How to Buy Quality Pants for the Outdoors

Your legs are all you've got for transportation in the outdoors. Protect them well.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Hiking Boots
• Outdoor Pants
• Thermal Underwear
• Waterproof Hats
• Waterproof Jackets
• Wool Or Fleece Socks
• Waterproof Gloves
• Waterproof jackets

1. Decide how much you're willing to spend on pants.

2. Look for lightweight materials. When hiking or backpacking, every pound counts.

3. Ask about waterproofing. Will these pants repel water, or are they merely quick-drying?

4. See whether the pants unzip along the legs. It's nice not to have to take off your shoes to get your pants on and off.

5. Try the pants on while wearing a layer of thermal underwear. Try flexing your legs to different angles and see how much freedom of motion the pants allow.

6. Ask a salesperson whether the pants will shrink when washed, and make allowances for sizing if you need to.

Tips & Warnings

• Allow yourself a large budget. That old saying, "You get what you pay for," is as true for outdoor gear as anything else, and you don't want to find yourself without pants in the woods.
• Check the return and warranty policies before you buy your pants, in case there's any unanticipated trouble.
• Avoid cotton because it is a very poor insulator when wet.

Who Can Help:

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on 2/7/2006 There is no single correct style, but I've found that a high-quality pair of breathable nylon convertible hiking pants with zip-off legs has become an indispensable piece of 4-season gear for me.
In summer, zip-off legs allow you to open the zippers a little for a little cool-off, or take the legs completely off to convert to shorts.
In winter, put on a pair of good polypropylene, wicking polyester or merino wool long-johns under the pants and you've got the perfect leg wear for almost any conditions. I've even taken the legs off while snowshoeing on a bright, sunny winter day.
It's great to have side zips that open up the cuffs enough to let the pant legs slide over your boots. It's also nice to have belt loops for wearing a web belt or attaching things to (such as compass or map pouch).
Cotton is the worst thing to wear, as it will act like a towel -- cotton will absorb water and stay wet a long time. Today's breathable nylon feels just as good, breathes well, dries quickly and is very durable.
Have fun out there!

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