Patagonia Super Cell Pants
Supremely packable and lightweight, this minimalist hardshell works year-round.
Brand: Super Cell Pants
Model: Patagonia
Weather Protection “It passed the Northwest test,” our tester declared after this Gore-Tex Paclite pant kept him dry through the wettest snows and rainstorms. The cuffs (and calf-height side zippers) accommodate ski boots and made the Super Cell ideal for wet and windy touring in the Cascades and around Mt. Rainier.
Durability Given the pant’s scant weight and excellent compressibility (packed, it’s the size of a large orange), testers expected rocks and branches to shred the fabric. But the 40-denier nylon held firm through rigorous abuse, and testers continued using these as rain paints during summer months.
Fit & Features The trim fit through the hips accommodates baselayers (the shell’s sticky inner surface doesn’t lend itself to next-to-skin wear).Breathability is just adequate—testers grew steamy on sustained climbs—and although the fabric doesn’t stretch, articulated knees provide for unencumbered movement.
$199; 10 oz.; patagonia.com