Soft Shell Pants

Reviewed by FromSagetoSnow

The Cirque Lite Pants are another hit from Outdoor Research. These alpine climbing pants are hiking, scrambling, and three-season mountaineering friendly.

  Hiking out from Peggy's Pond in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness (Washington) Outdoor Research's Cirque Lite Pants Ever do something dumb outdoors and turn a pleasant hike/climb into an epic suffer-fest? Yeah, me neither. Outdoor Research, the “working man’s” gear company, has made a pair of pants that can take you from casual hikes with friends all the way to alpine adventures on the edge of the void. The Cirque Lite Pants are your insurance policy against wardrobe failure in the wilds.

Read more: Outdoor Research Cirque Lite Pants review (1)

Featured review by David Link

A very solid pair of hiking pants suitable for a variety of conditions across four seasons. These best sellers have been re-designed to meet Bluesign environmental standards, and to provide additional comfort. These trousers come in a huge variety of sizes so that you can find the perfect fit.

    In most conditions, I prefer to hike in shorts or 3/4 length pants. I tend to hike pretty warm, and sometimes full length pants are too warm. But there are times, especially in the winter and shoulder seasons, when a full-length pair of pants are the perfect option. Outdoor Research is currently advertising that their best selling Ferrosi pants have been “redesigned for more comfort,” so I was eager to give them a test. Fit is snug… recommend sizing up Fit: I am a pretty solid size 38" waist, and most other pants/shorts I’ve tried in 38" fit perfectly.

Read more: Outdoor Research Ferrosi Pants reviews (7)

Reviewed by Andrew F.

The Ferrosi Joggers are a light pair of synthetic pants that are great for hiking. I like the tactile, quick-drying, breathable yet durable fabric, and they’re well-designed unless you favor a fly with a zipper. The jogger style (elastic cuffs) work better with low hikers, but they make regular Ferrosi hiking pants. One of the best hiking pants I have worn.

 BASIC INFORMATION Outdoor Research offers Ferrosi hiking pants for men and women (in regular and convertible styles, if you like pants that zip down to shorts); the jogger style I tested is only made for men, in sizes small through XXL. They run true to size. The jogger style is a bit different than the pants because the joggers have an elastic waist and an external drawstring to tighten them (the pants have an internal drawstring) and no belt loops or zippered fly. The Ferrosi pants [not joggers, loose cuff like normal pants] are sold in two-inch waist increments and in a couple of different lengths.

Read more: Outdoor Research Ferrosi Joggers review (1)

Reviewed by KiwiKlimber

The Sitka Ascent Pants are a compellingly solid pair of lightweight hiking and hunting pants, built for warm-weather conditions. Although they are made by a hunting-focused company, these are every bit as good for non-hunters as they are for the hunters—and near perfect for people like me who do both. The breathable, stretch material (Stretch CORDURA Nylon Woven Blend) keeps things cool downstairs when the temps are hot, but unlike many summer hiking pants on the market, these are actually durable and can take a beating.

Conditions:For seven weeks, I’ve worn the Sitka Ascent Pants for a variety of activities in the mountains of Central Pennsylvania (Eastern USA), including backpacking, day hiking, cutting wood, trout fishing, morel mushroom hunting (no luck), and scouting for future whitetail deer hunting areas.    Reviewer’s Measurements: Height: 6'2" (74" or 1.88m) Weight: 200 lbs (90.7kg) Typical Pants Size: 32" waist, 34" inseam Reviewed Size: 33T (measures 33" waist, 34" inseam) Reviewed Color: Pyrite (3 total colors options exist—2 camo and 1 solid) Fit:These pants have what Sitka calls, an “articulated fit for maximum range of motion with minimal bulk.” This description is spot-on accurate, as the Ascent Pants feel practically tailor-made...

Read more: Sitka Ascent Pant review (1)

Featured review by T.J.

A serious performer that is well worth the money.

I don't climb, but I do hike and backpack, and my preference has always been softshell pants. I was a Marmot guy for a while but after another pair found itself covered with Tenacious Tape (my fault...not Marmot's) I bit the bullet and dropped some bananas on the Gamma LT's after reading countless positive reviews. I've only had them for about three months but after just getting off a long solo in the Sierra's I'll say these are, by far, the best hiking pants I've ever owned. I'm a 32/33 with thick legs and the M fits like a glove.

Read more: Arc'teryx Gamma LT Pant reviews (9)

Featured review by G00se

The Marmot Scree Pant is an extremely comfortable, water resistant, breathable, highly wind resistant soft shell pant that performers exceptionally well in 4-season weather. Points can be added for the stylish look of these pants.

Testing Parameters Several day hikes and mild weather backpacking. Three days on Mt. Rainier with lower elevation temps in mid-60s, upper elevation temps in low-20s with 30-40mph winds. ========================================= Fit & Comfort I purchased these pants in a store after trying them on. Past experiences have taught me that soft shell pants are short in the inseam and purchasing them online leads to shipping them back. This was the first pair of 32-inch waist soft shells that comfortably fit my 34-inch inseam.  The pants are soft and comfortable, easy to move in, and a pleasure to wear.

Read more: Marmot Scree Pant reviews (10)

Featured review by J.Horn

I've used these for alpine skiing in and around Vancouver BC for 2 seasons (120 days). Great flex and mobility. Warm when worn over light underwear. Shed water very well. Good quality.

I really like these pants! Trim fit so thin underwear is enough.They slide down over your boots snuggly and keep the snow out. Breathability is excellent.  The only downside of softshells (any brand) is that you never get "as new" water repelency after you re-treat them. Early and late season skiing in my area can be very wet so I spend more time than I'd like "maintaining" my softshell clothing.  If Arc'teryx could take the entire Gamma MX line, mate them with a layer of Gore-tex, and add 2.5-3.0 fabric thickness, the perfect ski clothing would be born.

Read more: Arc'teryx Gamma MX Pant reviews (3)

Featured review by Andrew F.

A fine cold weather outer layer that works well in a wide range of conditions. Clearly designed and sized with winter in mind but also a good cool weather shoulder-season option. Worth trying on in person to ensure they fit.

Most of the time, when I'm hiking in the winter, I used to debate whether to just wear a base layer or add a pair of wind pants.  the problem with wind pants is that even the most  breathable ones still tend to make me feel overheated, unless the wind is pounding.  the problem with hiking without wind pants is that sometimes, the breeze cuts through my base layer and leaves my legs chilled.  Problem solved with Patagonia's alpine guide pants.  they are made from a fairly stretchy soft shell fabric that does not in any way restrict your freedom of movement.  But, the outer face is sufficiently 'tight' that it deflects most wind and feels much thicker and more durable than a hard shell.  It also does a great job with blowing or wet snow...

Read more: Patagonia Alpine Guide Pants reviews (4)

Reviewed by BC Heath

These are a lightweight winter pant that move with you and keep the chill away.

These pants are my go-to for 95 percent of my winter activities. I’ve worn them for winter trail runs, skiing (Alpine and Nordic), snowshoeing, skating, snowball fights, and casual walks. They simply deliver. This will be my third winter with them and their durability continues to impress me. The only tear in one of them was from a dog bite—considering I’ve worn them in brush, on chairlifts with sharp edges, wearing crampons, etc. I’d say they’re holding up well (no loose stitching either).

Read more: Mountain Hardwear Yumalino Pant review (1)

Reviewed by Badass Outdoors

So close, SO CLOSE; these pants are amazing. The fit, the mobility, the stretch, the sizing, but why couldn't you just put the littlest back pocket on there for before and after the wilds? -when I need to stick a license, credit card, and twenty bucks somewhere accessible?!

The pants in the field: Whether hiking, backpacking, nordic skiing, snowshoeing, or even wearing these pants under my ski pants on a quick, lunch-break-tour of my favorite alpine trails around our resort, these pants rate an excellent in fit, performance, and comfort. On long, mellow hikes in New Hampshire's White Mountains, these pants move with my natural gait, breathe well (with pockets unzipped and ventilating), and even integrate nicely with my gaiters to avoid riding up with my high steps.

Read more: Arc'teryx Gamma AR Pant review (1)