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

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 tested this time
• Thin type
  • Test Results & Spec Comparison Table - Thin Category
  • Impressions of each model
• Medium thickness type
  • Test Results & 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 the evaluation items and the review was conducted

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 on the lightweight display for smartphones, click here.

Impressions of each model

Arc'teryx Sabrio Pants

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• Comfort
• Smooth mobility

Here is △

• Compactness

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

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• Stress-free comfort
• Physically lightweight

Here 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

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• Roomy fitting
• quick drying
• Packable

Here 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 Thickness Type)

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

Impressions of each model

The North Face Magma Pants

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• Stretchability
• silhouette

Here is △

• The fabric is a little stiff

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

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• Stretchability
• durability

Here is △

• Too hot for midsummer
• A slightly loose silhouette

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

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• High mobility without relying on stretching
• High breathability

Here is △

• design

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

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• Ventilation
• Exquisite fitting

Here is △

• durability

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

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• Breathable
• Various pockets
• Lightweight

Here is △

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

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

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• Side pocket shape
• Suitable for any occasion

Here is △

• Stretchability

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