table of contents
It's not enough to just spread hair like crazy and dry it smoothly
In the past, hiking pants simply needed to be made of tough material, but by the time I started hiking in the 1990s, they had evolved and many products were available that were easy to move in and quick-drying
Now in 2018, quick-drying and stretchy hiking pants are a given when it comes to the array of hiking pants on offer in stores. There's a wide variety of unique models to choose from, with more comfortable fit, sophisticated designs, and high-tech features. While nothing is bad, your lower body is constantly moving while you're out and about, which can quietly have a big impact on your comfort or discomfort. In fact, I think pants that fit you perfectly are a great supporting actor that can make hiking even more enjoyable
So, this time, from the trekking pants I bought in bulk this year, I've picked out some recommended models that combine the ultimate comfort to withstand the sweaty summer and a stylish look that will lift your spirits when you wear them. Each one has its own unique character, from models that are simply highly functional to models with great style that can be used for everyday wear, so if you choose one that suits your taste, I'm sure you'll find it useful
table of contents
- What to look for in trekking pants
- Impressions & Spec Comparison Table
- Recommended trekking pants that I'm glad I bought
What to look for in trekking pants
breathability and quick-drying to efficiently evaporate sweat caused by heat . In that sense, many people prefer shorts in the summer. They certainly offer better breathability and a more open feel, and I've heard that this trend is stronger on trails in North America and New Zealand, where people rarely walk through dense forests. However, in my own experience, where I do a lot of hiking in Japan, I for protection from weeds, mud, gravel, and insects . Recently, advances in materials have made long pants less uncomfortable, and as someone who isn't used to wearing shorts on a regular basis, I plan to stick with long pants for the time being.
The next most important thing is ease of movement. Even if you can tolerate a little tightness when just walking normally, when hiking on uneven ground, you're often swinging your legs up high, so best to minimize the strain caused by lifting your legs and make it easy to move around . This becomes even more important if you also want to use it for climbing or gorge climbing. The lighter the weight, the better.
It's convenient to have pockets that can be securely closed with a zipper, and functionality designed for use in mountain climbing, . And finally, since you want to climb comfortably and, if possible, be able to return without having to change clothes, you design, such as a stylish form that makes your legs look slimmer and sophisticated colors that don't look out of place in town .
Test results and spec comparison table
| comprehensive evaluation | AAA | AAA | AAA | AA | AA | A | A |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| item |  |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Reference price (tax included) | 15,120 yen | 31,320 yen | 19,440 yen | 19,440 yen | 14,040 yen | 16,200 yen | 15,984 yen |
| Comfort and ease of movement | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Breathable and quick-drying | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Versatility | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| weight | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★★★ |
| Functionality | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Specs | |||||||
| item | Mountain Hardwear Dihedral Pre-Curve Pants V.7 | Westcomb RECON CARGO | Arc'teryx Gamma LT Pant | MILLET Trilogy Cordura Pants | Salomon Wayfarer Utility Pant | Patagonia Cozy Pike Pants | MAMMUT AEGILITY Slim Pants |
| Actual weight (g) | 289(M) | 294(S) | 320(XS) | 317(S) | 345(30) | 348(30) | 220(S) |
| material |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| UV protection | ─ | ─ | ─ | ─ | ◯ | ◯ | ─ |
Recommended trekking pants that I'm glad I bought
Mountain Hardwear Dihedral Pre-Curve Pants V.7
Comfort & Mobility 5 Breathability & Quick Drying 5 Versatility 4 Weight 4 Functionality 4
What surprised me most this time was the refreshing feel and excellent breathability with zero stickiness, making it perfect for the humid Japanese summer. The secret to this is the air-cooling material "Dot Air," which is designed so that the ventilation holes expand even more when the fabric stretches. Thanks to this, even though it's a tight-fitting garment, my lower body hardly ever gets stuffy, even in midsummer, and I always stay dry. However, don't expect it to be very warm
Aside from the thinness of the material and its slight vulnerability to scratches, these are perfect for hiking and climbing in hot weather, and the sleek, slim design makes them perfect for everyday use
Westcomb RECON CARGO
Comfort & Mobility 5 Breathability & Quick Drying 4 Versatility 4 Weight 4 Functionality 3
The pants are comfortable from the hips to the thighs, and slim and unobtrusive from the thighs to the ankles. The silhouette combines mobility and elegance, making them suitable for a variety of body types and suitable for everyone. The lightweight and exceptional stretch you'll notice the moment you put them on ensures undeniable ease of movement. The fabric is neither too thick nor too thin, and Westcomb's meticulous stitching ensures they can withstand heavy use and last for years to come. They're perfect for a wide range of outdoor activities, from mountaineering in the snow-free season to climbing and stream climbing
Arc'teryx Gamma LT Pant
Comfort & Mobility 4 Breathability & Quick Drying 5 Versatility 4 Weight 3 Functionality 3
And yet, the crotch is well-gusseted, the three-dimensional cut, and the excellent stretchability mean that there's no discomfort even when you lift your legs high. The thin and lightweight nylon material, Fortius™ DW 2.0, is not only easy to move in, but also quick-drying and durable, making it very comfortable even for midsummer trekking. It will be suitable for a wide range of activities, from hiking to climbing to traveling
MILLET Trilogy Cordura Pants
Comfort & Mobility 5 Breathability & Quick Drying 3 Versatility 4 Weight 3 Functionality 3
The body is made of XCS softshell material containing CORDURA® nylon, offering superior durability and mobility that even professionals can rely on. Despite the European-style cinched cut from the hips to the thighs, the crotch is gusseted and the knees are articulated. Furthermore, it boasts the best stretch of any garment compared here, allowing it to conform to any movement like skin. While the tight weave means it's not particularly breathable, it's thin and dries quickly, making it practical even in the summer
The waist is not tightened with a built-in belt, but with flat elastic. It also has belt loops for easy adjustment. If the wide hem gets in the way, there's a drawcord for tightening. The silhouette is fantastic and the comfort is unbeatable, so I secretly think that as long as the color is right, these pants will be perfect for everyday wear
Salomon Wayfarer Utility Pant
Comfort & Mobility 5 Breathability & Quick Drying 3 Versatility 4 Weight 2 Functionality 5
There are four pockets on the front, back, left and right, one on the thigh, and even a mysterious pocket on the right front that looks like a coin pocket, making it highly functional. The only drawback is that the waist can only be adjusted with belt loops
Patagonia Cozy Pike Pants
Comfort & Mobility 3 Breathability & Quick Drying 3 Versatility 5 Weight 2 Functionality 5
The two pockets (one on the back, one on the right thigh) have zippers for security, and the pants are designed for hiking with features like an adjustable waistband and a zippered hem with a gusset that fits both low-cut and high-cut styles
On the other hand, the stretch is a little weaker than other pants, so even though I'm slim, I found it a little difficult to move when I lifted my legs. For this reason, while it's good for hiking, it may not be suitable for activities that require large movements, such as climbing. By the way, the fabric isn't extremely thin, so it should be fine for the coming season
MAMMUT AEGILITY Slim Pants
Comfort & Mobility 3 Breathability & Quick Drying 3 Versatility 5 Weight 5 Functionality 3
These pants are simply light, thin, and sophisticated. The cotton-like, supple Toray stretch polyester fabric is slightly inferior to previous comparable models in terms of durability and stretch, so frankly, they may not be suited to heavy use. However, the sleek, tapered silhouette and clean surface achieved through cutting-edge seam-free welding technology give them a sophistication that's hard to believe for hiking pants, making them suitable for both mountain hikes and everyday use. Still, the gusseted, three-dimensional cut and moderate stretch make them noticeably more comfortable than city pants, making them perfectly suited to mild outdoor activities and light hiking
Related reading
