Outdoor Research Furio Gore-Tex Pants Review

With all the backcountry-worthy pants on the market, it’s really difficult for any single pair to catch on as the de-facto standard. Some are better at backcountry pursuits while others lean a little more towards a frontcountry-friendly design. With the Outdoor Research Furio Pants, you get a backcountry-friendly Winter pant that’s capable enough for mountaineering, backcountry skiing and the occasional inbounds day–just keep in mind that these are a simple, no-frills design.

These pants are up to any alpine challenge. Lightweight and breathable Gore-Tex® Paclite® fabric easily deflects nasty weather and expels internal moisture to keep you moving quickly. The rugged 70D Gore-Tex® Pro Shell fabric provides critical reinforcement in high stress areas while full-length, double-separating side zippers allow maximum ventilation and allow the pants to be pulled on easily over boots.

Outdoor Research Furio Gore-Tex Pants Features:

• Strategic mix of 70D Gore-Tex® Paclite® and Pro Shell fabrics
• Fully seam taped, all-conditions protection
• Accepts accessory suspenders (sold separately)
• Integrated belt; snap and double-sliding zipper fly
• Water-resistant zippers
• Full-length, double-separating side zippers allow drop seat
• Articulated knees
• Zip-out internal mesh gaiters with gripper elastic
• Reinforced ankle scuff guards
• Snap/drawcord cuff closures
• Grommets for instep lace
• MSRP: $280

Outdoor Research Furio Gore-Tex Pants Review

Simple, black and streamlined, the Furio Pants are no-frills on the surface, but with some niceties once you wear them awhile. First off, the outer fabric is very durable and has withstood plenty of carwash exits (scrub oak + nylon is usually a bad thing). Add on top of that the Gore-Tex Paclite laminate front and Pro Shell back and knees for breathability and waterproofing and you have a durable, functional winter pant.

As far as sizing goes, I did have a little bit of trouble getting correctly-sized in these pants. It seems I’m a medium-and-a-half in Outdoor Research pants (5’11”, 32″ inseam, 175 lbs.), but the size large ended up fitting just dandy with enough baggyness around the thighs to keep things comfortable, yet not grab on every branch in sight. One nice thing about the size large is I had plenty of room for my hind end, which can feel snug in some designs. So, maybe I’m a large, I guess.

After wearing these on several cold, snowy days, I then pushed the limits of these pants on a warm, spring-like ski tour. I did have to open the side zips for moisture management and thank goodness because although Gore-Tex Paclite does breathe decently, it still needs some ventilation assistance. I did have some aggressive tours where the inside of the pants were pretty damp from perspiration. That dampness becomes more apparent in this design since it lacks a brushed backing on the interior (to shave weight). A backing would add a tad more weight, but it would not only improve the moisture management, but aid in the cold, next-to-skin feel of these pants on early dawn patrols.

The Furios are made for athletic mountaineering, ice climbing and backcountry skiing, so keep that in mind. They are light, functional and lack some of the pocket frills found on most other pants. All you get is a single pocket for your right hand (left-handers are out of luck, sorry). This is good in some ways, but kind of frustrating at times when I searched for a pocket with my left hand to no avail. I did also miss having at least one small cargo pocket for lip balm or the occasional wrapper storage.

While they are simple pants, they do offer some great features, like zip-off powder cuffs, loops for optional suspenders and full-length waterproof zippers. Zipping off the powder cuffs allows these pants to be used for foul weather year-round.

Keep in mind that the cuffs aren’t as wide-opening as some designs, so pulling these over my Lange Banshee Pro’s with Hotronic heaters was a little difficult and resulted in a skinny jeans look at the cuff. On my touring boots, the fit was a little better with the powder cuffs keeping the white stuff at bay.

The Good

• Gore keeps things waterproof indeed
• Durability is top-notch
• Full-zips easily allow ventilation or access
• Integrated belt worked like a charm
• Zip-off powder cuffs extend the lifespan of these pants
• Burly pants that have endured years of abuse

The Bad

• Only a single pocket on the right thigh (sorry lefties!)
• Mighty chilly on cold mornings until you get revved up
• Cuffs are a little tight for some boots

The Bottom Line: Outdoor Research Furio Pants

The Furio pants attack the mountain with precision, but just make sure you’re down with the lack of pockets before you commit. If you do jump in, the Furio’s will provide durable weather protection and excellent ventilation via full-length zippers.

Buy Now: Find Outdoor Research Pants at REI