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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
7 recommended trekking pants to choose by silhouette
The days when a loose fit was necessary to ensure ease of movement are long gone. Now, thanks to polyurethane fiber (spandex), stretch has improved dramatically, and there are an increasing number of slim, stylish models that are both functional and slim. While this stretch fabric is not without its drawbacks, such as its durability deteriorating over time and its inability to be made thinner, it is likely to be increasingly adopted in the future, as it offers sufficient functionality depending on how it is used, as well as new possibilities for the enjoyment of wearing it, even in outdoor wear
Arc'teryx Lefroy Pants
The LEFROY Pants, a pair of trekking pants newly released for 2016, boast a particularly tight and stylish form among Arc'teryx's pants, yet they offer unrestrictive mobility. This is likely due to the fabric's blend of 14% stretch material (polyurethane) and the three-dimensional cut with a gusseted crotch. There are only three pockets, one on each side and one on one leg, but honestly, having too many pockets isn't much good. Anyway, I feel like I've been waiting for something like this
HAGLOFS DRACO PANT
Haglofs often produces clean, beautiful silhouettes, but the DRACO PANT is especially cool. If it weren't for the thigh pockets, these would definitely be my go-to pants for everyday wear. The slim silhouette is made possible by the highly stretchable softshell material (Bluesign certified). This pants also uses about 15% polyurethane material, giving it excellent stretch. While it's not as cool or breathable as the brand's Lite Cross Pant, which we introduced earlier, it makes up for that with its ease of movement, style, and durability
Millet Les Druis Xtreme Pants
Although functionally excellent, Millet pants often have a traditional shape from the past, and in that sense, there are many models that I personally find disappointing, but I finally found the perfect pair. The deciding factor was the overwhelmingly good silhouette that doesn't compromise on comfort. As you'd expect from a French-designed model, they are wonderfully contoured from the waist to the thighs, and anyone who wears them will definitely have longer legs. Of course, they're quite stretchy, so they're not too tight
But that's not all that's great about it. The fabric is a blend of Cordura nylon and Drynamic material, which is highly absorbent and quick-drying, making it lightweight yet highly durable and comfortable
Mountain Equipment Granite Bottom
I'm sorry to say that you shouldn't expect too much from this pair of pants in terms of functionality, but the design is so amazing that you might wonder, "Are these trekking pants?", and that alone makes it worth introducing here
Strictly speaking, this model is geared more towards bouldering than trekking, so in that sense it may not be ideal for long, arduous mountain climbs. Still, despite being tight, it seems to have all the basic functionality, such as ease of movement thanks to the three-dimensional cut and stretch material, breathability and quick-drying nylon fabric, and water-repellent treatment, so I don't think this comfort would be suitable for light hiking
Patagonia Tribune Pants
Patagonia has many excellent models that are slim, stylish, and highly functional, and this one is my favorite in terms of silhouette. Not only is it perfect for outdoor activities with its four-way stretch and three-dimensional shape, but its cotton-like feel makes it surprisingly suitable for everyday relaxed wear as well. It's a must-have item for everyone
Phenix Fine Slim Pants
Phoenix offers a wide range of fashionable models tailored to the Japanese body type, and the slimmest and most stylish of these is the Fine Slim Pants. Designed for climbing, the pants boast a beautiful silhouette, three-dimensional cut, and a gusseted crotch for excellent mobility. Furthermore, ventilation at the back of the waist, water-repellent mesh at the back of the belt, and other features make them perfect for trekking
THE NORTH FACE Accellite Pants
TNF has a wide lineup of pants, but for better or worse, many of them are loose-fitting models that resemble traditional Japanese mountaineering wear, or models that are extremely functional (even difficult to wear on the train on the way there), so to be honest they haven't really appealed to me personally, but this year is different
Part of the fastpacking lineup we're focusing on in 2016, these ultra-thin, ultra-lightweight softshell pants are perfect for spring and summer mountain climbing. They feature a tight silhouette and a sharp look with no visible seams, creating a fresh look. They're also highly stretchable, smooth and comfortable against the skin, quick-drying, and water-repellent, making them versatile enough for more than just mountain climbing. My only request would be for them to offer more waist and length sizes (unfortunately, they don't fit my body type)
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