Name: Outdoor Research Skyward II AscentShell
Brand: outdoor research
SKU: 62a3a772503ea4c2d10ebd59
Rating: 4.0 (74 reviews)

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OutdoorGearLab

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. 

Switchback Travel

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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 I have been a happy and loyal user of OR pants and jackets for more than a decade. They have been with me to the top of Denali and for a 1000-mile ski across Alaska on the Iditarod Trail in addition to countless other adventures. I am very disappointed that design/construction flaws like these have been allowed to slip by. I keep imagining ending up in an avy rescue scenario and not being able to access my beacon because I can't open my pocket!! Shame on you OR! I plan to have seamstress install new zippers when the season is over

 I am very disappointed that design/construction flaws like these have been allowed to slip by. I keep imagining ending up in an avy rescue scenario and not being able to access my beacon because I can't open my pocket!! Shame on you OR! I plan to have seamstress install new zippers when the season is over.

Design/Construction flaw in pockets!

Great for touring but not resort skiing

I liked them a lot ... until the butt seam blew out.

Nice flexibility - poor waterproofing

Nice pant.

Pretty good

 The CS guy told me it would be long enough for tall people as it is european style, but for 6'6" it is not, tall boy are not always fat boy...

 as a parachute too! Pros : super resistant, breathable, warm, nice looking, stretchy Cons : not tall enough for me, really bad zippers

Really great pants

Unusable: Horrible gaiters and thigh pockets

Not my favorite pants..

Great Ski touring pant

expert-review

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

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

Outdoor Research Skyward II AscentShell

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