#7 on this list
Col Becchei
Ortovox
Another technical apparel piece included by independent consensus, the Ortovox Col Becchei pants are built for demanding ski touring and rugged off-track cross-country exploration. Where lightweight Nordic tights fail against abrasive crust and sub-zero alpine winds, the Col Becchei steps in with a technical construction combining a wind- and water-resistant Schoeller Naturetec exterior with an inner lining of pure Tasmanian Merino wool. Reviewers consistently rate these pants among the best in cold-weather backcountry use because of their climate control. The synthetic outer shell provides the ruggedness and abrasion resistance required to withstand brush and ski edges, while the merino wool interior wicks sweat rapidly, regulates temperature, and resists odor during multi-day expeditions. Athletic articulation and elastic stretch panels ensure that long, repetitive classic strides never feel constricted at the knees or hip joints. Because they are built with premium materials for alpine environments, the Col Becchei pants carry a substantial price tag. They are also significantly heavier and warmer than track-oriented skate tights, making them overkill for fast workouts on groomed loops in moderate temperatures. However, for backcountry cross-country tours in variable mountain weather, their weather defense is hard to match. **Highlights** * Schoeller Naturetec softshell provides weather resistance and windproofing * 100% Tasmanian Merino wool interior lining ensures natural temperature regulation * PFC-free water-repellent finish sheds falling snow and wet debris * Reinforced instep scuff guards protect against ski edges and crampons * Zippered thigh vents offer on-the-fly cooling during steep climbs **Watch-outs** * High price tag reflects premium technical mountaineering construction * Too warm and heavy for high-tempo skate skiing on groomed tracks * Fit is tailored for touring boots and can feel bulky over low-cut Nordic race shoes
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#8 on this list
S-Bound 98 Crown/Dual Skin Xtralite
Fischer
The Fischer S-Bound 98 Crown/Dual Skin Xtralite is built for skiers who want to leave the groomed network behind entirely. Falling firmly into the backcountry touring category, this ski features an expansive 98-69-88mm profile designed to provide real flotation in deep backcountry snow, coupled with an aggressive sidecut that allows for controlled telemark or parallel turns on rolling descents. Construction centers around Fischer's lightweight Paulownia wood core wrapped in air channels, which keeps the ski manageable during long approach tours. For climbing, the base utilizes the Offtrack Crown fishscale pattern for low-angle rolling terrain, but Fischer also integrates its Dual Skin system. This feature allows skiers to quickly click in a mid-ski Easy Skin or full-length Super Skin when ascents turn too steep for mechanical scales, effectively eliminating the need for separate backcountry touring setups on moderate terrain. Weighing over 4.5 pounds without bindings, the S-Bound 98 is clearly not built for groomed Nordic centers; it will not fit into standard tracks and is far too wide for flat-water aerobic striding. It also requires a robust, heavy-duty three-pin or backcountry binding (such as an NNN-BC or Xplore) and a supportive, stiff boot to drive its steel edges into hardpack. For wilderness navigation and long-distance winter touring, however, it is exceptionally capable. **Highlights** * Broad 98mm tip width provides solid flotation in deep, untracked powder * Dual Skin attachment system allows quick integration of climbing skins for steep ascents * Offtrack Crown waxless pattern handles rolling, moderate terrain without skins * Full-length steel edges provide edge hold on icy backcountry sidehills * Generous sidecut enables turn initiation on gentle to moderate downhill slopes **Watch-outs** * Completely incompatible with groomed cross-country tracks * Requires burly backcountry boots and bindings (NNN-BC, Xplore, or 75mm) * Substantially heavier and slower to stride than traditional touring skis
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Specs side by side
| Spec | Col Becchei | S-Bound 98 Crown/Dual Skin Xtralite |
|---|---|---|
| Product Category | Backcountry ski touring pants | — |
| Outer Material | Schoeller Naturetec softshell | — |
| Lining Material | Tasmanian merino wool blend | — |
| Weatherproofing | PFC-free wind- and water-resistant finish | — |
| Approximate Price | $330 | — |
| Ventilation | Zippered outer thigh vents | — |
| Profile | — | 98-69-88 mm |
| Weight per pair | — | 4 lbs 9.4 oz (approx. 2,080 g) |
| Core | — | Air Tec Paulownia wood core |
| Base pattern | — | Offtrack Crown waxless base |
| Climbing system | — | Dual Skin compatible (Easy Skin & Super Skin) |
| Edge type | — | Full-length steel edges |
| Available lengths | — | 159, 169, 179, 189 cm |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
Col Becchei
- Tasmanian merino wool lining delivers excellent moisture wicking and comfort
- Schoeller Naturetec shell blocks wind and resists brush abrasions
- Zippered side thigh vents provide rapid temperature regulation on climbs
- Reinforced instep scuff guards guard against metal ski edges and crust
- Premium price point of roughly $330 limits accessibility
- Too warm and substantial for fast workouts on groomed Nordic trails
- Lower-leg cuffs are oversized for low-profile Nordic race boots
S-Bound 98 Crown/Dual Skin Xtralite
- Wide 98 mm shovel offers genuine flotation in untracked snow
- Dual Skin system allows fast climbing skin attachment for steep ascents
- Full-length steel edges deliver dependable grip on icy traverses
- Deep sidecut allows controlled turns on moderate backcountry descents
- Too wide to fit into standard groomed cross-country tracks
- Requires heavy NNN-BC, Xplore, or 75mm boots to drive effectively
- Heavier and slower on flat, hard snow than narrower touring models
Prices change constantly — the figure shown is the last verified catalog price, and the buy buttons always go to the current listing.