[Review] The Dakine Meridian Pant

If you’re looking for function, style, and affordability then you’ve found it with the Dakine Meridian pants. I have tried to run these through the gauntlet and they have held up to everything I have been able to dish out. From sled skiing in the backcountry on snowmobiles to pow stashes on the mountain mixed with a few rails in the terrain park. 

I won’t lie, I was hesitant on the 15k waterproofing the Meridian pants have to offer. I figured they would be a great pant for pow days in Colorado when the sun was shining. Fast forward to our most recent trip and we’ve found ourselves fully immersed in wet storm cycles in Tahoe where they measure the snow in feet. I recently wore them in the backcountry and when we started the day it was partly cloudy and warm. By the end of the day the temps had dropped slightly and it was snowing/raining. The Meridian was up to the challenge and kept me dry the entire time. 

With the reinforcement on the cuffs these pants are sure to keep you styling for years down the road. I was never able to cut the pants with my ski edges after two weeks in them. Without reinforcement I usually have mangled pants by the 4th run. The overall feel of the pant is of quality and durability. 

The problem I have with Dakine pants has been the fit. I’ve worn the Meridian as well as the Smyth and they both fit fairly tight in the thighs and waist. I am 6′ tall with a 34” waist and 32” inseam and the pants I’m wearing are a large. They fit and I’m able to move around, however they are the tightest larges I have worn. I think the XL would be a bit too large though and I’m able to make the large work just fine. 

I’ve been very impressed with the Meridian, both by their functionality and price point. I think these pants prove you don’t need to spend half of your paycheck for a pant that will keep you warm and dry and look good while doing so.