Outdoor Research Valhalla Softshell Pants

The Outdoor Research Valhalla Softshell Pants are awesome. I haven’t tried these for snowboarding or skiing yet, but I took them on a mountaineering course and some snow frolicking. Then I fell in love.

At 20.1oz, they’re not the most lightweight pants, but you’ll be wearing them, so the weight is pretty negligible. Made of GORE® WINDSTOPPER® X-FAST Soft Shell, they’re a highly breathable pant for winter activities. Zippered thigh vents allow you to ventilate accordingly.

The fabric is extremely stretchy so your range of motion is not limited by your pants. The GORE® WINDSTOPPER® sheds snow super easily and is water-resistant, so you can move quickly through the backcountry. I put the WINDSTOPPER® to work this weekend on a snowy mountain; it lives up to its name.

These pants have four zippered pockets: two hand pockets and two thigh pockets. One also doubles as an avalanche beacon pocket with a key clip attachment. They also have an internal stretchy gaiter with slots for boot power straps.

The cut is standard, and on the roomier side, so no need to size up. Your regular size should be fine.

I don’t really have any negative things to say about these. They’re primarily a ski/snowboard pant, so they are a little baggier, especially around the ankles. If you have snow gaiters to wear over them, you might have some trouble fitting them on. However, can’t take points away from the Valhalla since they’re not meant to take snow gaiters.

If you are in the market for a pair of softshell pants, these might be for you! Lightweight, breathable, and super easy to move in… would definitely recommend!

The Outdoor Research Valhalla Softshell Pants have been discontinued. The Outdoor Research Cirque Pants are their new technical softshell pants. Buy for $150.

These come with a matching jacket, the Outdoor Research Valhalla Jacket.

The Outdoor Research Valhalla Softshell Pants were sent to me for review.

Last updated on December 15, 2017.