Whether you’re a complete beginner, or seasoned veteran – all levels of skiers and snowboarders have one thing in common; we bail hard.
Snow pants will protect us to a certain extent, but when you bail, you’re going to be left with bangs and bruises.
Don’t want to spend most of your ski trip limping around with a bruised butt?
Then you need to grab yourself some padded impact shorts.
In fact, these protective shorts don’t just prevent injuries, but offer an additional base layer. So, they keep you warmer on the slopes too.
Below we’ve recommended two sets of impact shorts.
What we consider the best (from Burton), and a cheaper alternative for those on a budget.
What Are The Best Impact Shorts For Snowboarding & Skiing In 2021?
1. Burton Total Impact Shorts – best overall
Burton are a snow sports brand that’s been producing top notch snowboard and ski gear for years.
In their product line-up, they’ve got the Total Impact Shorts, and that’s where we’d be investing our cash.
Protection
The most important part of the Total Impact shorts is the padding and protection. And, there’s plenty of it!
You’ll get a combination of:
- Padded hips, thighs and lower back
- A protective panel that covers your tail bone
It’s not just the extent of the padding on offer that’s impressive, but it’s quality too. You’ll be covered on any low-mid impact falls.
Weight & Comfort
You’re probably feeling pretty-bulky already kitted out in all your other gear.
So, the last thing you probably want to do, is put on more.
That’s why Burton have made sure the Total Impact shorts are lightweight and ridiculously comfortable.
They’re constructed from Burton s DRYRIDE Ultrawick™ Lightweight 100 fabric, and are designed to flex and move with your body.
Who Are The Burton Total Impact Shorts Suitable For?
Burton protective snowsports gear is up there with the best-of-the-best. But, their prices rarely reflect that.
Checkout the online reviews, and you’ll soon see their line-up competes with brands that are nearing on 1.5x the price.
If you want the best impact shorts available, ski/snowboard on a regular basis and have the budget – the Total Impact shorts are for you.
Slightly out of range in terms of budget?
Keep reading below for our cheaper alternative.
Today’s best deals on the Burton Total Impact Shorts
2. DoCooler Impact Shorts – best affordable
Protection
Like the Demon Flex Force, the DoCooler shorts have protection in the following areas:
- Hip
- Thigh
- Tail-bone
The tail bone protection is slightly less protective than what’s on offer from Demon.
But, the hip and thigh padding offer more than enough protection for the average impact, thanks to their 1.5cm EVA construction.
Weight & Comfort
One thing you’ll notice straight away with the DoCooler impact shorts, is they’re comfortable.
In fact, most of the positive reviews online focus on this as the major selling point.
And, that comfort comes mainly from their glove-like fit, but also the soft cotton lining.
Who Are The DoCooler Impact Shorts Suitable For?
The DoCooler impact shorts are perfect for any skier/snowboarder that:
- Only rides recreationally on occasion, and isn’t expecting high impact falls
- Is looking for quality protective gear on a tight budget
- Wants a pair of shorts that’s easy to move around in, and comfortable.
Also In Snowsports
- The best skiing & snowboarding goggles under $50 and $100
- The 4 best (official) GoPro mounts for skiing & snowboarding
- The best OTG skiing & snowboarding goggles in 2021
- The #1 best snowboard wax kit for 2021
What’s Next?
Thanks for reading our 2021 buyer’s guide to the best snowboard and skiing impact shorts.
Like what you’ve read so far? Bookmark our snowsports page and come see us soon.
And, don’t forget to jump on our email list – we’ll drop you a line when we post something new.
