Teton Tested: Stellar Equipment Shell Pant 2.0 Review

The Stellar Equipment Shell Pant 2.0 is a 3-layer waterproof shell pant made from recycled nylon that features a clean aesthetic, an excellent ventilation system, and a seamless range of motion on the uphill.

I most recently tested the Shell Pant 2.0 on a ski tour around the south side of Teton Pass (Powder Reserves, Shamrock Spurs, and Columbia Bowls 1 and 3), and came away impressed by both their form and function.

Fit

My inseam is generally 32X32 and I found the size medium Shell Pant 2.0 to be a perfect fit. They have somewhat of the lean European taper around the legs while providing a loose enough fit to experience an excellent range of motion and easily acess all four pockets with a backpack on. Each cuff has a zipper that creates ample space for both gator and pant to fit over protruding boas and loose tongues. Once re-zipped the cuffs fit nicely around my boots without any excess to get caught in bindings or brush. The waist has both button and clasp closures and allowed the Shell Pants to stay perfectly in place the whole tour without the need for a belt.

Function

I have almost exclusively toured in bibs for the duration of my backcountry career. I have been considering investing in a hybrid pair of pants for splitboard touring that would be a combination of hard and softshell. Though the Shell Pant 2.0 is a hardshell pant through and through, I was impressed by how easy it was to regulate temperature while skinning on a fairly warm day (25-30 degrees Farenheit). The two side vents run about a third of the Shell Pant’s length and are lined with mesh to prevent large chunks of snow from entering.

Pairing the Shell Pants with an Alpha baselayer that only insulates when sealed under the hardshell was a perfect system for regulating heat while also staying dry in wetter conditions at lower elevations. The biggest revelation from the Shell Pant 2.0 after touring in bibs for years was how minimal they felt on my body while still keeping me perfectly dry. It felt as though I had shed a significant amount of dead wieght and was much more efficient with an unencumbered stride. Though I was not going for speed on this tour, these changes were undeniable assets to my overall experience. After one tour, I am completely sold.

The pocket placements are standard, two diagonal pockets from the waist, and then two horizontal pockets below. The right lower pocket includes a beacon tether. The waist has velcro sycnhes for adjustment, however if you do require a belt the loops are reinforced and appear sturdy. The knees and cuffs are also reinforced to hinder wear from rocks and ski/board edges and bindings.

Stellar also offers an ultralight Shell Pant with the same Derzimax DWR treated membrane that is about half the weight (686/300 grams), however I found these pants in a heavier denier to be a perfectly economical option for touring that I would not hesitate to wear on a slushy day at the resort.

Who Are These Stellar Equipment Pants Designed For?

Stellar Equipment’s Shell Pant 2.0 is a great option for a long-time snowsport enthusiast looking to step into the new age of techy outerwear. Sure, nylon has been around a long time, but the Stellar pant replaces juxtapoistions of the past such as lightweight and durable or waterproof and breathable with total synthesis. They even appear cutting-edge from an aesthetic standpoint.

Stellar equipment is a Swedish company founded in 2015 by people deeply ingrained in the skiing tradition. I am inclined to recommend Stellar Equipment towards this particular audience because they seem to be combining cutting edge technology and sustainable practices with traditional values. Prioritizing culture over lifestyle, accessibility over exclusivity, and maintaining a tight product line to ensure consistent quality. 

For more stellar options to make the full kit, checkout our Stellar Equipment 2.0 Ski Shell Review 

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Superior Mobility & Fit: Offers a sleek, “European” taper that provides an unencumbered range of motion, feeling significantly lighter and more efficient than traditional bibs on the skin track.

• Effective Climate Control: The combination of 3-layer waterproofing and a mesh-lined side ventilation system allows for easy temperature regulation during high-output uphill climbs without letting snow in.

Cons

• Premium Investment: At $479, these pants are a significant financial commitment, positioned at the higher end of the market for specialized touring gear.

• Weight vs. Ultralight Options: While durable for both resort and backcountry use, at 686g they are over double the weight of Stellar’s specialized “ultralight” version, which may matter to gram-counting minimalists.

Overall Impression

Stellar Equipment’s Shell Pant 2.0 retails for $479, a pricepoint that is reasonably on par with other quality brands today, but still a large investment for myself. There comes a time when after much (literal) hemming and hawing, patching and retaping, and enduring damp bus rides home that one may eventually come to terms with needing to replace their well-worn ski pants. If that time comes, it’s worth taking a chance with Stellar Equipment.

Before trying the shell pant 2.0, it never occurred to me how much a simple yet precise waterproof garment could better my touring experience.

Related Pants We Liked Touring in the Backcountry With

1. Patagonia Snowshot Pants Review
2. Patagonia Stormstride Pants Review
3. Ortovox Pizol Soft Shell Pants Review