#9 on this list
Pinedale Pants
Stio
The Stio Pinedale Pants take a different approach from the heavy hardshells on this list, targeting aerobic winter disciplines. Recognized by Treeline Review as the premier pant for cross-country skiing, the Pinedale is built with Stio's proprietary Everlight softshell material, featuring four-way stretch and a PFAS-free DWR coating designed for high-output, low-bulk cold-weather training. Because cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and fat biking generate significant body heat, traditional waterproof membranes quickly turn into humid sweatboxes. The Pinedale solves this by offering high breathability and air permeability while shedding light flurries, road spray, and wind. The interior soft face feels comfortable directly against bare skin, and zippered lower-leg openings allow the cuffs to fit neatly over slender Nordic boots or trail runners. It is essential to understand the Pinedale's limitations: it is not a resort downhill pant. Sitting on a wet chairlift in freezing rain will quickly soak through the softshell material, and the cuffs lack the heavy scuff guards required to survive sharp metal downhill ski edges. For human-powered Nordic workouts and fitness touring, however, its breathability and movement are hard to top. **Highlights** - Breathable Everlight softshell fabric provides continuous airflow during aerobic output - Four-way mechanical stretch allows unrestricted stride and kick mechanics - PFAS-free DWR finish repels light precipitation, dry snow, and road spray - Lower leg zippers accommodate Nordic ski boots and athletic winter footwear - Soft next-to-skin interior eliminates the need for thermal base layers in mild weather **Watch-outs** - Softshell construction will wet out under sustained rain or saturated resort snow - Lacks edge guards and powder gaiters required for alpine downhill skiing
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#10 on this list
Ascentshell Bibs
Outdoor Research
The Outdoor Research Ascentshell Bibs are tailored for backcountry skiers, splitboarders, and ski mountaineers who demand total breathability without giving up the upper-body coverage of a bib. Recognized by Treeline Review as a top-tier ski bib, this piece utilizes Outdoor Research's proprietary AscentShell three-layer fabric, an electrospun membrane that allows air to pass through continuously while remaining fully waterproof. Reviewers consistently emphasize how comfortable the AscentShell fabric feels compared to traditional crunchy hardshells. The textile features generous mechanical stretch, a soft, quiet hand feel, and exceptional vapor transfer, allowing skiers to leave the bib on during strenuous uphill skinning without overheating. Full-length side zips double as venting ports and facilitate easy entry and exit, while the low-profile suspenders sit comfortably underneath a heavily loaded pack. While the electrospun membrane breathes better than nearly any standard hard laminate, it is slightly more delicate than burly 100-denier canvas shells. Users who spend the majority of their time scraping against chairlift hardware or bushwhacking through dense timber may see faster wear, making this bib best suited for true backcountry travel where breathable performance is paramount. **Highlights** - Electrospun AscentShell 3L fabric provides superior air permeability and waterproofing - Soft, flexible hand feel with mechanical stretch for unrestricted climbing mobility - Full side zippers allow rapid ventilation adjustments and simplified on-and-off - Low-profile upper bib design layers seamlessly under technical alpine packs - Available in an inclusive sizing run spanning Small through XXL **Watch-outs** - More prone to abrasion than heavy-gauge nylon freeride shells - Air-permeable membrane can feel slightly cooler in howling winds than absolute windproof laminates
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Specs side by side
| Spec | Pinedale Pants | Ascentshell Bibs |
|---|---|---|
| Fabric | Everlight softshell with 4-way mechanical stretch | — |
| Finish | PFAS-free durable water repellent (DWR) | — |
| MSRP | Approximately $169 | Around $429 |
| Waterproofing | Water-resistant, non-membrane softshell | — |
| Cuff Style | Zippered lower leg gusset | — |
| Primary Use | Nordic skiing and aerobic winter training | Backcountry ski touring and ski mountaineering |
| Fabric Type | — | AscentShell 3-layer electrospun hardshell |
| Stretch | — | Mechanical stretch face fabric |
| Size Range | — | Men's and Women's S to XXL |
| Venting | — | Full-length dual-direction side zippers |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
Pinedale Pants
- High air permeability prevents clamminess during strenuous aerobic winter workouts
- Four-way mechanical stretch allows full, unrestricted Nordic kicking and gliding
- Brushed interior feels comfortable directly against skin without a base layer
- Zippered lower legs fit neatly over cross-country ski boots and running shoes
- Non-waterproof softshell will wet out under heavy, sustained precipitation
- Lacks reinforced scuff guards needed to survive sharp alpine ski edges
- Cuffs cannot accommodate standard alpine downhill or snowboard boots
Ascentshell Bibs
- Electrospun membrane allows class-leading breathability and continuous airflow
- Soft, quiet fabric with mechanical stretch eliminates stiff hardshell crunch
- Full-length side zippers enable easy drop-seat functionality and venting
- Low-profile upper bib sits flat under heavy backpack straps and hipbelts
- Significantly less abrasion-resistant than heavy-denier resort shells
- Air permeability allows cold winds to penetrate faster than standard laminates
- Not insulated, requiring careful base layer management in sub-zero temps
Prices change constantly — the figure shown is the last verified catalog price, and the buy buttons always go to the current listing.