Price:
$159.99
Our Rating:
The first thing to notice about these pants is how stretchy they are: rubber-band like and tied for most stretch with the Macpac Trekker. Coupled with articulated knees, the freedom of movement this enables makes them super comfortable.
These pants are featherlite – just 279g (the women’s version is the Helix and also weighs 279g). And just like the Super Terra pant you really feel that weight – or lack of.
In use, the Matrix SWS fabric breathed well and they were comfortable to wear on warm days. I found the size 30 waist to fit me perfectly and the leg length was spot on. Climbers will like the volume-reducing hem drawcord; I see it being of more value for trampers in trapping warmth on cold days.
There are three zippered pockets with the two handwarmers being deep enough to comfortably hold a Topo50 map. The zips aren’t water-resistant nor is there a garage for the zipper, so anything kept in these will be susceptible when it’s wet. That said, there is a DWR coating on the fabric which sheds light rain and delays the need to pull out your waterproofs.
The pants are mostly double stitched throughout, but being so light there is a small question over their durability – though I did not notice any signs of wear and tear during the three-month test period.
Great stretch and their light weight makes these the most comfortable of the pants reviewed. They are suitable for a range of activities from rock climbing to tramping and suitable for three-season use.