Best Ultralight Synthetic Insulated Pants.

You might be able to find a pair of BPL cocoons on gear swap..

http://www.backpackinglight.com/cgi-bin/backpackinglight/cocoon_pant.html

Thanks Jason. In the likely event that I do not come across a cacoon, what else is out there?

Montane make the Prism, I had a pair but the lack of side zips put me off so traded them on Gear Swap for a pair of Arcteryx Atom Lts's

I prefer having insulated trousers (and jackets) with full zips as its easier to drape them over my down sleeping bag if there is lot of condensation in a tent, also if in the high mountians or cold areas I can put them on at breaks if needs be.

Military pant liners are my favorite.

Thanks Stephen! These may be what I am looking for. How warm did you find them to be?

And I normally wear a small… Do you think I can get away with a extra small in these? How do they size? Thanks!

Hi Albert,

I have worn them to about 25f around camp with a down jacket and they where fine, if I thought it was going to be any colder I would be packing either a pair of Patagonia Micro puffs (down to about 10f) or down trousers below that if colder.

The size runs about normal, I would go with tour normal size if I where you.

Cheers,

Stephen

Thanks Stephen for your insight.

I'm going to get the prism, unless anyone else knows of something similar that is out there as well?

Hi Albert,

Good choice, enjoy.

Thanks Stephen.

I wish the Prism was Primaloft one instead of Eco, and mAybe even a tad bit more insulation. But I have not been able to come across something fitting those specs yet.

There is not much weight difference between Prism and Atoms, the Atoms are warmer.

Integral Designs PLQ pants. no zip, drawstring waist. 10oz in Large.

However, I am not sure they are made anymore.

These would be perfect! Did a quick search, none to be found though. That is a real bummer.

I use these…

…and they weigh @13 ounces in size XXL according to Hank's customer service department.

I use the XXL size as an overlayer at night when I turn in to sleep when the temperature dips at night.

They have an elastic waist, knit cuffs and even though I was told that they did not mine have a "fly" sewn into the front. Very convenient! ;-)

http://www.hanksclothing.com/codet_thermal_underpant_buy.html

$36.99 plus free shipping.

Party On,

Newton

John, Those look interesting… What is the insulating material?

I am assuming the montane prism is both lighter and warmer though?

Stephen, prism is listed at 10 oz while the Atom is listed at 12.5, but the Atom only has less than an ounce more insulation… Albeit higher quality insulation.

Trying to decide if that extra 20 grams of insulation is worth the extra weight?

I don't think I will be encountering anything less than 30 degrees.

+1 on thicker 100g insulated pants like the Patagonia Micro Puffs, plus long johns. If you can find Cocoon pants, do that. For anything warmer, waterproof or windproof shell pants layered with whatever thickness long johns you like make a more versatile system, just like layering with a windshirt on the top side.

Hi Albert,

Synthetic insulation is measured in gm2 and down in grams (I am Irish so work in metric)
The Prism have 40gm2 insulation and the Atoms 60gm2 so they should at least one third warmer.

The coreloft fill Arcteryx uses has a higher clo that the Eco in the Montanes but at those low figures its not a major deal.

Cheers,

Albert,

The label only says 100% polyester.

The webpage doesn't offer much more information. There is a toll free phone number and a Leave a Message menu option on the top right of the page. I used the message option to find out the weight. You might be able to find out what the insulation material is using that menu button. They do get back to you fairly quickly as I recall.

FWIW the loft on these, if there is such a thing, is approximately 3/16" to 1/4".

If you look on their webpage there are 37 reviews posted with a 4.7 out 5 stars rating.

The price and the weight were right for me. I've used them over my nylon hiking pants under my MYOG 3.7 oz Climashield Combat top quilt in a tent when the temperature got as low as 37*. I was plenty warm and comfortable through the night.

I hope this helps.

Party On,

Newton

Stephen, thanks for all your insight, it is much appreciated.

John, thanks as well. I got the Prism, it seems to be the lightest of the bunch that is available. The Codet is not available in my size of small.

Good choice Albert,

The Prism trousers are nice :-)

Albert,

You're welcome.

Choosing gear is always a balancing act between availability, weights and naturally the cost.

I wish you much luck and success with the Prism pants. They do seem to be really nice.

Party On,

Newton

Do you need insulated pants only at 30 f

I've found merino long johns, with wind/rain pants enough at thouse temps.

Insulated pants are a nice thing but you could save the weight and not take them for on 30f.