Comparison Review: We tried out the best trekking pants for each season: Spring/Autumn and Summer

Friday, August 23, 2019

THE NORTH FACE , Arc'teryx , Patagonia , Mountain Hardwear , NORRONA , MAMMUT , finetrack , trekking pants , Houdini , comparison

Written by Outdoor Gearzine Editorial Department

table of contents

Test Results & Spec Comparison Table (Medium Thickness Type)
Impressions of each model
summary

Test Results & Spec Comparison Table (Medium Thickness Type)

If you find it difficult to see the table on the lightweight display for smartphones, click here.

comprehensive evaluation	AAA	AA	AA	AA	AA	A
item	The North Face Magma Pants	Mammut Softec Trekker Pants	finetrack Camino Pants	Mountain Hardwear Rock Ground Pants	Norrona Bitihorn lightweight pants	Patagonia Cozy Pike Pants
Reference price (excluding tax)	¥15,000	¥15,000	¥14,500	¥13,000	¥20,000	¥15,000
Here is ◎	Stretchability silhouette	Stretchability durability	High mobility without relying on stretching High breathability	Ventilation Exquisite fitting	Breathable Various pockets Lightweight	Side pocket shape Suitable for any occasion
Here is △	The fabric is stiff	Too hot for midsummer A slightly loose silhouette	design	durability	There are many seams and it feels a bit rough against the skin	Stretchability
Comfort	★★★★☆	★★★★★	★★★★☆	★★★★☆	★★★☆☆	★★★☆☆
mobility	★★★★☆	★★★★★	★★★★☆	★★★☆☆	★★★☆☆	★★★☆☆
Functionality	★★★☆☆	★★★☆☆	★★★☆☆	★★★★☆	★★★★☆	★★★☆☆
Breathable and breathable	★★★★☆	★★★☆☆	★★★★☆	★★★★☆	★★★★★	★★★☆☆
weight	★★★★☆	★★☆☆☆	★★★☆☆	★★★☆☆	★★★★☆	★★★☆☆
style	★★★★☆	★★☆☆☆	★★☆☆☆	★★★☆☆	★★★☆☆	★★★★☆
Specifications
official weight	292g	–	325g	310g	296g	350g
Actual weight	285g	402g	322g	339g	298g	351g
material	APEX™ Aerobic Dry Light	SOFtech	100% nylon	stretch nylon ripstop	Nylon weave 130	4-way stretch 95% nylon 5% spandex
pocket	Front x 2 Back right	Front x 2 Back right	Front x 2 Back right	Front x 2 Back right Both thighs x 2	Front x 2 Bag x 2 left thigh	Front x 2 Back left right thigh

Impressions of each model

The North Face Magma Pants

The North Face Men's Magma Pants, Urban Navy, Size L (equivalent to Japanese size L)

created by Rinker

THE NORTH FACE

Here is ◎

Stretchability
silhouette

Here is △

The fabric is a little stiff

The fabric has a textured surface on both the front and back, so it stays cool and comfortable even when you sweat

Although slim and sturdy, it's highly stretchable, allowing for easy movement and stress-free comfort. Additionally, three-dimensional cutting is used in moving areas such as the crotch and knees, allowing for greater mobility. The fabric is sturdy yet highly breathable, and both the front and back are textured, making the front water-repellent and the back dry and comfortable even when you sweat

There are three pockets in total: two on each hip and one on the right buttock. The pocket on the hip has a zipper, but the other two do not, so please be careful. All three pockets are mesh, which also serves as ventilation

Of course, it doesn't seem like it would be suitable for use in the mountains in winter, but the silhouette is good and it seems like it would work well for wearing around town as well

Mammut Softec Trekker Pants

MAMMUT Softshell Pants (Mammut) Softec Trekkers Pants Men's 1020-09760, Black, EU Size L (equivalent to Japanese Size XL)

created by Rinker

Mammut

Here is ◎

Stretchability
durability

Here is △

Too hot for midsummer
A slightly loose silhouette

It is double woven, so the front and back have different finishes

These three-season softshell pants are made with Mammut's original double-weave SOFtech fabric, offering excellent windproof and stretch properties. The fabric is slightly thick but very stretchy, ensuring ample mobility for trekking. The lining is made of a slightly textured fabric that feels comfortable against the skin, so it won't get sticky even when you sweat. Of the models compared here, these are the most traditional trekking pants

There are three pockets in total: two on the sides and one on the back. All of them are zippered and the interior is sturdy, so you don't have to worry about putting heavy items inside. Although it doesn't have any other notable features, its simple design gives it a smart look, and you'll be able to use it for a long time without getting bored

Although they are called three-season pants, the fabric is thicker than other pants, so they may be too hot for low mountain climbing in midsummer. However, they are also great for early spring and late fall, and even low mountain climbing in winter if you wear them with tights, so they are likely to be a versatile pair of pants

finetrack Camino Pants

finetrack Men's Camino Pants Regular Size Medium, Steel Gray

created by Rinker

finetrack

Here is ◎

High mobility without relying on stretching
High breathability

Here is △

design

The sides of both thighs are equipped with finetrack's ventilation system, "Recumbent."

Rather than using stretchy yarn to create the stretch, finetrack's unique knitting method ensures the stretch will not deteriorate even after years of wear. The fabric is thick enough to be highly durable, making it suitable for activities that require durability, such as mountaineering and climbing. Thanks to the unique three-dimensional cut around the waist and knees, lifting your legs is smooth and comfortable, even without relying on the stretch of the fabric, allowing you to wear them for a long time without stress

There are three pockets in total: two on each hip and one on the right buttock. All three are zippered. Finetrack's unique ventilation system, Recumbent, is installed under the two pockets, allowing accumulated heat to be easily released, maintaining comfort

If the water repellency deteriorates, there is a fee-based water repellency restoration service, and the peace of mind that comes with being a domestic brand is a big plus. However, the slim silhouette that Finetrack has striven for still feels somewhat unfashionable

Mountain Hardwear Rock Ground Pants

MOUNTAIN HARDWEAR Rock Ground Pants [ASIAN FIT] OE8221 011 (Shark) M 2019 Spring/Summer Model

Mountain Hardwear

Here is ◎

Ventilation
Exquisite fitting

Here is △

durability

The knees have mesh slits that allow ventilation every time you bend your knees

These pants are made from durable ripstop fabric and stretch more vertically than horizontally. The fit is moderately tight, but there is a little room around the knees, and the knee slits allow for smooth movement around the knees. They are not too tight compared to other pants, so they will suit those who prefer loose-fitting pants. The fabric is also highly durable, so they will be useful in a variety of situations

There are six pockets in total: two on the front (mesh), two on the back (zippered), and two on each side (mesh). The front and thigh pockets all have mesh linings, and there are mesh slits on the knees, allowing for good ventilation and making them comfortable to wear even in the summer

However, there are a lot of mesh parts and the seams are weak, so it seems like it will tear easily if you use it hard. The mesh parts in the knee slits in particular are fine for activities like mountain climbing and hiking, but they seem like they would tear easily if you were doing activities that involve a lot of movement, like climbing

Norrona Bitihorn lightweight pants

NORRONA Bitihorn Light Weight Pants Men's 2616-18 Caviar M

created by Rinker

NORRONA

Here is ◎

Breathable
Various pockets
Lightweight

Here is △

There are many seams and it feels a bit rough against the skin

The ventilation on both thighs is quite bold! There is no mesh, so when you open it, your bare skin is exposed. The waist adjustment is also ingenious, with Velcro

These trekking pants feature two different materials in the right places to ensure durability and mobility. Stretch material is used in the stretchy areas from the thighs to below the knees and from the buttocks to the back of the knees, while the other areas are reinforced with thin nylon fabric, ensuring both durability and mobility. About one-third of the cuffs can be widened with a zipper, and although they are slim, they can be worn with a variety of shoes. While the length is slightly longer than other pants, you can tighten the cuffs to avoid any issues

There are a total of five pockets: two in the front (zippered mesh), two in the back, and one on the left thigh (zippered). The front pockets are very small, but the pocket on the left thigh is large and made of stretch material, so it has good storage capacity. A distinctive feature is the ventilation on the sides above the knees on both legs. Opening this allows for very active ventilation. However, since there is no mesh fabric, you need to be careful as your bare skin will be very exposed if you are not wearing tights or something similar. Another unique feature is that you can use the hooks at the hem to hook onto your shoes, which can also serve as gaiters

Patagonia Cozy Pike Pants

Here is ◎

Side pocket shape
Suitable for any occasion

Here is △

Stretchability

The diagonal cut pockets are very easy to use. All pockets have zippers

These hiking pants are simple and slim, yet packed with functionality, something you'd never expect from Patagonia. They taper from the knee to the hem, giving them a slim look, but the zippers at the cuffs make them easy to put on and take off, and they look great with high-top boots. The fabric is just the right thickness, and they seem resistant to friction. The waistband is very sturdy, making them highly durable

There are four pockets in total: two in the front, one on the left buttock, and one on the right thigh. All of them can be closed with a zipper, so you don't have to worry about dropping things. The cargo pocket on the thigh is particularly large and gusseted, and can even hold a 6-inch smartphone. While the pants themselves aren't particularly breathable, all of the pockets are mesh, so some ventilation is possible

Thanks to the 4-way stretch fabric and three-dimensional cut around the knees, these pants are fine for walking and hiking, but they don't have enough stretch to lift your legs high, so if you only plan on walking, they're easy to use. Their simple appearance also makes them great for everyday wear

summary

We have collected and reviewed a variety of models, from the latest 2019 models and classic models, to lightweight, thin types that are great for midsummer trekking, to medium-thick types that can be used for long periods from spring to autumn

Many of the models have a tight fit and a tapered style that narrows towards the hem, which seems to be the current trend in trekking pants. This gives them a stylish look, and there are many models that can be worn not only for trekking but also around town without feeling like outdoor wear

In the lightweight category, Arc'teryx's Sabrio Pants are thin and lightweight, yet well-made, so they seem like they could be used for everything from trekking to mountain climbing. However, because they're thin, they might be a bit tough when the temperature drops, but they're thin and tight-fitting, so they're easy to layer and can be used for a long time with some ingenuity. Houdini's Lucid Pants could be used in a similar way. The two packable models can also be used as a change of clothes after descending the mountain or at the campsite, so in that sense, they won't be your main choice outside of summer, but they'll be useful in a wide range of situations

The North Face's Magma Pants, Mammut's Softec Trekkers Pants, and finetrack's Camino Pants are made with a moderately thick fabric, yet offer stretch and breathability that doesn't restrict movement, making them perfect for trekking. However, the Magma Pants and Softec Trekkers Pants feel a bit tight when moving around outside of trekking, so they're unlikely to be suitable for other activities, whereas the Camino Pants seem more versatile

However, when it comes to trekking pants, there are different types released to suit different seasons, low or high mountains, and various other environments. Of course, it would be great if you could have a pair of specialized pants for each, but that's not always possible. We hope that you can find a pair of pants from the ones introduced here that matches the characteristics of each pair and the functionality you are looking for in trekking pants