Soft Shell Pants

Recent Soft Shell Pant Reviews

Arc'teryx Gamma AR Pant

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… Full review

Outdoor Research Cirque Lite Pants

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… Full review

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