A hiker's attire can make or break any adventure. So today, I'm going to be talking about something very near and dear to my butt…I mean heart! Pants. I'm going to be discussing pants – 3 of my favorite pants, to be specific. By taking a closer look at various styles (i.e. the Rab Radius, the Coalatree Trailhead, and the Outdoor Research Ferrosi), I'll be able to highlight the pros and cons of different materials, fits, and features. All three pants are similarly priced, and so the right pair(s) for you will really come down to your own preferences and needs. But here's what I can tell you.
Rab Radius pants
Rab is a UK-based company that has a similar origin story to Patagonia (local start up designed to meet the high-standards of the creator). The products from Rab are highly-regarded amongst guides. They are not particularly well-known in the general backpacking world – but they should be! The moment I got my hands on these I fell in love with them.
The Rab Radius pants are on the rugged end of the spectrum. They're made with 96% canvas cotton and 4% elastane, which creates a comfortable jean-like feel, and they weigh in at 17.3 oz. These pants stretch horizontally but not so much vertically. The back pockets are both standard, open designs, and the front pockets are nice and deep, which I always like. Plus, there are some smaller sub-pockets for things like lighters, or a knife. Otherwise, the Rab Radius is a no-frills set of trousers.
How much are Rab Radius pants?
At the time of this review, the Rab Radius pants retail for $75 USD. This is the same price as the Outdoor Research Ferrosi pants, and only a few bucks more than the Trailhead pants ($72). This price-point is smack dab in the middle of that technical pant market. For such comfortable, durable pants, I think this is a good value.
Are Rab Radius Pants Waterproof?
No. Because of the 96% cotton makeup, the Rab Radius pants will not be waterproof or water-resistant. These pants excel in cooler, rugged, and dry conditions.
How do Rab Radius Pants fit?
The Rab Radius is listed as a “regular” fit. They are also pre-washed, which should prevent shrinkage (though it's always best to hang-dry technical gear). For more information on size-specific dimensions check out their website.
Who are the Rab Radius Pants for?
Since the Rab Radius pants are on the warmer, rugged side, they are well-suited to high-altitude hiking, shoulder-season outings, cooler days in the mountains or canyons, and certainly bushwhacking – anything where some durability is required and the temperature isn't scorching. I also think they're stretchy enough for some climbing.
Coalatree Trailhead Pants
The Coalatree Trailhead pant is another fantastic option. This one is more of a mid-weight (feeling) pant (10.9 oz) that offers enhanced movement. The 4-way stretch design combined with the 88% ripstop nylon and 12% spandex composition (including recycled materials) makes for a dynamic and comfortable fit. The pants are also treated with an eco-friendly durable water repellent (DWR) finish. The pockets on these pants are perfect. The front ones are exceptionally deep and the back ones give you one velcro and one standard option.
How much do the Coalatree Trailhead pants Cost?
At the time of this review, the Trailhead pants retail for $72 USD. This edges out the other 2 competitors on this list today, the Rab Radius and the Outdoor Research Ferrosi pants, which both retail for $75. This is a great price point for such a quality pant. The ripstop nylon will ensure an increased lifespan for this versatile pair.
Are the Coalatree Trailhead pants waterproof?
These aren't full-on waterproof pants, but they are treated with Coalatree's eco-friendly DWR finish. This means that if you spill your wine or get up close to a waterfall, those fluids will repel right off without saturating your Trailhead pants. A light rain won't be the end of the world but any more than that and you'll want to throw on some rain pants.
How do the Coalatree Trailhead pants fit?
The Trailhead pants have a kind-of built-in adjustable fit. For example, the waistband is elastic and comes with a drawstring belt. The cuffs are also an elastic fit and have draw strings in order to convert into capris on-the-fly. That's always nice if you want to give your shins some sun, or if you have to wade through some deeper water and want to keep your pants dry. The Trailhead pants are also offered in a regular or a slim fit. I personally find the regular fit to be pretty baggy. If that's your style then you're all set, but I opted for the slim fit. It's just something I prefer the feel of, and my girlfriend says they make my butt look good so…who are we kidding, that's the real reason. For a more in-depth size guide, check out Coalatree's website.
Who are the Coalatree Trailhead pants for?
The Trailhead pants are a classic hiking option. These are great for anyone's breezy day-trips, as well as multi-day treks, and because of ripstop nylon and adjustable fit, would make for excellent climbing pants. Furthermore, they look great and they feel comfortable and so you're not dying to get out of them at the end of the day, as can sometimes be the case with more technical apparel. This makes them perfectly well-suited for general use.
Outdoor Research Ferrosi pants
The Ferrosi is a quintessential hiking pant. I've been using them regularly for about 3 years and they are still going strong. This is a lightweight (12.5 oz), quick-drying option that is good at just about everything. And once again, these pants are flattering for the caboose area, which is never a bad thing. My only slight critique is that I wish the front pockets were a little bit deeper. However, that's made up for with a nice zippered thigh pocket, which is a solid alternate spot for the phone and/or keys. The Ferrosi pants are made out of 86% nylon and 14% spandex. Finally, the waistband is lined with a soft waistband for added comfort.
How much do the Outdoor Research Ferrosi pants cost?
At the time of this review, the Ferrosi pants retail for $75 (USD). That's on-par with the Rab Radius pants, and only a pinch more than the Coalatree Trailhead pants ($72). For a lightweight, long-lasting pant, this is a great value and well-placed in that quality, hiking pant market.
Are the Outdoor Research Ferrosi pants waterproof?
The Ferrosi pants, like the Coalatree Trailhead pants, are water resistant, not waterproof. Neither of these are designed to be rain pants, as that would trade off some of the stretch and breathability. That being said, they can certainly handle a light rain or a bit of splashing around on the trail or at the campsite. They will generally repel modest moisture and will also dry quickly when they do saturate.
How do the Outdoor Research Ferrosi pants fit?
Outdoor Research labels the Ferrosi pants as “standard fit.” This means they have a casual feel but aren't too baggy. The nylon/spandex composition also adds some support. For a detailed fitting guide, check out the Outdoor Research website.
Who are the Outdoor Research Ferrosi pants for?
The Ferrosi pants are a lightweight, airy option for summertime hiking, as well as 3-season adventures when it isn't too cold or wet. They are designed to have a thin feel and so if it is cold out, a pair of long-johns could be worn underneath. Otherwise, warmer pants would need to be substituted.
The Rab Radius, Coalatree Trailhead, and Outdoor Research Ferrosi pants are all great options for hikers, backpackers, and some climbers/mountaineers. They are all in the same pocket, price-wise, but differentiate themselves in terms of fit, feel, material, and warmth. Hopefully this run-down gives you a good idea of what will work best for your conditions, your preferences, and your butt!
I hope you enjoyed this article, Check out all my gear reviews on BackpackingTV
At this moment I am going to do my breakfast, when having my breakfast coming again to read additional news.