Outdoor Research Skyward II AscentShell - Women's Review

The Outdoor Research Skyward II Pant quickly caught our attention during testing as a standout product for those looking to venture into the backcountry. It comes fully loaded with features such as a beacon pocket and booster strap compatibility while providing incredible stretch and weather resistance thanks to its 3L AscentShell membrane. Generous outer thigh vents allow you to dump heat when ascending the skin track and its adjustable waistband means you can find a secure fit for the ride down. For all that the pant offers, it is reasonably priced compared to others on the market.

Performance Comparison

Weather Resistance

To test the weather resistance of the Skyward II Pant, we stood in the shower for two minutes, putting water over every seam, zipper, and inch of fabric. And, this model passed with flying colors. While under the constant flow of the shower we didn't find any water seeping through the pant or into any pockets thanks to its fully sealed seams.

At the end of the two-minute test, we were able to shake the majority of the water droplets from the pant. However, we did notice that the fabric seemed to absorb a little bit of water on its surface. While it was not an issue during testing, these pants might benefit from continued waterproofing care as they age. Overall we remained dry and comfortable throughout the testing process.

Fit and Comfort

Similar to the stretch and comfort Outdoor Research achieves in their Hemispheres Bib, the Skyward II Pant seems to flow with every move your body makes. The pant has stretch panels in key areas of its construction and utilizes spandex as well for an incredibly comfortable fit.

The adjustable waistband allows for a customizable fit that helps you worry less about keeping your pants up and more focused on the mission ahead. We also appreciated the articulated knees, creating extra space should one be wearing a knee brace or just prefer more room. The stretch of these pants is truly a notable feature, especially when looking for a pair of touring pants. Finally, it has a brushed tricot-lined waistband that lies comfortably on the skin and prevents scratching.

Ventilation

Ventilation is an important metric when considering outerwear for touring missions and the Skyward II Pant doesn't disappoint. When boot packing or skinning uphill one needs to be able to get rid of excess heat and then quickly transition back to ski downhill. The Skyward II Pant meets these criteria by featuring two outer thigh vents that span from just below the hip to the knee, allowing you to regulate your temperature easily and quickly.

The large vents allow for customization when things heat up, zipping from both the top and bottom of the vent. This allows you to change the size of the vent or even have the vent split in the middle, depending on your preference. These vents, paired with the breathable fabric, make it easy to regulate temperatures while skinning uphill.

Warmth

Designed to be a touring shell, the Skyward II Pant is constructed of thin material and is not meant to be warm. With no insulation, it is best for someone who is looking for a light and protective outer layer, not a warm insulating layer.

These pants could be adapted for colder temperatures by pairing them with a warm base layer for added warmth, but would not be ideal for a chilly day on a chairlift. However, we found them to keep us comfortable temperature-wise while skinning uphill and skiing downhill.

Features

Featuring booster strap compatibility, four roomy pockets, a beacon-specific pocket, and an adjustable waistband, these lightweight pants pack a punch. Each leg features a slightly overlapping pair of pockets, each of which is large enough to fit a cell phone, wallet, or keys, all while remaining comfortable to wear. The beacon-specific pocket features a clip and small sleeve to keep your beacon secure and in place should you choose to wear it there.

The booster strap compatibility means you can adjust and tighten your strap without having to roll up your boot gaiters. Not everyone may need each of those features, but those who do will certainly appreciate the versatility provided while remaining in a middle-price tier.

Style

If style is a factor when picking your outerwear, then there are a few things to consider about the overall style of the Skyward II Pant. While its style is appealing and classic, it is also very limited in its options. The pants are only offered in three colors and with no choice for short or long inseams. That means that if you aren't impressed by the few options given you may be disappointed.

We also noticed a slight error with the outer vent zippers which cause the pants to warp slightly along the outer edge. While we are unsure if it's in every pair made, we did purchase a second pair of the pants and notice it on them as well. It seemed to have no effect on the performance and took some testers a minute to notice, but cosmetically it might bother some people.

Value

Considering all of the bells and whistles this model offers, as well as its technical performance, weather resistance, and incredible comfort, we think the Skyward II is at the top of its class for value. While there are certainly less expensive options to choose from, this model provides features that are worth it for some skiers and riders to pay a little bit more.

Conclusion