Comparison review: We compared the best possible trekking pants by spring, autumn, summer and season.
written by Outdoor Gearzine Editorial Department
table of contents
Test results & spec comparison table (medium-thick type)
If you find it difficult to see the table because it is lightweight for smartphones, click here
| comprehensive evaluation | AAA | AA | AA | AA | AA | A |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| item |  The North Face Magma Pants |  Mammut Softec Trekkers Pants |  finetrack camino pants | ![MOUNTAIN HARDWEAR Rock Ground Pants [ASIAN FIT] OE8221 Spring/Summer 2019 Model](https://images-fe.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61bf0rAXb8L._SS300_.jpg) Mountain Hardwear Rock Ground Pants |  Norrona Bitihorn lightweight pants |  |
| Reference price (excluding tax) | ¥15,000 | ¥15,000 | ¥14,500 | ¥13,000 | ¥20,000 | ¥15,000 |
| This is ◎ |
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| This is △ |
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| Comfort | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Mobility | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Functionality | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Breathable and moisture permeable | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
| weight | ★★★★☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| style | ★★★★☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Specs | ||||||
| Official weight | 292g | – | 325g | 310g | 296g | 350g |
| Actual measured 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 |
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Impressions of each model
The North Face Magma Pants
This is ◎
- Stretchability
- silhouette
This is △
- The fabric is a bit bulky
The fabric has unevenness on the front and back, and the texture remains smooth even when you sweat.
It is slim and sturdy, but is extremely stretchy, making it easy to move around in and doesn't feel stressed. In addition, three-dimensional cutting is used for moving parts such as the crotch and knees, achieving even higher mobility. The fabric is firm but is highly breathable, and there are uneven surfaces on the front and back, so the front and back are water-repellent, and the back keeps a smooth feel even when you sweat, making it highly comfortable.
There are three total pockets, two on both hips and one on the right butt. The butt pockets have zippers, but the other two do not have zippers, so be careful. All three pockets are mesh, and they also serve as ventilation.
It's unlikely to stand its use in winter mountains, but it has a good silhouette and looks great when worn in town without any discomfort.
Mammut Softec Trekker Pants
This is ◎
- Stretchability
- Durability
This is △
- It's too hot in the middle of summer
- A slightly looser silhouette
Because it is a double weave, the front and back are finished differently.
Softshell pants for three seasons, with excellent windproof and stretchability, made using Mammut's original double-woven fabric SOFtech. Although the fabric is slightly thick, it is extremely stretchy, ensuring ambience for trekking movements. The lining is a slightly uneven fabric that feels good on the skin, so even if you sweat, it won't become sticky. Of the comparison models this time, it is made of the most orthodox trekking pants.
There are three total pockets, two on the sides and one on the back. All zippers and the inside is sturdy, so you don't have to worry about putting heavy items in it. Although there are no other special features, it is simple to use and its appearance is smart and you can use it for a long time without getting bored.
Although it is said to be for three seasons, the fabric is thicker than other pants, so it may be too hot in low mountains in the middle of summer. However, these pants are often used, making them easy to use, even in the low mountains of early spring and late autumn, and wearing tights.
finetrack camino pants
This is ◎
- High mobility without relying on stretching
- Highly breathable
This is △
- design
The sides of the thighs feature a finetrack ventilation system called "Rekunvent."
Instead of using stretchy yarn to give it more stretch, it is lace up using a unique method of stretching, so it does not lose its stretch even after many years of wear. The fabric is quite thick, so it is highly durable and can be used not only for mountain climbing but also for activities that require durability such as climbing. Thanks to the unique three-dimensional cutting of the waist and both knees, the legs are very smooth, without relying on the stretchability of the fabric, so you can continue wearing them without stress.
There are three pockets in total: two on both hips and one on the right butt. All three have zipper designs. Under the two pockets, the unique Finetrack ventilation system and rekun vents are used to easily release accumulated heat and maintain comfort.
If the water repellency decreases, there is also a fee-free service, which is a great feature to revive the water repellent, and the peace of mind that only a domestic brand can offer is a great feature. However, the slim silhouette that is working hard for a fine track still retains a sense of unsophistication. .
Mountain Hardwear Rock Ground Pants
This is ◎
- Ventilation
- Exquisite fitting
This is △
- Durability
There is a cut in the knee, making it mesh. It ventilates every time you bend your knees.
These pants are made of durable ripstop fabric and have a more vertical stretch than the horizontal. The fitting is moderately tight, but there is a little room around the knee and the slits on the knee make the movement around the knee very smooth. It's not too tight compared to other pants, so it's probably perfect for those who want to wear pants loosely. The fabric is also highly durable, so it can be used in a variety of situations.
There are six pockets in total: two front (mesh), two back (zipper), and two momo sides (mesh). All the front and thigh pockets are mesh on the inside, and the knees also have mesh slits, so they ventilate quite aggressively, making them comfortable to wear even in the summer.
However, there are many mesh parts and the sutures are weak, so if you use them hard, they will tear quickly. The mesh part of the knee slit is especially fine if it is a movement like climbing or hiking, but if it is an activity that involves a lot of movement, such as climbing, it will likely tear quickly.
Norrona Bitihorn lightweight pants
This is ◎
- Breathable
- Various pockets
- Lightweight
This is △
- There are many seams and a slightly soft feel
The ventilation on both thighs is quite bold! There is no mesh and when opened it will be exposed. The waist adjustment is also original with Velcro.
These trekking pants are made from two different types of materials in place to ensure durability and mobility. Stretch material is placed on the well-stretched parts from the base of the thigh to the knee and from the buttocks to the back of the knee, while the other parts are reinforced with thin nylon fabric, providing both durability and mobility. The hem can be spread out about 1/3 of the entire hem with a zipper, making it suitable for a variety of shoes despite its slimmer look. The length is a little longer than other pants, but the hem can be tightened so it's not a concern.
There are five pockets in total: 2 front (zip/mesh specification), 2 back (zip/two pockets), and left thigh (zip specification). The front pocket is very small, but the pocket on the left thigh is large and stretchy, making it highly storage space. The distinctive feature is the ventilation on the upper side of both feet. Opening this allows for quite a positive ventilation. However, since there is no mesh fabric, you need to be careful as you will be exposed to the fullest if you are not wearing tights or other items. Another unique feature is that if you hook the hem on the shoe, it can also be used as a gaitor.
Patagonia Cozy Pike Pants
This is ◎
- Side pocket shape
- Don't choose the scene
This is △
- Stretchability
The diagonal notch pocket is very easy to use. All pockets are zippered
These hiking pants look simple and slim, yet full of functionality, which were unlikely to happen in Patagania. The tapered design narrows from the knee to the hem, making it slimmer, but the hem is zippered to make it easy to put on and take off and look beautiful even with high-cut boots. The fabric is exquisitely thick and seems resistant to friction, and the waistline is very sturdy and highly durable.
There are 2 front pockets, a total of four pockets: the left butt and right thigh. Everything can be closed with a zipper so there's no need to worry about dropping anything. The cargo pocket on the thighs in particular has a large gusset, allowing you to store it on a 6-inch smartphone. The pants themselves are not very breathable, but all pockets are mesh, so some ventilation is possible.
Thanks to the 4-way stretch fabric and the three-dimensional cutting around the knee, it is not a problem for walking movements like hiking, but movements like raising your feet up are not stretchy and feel tense, so if you just think of it as just walking, these pants are easy to use. It also looks simple, so it's useful for everyday wear.
summary
We have collected and reviewed a wide range of models, from the latest and classic models in 2019 to lightweight and thin types that are useful for midsummer training, to medium-thick types that can be used for a long time from spring to autumn.
Many models have a tight fitting and tapered style that narrows towards the hem, making it seem to be a trend in current trekking pants. As a result, the look is stylish, many models can be used not only for trekking but also for outdoor wear, making them easy to wear on the street.
In the thin section, Arc'teryx sublio pants are thin and lightweight, yet sturdy, so they can be used for everything from trekking to traversing. However, since it is thin, it may be tough if the temperature drops, but it is thin and tight, making it easy to layer and can be used for a long time depending on how you make it. Houdini's Lucid Pants can be used in the same way. The two packable models can also be used as changing clothes after descending the mountain or at campsites, so in that sense it will not be the main focus outside of summer, but the range of activities will be wide.
The North Face magma pants, Mammut Softec Trekkers pants, and Finetrack Camino pants are made of moderately thick fabric, yet stretchy and breathable that do not interfere with movement, making them truly suitable for trekking. However, Magma Pants and Softec Trekker Pants feel a little tight when moving other than trekking, so it's unlikely to let you go to other activities, and Camino Pants seem to be highly versatile.
However, even though they are called trekking pants, they are released that are suitable for various environments, such as seasons, low mountains or alpine mountains. Of course, it would be nice if we could stock each of the specialized items, but that's not possible. From the items introduced this time, we hope to find a pair that matches the characteristics of each pants with the features you'll want from trekking pants.
