tape measure. Choosing the right size is especially important when you’re ordering online, something most of us do these days. Going to the store can take so much of your time, plus not everyone has a store near them.
Get the tape and place it just above your hips. You need to measure the circumference, while you’re standing tall and straight. It’s best if someone else does it for you, to make sure the measurements are correct.
Next, measure the distance between the top part of your kneecap to your hips. Once again, you should be standing up straight. For this measurement, you’ll definitely need some help
After you know your numbers, find the pair that you like, check the sizing chart, and you’ll know which size is the best for you. Most retailers offer exchanges, so even if you make a mistake, you’ll have a chance to order again.
What Hockey Pants Do Professionals Wear?
Some of the brands that you’ll see professionals wearing are Bauer, CCM, Easton, Warrior, and Reebok. There are no specific designs they prefer, that I can specify.
However, these brands often work very closely with teams and professional players to adapt their designs to their needs and wishes.
Conclusion
Since everyone is looking for something different in a pair of hockey pants, some prefer an anatomic fit, while others opt for a looser one. That’s why I included different brands and fits in the guide to make sure everyone is covered.
Also, you will find pants that range from affordable to expensive, so now it’s your turn to choose.
