Lightweight, comfortable, and stylish. 7+7 trekking pants recommended for spring and summer mountain climbing
Written by Yasushi Hisatomi
table of contents
When choosing pants, choose based on functionality and decide intuitively
article on how to choose trekking pants that there are many different types and variations of trekking pants, which are ideal for outdoor activities like mountain climbing and climbing . With the coming season coming up, prolonged activity in the hot sun can make pants soaked with sweat, making them uncomfortable against the skin, and tiring due to increased weight and friction with the body. Spring and summer trekking pants are ideal for this season as they are thin, lightweight, breathable, quick-drying, and easy to move in.
So this time, we've picked out some trekking pants that are perfect for the upcoming summer outdoor activities (trekking and hiking). However, after trying on and wearing out so many pairs of pants, we've come to realize that while there are differences in functionality, differences in fit based on body type and personal preference are closely related to whether pants are right for you or not. Of course, choosing a model that is functionally sound and safe is a given, but if it takes away from the enjoyment of walking, which is the most important thing outdoors, then that's counterproductive
For this reason, we have picked out seven items in this recommendation list that prioritize functionality and ease of movement, and seven items that prioritize style and can be used in everyday casual situations. Even though they prioritize style, they still have the minimum functionality required for mountain climbing, so any model should be sufficient for general mountain climbing
After trying them all on, I can say without a doubt that they are all highly recommended, but I cannot deny that there are models that may not suit some people. Ultimately, it is important to try them on and make a decision based on your own five senses
If you're looking for recommendations for the fall and winter season, click here
table of contents
First half: 7 recommended trekking pants that prioritize ease of movement and functionality
Part 2: 7 recommended trekking pants that focus on silhouette
7 recommended trekking pants for ease of movement and functionality
Important points in the selection
- For now, I'll judge only by the long pants ( convertibles and shorts are up to your preference).
- Easy to move without stiffness even when moving your legs widely (mobility)
- It has a refreshing feel and is good for wicking away sweat (breathability and moisture permeability)
- Quick drying even when wet
- Lightweight
- Easy to use pockets and belts (functionality)
- Basically slim and not baggy (design)
The above points were taken into consideration when selecting the items. Models with more noticeable functionality were placed in the first 7th place, while models with more design were placed in the last 7th place
Arc'teryx Psiphon SL Pants
These softshell pants, designed for climbing and newly released in 2015, offer exceptional mobility. I hadn't even considered them at first, but when I tried them on, I fell in love at first sight. It was a rare occurrence, and I've honestly been a big fan of them ever since. They're incredibly light and easy to move in. While they're specifically designed for climbing, they're also perfectly suited to everyday use and trekking, thanks to the generous knee and crotch room, the stretch, and the smooth feel
However, the Palisade Pant, a classic spring/summer trekking pant, was also renewed in 2016, which meant I had a really hard time deciding this year. The Palisade Pant's advantages are the coolness that comes from its lighter, more breathable material and the convenience of its many pockets, while the advantages of these pants are their comfort and mobility. Both are equally excellent, so it's hard to choose between them. You should just go with your intuition and choose based on your preferences
HAGLOFS Lite Cross Pants
These lightweight trekking pants are made with ergonomically cut, highly stretchable material (FlexAble) in areas where movement is important, such as the knees and hips, and with a soft, breathable, quick-drying and durable material (Climatic) in areas where comfort and durability are required, making them a highly refined pair of pants that combine comfort and ease of movement
The LITE HYBRID PANT, which was featured on this site in 2015, appears to have been renewed this year, and compared to that, the functionality is almost the same, but the color variations and silhouette seem more refined. It's as well made as ever
Marmot Peakup Pant
Marmot's standard spring/summer trekking pants are the Act Easy Pants, but while I'm satisfied with their functionality, I personally felt they were just a little short of perfect and didn't make it into my recommendations. However, the new PEAKUP PANT, released in 2016, not only improves mobility with its unique "Peak Up Pattern" cutting that reduces the feeling of tightness when lifting your legs, but also perfectly fills in the areas that I felt were lacking in Marmot pants, such as comfort and silhouette, and has reached a level of perfection that is enough to erase the impression that they were just a little short
NORRONA bitihorn lightweight Pants
Named after a famous Norwegian mountain beloved by hikers and trail runners, these are Norrøna's lightest trekking pants. While the fabric is crisp and non-stretchy overall, reinforced stretch panels at the knees and hips ensure freedom of movement. While breathable, quick-drying, and highly windproof, the bold ventilation openings on both sides greatly help wick away sweat in hot weather. They also have many convenient features, such as a Velcro waist adjustment and zippers at the ankles, and are well-finished with a refined, clean silhouette befitting a Scandinavian brand
OUTDOOR RESEARCH FERROSI CRAG PANTS
OR's spring/summer staple, the FERROSI PANTS, are thin and lightweight yet durable, breathable, quick-drying, and wind-resistant. Their exceptional stretch makes them a versatile model for everything from climbing to trekking. For 2016, however, we recommend this model, which offers even more freedom of movement and reinforced areas
While retaining its main features, including its stretchability, the gusseted inseam naturally accommodates large body movements, including climbing, and the knees and hips are lined with Cordura material for improved abrasion resistance, making it safe for long-term activities. Furthermore, an adjustable drawcord is attached to the inside of the waist for added ease of use
Patagonia RPS Rock Pants
These pants have been one of my favorites since they first appeared in 2015, and this year they've only had a color change. While Patagonia positions them as climbing pants in their lineup due to their bold, three-dimensional cut designed for climbing movements, their form and functionality make them incredibly lightweight and easy to move in as trekking pants. Not only do they offer a natural fit you can immediately feel as you put them on, and moderate stretch for ease of movement, they're also packed with great features, including a simple and easy waist size adjustment system and a DWR finish that repels light rain
Phenix Repel Pants
Phoenix has many excellent trekking pants for some reason, but these are particularly useful. It appears that the functionality has remained the same since last year, with only the coloring having changed. The ventilation on the thighs and hips and mesh fabric throughout provide excellent breathability and comfort when sweating, while the incredibly high water-repellent properties (80 points after 100 washes) mean that you won't even need rain gear for day trips. The slim yet streamlined silhouette with a well-defined cut ensures ease of movement thanks to the moderate stretch and draping
Next page: 7 recommended trekking pants to choose by silhouette