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The Upstride Pants from Patagonia are a lightweight softshell pant, aimed at ski tourers who are looking for freedom of movement, breathability and comfort on long climbs and blue sky descents.
This is actually the second incarnation of the Upstride Pants. The first had a very, very slim fit almost akin to the Euro skimo outfits, but maybe not quite that tight, and despite not being the biggest guy on hill, I just couldn’t get them to fit me.
Fortunately the reworked cut on this second incarnation, is absolutely perfect. I wear size small, regular leg length and am around 175cm tall and 69kg.
I’ve mainly used these for Spring tours where the sun has been out, but I’ve also tested them on a fair few snowy days, and whilst they’re not a hard shell, they have actually kept the moisture out pretty well.
They’re constructed from a breathable, recycled stretch-knit face fabric with a DWR (durable water repellent) finish that’s made without perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs/PFAS). It’s durable without feeling overly burly.
Patagonia say: “Stretchy, weather-resistant, 100% recycled polyester soft-shell face fabric is bonded to an internal knit grid backer that slides effortlessly over skin or baselayers, with a DWR (durable water repellent) finish that’s made without PFCs (perfluorinated chemicals) to shed moisture”
I love the stretch of the Upstride Pants, they’re super comfortable and neither clingy nor baggy. On cold days I wear a light 3/4 length base layer pant and when it’s warmer I just go with them next to the skin. The zippered thigh vents provide respite on hot climbs.
I really like the waist band, fly and belt configuration. Nothing fancy, it just works. Something that should be a given, but some manufacturers often over complicate through some desire to reinvent the wheel.
Other features on the Upstride Pants that are noteworthy include zippered cargo pockets (that will take a transceiver or snacks, map etc) and well designed cuffs with snow gaiters and scuff guards.
Having used the Upstride Pants for the whole of last Spring, I can’t wait to get back on my skis for another season of breathtaking tours. These pants are my go to ski pants now, for anything other than full on storm days. Brilliant on the up but just as good on the down. Great job Patagonia.
The Upstride Pants are available in both Men’s and Women’s versions.
You can find out more and buy them at the Patagonia website.
RRP: £290/€320
Kevin Avery is an IFMGA Mountain Guide based near Chamonix, France. You can check out what he’s up to on Instagram @kevinavery.mountainguide or contact truenorthalpine@gmail.com to make a booking.
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