When it comes to aerobic winter activities in the alpine, a good pair of shell bottoms is imperative. You need something that keeps your legs protected from wind and precipitation yet still offers enough breathability and ventilation to support the extreme body-heat and sweat output that comes with high-effort days in the mountains. All that, plus fit and features that allow for full range of motion and easy bathroom stops.
Don’t miss: The Best Touring Shells of 2023
How We Test
Number of testers: 28
Number of products tested: 32
Number of miles: 800
Vertical feet: 38,000
Testing touring pants is a lesson in embracing the elements. Our team of 28 climbed volcanoes in the Cascades, skied from craggy peaks in the Alps, braved negative 20 degree mornings in the Rockies, and schwacked through overgrown forests in the Midwest to assess the protection, ventilation, and durability of this year’s new breathable shell bottoms. In total, we put 32 products through the wringer—roughing them up on bootpacks, stuffing them in base camp duffels, slogging in them through hours of trail breaking, and even using some of them as pillows on an overnight winter camping trip (not recommended).
Testers from all backgrounds—brand new skiers,…
