Wish I had found these earlier

By Matt Ranked #42 - Men's Softshell Pants May 3, 2010

Well, I think I found the best hiking pants ever. These things are pretty much fantastic. Great fit, not too close, but that prevents them from binding up at all, perfectly stretchy, the spandex give them a really smooth/borderline slick feel. They are lightweight, thick enough to block wind, breath really well. The pockets are excellently placed for wear with a harness if that ends up happening. The cinch cord at the bottom is really nice for keeping your pants in place while you hike. I'm a big fan of arcteryx built in belt, and waist. The pockets are mesh, so they would drain nicely. They have a slightly heavier feel than a regular nylon pant, but I have to be honest I'm hardpressed to say they are a softshell. I think of the patagonia simple guides as a more typical softshell feel, these are a sort of cross over between traditional hiking pants, and softshell pants. The nice thing is, with layering they would easily compete with a heavier soft shell, but without it they are about the best hiking pants you could want. If I'd have found these before I bought my other hiking pants, Id have stuck with these guys because they perform double duty. Downside... man are they expensive for hiking pants. Upside, if this is the only pant youve got, you just saved yourself buying two different pairs of pants, so the price about evens out. Tough call

View Details: Arc'teryx Gamma LT Softshell Pant - Men's

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