Mountain Trousers & Shorts

Hardshell trousers.

A waterproof, windproof and breathable 3-layer fabric for winter and storm conditions. Hardshell trousers are built to be worn over a base layer in snow, rain and wind, with features such as leg zips, reinforced knees and instep protection against cuts and abrasion. Ours are Vanir-LT, in our proprietary SKJOLDR™ fabric.

Softshell trousers.

Stretch, breathable and water-resistant rather than waterproof. Softshell is more comfortable than hardshell for active use and sheds wind and light
showers, which makes it the everyday mountain trouser for three seasons. Ours are Tol.

Trekking trousers.

Tough, abrasion-resistant fabric for long days, rough ground and plenty of pockets. Our Torv trousers use a waxed recycled polyester and cotton blend that repels light rain and improves with use.

Shorts.

For warm weather, from softshell trekking shorts to an ultralight lined trail running short.

Season and conditions.

Winter climbing, mountaineering and wet, windy days call for hardshell. Spring to autumn, in changeable weather, softshell or trekking trousers, with a lightweight waterproof in the pack.

Effort.

The harder you work, the more stretch and breathability matter. Softshell vents heat better than any waterproof.

Durability.

Scrambling, bouldery ground and heavy packs wear through fabric. Reinforced knees and seat, and tougher face fabrics, extend the life of a pair.

Layering.

Trousers are part of the same system as your jackets: a base layer underneath in the cold and a shell over the top when the weather turns. Read the Mountain Layering Guide, and see our waterproof and shell jackets.

Are softshell trousers waterproof?

No. Softshell trousers are water-resistant: a durable water-repellent finish sheds showers and wet snow, but sustained rain will soak through. For full waterproofing, choose hardshell trousers, or carry waterproof overtrousers.

Hardshell or softshell trousers?

Hardshell for winter and bad weather, when staying dry matters more than breathability. Softshell for active days in mixed conditions, when comfort and freedom of movement matter more. Many mountain users own both.

What are hardshell pants?

The US name for hardshell trousers: fully waterproof, windproof mountain trousers built from the same kind of fabric as a hardshell jacket. Read the Hardshell Jacket Guide for how waterproof fabrics work.