Comparison review: We compared the best possible trekking pants by spring, autumn, summer and season.

While it may be a different story for trail running in the middle of summer, long pants are definitely more comfortable for trekking and mountain climbing. In Japan's mountains, there are many times when you'll be glad to wear long pants, as they protect you from various dangers such as changeable weather, abundant undergrowth, insects, UV rays, and injuries

It's certainly important that trekking pants worn in the mountains are durable, but you also want them to be easy to move in, and even better, they should be breathable and quick to dry. They should also be cool or warm depending on the temperature, and it would be great if they were stylish too. There are so many things you want in a pair of pants that it can be a difficult decision

This time, we compared the hiking and trekking long pants from various brands this season and considered the best pants for each season: "spring/autumn" and "summer."

table of contents

• About the items we compared and tested this time
• Thin type
  • Test Results & Spec Comparison Table - Thin Category
  • Impressions of each model
• Medium thickness type
  • Test results and spec comparison table
  • Impressions of each model
• summary

About the trekking pants compared this time

Below are the nine trekking pants models we compared this time. We chose a variety of three-season trekking pants. Because the characteristics are so diverse, it was difficult to summarize them all in one place, so this time we will divide them into two types: a thin type (for summer) and a medium-weight type (for spring and autumn), and provide a review in two halves

Thin type

• Arc'teryx Sabrio Pants
• Houdini Lucid Pants
• Mountain Hardwear Lone Mountain Stretch Pants

Medium thickness type

• The North Face Magma Pants
• Patagonia Cozy Pike Pants
• Norrona Bitihorn lightweight pants
• Mammut Softec Trekker Pants
• finetrack camino pants
• Mountain Hardwear Rock Ground Pants

Test environment

The following five points were set as indicators for review of the evaluation items.

1. Comfort: An indicator of how comfortable and stress-free you can wear the shoes
2. Mobility: As trekking pants, can you move freely without being restricted?
3. Functionality: Does it have plenty of pockets and other features, and is it practical?
4. Breathability and moisture permeability: This prevents stuffiness inside clothing, which is especially a concern in summer
5. Weight: Not only the actual weight, but also the weight feeling when actually used is taken into consideration
6. Style: Can it be used in a variety of situations, including after coming down the mountain or as everyday wear?

With the above five points in mind, I actually wore the pants and walked along a mountain trail. I only wore underwear under the pants, and chose the same jacket. It's difficult to create exactly the same environment, but I tried to do it under the same weather conditions as much as possible. To test the quick-drying properties, I soaked the pants in water for a few minutes and then checked until they were comfortable enough to wear, rather than until they were completely dry

The number of stars for each rating is not an overall absolute rating, but rather a relative rating within the thin and medium-thick categories

Test results and spec comparison chart (thin type)

If you find it difficult to see the table because it is lightweight for smartphones, click here

Impressions of each model

Arc'teryx Sabrio Pants

This is ◎

• Comfort
• Smooth mobility

This is △

• Compact

These trekking pants weigh just 200g and offer a comfortable fit with just the right amount of stretch without being excessive. Above all, they offer excellent comfort while moving, allowing you to fully appreciate the quality of Arc'teryx construction. They feel comfortable to wear, and at times, you'll forget you're even wearing them, thanks to their lightness and flexibility. Not only that, but they also have just the right amount of stretch, allowing you to wear them comfortably throughout your activities. They're also reasonably quick-drying, drying quickly even when wet

There are only two zippered pockets on the sides. Both are mesh, so they can also serve as ventilation. Unlike other pants, they are positioned a little lower, so even if you are wearing a large backpack with its waist straps, you can still access them without any interference, but I'm a little skeptical about how easy it is to put things in and take them out. Considering that you'll be carrying a backpack, two pockets are enough, but the pockets themselves are smaller than other pants, so when wearing the pants alone, you may feel like there isn't much storage space

The fabric is very thin and highly breathable, but also has some wind resistance, so it looks like it could be used on its own for three seasons. Arc'teryx clothing is generally priced on the higher side, but these pants are high-performance yet relatively affordable, making them a great pair of pants that will let you experience the quality of Arc'teryx without any hassle

Houdini Lucid Pants

This is ◎

• Stress-free comfort
• Physically lightweight

This is △

• Snap buttons on the front

These Houdini trekking pants are lightweight, weighing less than 200g, and offer excellent breathability and stretch. The fabric is a thin, 2-way stretch Liquid Stretch. While you might think that 2-way stretch wouldn't be as good, Houdini's unique 3D cutting, called "Made to Move," molds to the wearer while they're moving, ensuring no stress. These pants are also incredibly comfortable, and the thin, flexible fabric provides excellent breathability

There are three pockets in total, two on the sides and one on the back, and the back pocket is packable with a zipper. While the front usually has a zipper, this one uses a snap button, so it might be a bit of a hassle if you need to go to the toilet in a hurry

It is very easy to use, with its flexible fabric and stress-free mobility, but it seems more useful for light hiking, changing clothes at tent sites, and wearing around town than for trekking

Mountain Hardwear Lone Mountain Stretch Pants

This is ◎

• Roomy fitting
• Quick drying
• Packable

This is △

• Not so good for hard mountain climbing

These mountain pants are highly stretchable and packable. When you try them on, you'll find that they're roomier around the waist than other pants, allowing for a relaxed fit. Their stretch and crotch mobility make them perfect for activities that require large movements, such as climbing, without any stress

There are three pockets in total, two in the front and one in the back, with only the front pocket being zippered and mesh. The back pocket is packable, making it convenient to carry as a spare pair of pants

Because they're packable and have a roomy fit, they're perfect for keeping in your backpack as a change of clothes when you get back from the campsite or the mountain, rather than wearing them as your main gear. Another plus point is that they dry quickly even after washing

Next page: Review of the medium-weight category

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

Impressions of each model

The North Face Magma Pants

This is ◎

• Stretchability
• silhouette

This is △

• The fabric is a bit bulky

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

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

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

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

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

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.