Soft Shell Pants
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The best soft shell pants, reviewed and curated by the Trailspace community. The latest review was added on September 14, 2022. Stores' prices and availability are updated daily.
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Recent Soft Shell Pant Reviews
Outdoor Research Ferrosi Pants
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… Full review
Outdoor Research Cirque Pants
All of the durability and stretch I need for any winter activity! I love and own many Outdoor Research products, and the Cirque does not disappoint. My favorite for all of my winter activities (snowshoeing, ice climbing, winter backpacking, ice fishing, Search And Rescue, and anything else outdoors!). Love the stretch, articulated knee, and gusseted crotch for comfort. A little on the warm side, but better than being cold! I tried the Cirque II, but they seem to be thinner, and don‘t fit the same. Full review
Stone Glacier De Havilland Pant
A robust yet comfortable pair of pants that are truly at home in the outdoors. With tons of sizing options and an innovative Contour Waist System, it’s easy for these to become the best fitting pants in your closet. While Stone Glacier is primarily known for its ultralight hunting gear, the brand makes gear appropriate for all sorts of outdoor activities, like hiking, camping, general outdoors shenanigans, and more. Testing Conditions I’ve tested the De Havilland pants for three months during… Full review
Sitka Ascent Pant
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… Full review
Mountain Hardwear Yumalino Pant
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… Full review
Thunderbolt Sportswear Mark II Original Jean
Buyer be warned, this is a horrible company. Overpriced pants and zero customer service. Buyer be warned, this is a horrible company. They are happy to take your money but will not return your calls or emails if you have any problems with your order. The Mark II Jeans are incredibly overpriced for the quality. If you buy anything from them, be prepared to live with it. The 90-day return policy is a joke as their customer service will just ignore you. Full review
Hilltrek Clova SV Breeches
The Clova SV Breeches are hard wearing 3/4 length pants made from windproof and water resistant Ventile in a classic breech style from Scottish manufacturer Hilltrek. They are ideal for hiking in temperate climates where some wind and rain can be expected. Hilltrek offer a range of options for their breeches and a made to measure service. Increasingly, in these times of rising environmental awareness, the question is often asked on the forums: I want to make my backpacking more environmentally friendly,… Full review
Helly Hansen Odin Huginn Pant
The Helly Hansen Odin Huginn Pant is a mid-weight soft shell pant that, when layered properly, works well for all four seasons. They are both highly durable and weather resistant while still proving excellent range of motion. Soft-shells by nature are best for active pursuits where passive venting of moisture is a huge plus, and these are no different. My few small concerns—lack of a back pocket, slightly flared calf section—are small in comparison to the overwhelmingly successful overall quality… Full review
Marmot Scree Pant
Durable, water and wind resistant, good winter soft shell. I've had these for four years, and have used them primarily for snowshoeing, xc skiing, and winter hikes. They still look like new. When worn with a mid weight base layer, they're perfect in cool to moderately cold winter weather. When I bought them, I could only get them in a 32" inseam, which is just long enough, but thankfully they haven't shrunk at all with washing. The fabric is stretchy enough for active motion, but heavy enough… Full review
