Costco pants for hiking

[d k]

Yesterday I was at Costco and spied some men’s chinos billed as “travel pants”.  They’re UPF 50, 94% nylon/6% spandex, with slightly expandable waist.  I brought home a few pairs for my guy, then ended up trying them on myself (though he’s skinny as a rail, the size 30″ waist are barely small enough for him).  They actually felt pretty decent, though I was taxing the expandable waist, so I went back this morning and got some in 32″ and 34″ waist sizes.  Both sizes seem to work for me (I’m a 10 or 12 right now, depending on the style).  I like them because the waist is reasonably high, not hip-hugger like most of the “hiking” pants available for women these days, and the spandex allows enough give that they don’t bind on the thighs when I bend, squat, etc.  So I think these might work for either sex as hiking pants.  Not super light, 12 oz for a pair of 32×30, but only $17.99.

[Anonymous]

I have some of these–they are pretty good for the price. I know why nylon pants are treated with DWR and often not that breathable, but I often find myself wanting more highly breathable, thinner, and wicking nylon pants for around here.  Winter isn’t too bad, but the rest of the time it feels like a sweat factory.

[d k]

I wore these around town on a day my car’s thermometer said 95F, and they did not seem hot (I was wearing the gray ones, not the navy – they also come in tan).  However, it is not humid here.

[Song]

I love these pants.  Very comfortable.  For backpacking and everyday wear

[Eric Lundquist]

I picked up two pairs a little over a month ago.  One dark brown for everyday/backcountry use, and a lighter color khaki pair for summer office attire.  I think they look pretty good with a dress shirt during our 90 degree days.  Very comfortable.

[Anonymous]

Unfortunately DK, high humidity changes everything in that regard (located in south-east US).  The more thin, breathable, and wicking the better in that case.  Hard to find nylon pants like that which are not very highly priced (like RailRiders–some of which look pretty nice along those lines).

What I do, is buy a pair of very breathable, wicking, nylon “gym” type shorts, sew some soft velcro to the bottom hem, and match it up with fabric of choice.  Matching up colors can be a problem though…

 

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