Patagonia Trail Craft Vest & Dirt Craft Pants Review: A lightweight vest that protects your core from the wind and comfortable long pants that keep you cool as you move

When climbing mountains, you wear climbing wear. This may seem like an obvious fact, but climbing requires a variety of movements using the whole body, and in rare cases, clothing designed for purposes or activities other than climbing can be perfectly suited to climbing or hiking

Trail Craft Vest " and " Dirt Craft Pants from Patagonia's mountain bike collection, which I'll be introducing today, are perfect examples. Their specs and appearance made me think, "This is it!?", so I tried them out in the field, and found that each has a unique function that is very well-designed, and above all, they performed better than I expected for mountain climbing and hiking. Let's take a quick look at what makes them so appealing.

Trail Craft Vest: Key Features

The Trail Craft Vest is a versatile windproof vest. The front panel is made of breathable, stretchy recycled nylon ripstop for wind protection and a moisture-wicking knit lining for a soft feel. The back and side panels are made of ultra-lightweight recycled polyester stretch-woven ripstop for freedom of movement, wind resistance, and quick-drying properties. It's treated with a DWR (durable water repellent) finish that's produced without the intentional use of PFAS. All materials are made from 100% recycled nylon and polyester.

Two zippered pockets are located in the front and one on the left back, with the rear pocket angled to distribute weight to the center. Weighing just 104.1g (measured in size M), it feels completely lightweight even when worn, and its packable design allows it to be stored in the front left pocket for compact portability. The full-zip design makes it easy to put on and take off, making this a stress-free vest for layering on the trail

Favorite points

• It feels light and comfortable to wear, with no weight whatsoever
• Lightweight and compact for storage
• Protects the core of your body from the wind
• A vest that balances breathability and wind protection
• Quick-drying back area, which tends to get wet from wearing a backpack

Points of concern

• If wind protection is your priority, go for long sleeves

Main specifications and evaluation

Trail Craft Vest: Detailed Review

It feels light and comfortable to wear, and is easy to move in

The Trail Craft Vest weighs 104.1g (actual measurement for size M). When actually wearing it, it doesn't feel heavy at all. The fabric has a smooth texture and is quite comfortable to wear. This was a refreshing feeling for me, as I have never chosen a vest when putting together layers for mountain climbing. Because it is a vest, the garment doesn't feel tight when you raise your arms or move, and it wraps around your torso, so when I actually wore it while out in the field, there was absolutely no stress on my movements. This was the first time I experienced how comfortable a vest could be.

While long-term mountain climbing and hiking activities primarily involve lower-body movement, there is also upper-body (arm) movement when using trekking poles for walking support, such as swinging your arms. I've never felt pressured or uncomfortable moving around in long-sleeved clothing, but the vest was simply easy to move in and use. That's my honest impression. For the test, I visited the ridgeline of the Southern Alps, which exceeds 3,000 meters above sea level. There were some sections where I had to use both hands to climb, but the Trail Craft Vest was extremely smooth, with nothing to catch on when I raised my arms. The full-zip design made it easy to put on and take off, and it was also easy to layer while on the move.

There are two standard zippered pockets on the front and one on the back. The back pocket, accessed from the left side, is angled so that the center of gravity is centered when you put something inside, allowing you to use it without feeling unbalanced. While the back pocket cannot be used when carrying a larger backpack, it is convenient for storing frequently used items such as maps and hand towels when carrying a lightweight backpack, allowing you to easily access them

Two zippered pockets on the front and one on the back

Lightweight and compact for storage

The Trail Craft Vest , making it completely weightless when worn . The pocket is spacious and easy to store, allowing you to store it instantly. It is small even when stored, but can be further compressed to reduce bulk, making it easy to slip into a backpack.

The lightweight and compact Trail Craft Vest is great as your main mid-layer for summer mountain climbing, but I also recommend carrying it with you as a talisman when you feel a little unsure about your main layering.I felt that it would be a very convenient combination for people who use rainwear as a wind shell.

It protects the "core" of your body from the wind, providing a good balance of ventilation and protection

The Trail Craft Vest protects your torso . I felt its true potential when I walked along a ridge in a strong wind. In the forest, even wearing just underwear would make you sweat, but the situation changed completely once you got above the tree line and onto the ridge. On a ridge where the wind is constantly blowing, sweat dries quickly with just underwear, which takes away body heat and reduces athletic ability. However, because I was wearing the Trail Craft Vest

The Trail Craft Vest features different materials for the front, side, and back panels. The front panel features a breathable, stretchy ripstop construction that blocks wind from the front and is treated with DWR (durable water repellent) to protect against light water. The back and side panels are made of ultra-lightweight stretch ripstop for wind resistance and quick-drying properties. The increased quick-drying construction on the sides and back, where heat and sweat tend to accumulate when carrying a backpack, makes it ideal for mountain climbing and hiking.

When mountain biking, you basically face the wind in the direction of travel, meaning from the front, so it makes sense that the front is designed to be wind resistant and durable, while the sides and back are designed to be quick-drying. This design was a perfect fit for ridge walking

The author was impressed by the ease of use of the vest. He never expected that just protecting his torso would allow him to move around without being affected by the wind. He thought that the vest would allow wind to easily get in from the sides and other places, but the fit was excellent and that was not the case at all. In fact, the exposed arms gave it just the right amount of openness and comfort. By simply protecting the core of the body, it prevented the loss of body heat, while maintaining a good openness from the shoulders to the arms, providing a great balance and allowing him to move around comfortably. The collar's stand-up design also blocks the neck area by zipping it up. The collar is about halfway up the neck, but it also has a zipper garage, so it doesn't feel uncomfortable, and its smooth and supple texture means there's no discomfort

The front panel is made of highly wind-resistant material and has a DWR (durable water repellent) finish that repels a small amount of water

If wind protection is your priority, go for long sleeves

When I visited the Southern Alps, the Trail Craft Vest proved extremely useful because I used it in conjunction with rainwear (a highly breathable model). While protecting the torso certainly provides a good balance of wind protection and breathability, that only applies when wind speeds are around 5-10 m/s (temperatures are roughly 10°C). In colder, windier environments, a long-sleeve shell jacket is still the answer. Therefore, it's not a good idea Vest . By switching it with a long-sleeve windshell jacket or layering it together, you can cover a wide range of situations.

Dirt Craft Pants: Key Features

Height 185cm, normal build, wearing size 33 inches

These riding pants have a streamlined design that prevents the pants from getting caught on gear when riding a mountain bike, and are made from a four-way stretch plain weave XLANCE material and 4.4 oz recycled polyester for excellent stretch and durability, preventing the pants from getting caught when you move your legs up and down

Laser-cut ventilation holes on the inner thighs and behind the knees allow moisture to escape from inside the pants, and fresh air is taken in through the holes every time you move, making them highly breathable and comfortable for long periods of activity.The DWR (durable water repellent) treated fabric repels rain and mud

The three-dimensionally designed waist curves perfectly to fit the body, and there are no unnecessary elements attached, so even wearing a backpack with the waist belt feels natural. The zippered pockets on the outside of both thighs are envelope-shaped to prevent contents from falling out, and their placement on the outside of the thighs means they won't get in the way when you move your legs up and down. There are ventilation holes inside the pockets, which can be opened to increase breathability. With their high functionality and design, these pants are versatile and can be used for a variety of outdoor activities

Favorite points

• A clean silhouette and a comfortable fit
• Highly stretchy and comfortable around the knees
• Laser-cut ventilation holes keep you cool as you move
• The pockets located on the outside of the thighs do not interfere with up and down movements

Points of concern

• Although they have ventilation holes, they are still hotter than shorts
• The waist fit cannot be adjusted

Main specifications and evaluation

Dirt Craft Pants: Detailed Review

A clean silhouette with a comfortable fit without feeling constricting, high elasticity and a comfortable fit around the knees

The first thing that surprised me when I tried them on was the fit and roominess compared to the silhouette. As someone who generally prefers loose-fitting pants, I'm not a fan of pants that are too tight, as they feel restrictive or restrictive. The Dirt Craft Pants have a slim silhouette that fits my body well, but they're not restrictive or restrictive, making them very comfortable to wear. I didn't understand why they were so comfortable right after I put them on, but the roomy design from the knees to the thighs, the three-dimensional stitching that doesn't feel restrictive, and the waist that gently curves to fit the shape of your hips provide a great fit. The cut from the knees to the hem is slim to prevent interference with motorcycle gear and other gear. Plus, the plain weave XLANCE material offers high four-way stretch for unrestricted movement, maximizing comfort.

The pockets located on the outside of the thighs do not interfere with up and down movements

The Dart Craft Pants are designed for intense leg movements, and the pockets are positioned and shaped differently from regular pants. The pockets are positioned on the outside of the thighs, slightly lower than regular pockets, to prevent them from interfering with movement during up and down movements.

The zippered, envelope-style pockets prevent the contents from falling out, and there is a hole at the top of the pocket that connects to the inside of the pants, which can be opened to increase breathability. The pants have a simple and clean silhouette, but I realized that they are equipped with functions to increase comfort

The waist cannot be adjusted

There is flat elastic in the waist area, so you don't have to worry about the pants falling down even without using a belt. The elastic has just the right amount of stretch, so it doesn't feel too tight around the stomach, and it doesn't interfere with the waist belt of a backpack, making it comfortable. However, the fit cannot be adjusted, so choose your size carefully. Be sure to check the fit before purchasing

Laser-cut ventilation holes keep you cool as you move

The Dirt Craft Pants have lots of small laser-cut holes on the inner thighs and behind the knees, which allow fresh air to flow in as you move, keeping you cool.

Since mountain bikes are exposed to wind from the direction of travel, the front is made durable to withstand wind, rain, muddy water splashed up from the ground, and pebbles, while the inside and back, which are less affected, are perforated to increase comfort

When I actually tested it in the field, it was an indescribable feeling. It was my first experience of being able to breathe air as I moved, even though I wasn't wearing shorts. When I was standing still, it didn't feel that breathable, but the more I moved, the more air was taken in, so it continued to release heat while I was walking

They are hotter than shorts, but they are extremely durable and breathable

While it's true that the perforations make them highly breathable, they can't compete with shorts. While shorts, which don't cover anything from the knees down, are undoubtedly cooler and more comfortable in hot environments, long sleeves and long pants are considered the norm for mountaineering safety, so choosing shorts requires careful consideration. Shorts offer an overwhelming feeling of freedom and breathability, and many people are now seen hiking in shorts. However, that doesn't mean you can go anywhere in shorts. While shorts are fine for long hikes on less dangerous trails, long pants are a must when hiking steep mountains with chain sections and rocky ridges

I know it's dangerous, but I don't want to sacrifice comfort. For people like me, the Dirt Craft Pants are recommended. The front, facing the forward direction, is made of highly durable material, so it's safe even when walking on rocky ridges. Although not as breathable as shorts, they are comfortable because they release heat while you're moving. These pants seem to combine the best of both safety and comfort.

The holes make it unsuitable for winter mountaineering, limiting the time of year it can be used, but after walking along the ridges of the Southern Alps (wind speed 5-10m/s, temperature about 10°C), I felt that it could be worn mainly in the summer on its own, and with an undershirt added, it could be worn for three seasons, from the time when snow remains until late autumn. The fabric is sturdy, so it seems like it could be worn comfortably in winter on low mountains where there is no snow

Summary: There are still many new ideas and useful features outside the bounds of each category

Patagonia Men's Trail Craft Vest

created by Rinker

¥17,050 2025/07/24

• Patagonia official online store

Patagonia Men's Dirt Craft Pants

created by Rinker

¥20,900 2025/07/24

• Patagonia official online store

We introduced Patagonia's mountain bike products, the Trail Craft Vest and Dirt Craft Pants

Items made specifically for mountain biking activities have transcended category boundaries and are now useful for mountain climbing and hiking as well. These items have innovative and unique features not found in current mountain climbing and hiking gear, and are packed with exciting features that expand your possibilities. When it comes to your favorite mountain wear, there may be some features you wish were outside of your category. And it's not just a few, but many. Outdoor Gearzine will continue to introduce functional, unique, and highly comfortable products

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Yosuke.C (Yosuke)

A person who travels around with just one backpack, with the motto of "as light as possible" without causing inconvenience. From spring to autumn, he goes fishing in mountain streams in pursuit of char deep in the mountains. He hikes the mountains in search of spectacular views that cannot be seen from the ground. He camps to be soothed by a bonfire. He snowboards to experience the feeling of floating in the snow-capped mountains. A freelance writer who enjoys the outdoors all year round. He shares his experiences and the gear he has found useful

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