View Full Version : hiking pants/shorts...opinions?
droptopbenz
03-18-2009, 05:09
i'm thinking about getting these for my thru! comments or opinions...please! thanks! http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_63875____SearchResults
Lone Wolf
03-18-2009, 05:41
i'm thinking about getting these for my thru! comments or opinions...please! thanks! http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_63875____SearchResults
too expensive. you can get similar convertibles from Columbia, North Face, etc. for around $60
droptopbenz
03-18-2009, 07:27
i've seen those, but they aren't windproof, waterproof, and breatheable...nor as adjustable! :)
I suspect the "waterproof and breathable" aspect of these pants will be minimal. I'd rather keep my daily wear and my rain suit separate.
bigcranky
03-18-2009, 08:23
Would these be your rain pants? Or your everyday hiking pants?
As rain pants, being able to have "rain shorts" isn't a bad idea (though I just use the old-school Hefty trash bag kilt in those situations.) But there are lighter and much cheaper rain pants out there.
As everyday hiking pants, I can't imagine hiking every day in waterproof pants or shorts. I would be miserable. No matter what the claims, you'll sweat like the dickens inside a w/b fabric.
droptopbenz
03-18-2009, 08:36
yeah...i was going for 3 garments-in-one! i guess i'm gonna have to go check them out in person! thanks!
During normal hiking in dry weather, the most important aspect is ventilation!!!! Hence the popularity of hiking kilts. Seems those you linked to would be begging for a bad case of chafing. Might be ok for relatively little physical activity while fishing, not for hiking.
Waterproof/breathable pants for normal use is a very bad idea as others have already said.
I was very pleasantly surprised with these (even after hearing good reviews of them here on WB). They are comfortable, not too expensive, good looking, fit well, and have held up very well so far:
http://www.rei.com/product/746907
Will be buying a second pair later this year.
freefall
03-18-2009, 09:25
I was very pleasantly surprised with these (even after hearing good reviews of them here on WB). They are comfortable, not too expensive, good looking, and have held up very well so far:
http://www.rei.com/product/746907
I have a couple of pairs of these myself. They hold up well and dry FAST! Only problem I've had with them is slight color fading where my hip belt rides. Other than that they're great.
It's hard finding the right shorts/pants solution, because they need to perform so many different functions. I could get by with just shorts in summer, except for bushwacking. I don't really like the seam in convertibles, and I like hiking pants and hiking shorts to be really light and leaning more towards the breathable and quick drying, rather that not so breathable and waterproof. I'll have to try something like those REI jobbies if I see a pair in a store. I always have to try on. Also, I like to weigh them, not because I'm a gram weenie but becauae it gives me a better sense of how breathable and quick drying they are. I don't mind trying on $150 pants either just to see what the fuss is about but I've never had to pay that much for a piece of hiking clothing yet. I might someday for really nice light wool tweed hiking pants/shorts, but not the heavy jobbies of recycled wool they sell in hunting stores. Also, I might occassionally pay that much for a hand knit wool sweater. Most clothing I shoot for $20 or less, but I do go as high as $50. Got some nice hiking shorts the other day. Columbia Titanium Omnidry. They seem breathable enough. I don't know why they don't just call them brushed nylon though, which is all they are. Nylon is a great material. People shouldn't be afraid to call it what it is.
Blissful
03-18-2009, 15:16
Oh wow you can get a great pair for $60. But honestly my son hiked in Dicks ones the entire trail for $30.
ncnewbierhiker
03-18-2009, 16:27
I prefer skirts
skinewmexico
03-18-2009, 16:36
I'd go to Academy Sporting Goods (if they're in your part of the world) and get some zip-offs for $14.99 (everyday), and then watch SAC and see if they have their Sierra Designs Hurricane pants (waterproof and breathable) for $20.99 again, like they did this morning.
Many Walks
03-18-2009, 20:36
Hey, be sure to check out your local Goodwill, Salvation Army, or similar second hand store. Last week I found two pair of brand new North Face Nylon hiking pants for $4.00 ea. Looked like someone bought them to hike and decided it wasn't for them, or the wife threw him out and sold his stuff. Whatever, it was a great buy.
I like to hike in the rain with quick drying nylon shorts and a rain jacket if it's cool. If it's warm its shorts and t-shirt. I change to lightweight sleeping clothes or rain gear in camp and put the hiking clothes back on the next day. Nylon will generally be dry by then...or close enough.
After trying a lot of different kinds, my favorite is the REI Sahara convertible pant. They're $55 on the site, but come up for sale every now and then for around $30. Good fit, pockets, zip off legs, zip up at the ankle, and they're light weight.
Enjoy your hike.
Hey, be sure to check out your local Goodwill, Salvation Army, or similar second hand store. Last week I found two pair of brand new North Face Nylon hiking pants for $4.00 ea. Looked like someone bought them to hike and decided it wasn't for them, or the wife threw him out and sold his stuff. Whatever, it was a great buy.
That is an excellent plan--but it probably won't work equally as well in all regions of the country.
I go to thrift shops on a regular basis looking for bargains--and one of the things I like to look for is outdoor clothing and equipment. The flat Illinois cornfields aren't considered a prime hiking destination. Thus, there is usually a VERY limited supply of quality second-hand hiking items in our area of the world. I rarely see any hiking items in our second-hand stores. (However, I still keep looking for some bargains!) :sun
Plenty of options for less than $150! :eek: Ouch.
http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/cb.aspx?a=516545
http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/cb.aspx?a=513772
Whatever, HYOH.:sun