Review of Outdoor Research Skyward II Ski Pants
In the realm of ski apparel, the Outdoor Research Skyward II Pants have made a name for themselves as a versatile option for backcountry enthusiasts. They join the ranks of other favourites like the Skyward Jacket, now replaced by the SkyTour, but offer a unique blend of features that make them stand out.
The Skyward II Pants, priced at around $299 for the men's version and approximately $150 for the women's, boast a 3-layer AscentShell build, similar to the men's Skyward Jacket. This construction ensures a balance of mobility, breathability, and weather protection that is hard to find in many ski pants on the market.
The women's version of the Skyward II Pants is lighter, weighing just 1 pound 4.9 ounces, and comes in different colourways. It features the same overall construction as the men's version, including an identical pocket layout and nicely sized side vents.
The gaiters of the Skyward II Pants are well-designed, offering great all-around grip and elastic that stays put in various conditions. However, the internal gaiters with integrated power strap slots are found to be too finicky and time-consuming.
For those seeking added coverage and protection around the torso, the SkyTour jacket is also available in a bib design for the same price. The SkyTour, which retails for $349, utilizes the same AscentShell membrane but with lighter fabrics, making it a lightweight option for those who prefer a jacket over pants.
In comparison, the Trailbreaker pants, priced at $225, are a solid value and are more durable than the Skyward II with a 90-denier fabric at the upper legs and 200-denier on the lower half. The Trailbreaker II, another option from Outdoor Research, is a long-time standout for use in the backcountry. It features strategically placed 3-layer Pertex Shield only at the lower legs, offering added stretch and breathability up top at the sacrifice of weather protection.
For weight-conscious alpinists and backcountry-goers, the 1-pound Beta AR from Arc'teryx might be an attractive choice. However, for those who require a more balanced approach for mixed resort and off-piste use, the cheaper Skyward II is the preferred choice. The Beta AR Pant, priced at $499, is incredibly tough and weather-worthy with a premium, 3-layer Gore-Tex Pro fabric, but it's less ski-specific than the Skyward II with only a single zippered pocket.
On the other hand, Patagonia's SnowDrifter Bibs, priced at $349, are lighter at 1 pound 4.6 ounces and more robust with a 75-denier fabric, offering better wind-blocking ability. However, they are pricier and more robust than the Skyward II, making the latter a more cost-effective choice for season-long use, which we think is well worth the extra $74 in the long run, compared to the SnowDrifter Bibs.
In conclusion, the Outdoor Research Skyward II Pants effectively balance mobility, breathability, and weather protection better than most ski pants in the market, making them a worthwhile investment for backcountry enthusiasts.
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