OutdoorGearLab

The Dockers Slim Fit Workday Khaki is a comfortable office pant that is just as much at home at a backyard bbq as it is at your daily 9-5. Made from a stretch cotton blend, these pants are minimally restrictive despite their slimmer cut. Although these still fall into the category of slim fit, our testers found them to straddle the line between slim and straight. They're more relaxed fitting than the tight-fitting Rhone Commuter pants but by no means baggy. If you're seeking for a modern-looking office pant that isn't too tight, these are a great choice. 
While these perform well in moderate climates, hot weather will not be your friend while wearing these slacks. We found the fabric was thick and less breathable than we wanted. These pants are versatile and stylish enough to wear to any semi-formal affair.

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The Outdoor Research Skyward II is a hardshell pant that uses a proprietary waterproof/breathable membrane to keep wind and water out. With sealed seams and waterproof zippers, it has great weather resistance, and the material is stretchy and more comfortable to wear than any other hardshell pant. It has plenty of pockets to make life at the resort easy, as well as a useful avalanche transceiver pocket that adds versatility for backcountry skiing and riding. But perhaps our favorite attribute is how well ventilated these pants are, with two long outside thigh vents and astonishingly breathable fabric.
As a shell pant, they don't provide any warmth, and the breathable fabric means that warm air escapes easily. They don't have a refined, contoured fit, which means they end up baggy in the thighs and crotch for some users, and look straight and boxy. We also aren't huge fans of the color options. But these minor gripes are all we have to complain about here. These shell pants are an excellent, more affordable choice for anyone who doesn't want to compromise on performance. 

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The Outdoor Research Skyward II is one of the most well-balanced designs on our list, but it really excels in the backcountry. Credit goes to the proprietary AscentShell 3-layer fabric, which stretches like a softshell, is air permeable for excellent breathability, and fully waterproof with taped seams. We’ve found the pant moves very nicely with you whether high stepping to break through fresh snow or going into a deep telemark turn. Further, a total of four pockets provide useful storage, and the breathable fabric and side vents keep you cool and comfortable even into the spring.

Similar to the jacket version of the Skyward, the pant falls just a little short in a few performance categories. To start, the relatively thin material and air permeable nature of the AscentShell fabric means it won’t isolate you from harsh wind like Gore-Tex (but it’s no slouch in a winter storm either). And while we like the fit overall—which is not too baggy but not too snug—it isn’t as well-tailored as the impressive Sabre above. We also miss the comfortable bib design of the original Skyward, but the current pant model likely will have wider appeal for those that split time between the resort and backcountry. Of note: OR just released the new Skytour kit, which includes an AscentShell bib that we will be testing this winter... Read in-depth reviewSee the Men's Outdoor Research Skyward  See the Women's Outdoor Research Skyward

Most resort-goers prioritize waterproofing and warmth, but uphill-oriented skiers need a pant that’s both highly mobile and breathable. The Skyward II deftly checks those boxes thanks to Outdoor Research’s stretch-infused, 3-layer AscentShell fabric, which protects nearly as well as a hardshell but moves and ventilates like a softshell. It all adds up to a pant that’s capable of resisting heavy wind or wet snow while offering the range of motion and breathability you need for the bootpack or skin track. Outer thigh vents, articulated knees, waist adjustments, and a total of four pockets (including a beacon pocket with clip) round out the build, which is about as good as it gets for most days in the backcountry.

On paper, the Skyward’s 50-denier AscentShell fabric isn’t as impervious to the elements as thicker Gore-Tex designs, but we experienced no issues throughout a winter of testing in the Pacific North-wet. If you do plan to venture out consistently in soggy conditions, a rigid hardshell pant (like the Sentinel above) will provide a more stalwart defense, although the lack of stretch isn’t ideal for active backcountry pursuits. It’s true that Outdoor Research offers a more versatile solution in their Hemispheres Bib below—patterning bombproof 3-layer Gore-Tex with panels of stretchy hardshell—but the added tech will cost you a whopping $599. In the end, we think the Skyward II strikes the best balance of performance and value for backcountry skiers. And if you prefer the extra coverage and storage of a bib, OR’s Skytour AscentShell Bib ($349) is a similarly built and capable alternative.See the Outdoor Research Skyward II

While resort snowboarders get to bypass the hard work of uphill travel by getting onto a chairlift, splitboarders relish in it. But laying a skin track or a boot pack is no small task, and heat can build up in a hurry. For this reason, those headed to the backcountry typically prioritize breathability, and it doesn’t get much better than the Outdoor Research Skyward II. Purpose-built for uphill enthusiasts, the Skyward boasts OR’s stretch-infused, 3-layer AscentShell fabric, which protects nearly as well as the 2-layer Gore-Tex designs above but moves and ventilates like a softshell. It all adds up to a pant that’s capable of resisting heavy wind or wet snow while offering the range of motion and breathability you need for rigorous ascents.

We were initially skeptical of the Skyward’s relatively thin (50D) and stretchy fabric, but in practice, it proved to be a stalwart defense against the elements. If you consistently head into the backcountry in soggy conditions, a rigid 3-layer hardshell pant (like the Jones below) will provide more sustainable protection, but at the cost of mobility and comfort. And while we’ve been pleased with the Skyward’s durability overall, keep in mind that it won’t hold up as well to the rigors of resort use. For those who prefer bibs, check out Outdoor Research’s new Skytour Bib, which pairs the same AscentShell membrane with a slightly burlier, 40 x 65-denier face fabric... Read in-depth reviewSee the Men's Outdoor Research Skyward II  See the Women's Outdoor Research Skyward II

The Outdoor Research Skyward II is a hardshell pant that uses a proprietary waterproof/breathable membrane to keep wind and water out. With sealed seams and waterproof zippers, it has great weather resistance, and the material is stretchy and more comfortable to wear than any other hardshell pant. It has plenty of pockets to make life at the resort easy, as well as a useful avalanche transceiver pocket that adds versatility for backcountry skiing and riding. But perhaps our favorite attribute is how well ventilated these pants are, with two long outside thigh vents and astonishingly breathable fabric.
As a shell pant, they don't provide any warmth, and the breathable fabric means that warm air escapes easily. They don't have a refined, contoured fit, which means they end up baggy in the thighs and crotch for some users, and look straight and boxy. We also aren't huge fans of the color options. But these minor gripes are all we have to complain about here. These shell pants are an excellent, more affordable choice for anyone who doesn't want to compromise on performance. 
Read more: Outdoor Research Skyward II AscentShell review

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Review: Outdoor Research Skyward II Jacket and Pants - The Big Outside

Outdoor Research Skyward 2 Pant - The Crossover - The Backcountry Ski Touring Blog

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Switchback Travel | Outdoor Research Skyward II Ski Pant Review

Switchback Travel | Outdoor Research Skyward II Jacket Review

The Adidas T10 pant takes the cake as the most breathable garment in our testing fleet. It's ideal for high-intensity activities and is a tester favorite for runs on chillier days. The polyester fabric wicks moisture away from the skin and also regulates temperature well, making them ideal for outings when conditions might vary. The cut is slim fit, with enough room to offer a full range of motion. These are durable, made of quality fabric, and did not stretch out in the cuff stretch test. 
The polyester fabric is extremely breathable and ideal for exercise but is not as cozy against the skin as some of the fleecy sweats tested. The zipper at the ankle felt a little scratchy with ankle socks when they were new, but seemed to soften up with a few washes. There is no drawstring, making them a little less adjustable than other options, and they have the lowest rise out of the pants tested. They are perfect for athletic activities but less cozy for lounging around the house.

Budget Pick

Best Budget Sweatpants for Women of 2022

The Rhone Commuter pants are an incredibly versatile pair of trousers that have no trouble adapting to whatever your varied days have in store for them. With a slim modern cut, these sharp-looking pants can be easily dressed up or down. The flex-knit fabric ensures that, despite the slim fit, your range of motion is fully unencumbered, making them an ideal choice for bike commuters, fast walkers, and those that simply appreciate excellent mobility. The soft material is comfortable and stretchy enough to even hit the local climbing gym on your way home from work &mdash; without needing to change.  
The flex-knit fabric also proved to be the most breathable material of the pants we tried on, so whether you're crammed on the subway on a hot day or going for a hike, these pants help keep you from getting too sweaty. These highly versatile pants have a high price tag, and the top-tier quality is apparent as soon as you slide them on. 

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Best Budget Pants of 2022

We've tested numerous men's athleisure brands and Rhone consistently ranks among the top — here are our favorite styles

Consumer Reports

The PrAna Briann was the most versatile product we tested, comfortably transitioning from work to play with no wardrobe change necessary. The high-quality fabric is nice enough to be dressed up for work or dinner but has enough stretch and breathability to be comfortable for brisk dog walks; we even wore these on an eight-mile hike and loved them. The nylon and spandex fabric is soft against the skin, has enough stretch for ample range of motion, and is treated with a durable water repellent finish to boot. The slim fit is flattering, the mid-rise waist is comfortable, and these pants were one of the best fitting products through the waist, hips, and thighs. Tall or short, these performed well for our women testers who ranged in height and had three different inseam lengths. 
One tester noticed that the fabric picked up more dog hair while snuggling with her furry friend than other options in our testing lineup. PrAna's sizing runs a little on the small side, but the size chart is accurate, and we recommend consulting it before making your purchase. This product was one of the more expensive ones tested, but with its quality materials and versatility, we believe the investment is worth it, especially for someone looking for an option that can serve you just as well in the office as it can in the great outdoors. This garment is ideal for traveling when luggage space is at a premium, as they can chameleon easily from one setting to another.  

One tester noticed that the fabric picked up more dog hair while snuggling with her furry friend than other options in our testing lineup. PrAna's sizing runs a little on the small side, but the size chart is accurate, and we recommend consulting it before making your purchase. This product was one of the more expensive ones tested, but with its quality materials and versatility, we believe the investment is worth it, especially for someone looking for an option that can serve you just as well in the office as it can in the great outdoors. This garment is ideal for traveling when luggage space is at a premium, as they can chameleon easily from one setting to another.  

Best Budget Pants for Women

The Prana Brion II is a simple and practical pair of hiking pants that also look really good. The gusseted crotch gives this slim-fit model enough space to move quickly down trail without inhibiting motion. They are also one of the few models that looks equally at home in the wilderness and in the office. If you are doing long-haul air travel and need to pack light, the versatility that these pants provide is at the top of the list.
There are a couple of qualities to keep in mind with this model. These pants are designed to fit more snuggly in the seat and through the legs, so for hikers with a larger lower half, they won't wear as comfortably. In addition, the feature set is very limited. There are no zippered pockets and no roll-up or vent features. However, for those looking for a great-looking pair of hiking pants at a reasonable price, this is a phenomenal option. 
Read more: Prana Brion II review

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