Wind Pants ?

[Tom Murphy]

I want to replace my rain jacket and rain pants with a poncho.

I had always planned on using my rain pants as needed on windy, raw, autumn hikes above treeline but I have never actually needed to do that.

It must take a lot for my legs to feel cold while hiking.

Looking around I have seen "wind pants" mentioned on some gear lists.

Can you comment on your experience with wind pants?

When did you use them and how affective were they?

[Storm]

I have a pair of light nylon pants I bought from Campmor. Have only used them a couple times and would rather hike in long johns and nylon shorts. They are okay around camp though. JMHO.

[Kerosene]

I've played soccer in bare legs down below freezing without discomfort, and backpacked in shorts down to 40 degrees. Of course, with enough wind and cold rain/sleet, you'll likely want some amount of coverage. Take a look at Montbell's Dynamo Wind Pants (http://www.backcountrygear.com/catalog/appareldetail.cfm?PRODUCTS__ProductID=MTB22022) (2.8 oz, $69). I think I have a previous version of Montbell's wind pants that were DWR-treated, but the Dynamo series doesn't specify DWR. You could apply DWR treatment (ideally by washing instead of spraying). Of course, you should expect the nylon to eventually wet-through, but your poncho will cover your thighs much of the time so I would think this would be much more comfortable than a fully waterproof pant. Alternatively, look at rain chaps (Oware (http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/oware_silnylon_rain_chaps_review.html) & Full Moon (http://www.equinoxltd.com/the-gear/raingear/full-moon-ultralite-chaps.cfm) are two I found) to provide a wind/water barrier with less heat build-up.

[Feral Bill]

Besides cold weather use, wind pants are helpful for bug and sun protection, especially in camp. I usually wear shorts.

[Rocketman]

I've used the light Montbell wind pants for extra warmth in camp and for mosquito protection once. The Montbell item is really small and lightweight, and pricey. They quickly can become too warm if you wear them when hiking out of camp in the morning.

[Wags]

tom have you considered a rain wrap type thing?

http://www.zpacks.com/accessories/cloudkilt.shtml