Outdoor Research Methow Pants – Super Flexible and Warm

Kate Agathon

Outdoor Research Methow pants

Super flexible and warm, I have worn these nordic skiing and fat biking. They are the pants that do it all! Seriously, one week I wore these nearly every day while I was outdoors recreating.

Outdoor Research Methow pants

I was initially concerned about trying these because of the trim fit (middle-aged, slightly overweight me usually avoids anything that is described as “sport,” “trim,” “slim,” or “compression”), but willing to give them a try (I wore a size 4 short).

Ideal for nordic skiing on the coldest of days, the pants offer just enough warmth to keep your legs warm but not overheat. I wore these on a chilly 8-degree day and was very pleased with how well they moved (especially herring boning up steep hills) with me and kept me warm.

The trim fit did not constrict at all! They were surprisingly flattering and fit well throughout (waist, hips, thighs and calves).

Outdoor Research Methow pants

The two features I liked most about these pants were the incredibly deep front pockets (stow away anything- they won’t fall out) and the DWR finish (great if you need to sit on the snow during break time).

I’ve tried similar stretch/fleece pants that fell short- either they were too bulky for nordic skiing or so thin that I was surprised they were lined at all.

These are also great pants for fat biking because they aren’t too bulky, stretchy, and the tapered bottoms don’t get in the way of pedaling.

While I haven’t used them for backcountry snowshoeing yet, I expect the same performance and know these will be the pants that I choose.

Outdoor Research put a lot of thought into the design of the Methow pants and it shows.They breathe! They keep you warm! They stretch! With an MSRP of$119 they’re a tremendous value for the technology you get.

First of all, the brushed interior is strategically placed on the front legs and seat where you want the most coverage. The Cirque Lite (non brushed) fabric on the lower legs prevents overheating and ensures breathability.

Combined with an internal drawstring waist, zippered side pocket, drop-in right thigh pocket, and UP5 50+ protection for bluebird days, these features make one outstanding, all purpose pant for winter recreating. FANTASTIC JOB, Outdoor Research!

Outdoor Research Methow pants

Outdoor Research’s Methow pants are the answer to all my winter outdoor recreation prayers. Every feature on the Methow pants do exactly what they were designed to do- no more, no less. They didn’t go overboard with features and provided exactly what was needed and where it was needed.

For a petite woman, it is surprisingly difficult to find do-it all pants in a short length that can be worn for snowshoeing, nordic skiing, and fat biking. Several pants that I have found are good for one or another activity, but not for all. And nearly all are available in one length (regular).

Finally, I love that they consider women of all sizes! Available in black and naval blue, the Outdoor Research Methow pants are available in a wide range of sizes (0 to 18) and two lengths (short and regular).

Kate Agathon

Kate Agathon – Dr. of Stoke

Dr. Of Stoke

Freelance writer, bicyclist, outdoor recreation enthusiast, social justice advocate, and mom to her furbaby, Sansa.

A Colorado native, Kate considers the outdoors her mother ship. She brings her passion for bicycling, the environment, and issues of diversity to her writing. Her primary outdoor recreation activities are mountain biking, fat biking, snowshoeing, camping, peak bagging Colorado’s 14ers, road cycling, and nordic skiing. After suffering two major knee injuries within four years, Kate hopes to return to alpine skiing next season.

Kate earned a bachelor’s degree in History from Colorado State University and later an MSEd and Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from Purdue University. In addition to her education, Kate’s background serving on the Mayor’s Bicycle Advisory Committee and experience working for non-profits and bicycle sales well position her to bring depth and understanding to the complex changes currently taking place in the outdoor recreation industry.