Brand Recognition:

Since 1981, Outdoor Research has been a trusted name in any outdoor apparel. It was founded by a physicist that turned into an outdoor adventurer from Seattle, Washington that wanted to create outdoor gear that was functional as well as lightweight. Seasoned campers trust that Outdoor Research makes quality products.

Price:

Some softshell pants reside in the stratosphere in terms of cost, and these pants are not one of those pants. Typically, these cost more than the average person would pay for a pair of pants, which is about the average price for a good pair of softshell pants.

Material and Design:

These are more of a form fitting pant that isn’t too baggy. The material is comprised of stretch-Woven Ripstop fabric that is 86% Nylon, and 14% Spandex. The body of the pant isn’t encumbered with pockets for the exception of zippered pockets on the rear, and open pockets on the hips. It has a button and zipper fly. They are available in many colors, including: cairn, black, coyote, dusk, mushroom, pewter, and shade.

Ideal Weather Conditions:

The lightweight nylon/spandex material make these pants ideal for warmer climates because they keep the lower body cool. Furthermore, these pants would be ideal for wet conditions because the fabric wicks away moisture and dries quickly.

Summary:

With an appealing price point, a trusted brand, and a simple and effective design, these are the perfect and most versatile softshell pants and deserve a top spot on our list.

Brand Recognition:

Mountain Hardwear has been making quality sports apparel since 1993, and was bought out by one of the leading names in the industry- Columbia Sportswear- in 2003. Buyers know that when purchasing a piece of gear from Mountain Hardwear that they are buy a well crafted item that is reliable and will last them a long time.

Price:

Depending on your size, these pants vary from rather inexpensive to middle of the road. An average size in these will run you about the same price as the Outdoor Research pants.

Materials and Design:

The materials used for this pant are similar to materials used for the Outdoor Research pants. They are a lightweight material that just passes 1 pound in weight, and are 88% Nylon and 12% Elastane. This stretchy pant also has a full inseam gusset that provides an excellent range of motion for those steep climbs, or for those times you will need to run from a bear. It has to pockets on the hips and rear, and one zippered pocket along the side of the thigh. They come in three neutral, dark colors such as black, shark, and midnight brown.

Ideal Weather Conditions:

The wind resistant material makes these a great pant for cold weather for those that are looking for a lightweight winter pant. The lightweight material is also great for warmer climates to keep the camper cool in the hottest of condition. The nylon material is wind-resistant, and wicks away water and moisture for the rainy seasons.

Summary:

For the hiker that is looking for an easy, stylish, and lightweight pant that leaves you unencumbered for those challenging trails, these pants are a great choice. You know that you are getting a quality product with Mountain Hardwear.

Brand Recognition:

Sitka is a tried and trusted brand in the hunter community for designing excellent outdoor wear to brave the most severe weather conditions. Buyers know that a Sitka product is made from quality products and is designed with their outdoor needs in mind.

Price:

These pants are one of the more expensive pants to make this list. However, if you have intentions of facing extremely cold weather conditions and require a high performing pair of pants, it would be in your best interest to dish out the extra money to ensure that you are protected.

Materials and Design:

The thick and sturdy material for these pants is made of a polyester stretch weave. There are zippered pockets on the rear, and hidden zippered pockets on the thighs, as well as a hidden internal pocket system. They are water resistant and wind resistant, and come in three neural colors: mud, dirt, and optifade waterfowl.

Ideal Weather Conditions:

The Grinder pant was designed with hunters in mind that are facing harsh cold weather conditions, however they can also be used for hikers, climbers and campers that want to stay dry and warm during the winter months. Also, because of the breathable material, they can also be worn in warmer months to keep legs dry and protected on treacherous trails.

Summary:

Ideally, these pants are perfect for the camper, hunter, or fisherman that wants to brave the cold elements and wants to make sure that their legs are warm and protected. If you opt to buy a pair of Sitkas, you can rest easy in know that you are receiving the best quality in outdoor wear.

Brand Recognition:

The brand Columbia is the grandfather of all other brands of outdoor gear. It was founded in 1938 and has dominated the sports apparel space for many years. Users that may not be familiar with the various companies that make outdoor apparel probably recognize the name Columbia. You can trust that with a pair of Columbia softshell pants that you are receiving a quality product.

Price:

These pants are modestly priced, and fall to the middle of the road of the price spectrum. They cost a tad more than you would likely spend on a normal pair of pants, but given the features and quality, they are a great value for the price point.

Materials and Design:

At first glance, these pants look like something you could wear into the office. They are offered only in jet black, and sport a sleek and narrow design. Constructed from 93% polyester and 7% Elastane Max Heat Softshell, they will keep your legs warm and dry, and are lightweight enough (weighing in at approximately 1 pound) to keep you cool and unencumbered on challenging terrain. They are also strategically reinforcement at high-wear areas to provide you with a quality pair of pants that will last for many outdoor adventures.

Ideal Weather Conditions:

The appeal of the Passo Alto Heat pant is its versatility. It’s great for colder climates, but it also can be worn on warmer summer days due to it’s lightweight and breathability. The water and wind repellent material will keep legs comfortable and dry for any type of weather condition.

Summary:

For the price, the Columbia Passo Alto Heat pant is a great choice for campers and hikers that cant decide if they want a pant for cold or warm weather. Some pants on this list tend to lean either one way or the other in terms of if they are for warm or cold weather, and these pants fall right in the middle.

Brand Recognition:

4ucycling isn’t a very well known company as many as other others on the list, but the products that they offer for outdoor wear are very highly regarded by users, and because of this, they have earned a place on this this.

Price:

The most notable feature of these pants is the price. These pants are very reasonable priced, and are one of the cheapest pair of softshell pants to make this list.

Materials and Design:

These pants are comprised of multiple materials that serve different outdoor purposes. The rear panels are made from a more breathable material to prevent overheating. There is also draping over the knee to promote full range of motion. The interior of the pants are comprised of a thermal-lined fleece to keep legs warm and comfortable. The additional padding on the rear provide excellent comfort for cyclists.

Ideal weather conditions:

For cold weather outdoor adventures, these softshell pants are an excellent choice. Unfortunately, they were only designed for cold weather in mind, so they might not be ideal for warmer weather treks.

Summary:

Given consumer praise and an excellent price point, these softshell pants are worth taking a chance on. The blend of various materials with the user in mind will keep legs warm, dry, and comfortable on long cold weather bike ride, hikes, or camping trips.

Brand Recognition:

As stated above, Outdoor Research is a highly trusted brand in the outdoor sports apparel market. Buyers who purchase any of their products can rest assured that they will receive a quality product that will exceed their expectations.

Price:

As far as price is concerned, these fall just above the average price range for a typical pair of softshell pants. However, this style comes with more features than many of the other pants, making them worth the slight bump in price.

Materials and Design:

The fit of these pants is a tad more loose than other pants listed above. They come in two neutral colors- black and tan- and are made from 50% nylon, 43% polyester, and 7% spandex. There are not pockets on the rear, and four zippered vertical pockets along the hips and thighs. The cuffs have a vertical zipper to cover shoes or to allow for larger hiking boots. As with any Outdoor Research product, the material is water and wind resistant. The pant is very lightweight, weighing in at around one pound.

Ideal Weather Conditions:

Ideally, these pants are made for colder weather climates. However, the lightweight material and loose fit make them versatile enough to wear in warmer weather. The water resist features allow them to be used in rainy weather and keep your legs warm and dry.

Summary:

If you are willing to pay a little extra, these pants could perhaps be the only pair of softshell pants you will need for quite some time. Users report that these pants have lasted countless outdoor adventures in snow, rain, and shine.

Brand Recognition:

Trailside Supply Co. is a Amazon brand that provides good quality products at a fraction of the cost of other competitors. They are relatively unknown within the outdoor apparel market, but if you have ever bought an Amazon product before you are already familiar with the quality for which they strive.

Price:

These pants are offered at a very reasonable price, and are worth giving a try if you are curious to try a pair of softshell pants, but aren’t willing to pay the higher price tag of many of the other pants making this list.

Materials and Design:

The Trailside Supply Co. softshell Cargo pant is offered in two different colors: black and dark grey. The exterior of the pant is both wind and water resistant and it composed of 96% polyester, and 4% spandex, making them lightweight and provides a full range of motion to the user. The interior is lined with fleece that is 100% polyester, and it keeps the legs warm and comfortable. There are two zippered pockets on the rear, two zippered pockets on the hips, and a pair of cargo-style zippered pockets on both thighs just above the knee. The fit is a bit more narrow than one would expect a cargo pant to be.

Ideal Weather Conditions:

Ideally, these pants work best in colder climates due to fleece lining. They keep the legs warm and dry against rain and snow, as well as windy, plummeting temperatures.

Summary:

For the camper, skier, climber, or hiker that is looking for an excellent wintertime pant to keep them comfortable in even the harshest winter temperatures, and not willing to pay the high price of many of the other brands, these pants are an excellent choice.

Brand Recognition:

Many of the more affordable options on this list come from companies that are relatively unknown. However, the users that have purchased these pants in the past are pleased with the quality that can be attained at such a lower price point.

Price:

These pants are the cheapest softshell pants to make this list. However, don’t let the extremely low price tag fool you into thinking that it is an inferior product. People that have purchased this item in the past were extremely pleased with how affected these pants were at keeping them warm at an affordable price.

Materials and Design:

The first thing one notices about these pants are the fun and unique colors and designs that they come in. Whereas many of the pants on this list come in neutral colors, these come in fun colors such as: blue, black, green, and grey. They use a lighter color at the waist and a darker hue below the knee. The exterior is made of 100 percent polyester that is water repellant and windproof, without being too clingy or tight. The interior of the pant is lined with fleece, keeping legs warm and comfortable.

Ideal Weather Conditions:

For hikers, skiers, and campers that want a warm pant to keep them comfortable, these are the perfect piece of gear. Due to the heat retaining fleece lining, these softshell pants are not ideal for warmer climates.

Summary:

Are these pants the pants you want to wear while you scale Mount Kilimanjaro? Probably not. However, for modest outdoor activity such as hiking, sledding, skiing, and camping, they can offer great protection and warmth without breaking the bank.

Brand Recognition:

As stated earlier, Outdoor Research is a long trusted and Since 1981, they have been a trusted name in any outdoor apparel. It was founded by a physicist that turned into an outdoor adventurer from Seattle, Washington that wanted to create outdoor gear that was functional as well as lightweight. Seasoned campers trust that Outdoor Research makes quality products.

Price:

This is one of Outdoor Research's more affordable pair of pants. You will still be paying more for them over some of the less expensive options on this list, however if you wanted to try an Outdoor Research product without paying the high price tag, then these will be an excellent choice.

Materials and Design:

These pants are composed of 88% nylon and 12% elastane, proving a lightweight pant that is water resistant and quick drying. The front and rear pockets are designed to resemble jean pockets and there is a horizontal zippered pocket along the thigh just about the knee. The Voodoo pant is available in four different colors: black, shade, charcoal, and walnut. They also have a low profile waist that works perfectly with a harness for rock climbing.

Ideal Weather Conditions:

Due to the fact that these pants do not have a fleece lining like many of the other softshell pants, they should be versatile enough to wear for warmer weather as well as colder climates.

Summary:

These pants look sleek and stylish, and are versatile enough to wear all year long. For rock climbing, hiking, fishing, or camping, these pants will keep your legs dry and comfortable for the duration of all your outdoor adventures.

Brand Recognition:

White Sierra is a family owned company that has been making quality outdoor gear since 1979, and they are a company that stands behind their products. Customers of White Sierra know that their products use quality materials to serve a myriad of outdoor activities.

Price:

They are not the least expensive softshell pants to makes this list- but almost. They are a very affordable pant that doesn’t sacrifice quality or design.

Materials and Design:

The Full Moon is offered in three neutral colors: black, arrowhead, and castle rock, and is available in sizes that range from small to extra large. The materials are composed of 94% polyester and 6% Spandex that offer excellent water resistance and wind resistance. The articulate knees and lightweight materials offer an excellent full range of motion.

Ideal Weather Conditions:

These pants were designed to keep the user warm while participating in any number of cold weather activities, however they may not be ideal for warmer weather.

Summary:

White Sierra Full Moon softshell pants were designed for the casual user that enjoys spending time outdoors hiking, sledding, and building snowmen in the cool months. If you are looking for a casual softshell pant and are willing to spend a lot of money for them, these pants are an excellent choice.