SectionHiker.com Backpacking Gear Reviews and FAQs 
Marmot Scree Pants are softshell pants available in men’s and women’s sizes that are good for winter hiking and snowsports. They’re highly breathable and wind-resistant with a good amount of built-in stretch for added comfort and fit. They’re also roomy enough to wear over a base layer without being baggy, something that is increasingly rare in men’s and women’s softshell pants, especially women’s pants.
Specs at a Glance
- Gender: Men’s and Women’s
- Material: Softshell Double Weave 90% Nylon, 10% Elastane Stretch
- Pockets: 3
- DWR: Yes
- Men’s Sizing: 28″-40″ waist; 30″ and 32″ inseam
- Women’s Sizing: sizes 2-14; 32″ inseam
The Marmot Scree pants have three pockets, all on the front with no back pockets. There is a zippered thigh pocket and two front pockets made with mesh lining that lay flat and don’t bulk up. After that, there are some major differences in the sizes available and styling between the men’s and women’s models. The men’s pants have much deeper pockets than the women’s pants, which are quite small. The men’s pants also have articulated legs, but not the women’s, despite what the marmot website says. The belt loops are also configured differently.
I like the comfortable fabric they’re made with and the cut of the women’s version. They are not tight like some other brands that fit more like leggings and are not too loose or baggy. The Scree Pants have good wind resistance and are surprisingly durable, holding up to off-trail use. They also come with a DWR coating for water resistance which is pretty standard on softshell pants and a great feature for winter use.
I think my favorite feature on the women’s model is a wide back belt “loop” that is really low profile, making it comfortable to use under a backpack hip-belt, not a hard lump that and grinds into my spine. That’s definitely a win. I’ve been known to “move” poorly positioned belt loops in other pairs of pants to make them more comfortable for carrying a backpack.
Recommendation
These softshell Marmot Scree Pants are a great option for winter hiking. While I’m not 100% happy with all of their features, I like the comfortable softshell fabric they’re made with and the cut of the women’s version. They are not tight like some other brands that fit more like leggings and are not too loose or baggy. The Scree Pants have good wind resistance and are surprisingly durable, holding up to off-trail use. While the women’s pockets would be better if they matched the men’s, I’ve decided comfort is more important than perfect pockets. If you are looking for some softshell pants for winter hiking and cold weather use, I would definitely recommend taking a closer look at the Marmot Scree softshell pants.
Disclosure: The author purchased these products.
About the author
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I really don’t like “soft-shell” fabric. It’s heavy and not all that warm, IMHO.
For winter I prefer my Duluth Trading Dry on the Fly fleece lined nylon cargo pants. Windproof, tough and warm but relatively light.
Seems rash to clump all softshell pants together given that there are so many different weights and pant designs available. Heck people use softshell in summer (Or Ferrossi and all of Kuhl pants) I can’t hike in fleece-lined pants. Simply too warm.
I agree with Philip’s assessment on soft shell pants in winter. I recently completed a section hike of the CT AT. Temps ranged from high 20s at night to high 30s daytime….maybe touching low 40s for an hour or so. I did it in my Patagonia Qundary Zip Offs. I carried a pair of Smartwool thermals, but only wore those at night. My only concern was the wind and cold getting through the material….but I had no problem (and I run cold!). Still, I came across many hikers dressed in heavier pants. To each his own…Philip, can you address the baggy nature of the mens version of the Marmot Screes?
Not sure what you want me to say. Wanda just published a review of the men’s and women’s versions that she and her husband use.
https://sectionhiker.com/marmot-scree-softshell-pants-for-men-and-women/
If you want a slimmer model choose a different pair of pants. A baggy pant can be useful if you like to wear a baselayer underneath, but my preference is to layer on top with rain pants because they’re easier to take off when you get too hot, without having to take off your boots and fully undress. Standing on snow in your socks just sucks.
I have a pair of probably 15 year old Marmot Screes that are still in amazing shape. I wear them over yoga pants on super cold days and they do the trick. Not too cold, not too warm.
My other favorites are my Rab Exodus pants. I favor them only because of the vents.