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Outdoor Research Trailbreaker II Review

Durable softshell pants for most days on the backcountry skin track
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Outdoor Research Trailbreaker II Review
Credit: Backcountry
Price:  $225 List
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Manufacturer:   Outdoor Research
By Jeff Dobronyi ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  Dec 2, 2021
65
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Weather Resistance - 25% 4.0
  • Fit and Comfort - 25% 8.0
  • Ventilation - 20% 10.0
  • Warmth - 10% 3.0
  • Features - 10% 8.0
  • Style - 10% 4.0

Our Verdict

The Outdoor Research Trailbreaker II is a breathable, comfortable, and heavily-featured ski pant at a reasonable price. These are specifically made for human-powered skiing, with large vents and a breathable shell material that will keep you cool on the uptrack. Softshell pants are inherently less waterproof than hardshells, but these do the trick if the snow isn't too deep. The pockets and features are well-conceived, and the pants are so comfortable that you'll think you are in pajamas. These pants weigh about the same as other softshell pants in the market. If you are looking for a good pair of softshell ski pants at an affordable price, these are the best option.
REASONS TO BUY
Stretchy
Soft
Comfortable
Many pockets
Breathable
REASONS TO AVOID
Not waterproof
Thin material
Climbing style

Our Analysis and Test Results

The Trailbreaker II is a niche product for backcountry skiing, an activity that requires different attributes in outerwear. As such, these pants don't perform well in a few of our performance metrics, like warmth and style. However, as a backcountry ski pant, they perform well in everything they are supposed to.

Performance Comparison


outdoor research trailbreaker ii - the trailbreaker ii pants hard at work on the skin track.
The Trailbreaker II pants hard at work on the skin track.
Credit: sam willits

Weather Resistance


Backcountry pants sometimes sacrifice weather resistance for breathability. The Trailbreaker II pants feature softshell fabrics that don't provide bomber waterproof performance, but rather protect against drier snow and a little bit of liquid water. To add weather resistance, OR added waterproof panels on front of the lower legs. The fabric feels protective and does a great job of repelling dry snow on all but the deepest days.

outdoor research trailbreaker ii - large panels of waterproof fabric (seen here in gray) keep the legs...
Large panels of waterproof fabric (seen here in gray) keep the legs dry.
Credit: sam willits

If you are a daily resort skier, these pants probably won't provide enough protection for you. We'd recommend almost any other pant in the review that has a waterproof shell. Chairlift rides will expose the thighs to any snow falling from the sky, which will melt from body heat and soak through the pant leg.

Fit and Comfort


The OR Trailbreaker II is a well-fitting and comfortable pant. Compared to most ski resort pants, these are much more comfortable. They are light, soft, flexible, and stretchy. The fit is slim, but not tight. We like the way they fit and stretch with our acrobatic movements. The waist comes equipped with velcro straps to help customize the fit, and the pockets are placed so that they'll be comfortable, even when full.

outdoor research trailbreaker ii - a slim fit and stretchy softshell fabric make acrobatic movements a...
A slim fit and stretchy softshell fabric make acrobatic movements a breeze in the OR Trailbreaker II.
Credit: Sam Willits

Ventilation


The softshell fabric used in the OR Trailbreaker II is very breathable. Furthermore, the waterproof panels are located away from areas that generate a lot of heat, which is a good thing for breathability. Compared to hardshell pants, these are much more breathable. Compared to other softshell pants, the material is on the thicker side, which is good for durability. We think the Trailbreaker II strikes a good balance between breathability and weather resistance.

outdoor research trailbreaker ii - long side vents without mesh provide great ventilation.
Long side vents without mesh provide great ventilation.
Credit: sam willits

Ventilation is further enhanced by two long outer leg vents that open without mesh backing, almost from the knee to the waist. There are zipper tabs on either end, which allows you to ventilate the top half of your leg without getting any snow into the bottom half when you are moving your poles forward on the ski track.

Warmth


The OR Trailbreaker is pretty much perfect for touring in most mid-winter conditions, providing just the right amount of warmth for aerobic activity. Technically speaking, these pants have no insulation. The only thing between you and the environment is a thin piece of stretchy fabric. As such, these pants cannot compare to the warmth of more downhill-oriented competitors for resort riding. For warm spring tours, they might be a little warm still.

outdoor research trailbreaker ii - the fit of the or trailbreaker ii allows room for layering underneath.
The fit of the OR Trailbreaker II allows room for layering underneath.
Credit: sam willits

Features


The Trailbreaker pants have four pockets, all of them zippered. There are two hip pockets, one of which contains a plastic clip that secures your avalanche transceiver. Two more pockets are located on the rear of each thigh. We liked this placement because storing things along the front of the thigh can be uncomfortable when skinning uphill. All of the pockets are big enough to be useful. These pants feature elastic powder cuffs that open wide enough to fit over boot buckles in uphill mode. Another feature we like is the slots in the powder cuff for a power strap. This allows easy transitions between uphill and downhill mode, without having to pull up the powder cuff to adjust the power strap.

outdoor research trailbreaker ii - the right hip pocket of the or trailbreaker ii also holds a clip for...
The right hip pocket of the OR Trailbreaker II also holds a clip for an avalanche transceiver.
Credit: Sam Willits

Style


Compared to most pants we have looked at, the Trailbreaker II pants are decidedly snug. Ski resort pants have been moving towards a neutral style, not too tight, not too baggy, with a single color design and zippers that blend in with the fabric. These are more reminiscent of alpine climbing pants and have a technical look to them. You'll stick out at the ski area, but in the backcountry, you'll fit right in and look sharp.

outdoor research trailbreaker ii - we don't particularly like the snug cut and two-tone color panels...
We don't particularly like the snug cut and two-tone color panels, but you be the judge.
Credit: sam willits

Value


The OR Trailbreaker pants are less expensive than most resort-specific pants, but won't keep you as warm or well-protected. For dedicated backcountry skiers looking for a pair of pants for most days of the winter, these are a great value. We have worn past versions of this product for years, and they hold up for a long time.

Conclusion


These pants lack the warmth and weather resistance needed for stormy inbounds skiing, but their comfort, flexibility, durability, and features make them very useful for human-powered endeavors. And, they are less expensive than other softshell ski pants that perform only slightly better.

outdoor research trailbreaker ii - gearing up for a backcountry ski tour on teton pass in the or...
Gearing up for a backcountry ski tour on Teton Pass in the OR Trailbreaker II.
Credit: sam willits

Jeff Dobronyi